A/C compressor as an on board air compressor?

[ghblaster]

Hello,

I have a 1993 Dodge Ram 250 with the Cummings :ylsuper: . I wanted to know if I mounted an old (or new) A/C compressor and adapted an air fitting to the exhaust side of the compress, could it be used as an air compressor? However without oil, will I just burn the compressor up? Also, does any one have any cool suggestions on how to set it up. I have my own, simply fabricate a mounting bracket, hook up a toggle switch to turn the compressor on or off. I even thought i could run a line to a tank. Install a pressure relief valve that is set to 100psi or so. Then I would sound like a big rig when the extra pressure bleeds off. That would be cool :rck: . Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Respectfully,

Ghblaster

:cheers:

[kweisel]

I 'm going to go with it needs to be lubricated best idea is to find a pump or compressor that compresses the air seperate of the acutal working parts of the motor. Such as a design that most smaller air compressors use where the motor is seperated by the acutal part compressing the air allowing it to be lubricated but not squirting oil out of your horns which would affect the tone in my mind. yes those larger pumps are 200+ dollers but you might be able to fabricate something on your own.

[joschmo86]

Why not just hook up a power inverter and use a normal ac/dc 120V air compressor? I have done that on my Dodge before when I was working out at on my Dad's land and needed to use my nail gun/other pneuamic tools. I was using a small(4 gallon air tank w/2 hp electric motor) compressor. Just my 2 cents :crazy:

[BaggedIndy]

It can be done. I have a mid 80's Ford A/C compressor on my 96 for my airbags. I made a bracket to mount it of the side, and got a longer belt. It is controlled by a pressure switch in the tank. Look for a 60'/70's york style compressor. They are taller but the oil is contained in the crankcase. On mine I have to continually add oil and I also have to continually drain my oil/water trap. The good thing is I can fill up a 5 gallon tank from empty in about a minute. Alot faster and more quiet than the electric ones. Cheaper too. I pay $15 apiece at a pull-a-part salveage. I have went through 2 in almost 2 years.

[ghblaster]

Baggedindy,

You mind posting a picture of your set up? I would be interested to see how you set it up. I found some horns and compressors on Ebay. They are cheap, but if the compressor doesn't work, i would like to try this method. Thanks again.

[zerko]

Read an article on this a long time ago in a MOPAR magazine. They used the old
2-piston type from the old Imperials and such, because the oil was self contained.
The conversion looked simple enough.