Tuesday, June 08, 2010 - 05:22 pm, by: Mike Beck(Gold_40gt)
I have an interesting question here.
A mate is using an A/C pump on his 1UZ not for the air con anymore but to use as a pump for a tank in the back of his truck... so that he can turn on the pump and start sucking in air from outside into the pump store compressed air in a 200psi tank under the floor with a safety relief valve.
I did say that I am sure these A/C pumps are designed to use the refrigerant gas as a lubricant so if you run them dry sucking in air it will cause the seals in side to quickly dry out reducing its performance or compressibility altogether.
He did mention a friend did a similar setup hooked up to an air gun and it works well.. But for how long..
Any thoughts about this guys, would it work in the long run?
Ian Johnston Goo Roo South Australia UZZ30 GT 4.0, UZZ31, BMW R1150R
Tuesday, June 08, 2010 - 09:34 pm, by: Matt Newman(Soarersrock)
mike when the gas is injected into the car there is also a compressor oil that goes in as well to lube the compressor so i cant foresee the seals going dry in a hurry however he should filter the air well and change the oil in the compressor regularly other wise it will trap moisture and dirt and shag the impeller. P.S. dont just use an engine oil you will need a vac pump oil we sell it at work so if you want shoot me an email and ill find out how much best of luck with it matt
Don't think it will work as you need constant oil returning to compressor to lubricate it, and also the issue of incoming air bringing in debris and dust.
Also heat can be a problem, normally the compressor is cooled by returning cold gas from the evaporator and this will not happen anymore causing excessive heat.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 03:29 pm, by: Shaun Stephenson(Neonasty)
the 4x4 crew do it quite often. Check out "DIY endless air" systems. They run a filter for the air incoming, and have a small set up that allows a little oil into the mix. Keeping the impella lubricated.
Some have been using it for ages with no problems.
It wont be required to stay on for long to fill a normal air cylinder so prob wont get very hot. Check out the 4x4 forums for more info.