ARB Aircompressor installation

Bob,

Thanks for the advice. I have a 2002 GU Patrol 3ltr turbo diesel. As it is still under warranty I am a little reluctant to do that kind of mod at the moment. After reading some of the other stuff on this site I do not want anything that Nissan can use to void the warranty. However, I agree, if the cannister can hack the heat hopefully the compressor can too. Guess I can only but try.

Thanks,

S Man

Or under the passenger seat of course... this location also makes it easy to connect through to a reservoir tank of some description (old gas bottle or truck reservoir) mounted under the vehicle - providing you don't mind a small hole through the floor under the seat where noone will ever see it. This will let you inflate tyres much more quickly if you turn on the compressor in advance and also gives you a good air supply for blowing things out or cleaning parts using a nozzle.
Gerry

Ken,

Thanks. Sounds like the go to me. It's good to hear of no problems after so many kms. Just need to find a spot to plumb in a hose outlet so that I don't have to lift the bonnet each time, just clip in the long hoseline and away you go.

S Man

Hey Ken, you got my mind working again mate, Can you give me more details about this air tank you have? Is it home made? or purchased it.

Sounds like a great idea. I am definately interested in fitting one of those, very handy indeed.

Regards AngeloI love it when you talk DIRTY !

Angelo,

I am going through the process of installing a compressor and also want a small air tank.
One idea that came to mind was to buy one of those small 240 volt home air compressors (available at most hardware shops and even Super Cheap Auto for less than $100. I've seen tank sizes from 9lt to about 20lt depending on brand) and strip off the motor and compressor. What you have left is a nice tank with is fitted with a pressure switch (keeps tank at around 100psi), water drain, 150psi safety release valve, plus some fittings, a tap and a couple of gauges.

what do you think?

Hey ken have you had any problems with the 1hz since putting the turbo on and what brand kit is it,Im thinking of doing it to mine and would like to know as much about it before going ahead. thanks

Hey Mickl
I think its a great idea, hope you get it sorted out real soon, let me know how you wnet please mate, I am definately interestedI love it when you talk DIRTY !

To all of the Above .

Firstly I must point out that I fully intended to have 2 external plug in air hose points (one either side somwehere near the side steps) however Brad at OUTBACK 4WD in Bayswater, Melbourne advised against it for the following reason:-

'things' have a habit of coming up under the body and regardless of how good your installation is, there is always reasonably high risk factor of damage to these type of fittings, because for ease of access they usually have to be in the open somewhere.

So! mine are under the hood on either side, and yes it does give me the S...s opening it to access them, however I look at it as a postive, in that it forces me to have a look under the hood more often than I most probably would.

Query 1 (Air Tank)

This an extract from a previous post ( 7927) It has soime very interest points from other members, so try and read the whole thread.

''I have an ARB compressor in the engine bay that runs both the ARB Rear & Front lockers.

It also has a speed coupling mounted off of it in the vicinity of the top of the air cleaner housing (75 series).

A short while ago I had a tank built to fit underneath between the transmission protection plate and the floor.

It was built by a crew in Kilsyth,Melbourne out of 4.5 inch steam pipe with mounts, drainage and two inlet/outlet ports. Fully engineered and rated to whatever the standard is for that material. ( Bloody High I believe.) Total cost $100.00 How much does it hold? No idea, it was built to fit the space available.

I took this gizmo down to Outback 4WD where I was having something else done and had it fitted it at the same time. (I must mention that I had researched this with Outback 4WD prior to having the tank made).

The man fitted it and also added a second speed coupling on the other side of the engine bay at my request.

I don't know how the whole apparatus was setup but the ARB pressure switch controls everything and it works like a dream.

Takes about 45 seconds to fill it all up. Once I get into territory that may need a locker or air for either tyres or blowing dust off, I just switch it on and leave it, so there is always air if you need it.

Its just ace for blowing all the dust off of back of the troopy when your finished for the day or out of a High lift jack if you have one.

I had the said 'pressure vessel' specifically manufactured by C.J. Compressors, Kilsyth(manufactures of compressors and relevant pressure vessels) to ASO 9000 standard to fit my vehicle size and safety wise.

Query 2 - After Market Turbo

I turbo'd a 1HZ troopy approx 2 years ago which weighs 3.5t when fully loaded.

The conversion included pump, aneroid and injectors. No Dyno.

Fuel Consumption prior to conversion was:

0 -100Kph 12.5 Litres per 100kms
100 - 120kph 13.5 Litres per 100 kms

Post conversion:

0 -100Kph 13.5 Litres per 100kms
100 - 120kph 15.5 Litres per 100 kms

I then had a mandrel bend, straight though exhaust fitted.

