Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Which aftermarket compressor?
| [GMCnet] Which aftermarket compressor? [message #88873] |
Wed, 16 June 2010 16:36  |
kelvin
Messages: 608
Registered: February 2004
Location: Eugene, OR
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Back on the GMC Net after a couple years absence...
Rebuilt my Dana compressor a few years ago with less than spectacular
results. Found a couple of "cheap" 12V compressors at Shucks that did
the job - for a while. I still have one left but the one that had been
running the system finally gave up the ghost last weekend. I want to
keep the spare for "emergency" pumping duty.
Jim K sells the Firestone 9287. Why the Firestone 9287 compressor
instead of the 9286?
Both are 100% Duty cycle at 150psi. 9286 uses less amps.
I'm sure someone has done the research. What I can find doesn't justify
the difference in cost. (approx $70) Am I missing something?
Jim seems to be very competitive with his $297 for the 9287. Just
wondering why that one is any better.
And then of course there's the Viar compressor.
Anyway... I'm in the market. Going to put the Dana back in there for
now bit it's really slooooow...
Thanks,
Kelvin
'73 23' in Eugene, OR
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?ppuser=28&username=kelvin
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| Re: [GMCnet] Which aftermarket compressor? [message #88899 is a reply to message #88873] |
Wed, 16 June 2010 18:23  |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
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Jim K sells the Firestone 9287. Why the Firestone 9287 compressor
instead of the 9286?
Both are 100% Duty cycle at 150psi. 9286 uses less amps.
____________________________________________________________
I did some research and pricing is odd.
but the best I could figure...
Price bounced between
intermittant duty vs full time duty
and the amount of air the compressor can pump in a measured amount of time.
any one of these will vary the price quite a bit.
LarC ( I was looking too, I repaired the present compressor )
Gatsbys' CRUISER  08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
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| Re: [GMCnet] Which aftermarket compressor? [message #88958 is a reply to message #88873] |
Thu, 17 June 2010 08:25 |
peter lyons
Messages: 10
Registered: June 2007
Location: New Albany, Indiana
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This is probably unconventional advice, but it works for me.
I purchased a 12volt, 150psi pump from harbor freight on sale for $59. Fills the air bags in 3 minutes.
First year I had it, I'd drop my coach like a public transit bus to empty my holding tank because I knew in a few minutes I'd be back up and moving.
This is where I found the limitation of the pump: If it gets too hot, you melt the piston.
Here's the good news: replacement pistions from harbor freight: $3 each. Cost of second pump as a spare: $59 on sale. Time to replace a piston: less than 5 minutes.
Now that I know where I melted my piston, here's what I've done: I've installed a quick release connector coming from the bags, which also has a water separator and a shutoff valve on it. It also makes a 10 second swap out if if I ever need my back up pump. I installed a high CFM 12 volt computer fan (from a Macintosh, not your $10 radio shack fans) which powers on when the pump kicks on. I've not had to replace the piston again so far.
The spare pump has also come in sooo handy for airing up the tires on the coach, as well as bicycle tires!!
The pump is almost silent! Total cost is less than $200 for two pumps, fan, and separator and fan. I added the two year extended warranty for $12!
Pete Lyons
76 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] Which aftermarket compressor? [message #88972 is a reply to message #88958] |
Thu, 17 June 2010 09:46 |
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WD0AFQ
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
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| peter lyons wrote on Thu, 17 June 2010 08:25 |
This is probably unconventional advice, but it works for me.
I purchased a 12volt, 150psi pump from harbor freight on sale for $59. Fills the air bags in 3 minutes.
First year I had it, I'd drop my coach like a public transit bus to empty my holding tank because I knew in a few minutes I'd be back up and moving.
This is where I found the limitation of the pump: If it gets too hot, you melt the piston.
Here's the good news: replacement pistions from harbor freight: $3 each. Cost of second pump as a spare: $59 on sale. Time to replace a piston: less than 5 minutes.
Now that I know where I melted my piston, here's what I've done: I've installed a quick release connector coming from the bags, which also has a water separator and a shutoff valve on it. It also makes a 10 second swap out if if I ever need my back up pump. I installed a high CFM 12 volt computer fan (from a Macintosh, not your $10 radio shack fans) which powers on when the pump kicks on. I've not had to replace the piston again so far.
