OK I'm an idiot

Does anyone use the engine as an air compressor any more? John D


Do you mean use the engine to spin a compressor (either another accessory or converting over an AC compressor) or the actual engine itself via a cylinder or such?
 
Do you mean use the engine to spin a compressor (either another accessory or converting over an AC compressor) or the actual engine itself via a cylinder or such?


I've heard of removing a plug and using the compression of the cylinder...
My brother had parts to do this as an emergency measure...but it sounded too funky to me, so I never pursued it.
 
I've heard of removing a plug and using the compression of the cylinder...
My brother had parts to do this as an emergency measure...but it sounded too funky to me, so I never pursued it.


Well you'd be getting some fuel mixed in with it if it did work which wouldn't be great. However I can't imagine a modern engines computer liking it very much... I'd keep this one as emergency only for sure.
 
I've heard of removing a plug and using the compression of the cylinder...
My brother had parts to do this as an emergency measure...but it sounded too funky to me, so I never pursued it.


I never heard of that before. :unsure:

I do have an old York, internally lubricated AC compressor which I'd thought about mounting as an engine driven air compressor, but between finding room to mount it, fabricating brackets, adding a pulley to allow the serpentine belt system to drive the V-belt on the York, adding all the necessary hardware (pressure switch, safety relief valve, air hoses, etcetera), I found it cheaper and easier to get a Viair on board air system.

When I needed new tires, I bought an extra rim off e-bay and bought 5 new tires so that I can do 5 tire rotations (without having to rotate in the spare on the non-matching steel wheel). I may not check my spare as often as the rest of my tires, but I'm sure to check it at least every 5,000-6,000 miles when I rotate my tires.
 
After spending close to a grand for my new shoes I think I may need a little cheaper alternative in my quest for air? Any cheaper options like Costco or even a good hand pump? I've got a small tire repair kit with CO2 for my Harley but I've never seen anything similar for trucks.



You could try one of these - MV-50 Superflow

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I've been using one for 4 years now and it has worked great, no issues. It's small, comes with a nice carrying case and it will air up my 33" tall tires from 16PSI to 36PSI in 4 minutes apiece. And I can do all 4 tires consecutively, without a 'cooling-off' break.. I also use it to air up my airbags when needed.

It won't run any airtools but I like it better than a Co2 tank because filling those isn't cheap and what if you run out when you need it the most..? As far as a solid inexpensive compressor, the Superflow is the best on the market.
.
 
You could try one of these - MV-50 Superflow



I've been using one for 4 years now and it has worked great, no issues. It's small, comes with a nice carrying case and it will air up my 33" tall tires from 16PSI to 36PSI in 4 minutes apiece. And I can do all 4 tires consecutively, without a 'cooling-off' break.. I also use it to air up my airbags when needed.

It won't run any airtools but I like it better than a Co2 tank because filling those isn't cheap and what if you run out when you need it the most..? As far as a solid inexpensive compressor, the Superflow is the best on the market.
.


The same here...Pleased with it to fill up the tires from 18 to 38 psi quickly.
 
You guys have all convinced me ( plus I remember the MV-50 from another compressor thread on WtW). I just ordered one, and will put the cheapie compressor I have now into my daily driver for emergencies.
 
Bingo, that looks like the solution I was looking for and the price is right. KC, the reviews on your link seem to be very good also. Hopefully my tire problems are solved and I promise to be more conscientious in the future. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Fair warning, I will soon be in the market for a new truck and camper so I may need some more of your expertise/hand holding.
 
the mf 1050

OK, thanks. Then, if that's the case then I think I'll go with the MV50. Amazon is selling the MV50 for $60 and the MF 1050 for $85!
Unless I can find one locally for less...
 
OK, thanks. Then, if that's the case then I think I'll go with the MV50. Amazon is selling the MV50 for $60 and the MF 1050 for $85!
Unless I can find one locally for less...



yes that is odd....i got mine at a pep boys for $55
 
yes that is odd....i got mine at a pep boys for $55


Yeah, I need to check locally...a good weekend task.
Amazon isn't always the cheapest, but as an Amazon Prime member I get free 2-day shipping, so they make it too easy to shop -- and buy -- from the convenience of my computer. ;)
 
I'm running an engine driven York AC pump with a storage tank from Kirby on board air. Works great for filling tires and running a impact wrench. Unfortunately I think they only make them for Dodge CTD and Jeeps.

I was going to go with the spark plug compressor but I can't find the plugs on this truck. Many years ago I had a spark plug compressor to air up the Jeep tires and it worked pretty good. The piece that screwed into the plug hole had a small piston that drew in outside air so the tires didn't become combustible.
 

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