converting a old air compressor

   / converting a old air compressor #1  

farmall 55a case

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case ih farmall 55a
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I would like to convert this compressor to gas powered! I have a Briggs 5hp side shaft engine. The compressor is a Curtis and says to run at 350 rpm as a min. And is a 35 gallon tank. What all would I need to do this and is it worth the effort? I have no money in tank or motor, so I don't mind spending a little to make it work! Thanks! And any info will be greatly appreciated!
 
   / converting a old air compressor #2  
First you need to have a mount that will accept the gas engine. You will need to do the math to determine the hp needed and what size sheaves to drive the compressor at the optimum rpm while the engine runs at its optimum rpm.
The sheave on the compressor should stay the same and the engine sheave should be sized to match the needed rpms.
 
   / converting a old air compressor #3  
Of course you'd have to have some kind of gear reduction to go with that Briggs. Personally, my opinion is that it would not be worth the effort. But since I've never done that, I could be wrong. I've always owned electric compressors.
 
   / converting a old air compressor #4  
When the compressor is running on electric, it reaches desired pressure and a pressure switch shuts it off. You'll have to figure a way the shut the gas powered motor down at desired pressure or it will just keep building till the safety blows off.
 
   / converting a old air compressor #5  
basically you need an unloader designed for a gas powered air compressor, New Pilot Discharge Unloader Valve Check Valve for gas air compressor 95-125 psi - Air Compressor Accessories - Amazon.com

there are number of unloaders out there,

here is the compressor I set up, had one compressor that the tank rotted out, and one that the pump went to pieces, to this is what I come up with, after this picture was taken I added a centrifugal clutch that I could grease, it helps the engine start easer, and I also added the throttle on it so it idles down when up to pressure,
 

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   / converting a old air compressor #6  
Check the tank carefully... Inspect it internally. Would be a shame to put in a lot of time & money, then find the tank is a leaker...
 
   / converting a old air compressor
  • Thread Starter
#7  
Thanks for all the info and tips! I was thinking about putting a electric clutch off of a mower to allow the engine to free wheel after it reaches max psi. Would need a air over electric switch to control it tho! Has anyone ever tried to do that? I would have a electric source from the trucks battery. Or would this just make it more complicated?
 
   / converting a old air compressor #8  
As mentioned!

You could also set up a unloader valve prior to a check valve on the tank inlet.
 
   / converting a old air compressor #9  
there were many who used the a old AC pump with the electric clutch and a pressure switch for air compressors under the hood of there pickups, many used a square tube welded up as a rear bumper for an air tank.

the problem is many AC clutches take a taper shaft,
but riding lawn mowers many times use a electric clutch for there mower drive,

but the unloader valve just dumps the air instead of feeding it to the tank, and with the centrifugal clutch and the throttle control the pump stops or nearly stops when filled,
 
   / converting a old air compressor #10  
Dont forget a pressure relief valve .
 

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