make a/c compressor into air compressor

[Larry B]

Been a long time since doing a post and maybe this one will not be allowed as it only part bus related. Did a search in off topic to try and answer above question but no luck. Just as topic says has any one tried turning their a/c compressor into an air compressor? Had a Carrier 5F-20 a/c pump in bus - 2 cylinder.( 5ton) How much engine hp does this pump use? book says pump turns at 2100 rpm. Would a 5hp electric motor turning pump at a much lower rpm do anything towards making a decent air compressor? Or is this just another one of my waisted thoughts?
             Thanks Larry B

[eagle19952]

We had in line 300 cubic inch ford industrial motors that ran on 3 cylinder.. the other 3 were a compressor. very good for a heavy tire service truck so I am thinking it would need more than 5hp.

[TomC]

Typically, you need 1hp per ton of A/C compressor, so a 5 ton compressor would need 5hp (@ 1800). But-A/C compressors are built differently than air compressors. A/C compressors are not separated from the crankcase since the oil circulates through the entire system. Air compressors have a definite crankcase and well sealing rings to keep the oil out of the air. Using an A/C compressor to compress air-I think you'd be fighting oil in the air constantly. Good Luck, TomC

[daddyoften]

Depends on the oil situation. I don't know a thing about the compressor he is using but I used "York" a/c composite back in the day on my rock crawlers. The used an oil bath for the crank and were twin piston. They worked great!
Eric

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[Larry B]

     thanks for the replies.  After your words of caution Tom, I had a closer look at the parts book and it appears an a/c compressor is built much like a 2 stroke detroit with the air intake near the bottom of piston stroke and passing over the crankcase oil. So I broke down and went and bought a new air compressor pump to replace my very old and tired one. Thanks for the heads up Tom.
            Larry B