Onboard Air Systems

[BigWhiteFord]

My truck has A/C, but it needs a recharge, so I'm thinking of using the compressor for my OBA system instead of an electric compressor. Realistically the most use will be for air horns, but also for inflating tires and running tools occasionally. I've mounted a 7 gallon tank, which should be adequate.

Need to find a pressure actuated switch to cut off the compressor at the set PSI...any suggestions? I might see if my instrumentation tech at work can set me up with an idea.

Maybe if we get a few guys buying pressure switches or kits like this http://www.4wheelparts.com/Towing-Tools/Onboard-Air-Hookup-Kit-30-Amp-85-psi-105-psi-For-12V-System-Only.aspx?t_c=67&t_s=3&t_pt=7418&t_pl=9645&t_pn=V%2fA20053 we can split shipping etc.

[BigWhiteFord]

My friend bought his 12v pressure switch/relay from KMS carparts, which is next door to KMS tools. Apperently they have a decent selection of 12v compressors too.

Also required I believe would be a water trap, 1 way check valve, drain valve for the tank.

So if I were to use my factory A/C compressor, I would wire up the pressure switch/relay to control the electric clutch on the compressor, correct? This sounds very straightforwards until you start reading about guys having trouble with proper oiling, burning out compressor units, etc. Also, I believe it requires the installation of an oil/water separator, and an air filter on the compressor inlet. Probably cheaper (and much higher output) than one of the lower end ViAir units though...?

[BigWhiteFord]

An adjustable inline oiler seems to be the solution for the Sanden compressors. Some guys say they just add a few drops of oil to the air intake now and then, but that seems dicey.

I guess as long as I plug/seal the remaining a/c system there's nothing really permanently done to prevent it being used again. Not that I really use a/c anyways. This seems like a better idea than buying a $200 ViAir compressor and worrying about it getting stolen from under my truck...

Planning a run to princess auto tomorrow to look at goodies...

[BigWhiteFord]

So, I bought everything for the OBA setup. I talked to one of our instrumentation technicians at work here, and she said that a pressure switch designed for AC power (like the ones at P.A.) likely won't work for a 12v DC circuit. I picked one up anyways to try, and if it doesn't work I'll just take it back
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[TheOtherSide]

So when's it gonna be in and functioning? I wanna see....

[BigWhiteFord]

I'm not sure when I'll get it done. I just registered for 4th Class Power Engineering at BCIT, so I'll be busy with that. Also planning on challenging years 1 and 2 of the Millwright apprenticeship exams, so that will require some study time too. Oh yeah, and I still have to find a new job. I think it may be a busy year lol

[Sero]

I'm not sure when I'll get it done. I just registered for 4th Class Power Engineering at BCIT, so I'll be busy with that. Also planning on challenging years 1 and 2 of the Millwright apprenticeship exams, so that will require some study time too. Oh yeah, and I still have to find a new job. I think it may be a busy year lol


Wow really going at it ....good for you Mike.

[BigWhiteFord]

Wow really going at it ....good for you Mike.


Yeah, I just got my red seal 5th Class ticket, so now I figure I might as well just jump right into getting my 4th class...