turn a/c into air compressor

[86k20muddigger]

one of my buddies told me i could take my a/c and use the compressor to run air tools. any one know how or got any ideas how?

[jperecko]

Yes you can... there is a shit-ton of info out there on this. If you have an old style york compressor, those are ideal because they have their own oil supply and all you need to do is hoopup an intake filter and an optional oil catcher on the output and plumb it to a tank.
If you have a newer style A/C compressor, they use an oil charge in the freon to keep lubricated, so you need to find a way to mist oil into the pump to keep it happy. Still very doable.

[smallblocktoy]

Yes, it can be done. I saw a scrambler with the ac compressor outlet copper tubed to front and rear pipe bumpers that were seal welded. Each bumper had a quick connect fitting like on an air compressor. He also had an a switch on the electric clutch of the ac compressor to engage and disengage when needed.

[86k20muddigger]

thanks guys. im not sure what compressor i have im asuming its the old style it out of a 86 chevy k20

[jperecko]

Google york air compressor and you will get some pics. There are a few variatioons with different GPM ratings but they mostly look the same.

[guidolyons]

Yep, been done 1,000 times.

York is one of the best to use becasue it has it's own oil supply. Search for York OBA (on Board Air) and you will get a shit ton of info.
Write up on York OBA
http://www.jeepaholics.com/tech/OBA2/

If you have a newer rotary compressor (Sanden, etc) you can use it, but you need to add some type of oiler to the intake. (An inline air tool oiler is commonly used)
http://www.jeepaholics.com/tech/OBA/oba.htm

I've seen one write up that ran a tube with a ball valve from the coalescing oil/water trap on the output and back into the intake. Every so often you open the valve with the compressor running and it would suck the oil back into the intake.

Don't forget to wire your pressure switch into the AC compressor clutch, and use a pop off valve (about 10-20 psi higher than your pressure switch is set) even if you don't use a tank the pop off valve will protect your system if the pressure switch or AC clutch fail.

The air coming out of the compressor will be hot, so make sure to use hose/tubing/braided steel line rated for 200*+

Tons of info on York OBA here: http://www.kilbyenterprises.com/info.htm (even if you don't have a York it's still a lot of good info)

Need a serpentine belt pulley for a York? Get one here (~$80-90): http://www.ryderfleetproducts.com/cg...uct_detail.jsp

[Rural53]

You can use a Sandon compressor you just need the right model. Look here