Engine driven Air Compressor Tech request.

[timebandit]

Does anybody have any info on how to convert an air condition compressor to air suspension use? I have an old Sanden compressor from a Volvo laying around and it does not have internal oil system for the bearings. It uses the cooling fluid for lubrication I guess. I really would prefer to use a reliable engine driven unit instead of a cheap 12v with plastic pistons. Any suggestions?
http://www.sanden.com/lib/drawings/4525/4525.jpg

[OGNC]

I just installed one of these on one of my projects, it kicks ass!
http://www.oasisoffroad.com/images/large/tac.jpg

Here is a link to their web site.
Oasis off road (http://www.oasisoffroad.com/trailheadAirCompressor.html)

[OGNC]

Here is a web page about converting the Sanden pump... Sanden compressor conversion (http://mywebpages.comcast.net/t.molnar/Obair.htm)

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/t.molnar/Images/132250.jpg

[junk runner jr]

The Sanden can be used but it is not the best choice.
You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned the Oiling system. You will need to add an Oiler on the intake side as well as a filter on the exhaust side. So maintnence is a pain with the Sanden. I used a York (60s Fords as well as others) compressor on one of my projects and it kicks ass. Very little maintnence. I check the fluid level about once a week, so far I have not had to add any(three months). It acctualy has a crank case that holds the oil. I have moisture trap in mine and have not noticed any oil getting past the compressor. The compressor Courtney showed is bassicly a York with an electric motor bolted to it. If you have room for it it would be a good choice too.

[manyolcars]

Busses and trucks use compressors for the air brakes and Horns

[Unkl Ian]

This came up a couple months ago,if it's not in the TechOmatic,it should be in the archives.

[LIMEY]

In '58 Buick used air suspension on their flagship the "Limited" caling it air-poise, but had too many problems & recalled all cars in '59 & removing part of the system & fitting coil springs.
I had two Limiteds & both had remnants of the systems on them, one still had the v-twin compressor fitted to the ps pump like in the pic below, would be neat to use one of them.

[FONZI]

Talk to Scotch....He was runnin one and wasn't happy with it.


FONZI

[timebandit]

Thanks for the input guys. Now I know a little more of what to look for.