The spare pump has also come in sooo handy for airing up the tires on the coach, as well as bicycle tires!!
The pump is almost silent! Total cost is less than $200 for two pumps, fan, and separator and fan. I added the two year extended warranty for $12!
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Interesting. I have one of those that I use to air up the coach batteries. Got it on sale for 50 bux. Love the thing and carry it with me. Works great for what it is made for.
25% duty will do fine if you have 2 and they pump up fast enough not to get hot. Jim B and Jim K both sell the best setup though.
Dan
3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers
One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm
355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng.
Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System
Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows
Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
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| Re: [GMCnet] Which aftermarket compressor? [message #88973 is a reply to message #88972] |
Thu, 17 June 2010 09:52 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
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| WD0AFQ wrote on Thu, 17 June 2010 09:46 |
I have one of those that I use to air up the coach batteries.
Dan
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What kind of batteries are you running!
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Which aftermarket compressor? [message #88985 is a reply to message #88979] |
Thu, 17 June 2010 11:49 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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I didn't really realize how bad my Dana was until I pulled into a GMCSJ rally in April, with my valves set to raise and my compressor running, and Steve Ferguson said "that's the noisiest Dana I've ever heard, it's on it's way out". I just ordered a new Viair from Jim B. I'm expecting a BIG improvement!
I'll report on the results when I get it installed.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] Which aftermarket compressor? [message #89004 is a reply to message #88991] |
Thu, 17 June 2010 13:51 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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> Carl, I am much more considerate than Steve F. I have been thinking the same thing for 2 years about your pump. I just kept my mouth shut. Glad Steve pointed it out to you.
Dan
Yes you are, Dan, but you know Steve; Mr Blunt 
Thanks Steve. I needed your input to get my wife to "realize" we needed a new pump.
I have seen other sources for the Viair compressors, eBay is one of them, and some are cheaper, but I try to support our active vendors whenever Possible.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] Which aftermarket compressor? [message #89015 is a reply to message #88923] |
Thu, 17 June 2010 15:04 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
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Do we really need a 100% duty compressor? 33% gives us 15 minutes on/30 minutes off. If you can't fill the tank and bags in 15 minutes you have a problem. If your air system won't hold air for 30 minutes you have another problem.
_____________________________________________________________
I understand your confusion.
The problem, as I see it, is the system will never be without leaks. In my case, when the ambiant air temp gets cooler, the fittings losen up and the leaks get worse. What might be a 10 minute pump up in the summer can easily double or tripple in the Winter.
The problem with an intermittant duty compressor depends on your wiring. My PO, (among his other Brite witted ideas like using cardboard in place of plywood for the floor board), connected the compressor to the ACC system with no switch other than the ign on the steering column. Should a problem occur like a broken line, if you cannot shut off the compressor, it will work continuously until you can stop or get home. If you cannot isolate your bags, you need to keep the compressor running. The continuous duty is more insurance than anything else.
AS I SEE IT, an intermittant duty compressor would be good for a standby unit but since you rely on this for your rear suspension and maybe even to air up tires, The continuous duty is the best bet.
You will have to weigh your needs and how much insurance you want from your compressor and pick the one you think will fill the job well.
LarC ( Tend to overkill to avoid future problems. )
Gatsbys' CRUISER 08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
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| Re: [GMCnet] Which aftermarket compressor? [message #89019 is a reply to message #89016] |
Thu, 17 June 2010 15:17 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Larry,
You CAN get the leaks stopped, or at least mostly stopped. I have installed JR Slayton dash valves (Power Level II) and changed out most of the plastic fittings for DOT approved brass. My system will hold air for months. It had over 40 psi in it after not being used for six weeks the last time I checked it. Like Dan says, if it takes 10 or more minutes to pump up your system, your compressor is really bad, or you have a lot of leaks. Even my noisy old Dana (see above) pumps mine up from zero to 140 in less than 10 minutes.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] Which aftermarket compressor? [message #89021 is a reply to message #89015] |
Thu, 17 June 2010 15:21 |
kelvin
Messages: 608
Registered: February 2004
Location: Eugene, OR
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Larry wrote:
> Do we really need a 100% duty compressor? 33% gives us 15 minutes on/30 minutes off. If you can't fill the tank and bags in 15 minutes you have a problem. If your air system won't hold air for 30 minutes you have another problem.
