stock a/c compressor to run your air bags?

have you guys ever thought about using the stock a/c compressor to run your air bags? i know that 4x4 guys have been using that system for awhile now. they use it out on the trails for emergency repairs to their rigs. you can run air tools off of them.

now i just thought maybe run the same set up but for the air bags. i like air bags i just don't like the loud noise air bag compressors give off. using a stock a/c compressor would hardly give off any noise.

now i know us hot roddders and customizers like the engine bay to look clean and detailed. under the hood it would look like you have an a/c system set up in your car. nobody would even be able to tell.

for around the same price of setting up this idea in your car you could proablly buy a air bag comp, right? atleast you get rid of the noise level and faster fill up time on your tanks.

it was just a thought. check out this link that talks about a/c compressor set up for 4x4's. http://www.jeeptech.com/body/york/

 

I have a York 210 a/c comp. from a Ford on my mini truck and it is very quiet and it will fill my 9 gal tank from 0 to 180psi in about 2 min.

 

Similarly...
Anyone know if thye will work as a vacuum pump as well?
I have one out of the burndup Volvo and was wondering if it could be used to draw enough vacuum to vacuum casting plastics or vqacuum molded plastics.

 

If I ran air bags I would try it, and yes they make great vac*** pumps. You need to rig up a high pressure cut-out or you could blow your bags.

The main drawback is oil control. Auto AC compressors naturally loose oil out the high pressure side. In the working car AC system, it is a closed loop, and the oil will find it's way back through the low side. You need to figure out some sort of sight gl***, plug or dip stick to maintain oil in their little crankcase. Older R12 units use mineral oil. Modern units that use R134A use a special synthetic refrigeration oil. The two oils shouldn't be mixed or they could gum-up the works.

 

I was wondering how you kept them oiled up...

Thanks Rand, makes sense!

 

The older ones run on oil, they do not use freon as a lubricant like the new ones. I am using v-twin one from an early chrysler.

 

I always thought the old GM "waveplate" compressors would make a cool internal combustion engine....you know...no connecting rods to limit rev's, simple design, reed valves. Then a couple years ago I saw one that a guy made into a working engine for display and his own amu*****t...he stated on his webpage that the thing would turn almost unlimited RPM's...he used a carb from some sort of model airplane and glowplug ignition...wish I would have saved the info...

 

Dr J,
i dont think they would work well as a vacuum pump,
however,
i have seen a friend use this setup in the past,(for vacuum forming).
he used a regular system evacuation pump (for an a/c system),and used a fairly large outdoor propane gas tank as his vacuum reservoir.
worked well,as he was not doing m*** productions.
took him about 10 to 15 minutes to build up that "volume of vacuum"(can that be?)
he used the largest size black steel pipe he could attach to the tank,
and his forming manifold or plenum was made from 3/4 plywood,internally braced or webbed from the same material.
sorry for the "ramble on",
hope this helps ya'out.

 

We run York a/c compressors. They work great I run 220 psi in the 58 wagon all day for about two years haven't had any problems yet. I'll post some pics later.

Erik

 

I've had a/c compressor set-up on my wagon for the past 6 monthes with no problems. Wouldn't run anything else!

 

The York compressors were unique in having their own "crankcase" for compressor oil which is why they have to be mounted level. The AC Delco and Sanden types don't have the mounting restrictions but rely on oil mixed in with the coolant. These compressors won't work for compe***ion bags and dancing lowriders because the CFM isn't big enough for huge lines and tanks. They also don't like to run 100 percent duty for long periods. My son and I are looking at using the Y2 York compressor for the suspension and mounting the Sanden compressor where a smog pump would have been to run the actual A/C. A 12 V compressor sold with offroad selectable lookers could be rigged but it would take awhile for that small compressor to fill 4 bags.

 

Hey Erik, are you still gonna post up those pics of your edc setup. Im getting ready to run a york on my 60 elkie with a 327, so far your the only one running this and reporting good long term results thats talking about it on here. Ken.

 

They say u can use modern ac pumps but u need.to install an inline system before.the compressor and after have a oil and water separator. I was looking into it on four wheel off-road sites too. Haven't yet tried it but was able too print off a diagram off of jeep wrangler forum

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has anyone ever seen the smaller sanden (peanut) comp used for bags?

 

Anybody have any info if the mini York compressors work well filling a air ride tank? They look much easier to add to an engine.

 

There is no way to keep it lubricated. Those have the oil in with the refrigerant.

Run it dry, as you would have to with an air ride setup, and it would self-destruct, in short order.

 

Local company makes them specifically to pump air via a rotary screw compressor. 100% duty cycle, 73.5CFM and 175 psi. http://www.mobileenergyaustralia.com.au/gallery/74