Adding a gas motor to my compressor

37chief · Apr 19, 2015

I have a compressor I would like to have available when I am working out in the field. How can I put a gas motor on my compressor, and be able to control the air pressure? Is there some kind of unloader valve I can install in the system? Thanks for any info. Stan

jeffcat · Apr 19, 2015

Read the previous post. Are you talking about a unit like this or a smaller one? The control valve is called a pilot valve and goes for $37.oo on fleabay. It tells the engine when to rev up and also opens and closes the unloader valves in the heads on the pump. A bit more complex than just screwing something together. Let us know what you want to do or send a picture. There are lots of construction site units that would fit the bill. Smallest thing out there is around 5hp twin piston pumps. Only thing I would touch is an Emglo that was taken care of. If it is a 5hp twin piston it should get to about 100lbs. in 35 seconds if in TOP form. Let us know. Jeffcat

Steve@Advance · Apr 19, 2015

Like Jeff said, you use a pilot valve that senses the pressure, then sends a pressure signal to the unloader on top of the cylinder head. Problem is, not all compressors are equipped with unloader valves. If you compressor is so equipped, no problem. If it's not, you might be able to adapt a 12v PTO clutch, but that would limit it to staying with the truck or getting a motor with an alternator.

big jt · Apr 19, 2015

Here's what I put on my gas powered compressor. Works just as advertised, even has a port if you want to put on a air cylinder to idle the engine when pressure is reached.

jt
Surplus Center unloader valve

Bob · Apr 19, 2015

Watch Craig's or local "trader" papers for a used gas powered compressor, MUCH easier than trying to re-invent the wheel.

I didn't know how much I'd use one 'til I saw one for sale locally at a reasonable price and bought it.

jeffcat · Apr 19, 2015

Yes this will work too but when it "vents to the atmosphere" that is when a true compressor type of head will open the "unloader valves" in the heads. There are a boat load of portables out there with twin piston pumps and about a 5hp gas engine. Not real cheap no matter who's machine you buy but once you pony up the money in about two months you will wonder how you ever got along with out one!!!! Jeffcat

Traditional Farmer · Apr 19, 2015

I have a compressor I bought at a sale with a 12HP Kohler and basically it runs an air line back to the engine and has a simple little air solenoid that pops up and hits the engine's governor arm to cut it back to an idle once its gets up to around 125 PSI.When the pressure goes down it pops back down and the engine then runs back up to run at whatever max. RPM I set it.

Traditional Farmer · Apr 20, 2015

This came from a Mennonite fellow,if you have any Mennonite or Amish shops around they're very good at fixing up things like this compressor.

ObsoElitist · Apr 20, 2015

How much air do you need, and how much is your time worth designing your own system?
I have a couple of 12 volt Viair systems for occasional tire filling, impact use, and horns. Works for me.
I bought a honda powered unit to install on a service truck for a customer from Northern Tool, he likes it.

37chief · Apr 20, 2015

All I need air for is cleaning the radiator, and maybe airing a tire after installing a plug incase of a flat. Stan

ObsoElitist · Apr 20, 2015

Sounds like a gas powered system is overkill. Check out the specs on a Viair 20005 system. I just picked one up with a set of railroad horns and am planning on selling the barely used compressor/tank combo for $175, here east of Stockton.

RalphWD45 · Apr 20, 2015

How about an air brake compressor system, from a large truck? My old 74 ford L800 makes an awful lot of air, real fast. Those compressors have the brackets to fit on a motor.

Steve A W · Apr 20, 2015

Another thing to consider is that the gas engine needs to be twice the horse power of the electric motor.

Steve A W

.

JRSutton · Apr 20, 2015

Not answering your question, but don't overlook the lowly 10 gallon air tank (assuming you have another compressor to fill it with).

You can buy one new for under $50 that'll hold 125psi - OR shop around for a better one that'll take 150psi, usually under $100.

Takes the fun out of your project, but hard to beat for simplicity, portability, and reliability.

You'll really appreciate it if you ever need air where you can't get your truck.

dpendzic · Apr 20, 2015

my group of beach campers always needed air to air up our tires when coming off the beach---we hooked up an extra fan belt pulley or extended an existing and ran an old ac compressor and a hot water relief valve set to blow off at whatever pressure you want---i still have one on my 0ld suv to air up my tractor and implement tires in my field.

JRSutton · Apr 20, 2015

"portable" tank I meant.

Just the tank - no compressor.

ObsoElitist · Apr 20, 2015

(quoted from post at 07:05:16 04/20/15) Not answering your question, but don't overlook the lowly 10 gallon air tank (assuming you have another compressor to fill it with).

You can buy one new for under $50 that'll hold 125psi - OR shop around for a better one that'll take 150psi, usually under $100.

Takes the fun out of your project, but hard to beat for simplicity, portability, and reliability.

You'll really appreciate it if you ever need air where you can't get your truck.

I bought a worn out 20 gallon air compressor for $5 and tossed the compressor and motor, and now have a portable with wheels and a handle, big enough for a truck tire

37chief · Apr 20, 2015

I do have the lowly air tank. It runs out very quick blowing out a radiator. I can come up with a larger tank I guess. Stan

fixerupper · Apr 20, 2015

Traditional, I like the idea of the air solenoid being on the engine itself. My factory built gas compressor has that solenoid on the tank with a manual cable going up to the 13 HP Honda, like the throttle on a lawn mower. Works fairly well when the cable is new. After the cable gets some age and starts generating a little friction I have a compressor that won't idle down. Eliminating that cable removes the biggest source of aggravation on the compressor.

I have seen Big jt's compressor run and that valve he shows works like a champ.

Traditional Farmer · Apr 20, 2015

My compressor is mounted on a trailer has toolboxes its about the handiest thing on the farm.I can run impacts,air drills,air cut off wheels,air chisels etc.Hook it to a tractor or truck and take it to the job.

ss55 · Apr 20, 2015

Another alternative is to get a gas powered generator large enough to run the compressor comfortably. The generator also will be available to power other electric tools (that you already own?) in the field or at remote job sites. For me, one 4-cycle engine is easier to maintain than a half dozen 2-cycle engines on a variety of specialized tools.

Adding a gas motor to my compressor

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