My CJ-5 Onboard Air

[azdesertrhino]

I put an onboard air system on my 76 CJ-5 not too long ago. This is a link to pictures and stuff. Any questions, drop a line.


CJ-5 Onboard Air System (http://www.jim-russell.com/on_board_air.htm)

Enjoy,

[BobnJeep]

So what you did was take an old A/C compressor and put air hoses to the front and rear of the Jeep?
I been thinking of removing the A/C in my 80 Waggy, because it would cost a fortune to fix it, and I live in Prescott now. Could I just convert it to an onboard air sytstem?
Hmmmmm...doesn't sound like a bad idea.
Let me know if you think I'm on the right track.

[azdesertrhino]

I used a York compressor due to it having a separate oil sump. I installed an air tank behind the passenger seat on top of the fenderwell. then I have an air chuck at each end of the Jeep.
Depends what type of a/c compressor you have and what the problem is with your existing system.
It might work out well if you don't intend to repair your a/c system in the future.
You'll need a pressure control switch and a safety pop-off. It would not be difficult to convert an existing system to an OBA if the compressor is functional.
If I can help, holler.

[BobnJeep]

My A/c Compressor is not froze up, just not blowing cold. I didn't want to fix it and then give up the HorsePower for using it. But I was on the fence. If I can get OBA in trade, I would do it. I'll talk to my mechanic friend, and ask if he is capable of handling such a task.
Any suggestions would be great.

[azdesertrhino]

There are a lot of different write ups on the 'net. That's where I started. It will explain the difference in types of compressors and stuff like that.
I posted a couple here, but there are a lot more out there. I'm in an industry where I was able to get some salvage parts and stuff (like my air tank) for free. My whole system went in for less than $150.00 and I think it's a well done system. Drop a line and let me know what kind of compressor is in your rig. I think York and Sanden are used most in onboard air systems.

We Be Jeepin Onboard Air (http://www.webejeepin.com/jeep-onboard-air1.htm)

Jeeps Only Onboard Air (http://www.jeepsonly.com/How_Tos/On_Board_Air/)

Drop a line if I can be of assistance,

[mbuckner]

Hello,
After I attached the field coil assembly to the York compressor, I need to attach the pulley rotor assembly with the washer and center bolt. The instructions recommend 20lbs of torque.

How do you keep the pulley rotor assembly from turning while applying the correct torque?

As always, all information and ideas are appreciated.

Best regards,

Mike

[azdesertrhino]

I use a strap wrench in these situations. It's large enough to go around the pulley so it can be held in place while you torque it down. I got my at Sears but I think Harbor Freight has a fairly inexpensive one.

[Desertjeep]

Originally posted by mbuckner
Hello,
After I attached the field coil assembly to the York compressor, I need to attach the pulley rotor assembly with the washer and center bolt. The instructions recommend 20lbs of torque.

How do you keep the pulley rotor assembly from turning while applying the correct torque?

As always, all information and ideas are appreciated.

Best regards,

Mike

You may also try a oil filter wrench. 20 ft lbs is not very much.

[mbuckner]

I downloaded the manual from the CCI website. It helps if you have a "Universal Clutch Holder Wrench". Found them on the internet for around $18.00/ea. Also, I found that it is one of the Autozone free loaner tools for an $18.00 deposit. So I took the Autozone option.

Thanks for everyones replies.

As this project moves along, I am sure I will have more questions.

Best regards,

Mike

[BRUZR]

So, say I wanted to use my existing A/C compressor in my 2.5l TJ for OBA...Is this a viable plan? I don't use it for A/C, as it's only a 4 banger with 35's and a ripped up soft top with broken zippers...

I don't know what I need to do about lubrication, filtering, etc...

Somebody help me. Kilby's site is all Greek to me, and I'm Italian, not Greek.:D

TIA,

[mbuckner]

Which compressor does it have?