Did dick all either way on the fuel consumption, however it almost eliminated the turbo lag entirely which is great. It spools up really smoothly which gives the impression of extra power. Whether it does or not I don't know.

Now this is something that still amazes me.

In the Simpson switching from 4H to 2H to 2L, but driving very carefully and keeping the engine on 2000rpms or under it averaged 12.5 Litres per 100Kms

On the way to the Simpson this year I ran into a guy on the Banks of the Cooper at Innaminka who reckoned he had 'been every where man' in 4B's and that this was the trick re fuel consumption on diesels.

Take your time, drive carefully and keep the engine at 2000 or under without labouring it and bobs your uncle so to speak. Can't fault him so far.

If any of you would like more info re the Turbo conversion, email me at

ken_3149@yahoo.com

Posts 8540, 7927 and 8780 take the turbo thing a bit further. I have posted a full detailed blurb on my conversion, however can't locate it at the moment.

Regards

Ken Robinson

Martyn,

How easy is it to mount and does it get in the way of the underseat heating vent? Is is a matter of tech screws or the like?? Is it noisy. I would use 6mm wire from the aux battery via a relay and a switch in one of the spare slots in the dash.

Thanks for your comments?

S Man.

S Man,
ARB do a specific wiring loom for this application, it's not that noisy the thing is when you are inflating your tyres you're out of the vehicle anyway so you don't notice it, when I was using the lockers it used to give my wife a bit of a start on the odd occasion that it came on, but it usually runs for about 15 secs so it's not that much of an annoyance. I wouldn't put an compressor in the engine bay again, I'm going to be moving the one in the Rangie as well. I've fitted an external air point on the bull bar so you actually plug the hose in outside, make sure the hose reaches the trailer tyres as well if you do this, I didn't ho hum ho hum. If you have the compressor under the seat it's best to have the doors open to allow air to circulate and cool the compressor. Keep the shiny side up

Martyn,

I will look at this as a real possibility. The trailer will be an issue for the hose as we take a tralier load of wood when we go off road. Always creates a bit of fun with 1/2 ton of wood on soft sand/shell girit at a place called Salt Creek (SA).

Will be looking at a Camper Trailer in the near future for the family touring!!

S Man

S-man,
Don't know where you are but I've got an OBrien off road trailer that's definately worth a look, has some very good features, have a look at the website, I'm not affiliated with them or anything I just have one and find to be a great trailer, have a look. Keep the shiny side up

Thanks, will do.

My brother in law has a Cavalier Camper off road I have used - damn good thing. I'm in SA and have used it in the Flinders Ranges and looking to do lots more.

Steve - or as my brother in law calls me - "S Man"

Bazza,

I have had it in the plastic box for years. I do not use it for lockers as it is the basic model that does not have the cut out etc. The main reason I have thought about moving it elsewhere is after pumping up the tyres, the compressor is so hot I do not want to put the hose and electrical cable back in the box for fear of heat damage, vapourisation, melting or just plain stuffing it up!! I have to leave it all dangling in the back f the car until it cools down. I'm a slack bugger and wanted ease of use without hassles. However, if the hassles will be greter by mounting it somewhere (ie it won't last as long) then maybe I'll just live with it in the box.

S Man

Angelo,

Presumably, by mouning it under the seat you need to drill a hole for the hose to get to the outside of the vehicle. How does this then go for rust and water coming in if you go though a creek etc? If I mounted it in the engine bay I would (as someone suggested earlier) mount an external outlet to connect the hose to so you don't need to lift the bonnet. Unsure yet on what to do.

Has got me thinking though about making an enclosed box with a cooling fan in it that activates when the compressor operates in the engine bay. Alternatively, make it easily dismountable so it can be used on someone elses power supply. Now I feel I'm getting way to complicated and may as well leave it in the box it came in and put it in the back of the car!!!

Merry X-mas and happy 4WDing

S Man

Look at

http://community.webshots.com/user/cumbo106
TD42
EFS
TX4400
Safari Snorkel
Rola Racks
Milford Barrier
Engel 39l

Cumbo,

I have just sent you my e-mail address and didn't see your follow up until afterwards. Have had a look on the web site. Looks good. I can't believe how much more room you have under the bonnet to instal things. So many options. The space I have in the GU is very limited. Gives me a good idea on what to do.

Thanks. Happy x-mas and 4WDing.

S Man

Duncs,

Thanks for the advice. Sounds like under the seat may be the best alternative. Did you install it yourself and was it hard to do?

S Man