Onboard air install

[Mattman]

After reading a ton of threads on the net about this I decided to give it a go.

My AC had crapped out ages ago so as a test I modified the discharge hose and fitted a 3/8 high temp hose on it and a standard quick disconnect. This allowed me to test the compressor capability using an open tire inflator and it worked really well so I decided to build a full setup.

Routed the high temp hose over to the firewall where I connected it to a four port manifold. Manifold has a safety valve, pressure switch, gauge, and a spare spot plus the inlet and outlet.

I setup the outlet with a quick disconnect that has a hose that feeds the underfloor tank. I used a quick disconnect here so that if there is any issue with the tank or hoses underneath I can just disconnect it and then run directly off the manifold.

I had to make brackets for the tank to fit tight up under the floor. The drain valve looked very vulnerable so I welded some pipe around it and then some flat on either side to make a nice transition. This piece sticks down about 20mm below the chassis rail.

I used a bulk head fitting and setup a quick disconnect at the rear on the towbar. Made a dust plug so nothing can get into the fitting.

Pressure switch turns on at 80psi and off at 100psi. Runs the rattle gun and tire inflator very well. Inflating one of the 33's from 18psi to 36psi takes just over a minute if I use the hand throttle and set it to 1750rpm.

All up cost was about $240 but I used all brand new fittings with a quality fisconnect so there is room to do this for a lot less if you want.

Matt.

[fullthrottle]

Looks great.
Where did you pickup that manifold from?

[Cameron]

Choice!
What are you doing for pump lubrication etc?
Did you add a check valve?

[Mattman]

The manifold has a check valve on the right hand side which is the discharge output from the compressor.

I got the manifold setup from http://www.aironboard.com.au and got the hoses and fittings and tank here in nz. Had a family member in aus pick it up so there was no freight.

I also epoxied a 1/2 tube into the airbox which feeds the compressor suction side via some 1/2in heater hose.

For the two hoses off the compressor, I cut them after the soft hose section as they became hardlines. Left about 35mm of line. The additional hose is them clamped. They are both very tight fitting so no issues with leaks or coming off.

I will manually lube the compressor. Still has oil in it from the AC but will give it a couple of squirts before each trip into the suction hose join near the compressor.

Matt.

[Big]

Get yourself an auto oiler.. they are cheap as chips and you don't have to worry about it.. mine is 4 years running an still 1/2 oil left in it..

[wjw]

You can get those manifolds here from:

http://www.hoseshop.co.nz/newsite/our-p ... ccessories

Pretty cheap too

[Mattman]

And for a bit of bling the interior switch turned up the other day...