Mike

[azdesertrhino]

In theory, any automotive A/C compressor could be used for an onboard air system. The compressor does not know if it is compressing air or refrigerant. The York is best suited to be used as an air coompressor (IMHO) because it has a seperate sump for oil, and does not allow oil to be pumped along with the air. If any other compressors are used I feel it would be necessary to incorporate an oil seperator system and a system to return the oil back to the compressor sump. I know there is a compressor out there called a Sanden (SP?) used for onboard air but have no experience with it.

Hope this helps,:D

[Desertjeep]

Sanden compressors are an alternative to York compressors. They as well when implemented correctly. The only issue you have to deal with is the oiling. You will need to find a way to drip oil in the intake and remove it at the output. There are a couple of members that are using sandens as a source of air, maybe they will speak up.

Sanden compressors are also a bit cheaper because if you are not using your AC you do not have to make a special bracket or pully to install it.

[OlneyJeeps]

Although York compressors have seperate sump, they will still blow oil at "higher" RPM's (above about 1600); I suggest a oil seperator or keep RPMs down when using and check oil every couple of uses

As for the person with the 80 Waggy, that compressor works great; question is what is wrong with rest of system (usually dirt cheap to fix/retrofit to 134: did it to my 77J10,83grand,85grand,and 88grand Waggy; there is a replacement compressor (same mounts/hoses) from PepBoys for about $60+core; the only difference is suction/pressure hoses are reversed (just remember which is which when charging). I have recently started using the Freeze12 (R12 replacement @ about $5 a can) and seems to work great (1 summer down)

[rolled1]

Is it possible to keep the a/c and still add an OBA?

[azdesertrhino]

I believe that is what this person did. I beleive this is the right link, check it out.


TJ On Board Air (http://www.rockcrawler.com/techreports/york_tj/part1/)

Hope this helps,

[Desertjeep]

yes it is. Kilby sells kits for with or without AC.

Check out Kilby's web site (http://www.onboardair.com)

[OlneyJeeps]

For the newer jeeps (4.0) someone does make kit to hang a York compressor off stock compressor (cant remember who though). I saw one and it is really slick. Try Kent Warner ( I think that is who had it)

[Desertjeep]

On newer Jeeps, I think starting with '99, Kilby makes a bracket that moves the alternator down so the York will fit and use a longer serpatine belt. This setup is a bit more costly because it does require a serpatine pully to be installed on the Your.

[BRUZR]

I understand the reason it needs to be oiled externally (no sump), so if I put an inline pneumatic lubricator on it, where does it go? On the intake/suction side (I know this much.) between the intake filter and the fitting on the compressor? And does it just use the suction of the compressor to draw in the oil?

I think I'm starting to figure all of this out...:D

[Desertjeep]

Originally posted by BRUZRs_Daddy
I understand the reason it needs to be oiled externally (no sump), so if I put an inline pneumatic lubricator on it, where does it go? On the intake/suction side (I know this much.) between the intake filter and the fitting on the compressor? And does it just use the suction of the compressor to draw in the oil?

I think I'm starting to figure all of this out...:D

Take a look at Kilbys web site. I think the informaion about Sanden compressors not having a sump is incorrect. Or at least there are models that do have sumps.

In any case you are correct oil gets sucked in and filtered on the output. trick is to put the filter far enough away from the output so it doesn't melt. Think about it... You are blowing a lot of air out a small output under a running engine in 110 degree desert tempratures.

[azdesertrhino]

Here is a page that shows a diagram and some info regarding using a Sanden. Probably more out there but this looked interesting. This set up also has ARB lockers.


Sanden OBA Diagram (http://www.jeepaholics.com/tech/OBA/oba.htm)


Hope this helps,
:D

[BobnJeep]

I'm sure my A/C system is rechargeable, and I have a friend on the West side of Phoenix who is licensed to do it, but he also works at Freightliner and can get me most the parts for the OBA. Now that I live in Prescott, I would only use the A/C for 2 weeks in the summer anyway, so I don't want to give up the horsepower for both units.