converting an air cond compressor to an air pump

[cookie monster]

have just got hold of an air conditioning compressor(rotary clutch type) with the view to converting it to an air pump.
have got a nice little space for it above my alternator and will be able to fabricate some bkts to mount it.
going to use an arb pressure switch attached to my 8 ltr receiver, to let it cycle on and off.

the only thing i am wondering about is how to rig up the suction side of the pump.
should i run a hose to a 'dry' area of the engine bay and fit some sort of filter?
or a filter straight onto the suction fitting?
any suggestions would be appreciated
cookie monster

[-Scott-]

I've heard of people tapping it into the engine intake on the "clean" side of the air filter. I can't see any problem with doing this.

Cheers,

Scott

[JMeager]

Are there any mods at all to be performed to an AC compressor before it can be used to pump air? ie, I know they run a wet fluid in the AC circuit to lubricate the system - so does this mean the AC comp will die if it is not modded for free air work?

AC comps are a dime a dozen, so if nothing has to be done, that would be just FAB! (even though I have already bought a $300 blue tongue) ...

Jeff

[Noisey]

yep.

tap it in as Scott suggested - works fine.

You need a A/C pump with a seperate sump ie. Sanden or a York.
There are some internal mods you can do but I need to replace a hose on my system before I can tell you how well they work.

Blair

[cookie monster]

i will be lubricating with 'air line' lube oil.
will just run some through the pump after every use.
im not planning on modifying the pump as i believe it should work fine as it is.
it is just out of some jap car !
will let you know when i have it working.
cookie monster

[Adomw]

Cookie

I have done this mod B4 on a 'cruiser, the only problem that I had was the hose on the pressure side of the pump got real hot and used to blow off all the time. I fixed this by using some steel pipe coiled up to dispurse the heat..., you see this on most 240AC industrial compressors

Ado

[JMeager]

I have the problem of the hose blowing off on my Blue Tongue III compressor. It gets so hot the hose slides off. I currently have a strong hose clamp, but I intend to setup a braided piece of hose to disipate the heat.....
Jeff

[4runna]

Cookie,

did you get this set up?? (or anyone else had a go at it on a Paj??)

just been considering it before i mount my ARB one.

Any probs to consider?

Rob.

[J Top]

I generally use a small K&N style pod filter on the intake which I oil regularly.The easy way to over come the hose blowing off is to use the heavy factory A/C pipe to run the air to the tack,the tank then acts as a condensor and cools the air.If that option doesn't suit,to keep the hose on
the ali outlet pipe I use a brass olive fitting to a ribbed barb to clamp the hose to.I then use the high temp hose that 240v comps use between the head and the tank as that is high temp and doesnt burst.
Using an ARB switch doesn't unload the system which leaves pressure in the hose and creates problems,better to use a 240v shut off and a one way valve and dump valve so the comp starts empty.
J Top

[-Scott-]

Rob

I think it was Blair/Noisey who mounted a second A/C compressor off the factory unit - but on a V6. The V6 A/C has a dual pulley already, which makes slaving the second a little easier.

Don't know if there's room to do that on the 2.8?

Cheers,

Scott

[4runna]

to be honest I need a better look under the bonnet with the thinking cap on, but yeah, thought my room was limited, but u never know

where the is a will there is a way....... just depends on how much will I have with a perfectly good ARB jobbie sitting there ready to bolt to the guard (no haven't got round to the locker yet)

Rob

[cookie monster]

WELL I HAD A REAL GOOD LOOK AT IT, AND THE BEST ADVICE I CAN GIVE, IS THAT TO BUY A 1987 HOLDEN GEMINI / SUZUKI SWIFT AIR COND COMMPRESSOR. THIS IS THE SMALLEST SIZE I COULD FIND AT 'U-PULL IT'.
IT WILL FIT ABOVE THE ALTERNATOR (IM 95% SURE) AND BE SHORT ENOUGH TO MISS THE TURBO. TROUBLE WAS ONCED ID PULLED IT OUT OF THE WRECKED CAR AND CHECKED THE FITMENT, I CHECKED TO SEE IF IT WOULD WORK AND THE THING WAS KNACKERED !!!!
THE ONE I HAD BOUGHT WAS A BIT LARGER AND WAS JUST TOO BIG FOR THE AVAILABLE SPACE.
ENDLESS AIR DO A KIT FOR THE NON TURBO 2.8 DIESEL AND WHEN I RANG THEM TO ENQUIRE THEY SAID THEY WOULD BUY THE DESIGHN OFF ME IF I GOT A SUITABLE SET UP GOING.
IN THE END I ENDED UP BUYING AN ARB COMPRESSOR AND PLUMBING THAT INTO MY 8LTR AIR RECEIVER. WORKS WELL.
COOKIE MONSTER

[4runna]

Hmmm, I have a friend with a swift, might go do some measuring!

there isn't an awful lot of room under there to be able to get it to clear everything plus line up with the pulleys.

Might go your option in the end though with the air tank instead as I wanted that no matter which compressor I had.

[Pajlopper]

Hello

Check this website http://www.betterave-mecanique.com/mecanique/technique/technique.htm#air

It's related an analysis of differents types of AC compressors to use as an air pump.

It's in French but with a good translator..................