> _____________________________________________________________
>
> I understand your confusion.
>
> The problem, as I see it, is the system will never be without leaks. In my case, when the ambiant air temp gets cooler, the fittings losen up and the leaks get worse. What might be a 10 minute pump up in the summer can easily double or tripple in the Winter.
>
Not unless something is really wrong. Yes, the system might leak but
only down to 90psi and then the compressor kicks on. Even the cheap
compressor I had in there only took a few minutes to add 30PSI.
> The problem with an intermittant duty compressor depends on your wiring. My PO, (among his other Brite witted ideas like using cardboard in place of plywood for the floor board), connected the compressor to the ACC system with no switch other than the ign on the steering column. Should a problem occur like a broken line, if you cannot shut off the compressor, it will work continuously until you can stop or get home. If you cannot isolate your bags, you need to keep the compressor running. The continuous duty is more insurance than anything else.
>
You don't have to tell me about brilliant PO wiring. When I got my
coach the ignition key wouldn't actually turn off the engine. There
were many extra strands of wire in the coach. NONE of them are there
anymore.
No cardboard floorboards, though.
I have shut-off valves at the bags and a switch on the dash and new
Power Valves. I have pretty good control of the system, I think.
> AS I SEE IT, an intermittant duty compressor would be good for a standby unit but since you rely on this for your rear suspension and maybe even to air up tires, The continuous duty is the best bet.
>
> You will have to weigh your needs and how much insurance you want from your compressor and pick the one you think will fill the job well.
>
I carry a spare compressor that will air up the air tank if I need to.
Power Valves in Hold and it'll stay at Travel pressure for many hours.
Got the backup plan in place. Just need to decide on how much "quality"
compressor I need to buy. Paying extra for 100% duty cycle is beginning
to sound like overkill.
Thanks,
Kelvin
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| Re: [GMCnet] Which aftermarket compressor? [message #89023 is a reply to message #89016] |
Thu, 17 June 2010 15:30 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
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At initial pump up, the tank and lines are empty. I have added a regulator to get the line psi down from 150 to 120. The system requires 110#
Initial pump up is about 10-15 minutes, longer in the Winter when the air is cold. THe system develops leaks at the fittings. it is not a pump issue.
The PO had bought this pump from JimB anyway.
My problem with this pump is it had sheared all 4 bolts from the crank case(piston) and motor housing. THe remaining bolts need to be be drilled out so I can bolt with a larger bolt. Amazing how well baling wire can hold things together.
Besides, the choice between Continuous and Intermediate was my opinion... everybody has one.
LarC ( Stepping out )
Gatsbys' CRUISER 08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
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| Re: [GMCnet] Which aftermarket compressor? [message #89027 is a reply to message #89019] |
Thu, 17 June 2010 15:52 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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You CAN get the leaks stopped, or at least mostly stopped. I have installed JR Slayton dash valves (Power Level II) and changed out most of the plastic fittings for DOT approved brass. My system will hold air for months. It had over 40 psi in it after not being used for six weeks the last time I checked it.
___________________________________________________________
I rebuilt my Supply air lines to the front dash valves last year.
This had to be the removal of 75% of the leaks.
Where the PO had added many many many fittings ( many for no reason other than to splice an old tubing, not use a new piece of tubing ) I eliminated the excess fittings.
THIS WAS A MAJOR IMPROVEMENT ! ! ! I still have a leak, she is down in 6 hours. I have also had to take the quadrabag fittings apart and reassemble to stop leaks there.
I will agree, someone that keeps attacking the problem will find all the leaks. I have found the easy ones, so far, and I have been on the hunt every summer since I bought her.
BAck to the TOPIC
In theory, Continuous duty is needed for a need for running the compressor all the time........... I don't do that. when aired up, a short couple minutes and she is done.
But I did have the occasion where the compressor would not stop because of a leak, a split tube. the intermittant pump dont like to run to supply air lost by a leak like a split in the line.
THE ONLY WAY I would suggest an intermittant pump is if you have isolation valves for the bags to separate from the system in case you have to shut the pumps down due to line or fitting failure.
LarC ( Been there, done that )
Gatsbys' CRUISER 08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
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