Use an A/C compressor as air compressor?

[Stevesnj]

I was wondering if I get a refurbished A/C compressor can i turn it into an OBA compressor? I want to put a tank in the spare tire well and have the engine drive the compressor. I want enough so that 2 vehicles can air up at once.

 

[Pin_Head]

Sure. Lots of people have done that. No need for a refurbished compressor as using it as an air pump is likely to F it up. Get one from a junkyard. Radial compressors need some kind of oiler dripping oil into the inlet.

 

[Stevesnj]

Okay thanks. I just want to go light as possible. I'll have to look around.

 

[landyNZ]

As pin_head said, common to do but you need to consider the lube. AC gas has lubricant in it which maintains the compressor. If you start running air you will
A) condense a bunch of water which should be removed before you send it to the receiver
B) not have AC lube in moving round, so you need to either run it dry and end up rooting it or provide some sort of lubricant to it.

The York line of AC compressors have a built in oil reservoir which is why they are a popular choice for OBA.