Air compressors
02 Nov 2012 21:41 #1
by dandjcr
David and Janet Ribbans - Oka 148
Oka148 profile here.
Visit our technical and travel blogs: here.
dandjcr created the topic: Air compressors
Forum Home > On the Road > Air compressors
Hank Onthewater
Member
Posts: 80 I am new to this, I could not find much about inflating tyres on an OKA. Knowing that our tyres are bigger than most other 4WD, I guess it will take a long time to use the run-of-the-mill 12 Volt compressors. I noticed quite a comprehensive comparison done by the Overlander magazine. see results here: www.overlander.com.au/equipment/index.php?id=88 (don't know how to make this hyperlink work) A good air supply would have also other benefits: running of airtools, if you have them: (air)diflocks, airhorn (the loud ones), air operated steps, air/hydaulic lifts My question: what is a suitable setup for an OKA? In my case, I think I prefer to have a permanent, fixed setup. Has anyone has experience with an engine driven compressor? If so, what type and how was it mounted? Or fitted 1 or 2 electric ones with a decent sized receiver? Thanks Hank
--
May fair winds be behind you, sun above, clear waters below, and a safe port ahead. And when in OKA van: replace "clear waters" with "firm ground".
July 12, 2011 at 12:42 AM Flag Quote & Reply
Peter_n_Margaret
Member
Posts: 198
I use a Big Boss Pro www.probag.com.au/4wd.html (scroll down). It has been excellent.
An aircon compressor would be better. www.endlessair.com.au/
--
Cheers Peter, OKA196 Motorhome. www.oka4wd.com/xt196.htm
July 12, 2011 at 6:02 AM Flag Quote & Reply
Peter & Sandra James Oka 374
Member
Posts: 413
I've been using a Big Boss Pro on the Humvee to drive its CTIS for over eight years and it has performed faultlessly and its tyres are 37x12.5 so are a bit bigger than the Oka's.
I've now fitted one to the Oka but have yet to use it in anger. It is connected to a 9 litre tank bought on ebay.
At 3.5cfm they can run air tools especially with a tank in the system to provide a buffer.
--
Oka 374 LT Van
July 12, 2011 at 7:31 AM Flag Quote & Reply
Dandj
Member
Posts: 367
Hank, I fitted an engine driven compressor to our Oka a few years ago and I know a few other people have as well.
It was an air conditioner compressor from a VL Commodore (from memory) from a wreckers yard. It's worked fine for 6 years and pumps up an Oka tyre as quick as a garage air line. I also use it for air tools.
I fitted it on the left side engine mount (it takes a bit of mechanical engineering to get it right) driven from an extra pulley on the crankshaft (also from a wrecker).
I already had a large air tank (about 25 litres) on the Oka so all I had to do was connect up airlines and fit a pressure switch and air outlets. Wasn't a simple job but not too bad. It's almost the same as an Endless Air system but a lot cheaper.
I can post pics if you like.
--
David and Janet Ribbans, Oka 148
July 12, 2011 at 5:26 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Alister McBride
Member
Posts: 97
It's just a matter of putting a grease nipple in the right spot isn't it? Can you post a pic to show where?
July 12, 2011 at 6:38 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Dandj
Member
Posts: 367
Alister McBride at July 12, 2011 at 6:38 PM
It's just a matter of putting a grease nipple in the right spot isn't it? Can you post a pic to show where?
Alister, if you want to fully modify a compressor for improved lubrication, it's detailed on this site. It's more than just adding a grease nipple though, to do it properly requires internal mods to prevent the grease from being pumped out with the air.
I haven't modified mine because it only needs to operate for a very few minutes a week, compared with an air conditioner which runs pretty much continuously. It contains 1/2 litre of oil anyway and with a large air tank, the small amount of oil that gets pumped through collects at the bottom of the tank and is easily drained out. Periodically, (about once every year or 2), I take the compressor off and drain and replace the oil.
I did fit an oil/water trap at one stage but it developed a fluid lock and blew a hole in the air pipe with a frighteningly loud bang (compressors can develop many hundreds of PSI), so I abandoned it.
A service manual for the Sanden compressor is available here.
--
David and Janet Ribbans, Oka 148
July 12, 2011 at 7:53 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Peter & Sandra James Oka 374
Member
Posts: 413
Many years ago I fitted an a/c compressor to several Landcruisers for compressed air without modifying them at all. The best way to do it is to pump into a tank which MUST have a relief valve and a pressure switch to unlock the clutch on the compressor. The compressors will pump to around 600 psi which no normal air tank can handle. I then fitted a dryer to the outlet which stopped the oil getting into tyres and tubes with the air. As David said every now and then I'd drain the tank and replace the oil in the compressor. Worked well for years on several vehicles. Plenty of air to run some big horns off a Kenworth too
))
--
Oka 374 LT Van
July 12, 2011 at 8:32 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Aussie Bight Expeditions
Member
Posts: 109
Hi Guys
I run an A/C compressor that is converted with a grease nipple in it. Have killed three I think in six seasons.
