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On-Board air using A/C pump


escort_gts

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Here is my setup using the stock ranger A/C compressor.

Parts needed with prices. Prices are estimated:
*a 160psi max tank 5 gallons or equivalent $35
*in line oiler 1/2"NPT $4
*manifold w/at least 4 outlet ports 3/8 NPT inlet 1/4 NPT outlets $8
*shutoff switch 90psi on/120psi off 1/4" NPT $10
*safety valve rated within tank max pressure, I used a 150 psi 1/4" NPT $5
*160 psi gauge 1/4 NPT $12
*check valve 3/8 NPT $8
*oil/water separator 1/4 NPT $8
*quick conncect air fittings 1/4 NPT with 3/8" and 1/4" hoses ~$10
*DOT approved 3/8 air line
*misc. barbed and other fittings ~$10
All parts except for brass fittings I got from eBay.
Total; roughly $100 but I got some of the parts for free. So my cost was less than $50

Here is the tank I used. It's for a semi tractor.



I mounted it under the bed behind the axle where the spare tire was.





Had to weld brackets to the frame, was a little smaller than the frame width.



I plumbed the inlet into the air cleaner box. This way I didn't have to use a separate filter. I used 1/2"NPT pipe with two locking nuts at the air box and then mounted the inline oiler to it. And then used 5/8" heater hose from the oiler to the inlet tube for the compressor.











The inlet of the compressor is the top tube. Outlet is the bottom one.





From the outlet I just cut the hose and then used a barbed fitting and then mounted the check valve before the manifold. You can barely see it here.



I mounted the manifold to a bracket attached to the master cylinder. Then mounted the gauge, switch, safety valve and the outlet that runs the the tank with the oil/water filter.



I ended up using the factory a/c relay and used a toggle switch mounted on the dash. Have to open up the relay/fuse box and rewire it; from the fuse panel under the dash I found an unused acc on lead and ran a wire from that to the switch on the dash. From there ran a wire to the pressure switch located on the manifold, then to the relay. From the relay its already wired to run the clutch on the compressor.





For air fittings, I placed one on the rear bumper and in the grill. I used 1/4" DOT air hose but I would like to switch it to 3/8 hose for more air flow.





This setup works great. I can run air tools and air a completely flat 35" tire in a few minutes. Been using it for two years without any major problems. Only thing I had to fix was I originally used a cheap rubber air hose going to the tank. I had to replace the hose after a year because it rotted out from all the road salt. I replaced the hose with DOT approved 3/8" air line.



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LIMA BEAN

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Nice:icon_thumby: The tank looks really close to the shocks but I take it you have not had any clearance issues since you been running it for awhile. Also does the tank have a drain petcock for condensate?
 

escort_gts

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Nice:icon_thumby: The tank looks really close to the shocks but I take it you have not had any clearance issues since you been running it for awhile. Also does the tank have a drain petcock for condensate?
Forgot to mention that, but yes it does have a drain valve.

There is plenty of room for the shocks. It might look close in the picture bit its not.

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LIMA BEAN

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Forgot to mention that, but yes it does have a drain valve.

There is plenty of room for the shocks. It might look close in the picture bit its not.

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Good deal. If you added some description font with little arrows pointing to each component this would be great in the tech section for OBA, some folks may need a little clarity on whats what. Great job though.:icon_thumby:
 

escort_gts

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Good deal. If you added some description font with little arrows pointing to each component this would be great in the tech section for OBA, some folks may need a little clarity on whats what. Great job though.:icon_thumby:
I will see what I can do with the pictures and then edit the post.

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t0x1k

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Not sure how you made this last so long. I went through 2 compressors in less than a year, I had it oiled to the point it would use an entire oilier filled every time i went to fill the tank.
 

escort_gts

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Not sure how you made this last so long. I went through 2 compressors in less than a year, I had it oiled to the point it would use an entire oilier filled every time i went to fill the tank.
Luck?


Don't know, I've wondered the same. I only let the motor idle when the pump is on. Maybe that is why? :confused:

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dangerranger83

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I've seen his set-up work in person and its nice.

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escort_gts

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I wondered about longevity too thats why I have a york thats going on mine but same basic system. You should get some plugs to keep junk out of your quick couplers, should be able to get them locally.

http://www.hoseinahurry.com/5600-series-hydraulic-quick-connect-dust-plug-56-002.html

I do have one on the rear, not like what is pictured. The front one is disconnected at the moment. So all I have is the rear but have a 50ft coil hose...plenty long enough.

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wildbill23c

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Great setup, would a compressor for a 2.8L engine be able to convert to be used as an air compressor?
 

escort_gts

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Great setup, would a compressor for a 2.8L engine be able to convert to be used as an air compressor?
You can convert any a/c compressor.

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wildbill23c

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You can convert any a/c compressor.

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Do you know of any write-ups on it, on how to do it? I can't seem to find anything around the site on it, other than this thread.

Kind of too vague of an explanation on this thread for me to figure it out LOL. Course I need to do an engine swap or pulley swap before I can add a compressor.
 

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Do you know of any write-ups on it, on how to do it? I can't seem to find anything around the site on it, other than this thread.

Kind of too vague of an explanation on this thread for me to figure it out LOL. Course I need to do an engine swap or pulley swap before I can add a compressor.
Use the search for now and use the keyword YORK compressor, there are some write ups on it and it is the chosen choice because it is internaly oiled.:icon_thumby:

Here is a start.

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/OnBoardAir.html

And another. Its been done hundreds of times by members so you just have to pick and choose what works for you.
http://www.yotatech.com/f116/oba-my-95-4r-lots-pics-155109/
 
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escort_gts

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If you don't already have a factory a/c pump, then might as well use the York. Only reason I went with the Sangren style pump is because it was already there and didn't cost me much. Otherwise I would of rather had the York

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