ARCHIVE Wits' End York On-Board-Air Schematic and Discussion

[Pin_Head]

If you are thinking of getting a York, you might want to consider gettting the SC209 model instead of the 210. SC stands for “sub compact” and it is an inch shorter in height and 1 inch narrower width front to back. It is 9 cubic inches compared to 10 for the 210, so it isn’t much smaller displacement. It has the same mounting pattern and pulley location. This would make the installation a little easier and cleaner looking. I saw these compressors in late 80s / early 90s SAABs when I was at the pick n pull.

 

[TomH]

If you are thinking of getting a York, you might want to consider gettting the SC209 model instead of the 210. SC stands for “super compact” and it is an inch shorter in height and 1 inch narrower width front to back. It is 9 cubic inches compared to 10 for the 210, so it isn’t much smaller displacement. It has the same mounting pattern and pulley location. This would make the installation a little easier and cleaner looking. I saw these compressors in late 80s / early 90s SAABs when I was at the pick n pull.

It's my understanding that the 206, 209, and 210 all have the same mounting. The SC 206 and SC 209 have different mounting.

More info here with a link to the York service manual.

York Onboard Air Compressor

www.therangerstation.com

 

[TYM4FUN]

@NLXTACY

Are these items all in stock to pull the trigger on?

 

[Pin_Head]

It's my understanding that the 206, 209, and 210 all have the same mounting. The SC 206 and SC 209 have different mounting.

Yes, the sub-compact models have a slightly smaller mounting pattern, so you would have to slot the holes drilled for the larger compressors. More importantly, the pully location with respect to the front mounting surface is the same.

 

[FJCowboy]

You can purchase a rebuild kit for the York that includes a new valve plate. It sounds like the back pressure on the output is keeping a valve open.
Typically on an OBA system the compressor fills a tank through an anti-backflow valve to reduce the back pressure on the compressor.

Any recommendations for a rebuild kit? I've seen a few on eBay and some odd sites, but not 100% if they are good.
York 206 209 210 A C Compressor Rebuild Kit Paypal Accepted • $129.00 - https://picclick.com/York-206-209-210-A-C-Compressor-Rebuild-152578829275.html Appears to have the valve plate
Santech Compressor Parts » York - 210 | ACKITS.com - https://www.ackits.com/santech-compressor-parts/york-210 Looks like only the seals
1964-88 York A/C Compressor Custom Rebuilding Service - https://www.originalair.com/york-compressor-rebuild-compressor-only Full rebuild service

 

[jonheld]

Any recommendations for a rebuild kit? I've seen a few on eBay and some odd sites, but not 100% if they are good.
York 206 209 210 A C Compressor Rebuild Kit Paypal Accepted • $129.00 - https://picclick.com/York-206-209-210-A-C-Compressor-Rebuild-152578829275.html Appears to have the valve plate
Santech Compressor Parts » York - 210 | ACKITS.com - https://www.ackits.com/santech-compressor-parts/york-210 Looks like only the seals
1964-88 York A/C Compressor Custom Rebuilding Service - https://www.originalair.com/york-compressor-rebuild-compressor-only Full rebuild service

No need for a rebuild "service" IMO.
The first kit looks pretty complete. I would also consider rethinking your OBA system and at the very least adding an anti-backflow valve.
I'm on my second truck with a York 210 OBA system, and I have never had issues filling tires or running air tools using a small 2 gallon tank. At idle she will fill the tank to 120 PSI pretty quickly.

 

[FJCowboy]

No need for a rebuild "service" IMO.
The first kit looks pretty complete. I would also consider rethinking your OBA system and at the very least adding an anti-backflow valve.
I'm on my second truck with a York 210 OBA system, and I have never had issues filling tires or running air tools using a small 2 gallon tank. At idle she will fill the tank to 120 PSI pretty quickly.

It appears to fill the tank pretty well, but when I go to air up the tires is when I can't get enough pressure. Pardon my ignorance but what does the anti-backflow valve do? Is it possible my York doesn't have one or it is worn out? Easy replacement?

 

[dallen341]

I’m guessing Jon is talking about a check valve mounted between pump and tank to prevent compressed air in the tank from back flowing into the compressor when idle.