One due to putting too much grease in and I broke the main shaft and seized it up, now two pumps per month depending how often I use.
One due to bearing seizing up on pulley, due to too much sea water I think, now run a slight leak, so that it runs more often and clears the water from the pulley.
Put in a ARB pressure switch used for ARB diff locks, cuts in at 70 psi and out at 100 psi, Darren's idea who also makes very good air bag systems for OKAS. Plus I run a water trap and a 25 lt air tank and also can turn it on and off from the cab with an air release unit that cuts in at 110psi, just by the number plate with a ring on it so I can get rid of the moisture. I also use hydraulic oil hose from the compressor to the tank, and also to the intake air filter that is in the engine bay by the air breathers for the diffs etc.
Last one just died from useage, as I used them to pump up to three or four times a day for tours and from 30 psi to 60 psi and on 265 / 70 x 19.5 generally takes three to four minutes per tyre so that is 12 to 16 tyres per day.
I now use an ARB one the latest model and if you do not have the valve in the tyre, takes about 4-5 minutes to pump up, the air does not get in as quickly with the valves in, so my tyre man tould me that the other day. Valves restrict the air volume going in by 75%, so he said, I went home and I tried it with out the valve, it certainly was quicker. The reason for the electric portable ARB compressor is, that if the A/C one fails, I have trouble with the air step and the possibility of being on a remote beach and unable to pump my tyres up to the correct pressure, so I use the ARB all the time and use the A/C compressor as a back up for the tyres.
Regards
ABE TONY
--
July 12, 2011 at 9:49 PM Flag Quote & Reply
fran Philipson
Member
Posts: 9
We fitted an endless air to our OKA, it works beautifully and doesn't take very long to pump up four 285 tyres. From memory it was about $440 and we had to fit it and make the mounting bracket. It would be extra for the pulley that goes on the flywheel. We looked at all the ones the 4 wheel drivers use and decided this system was the best value for money. The web address is endlessair.com.au I think. We know two others that have the same things fitted and they are really happy with theirs too.
July 14, 2011 at 5:06 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Hank Onthewater
Member
Posts: 80
Thank you all for the good contributions. I have followed some up already with further enquiries.
Hank
--
May fair winds be behind you, sun above, clear waters below, and a safe port ahead. And when in OKA van: replace "clear waters" with "firm ground".
July 21, 2011 at 5:31 PM
Hank Onthewater
Member
Posts: 80 I am new to this, I could not find much about inflating tyres on an OKA. Knowing that our tyres are bigger than most other 4WD, I guess it will take a long time to use the run-of-the-mill 12 Volt compressors. I noticed quite a comprehensive comparison done by the Overlander magazine. see results here: www.overlander.com.au/equipment/index.php?id=88 (don't know how to make this hyperlink work) A good air supply would have also other benefits: running of airtools, if you have them: (air)diflocks, airhorn (the loud ones), air operated steps, air/hydaulic lifts My question: what is a suitable setup for an OKA? In my case, I think I prefer to have a permanent, fixed setup. Has anyone has experience with an engine driven compressor? If so, what type and how was it mounted? Or fitted 1 or 2 electric ones with a decent sized receiver? Thanks Hank
--
May fair winds be behind you, sun above, clear waters below, and a safe port ahead. And when in OKA van: replace "clear waters" with "firm ground".
July 12, 2011 at 12:42 AM Flag Quote & Reply
Peter_n_Margaret
Member
Posts: 198
I use a Big Boss Pro www.probag.com.au/4wd.html (scroll down). It has been excellent.
An aircon compressor would be better. www.endlessair.com.au/
--
Cheers Peter, OKA196 Motorhome. www.oka4wd.com/xt196.htm
July 12, 2011 at 6:02 AM Flag Quote & Reply
Peter & Sandra James Oka 374
Member
Posts: 413
I've been using a Big Boss Pro on the Humvee to drive its CTIS for over eight years and it has performed faultlessly and its tyres are 37x12.5 so are a bit bigger than the Oka's.
I've now fitted one to the Oka but have yet to use it in anger. It is connected to a 9 litre tank bought on ebay.
At 3.5cfm they can run air tools especially with a tank in the system to provide a buffer.
--
Oka 374 LT Van
July 12, 2011 at 7:31 AM Flag Quote & Reply
Dandj
Member
Posts: 367
Hank, I fitted an engine driven compressor to our Oka a few years ago and I know a few other people have as well.
It was an air conditioner compressor from a VL Commodore (from memory) from a wreckers yard. It's worked fine for 6 years and pumps up an Oka tyre as quick as a garage air line. I also use it for air tools.
I fitted it on the left side engine mount (it takes a bit of mechanical engineering to get it right) driven from an extra pulley on the crankshaft (also from a wrecker).