 

[jonheld]

I’m guessing Jon is talking about a check valve mounted between pump and tank to prevent compressed air in the tank from back flowing into the compressor when idle.

Correct. Check valve, anti backflow valve, one way valve. Same animal. It is a separate small valve usually mounted on the tank input.

I'm also not fully understanding the problem you're having. What tank pressure are you running? Are you regulating down from tank pressure to fill tires? Are you filling all 4 at the same time through a manifold?

 

[Pin_Head]

Get a check valve that has a an “unloader” built in. These can be an integral part of the pressure cut off switch. An unloader automatically vents the compressor cylinder head when the compressor cuts off so it doesn’t take so much torque to restart the compressor.

 

[FJCowboy]

Correct. Check valve, anti backflow valve, one way valve. Same animal. It is a separate small valve usually mounted on the tank input.

I'm also not fully understanding the problem you're having. What tank pressure are you running? Are you regulating down from tank pressure to fill tires? Are you filling all 4 at the same time through a manifold?

Thanks for the info and I will have to check on the "check valve", I'm not sure.

I may have misspoken. I have a tank that is filling up and appears to holds pressure. I'm only attempting to air up one tire at a time. I'm running the York while I'm airing up the tires. Does that make sense?

 

[jonheld]

Thanks for the info and I will have to check on the "check valve", I'm not sure.

I may have misspoken. I have a tank that is filling up and appears to holds pressure. I'm only attempting to air up one tire at a time. I'm running the York while I'm airing up the tires. Does that make sense?

Yes.
On my system, I turn on the compressor and let it fill the tank and kick off on high pressure before hooking up the air hose. The tank pressure is 135 and the output is regulated down to 90 to run tools and fill tires.
I have a 4 way manifold to inflate and deflate all 4 at the same time.
When I start to fill tires, the tank pressure drops, and the compressor kicks back in around 100 or so. However, the 4 tires will continue to lower the tank pressure and the compressor will continue to run unless I bring the idle up with the hand throttle, increasing the output of the York.
I don't like to go above 1200 rpm because it pumps too much oil into the air.
I have a coalescing filter before the regulator, which is needed with the York.
In any case, I have never had any issues filling tires, although it does take longer at idle. Just a little bump up in speed makes all the difference.

 

[FJCowboy]

Yes.
On my system, I turn on the compressor and let it fill the tank and kick off on high pressure before hooking up the air hose. The tank pressure is 135 and the output is regulated down to 90 to run tools and fill tires.
I have a 4 way manifold to inflate and deflate all 4 at the same time.
When I start to fill tires, the tank pressure drops, and the compressor kicks back in around 100 or so. However, the 4 tires will continue to lower the tank pressure and the compressor will continue to run unless I bring the idle up with the hand throttle, increasing the output of the York.
I don't like to go above 1200 rpm because it pumps too much oil into the air.
I have a coalescing filter before the regulator, which is needed with the York.
In any case, I have never had any issues filling tires, although it does take longer at idle. Just a little bump up in speed makes all the difference.

Jon,

I do not have a gauge on my air tank, so I don't exactly what pressure it is holding but this is very helpful and makes sense. With your manifold are you able to set a pressure and once the tires hit that pressure it turns off? Do you happen to have a build write up for it? I have seen a few products on the market for sale doing that but seems like it shouldn't be too hard to build something similar. Thanks

 

[jonheld]

Jon,

I do not have a gauge on my air tank, so I don't exactly what pressure it is holding but this is very helpful and makes sense. With your manifold are you able to set a pressure and once the tires hit that pressure it turns off? Do you happen to have a build write up for it? I have seen a few products on the market for sale doing that but seems like it shouldn't be too hard to build something similar. Thanks

It's nothing complicated. Basically a 6 port tapped manifold. 4 ports for hoses to tires with locking tire chucks, 1 port for a liquid filled gauge, 1 port for a ball valve with a male QD fitting.
Hook up all 4 tires with the valve closed and all 4 will equalize. Open the valve and all 4 will deflate. I have to periodically close the valve to get an accurate pressure reading, as the manifold pressure will drop with the valve open.
Conversely, when filling tires the manifold pressure will be high, so again I have to periodically close the valve to get a reading.
Although it can't be left unattended, it works extremely well and equalizes all 4 tires.
I have used this for at least the last 10 years, so I'm pretty good at it now. I also use it on all the other passenger cars in the family.

I will add that I'm usually the first to be done with airing up/down at the trailhead, so folks want to borrow it all the time. Since most electric compressors are anemic compared to the York, I wind up airing up several vehicles in our group, which always makes me the last one to pack up...

 

[FJCowboy]

It's nothing complicated. Basically a 6 port tapped manifold. 4 ports for hoses to tires with locking tire chucks, 1 port for a liquid filled gauge, 1 port for a ball valve with a male QD fitting.
Hook up all 4 tires with the valve closed and all 4 will equalize. Open the valve and all 4 will deflate. I have to periodically close the valve to get an accurate pressure reading, as the manifold pressure will drop with the valve open.
Conversely, when filling tires the manifold pressure will be high, so again I have to periodically close the valve to get a reading.
Although it can't be left unattended, it works extremely well and equalizes all 4 tires.
I have used this for at least the last 10 years, so I'm pretty good at it now. I also use it on all the other passenger cars in the family.

I will add that I'm usually the first to be done with airing up/down at the trailhead, so folks want to borrow it all the time. Since most electric compressors are anemic compared to the York, I wind up airing up several vehicles in our group, which always makes me the last one to pack up...

Jon,

Thanks for the share and I think I'm seeing a future project. I'm sure everyone appreciates the air up on the trail.

Side note whereabouts in Jersey are you? My in-laws are in south south Jersey, exit 2.

 

[jonheld]

Jon,

Thanks for the share and I think I'm seeing a future project. I'm sure everyone appreciates the air up on the trail.

Side note whereabouts in Jersey are you? My in-laws are in south south Jersey, exit 2.

I'm up in Essex County.

Locking tire chucks:
Amazon product ASIN B01BUETYNI
Manifold similar to the one I have. Different configurations available from different sources.
Amazon product ASIN B00E6NI8DI
Everything else is available in a plumbing supply department.

 

[jjdeneen918]

I bought some 1/2” electrical wiring harness sleeping to protect the air tubing from getting worn. It fits perfectly to protect the hose supplied by Joey.

 

[FJ40Jim]

I didn't read all 25 pages, please forgive me if this observation has been reported

Though all standard size Yorks are dimensionally the same, the clutch & pulley are specific to the vehicle manufacturer. There are different diameters, offsets, groove widths, single or double groove, even multi-rib. This to preface my getting hold of a beautiful 210, plugging the oil passage, cleaning schmitz off the outside, changing oil... Only to find the Audi belt groove is way too offset to line up. Doh!

So make sure the compressor has a pulley groove that is close to the compressor, if using the Wits end mount.

 

[NLXTACY]

I didn't read all 25 pages, please forgive me if this observation has been reported

Though all standard size Yorks are dimensionally the same, the clutch & pulley are specific to the vehicle manufacturer. There are different diameters, offsets, groove widths, single or double groove, even multi-rib. This to preface my getting hold of a beautiful 210, plugging the oil passage, cleaning schmitz off the outside, changing oil... Only to find the Audi belt groove is way too offset to line up. Doh!
View attachment 2594480
So make sure the compressor has a pulley groove that is close to the compressor, if using the Wits end mount.

Thanks Jim.
Yeah it’s noted in previous posts that none of the single pulley setups will align properly.

 

[flintknapper]

I didn't read all 25 pages, please forgive me if this observation has been reported

Though all standard size Yorks are dimensionally the same, the clutch & pulley are specific to the vehicle manufacturer. There are different diameters, offsets, groove widths, single or double groove, even multi-rib. This to preface my getting hold of a beautiful 210, plugging the oil passage, cleaning schmitz off the outside, changing oil... Only to find the Audi belt groove is way too offset to line up. Doh!
View attachment 2594480
So make sure the compressor has a pulley groove that is close to the compressor, if using the Wits end mount.

I believe you'll need a clutch with a 1/2" to 9/16" offset (depending where you measure from).

Both of mine measured as below (from face of compressor to backside of pulley).