I already had a large air tank (about 25 litres) on the Oka so all I had to do was connect up airlines and fit a pressure switch and air outlets. Wasn't a simple job but not too bad. It's almost the same as an Endless Air system but a lot cheaper.
I can post pics if you like.
--
David and Janet Ribbans, Oka 148
July 12, 2011 at 5:26 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Alister McBride
Member
Posts: 97
It's just a matter of putting a grease nipple in the right spot isn't it? Can you post a pic to show where?
July 12, 2011 at 6:38 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Dandj
Member
Posts: 367
Alister McBride at July 12, 2011 at 6:38 PM
It's just a matter of putting a grease nipple in the right spot isn't it? Can you post a pic to show where?
Alister, if you want to fully modify a compressor for improved lubrication, it's detailed on this site. It's more than just adding a grease nipple though, to do it properly requires internal mods to prevent the grease from being pumped out with the air.
I haven't modified mine because it only needs to operate for a very few minutes a week, compared with an air conditioner which runs pretty much continuously. It contains 1/2 litre of oil anyway and with a large air tank, the small amount of oil that gets pumped through collects at the bottom of the tank and is easily drained out. Periodically, (about once every year or 2), I take the compressor off and drain and replace the oil.
I did fit an oil/water trap at one stage but it developed a fluid lock and blew a hole in the air pipe with a frighteningly loud bang (compressors can develop many hundreds of PSI), so I abandoned it.
A service manual for the Sanden compressor is available here.
--
David and Janet Ribbans, Oka 148
July 12, 2011 at 7:53 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Peter & Sandra James Oka 374
Member
Posts: 413
Many years ago I fitted an a/c compressor to several Landcruisers for compressed air without modifying them at all. The best way to do it is to pump into a tank which MUST have a relief valve and a pressure switch to unlock the clutch on the compressor. The compressors will pump to around 600 psi which no normal air tank can handle. I then fitted a dryer to the outlet which stopped the oil getting into tyres and tubes with the air. As David said every now and then I'd drain the tank and replace the oil in the compressor. Worked well for years on several vehicles. Plenty of air to run some big horns off a Kenworth too
))--
Oka 374 LT Van
July 12, 2011 at 8:32 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Aussie Bight Expeditions
Member
Posts: 109
Hi Guys
I run an A/C compressor that is converted with a grease nipple in it. Have killed three I think in six seasons.
One due to putting too much grease in and I broke the main shaft and seized it up, now two pumps per month depending how often I use.
One due to bearing seizing up on pulley, due to too much sea water I think, now run a slight leak, so that it runs more often and clears the water from the pulley.
Put in a ARB pressure switch used for ARB diff locks, cuts in at 70 psi and out at 100 psi, Darren's idea who also makes very good air bag systems for OKAS. Plus I run a water trap and a 25 lt air tank and also can turn it on and off from the cab with an air release unit that cuts in at 110psi, just by the number plate with a ring on it so I can get rid of the moisture. I also use hydraulic oil hose from the compressor to the tank, and also to the intake air filter that is in the engine bay by the air breathers for the diffs etc.
Last one just died from useage, as I used them to pump up to three or four times a day for tours and from 30 psi to 60 psi and on 265 / 70 x 19.5 generally takes three to four minutes per tyre so that is 12 to 16 tyres per day.
I now use an ARB one the latest model and if you do not have the valve in the tyre, takes about 4-5 minutes to pump up, the air does not get in as quickly with the valves in, so my tyre man tould me that the other day. Valves restrict the air volume going in by 75%, so he said, I went home and I tried it with out the valve, it certainly was quicker. The reason for the electric portable ARB compressor is, that if the A/C one fails, I have trouble with the air step and the possibility of being on a remote beach and unable to pump my tyres up to the correct pressure, so I use the ARB all the time and use the A/C compressor as a back up for the tyres.
Regards
ABE TONY
--
July 12, 2011 at 9:49 PM Flag Quote & Reply
fran Philipson
Member
Posts: 9
We fitted an endless air to our OKA, it works beautifully and doesn't take very long to pump up four 285 tyres. From memory it was about $440 and we had to fit it and make the mounting bracket. It would be extra for the pulley that goes on the flywheel. We looked at all the ones the 4 wheel drivers use and decided this system was the best value for money. The web address is endlessair.com.au I think. We know two others that have the same things fitted and they are really happy with theirs too.
July 14, 2011 at 5:06 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Hank Onthewater
Member
Posts: 80
Thank you all for the good contributions. I have followed some up already with further enquiries.
Hank
--
May fair winds be behind you, sun above, clear waters below, and a safe port ahead. And when in OKA van: replace "clear waters" with "firm ground".
July 21, 2011 at 5:31 PM
David and Janet Ribbans - Oka 148
Oka148 profile here.
Visit our technical and travel blogs: here.
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