Topic: Portable air compressor HF#93186

[jagular7]

Harbor freight has on sale a portable air compressor. Its performance is comparable to the Viair 300P series.

300P
12-Volt
• Permanent Magnetic Motor
• Duty Cycle: 33% @ 100 PSI
• Max. Working Pressure: 150 PSI
• Amp Draw: 28 Amps
• Min. Ambient Temp: -40 °F
• Max. Ambient Temp: 158 °F
• Dimensions: 9.80” L x 4.90” W x 7.50” H
• Net Weight: 8.60 lbs.
300P Performance Data: 0PSI @ 2.40CFM, 40PSI @ 1.48CFM, 70PSI @ 1.13 CFM, 90PSI @ 0.92CFM

HF93186
12 volt motor, 30 amp, 150 PSI max.
Air delivery: 1.35 CFM @ 40 PSI, 1.14 CFM @ 70 PSI, 1.05 CFM @ 90 PSI
Overall dimensions: 11-1/4'' L x 5-1/2'' W x 7-1/2'' H, Overall weight: 11 lbs.

Sale at under $50. There were plenty of write-ups for similar acs in the past.
http://www.gearinstalls.com/pepboys.htm
http://www.4x4wire.com/tech/portable_oba/

Add a small tank (~$50), an air plenum (~$15), hoses, switches, wiring (~$30) and get on-board air source rather cheap. it won't quite be a source for air tools to repair an axle, but you could use the air tank as the source for using air tools in a timely fashion. No more driving couple miles to air back up your tires. While you are reconnecting the sway bar, respooling the winch cable, etc. you could be airing up your tires.

[lanulos89]

good idea if only i had the $$$$$$

[wrangler387]

I've heard of people running 2 of these before to produce decent airflow. I'm still undecided on what OBA set-up i'll go with. I think i just found myself an a/c set-up so i think my engine bay might be getting alittle cramped for a york, especially after my turbo install whenever i get around to it lol.

[jagular7]

I've got a 210 York.  I've took it apart so it will need gaskets and rebuild. To install it in my 4cyl TJ with no ac, I'll need Kilby plate ($35), then I'll need the serpentine belt pulley ($175), then I'll need a new serpentine belt, air hoses, etc. I've already have a tank ($45) from Viair as well as a kit ($20something). But I'm missing all the little 1/4", 3/8" plugs for the tank. I'll also need a plenum manifold. Yes, the engine driven ac would be best, but I'm not needing a constant air source. The tank, though relatively small, will suffice for the air source. The TJ is a cheap build and with something like this type of air source is relatively easy to swap to another vehicle with electric quick disconnects as well as the air line. The other hardware would stay on the Jeep. You could get the same setup with any other portable ac, but at $50???  Same with CO tanks. What I was looking for was a way of airing up my tires after wheeling.

I think its a viable option for those needing a cheap tire filler.
As for running 2, yah, that would be better, but again, I'm not needing an air source to constantly run air tools and such on the trail. I know the tank would suffice for an impact if I needed to remove the front axle nut.

[Jesse-James]

I'm running a similar setup with a Viair 350c, does great for tires. I usually keep a 12v impact with me so I can get by without air tools.

[SKI BOY]

I have this compressor hard wired with electrical disconnects & mounted under the hood. It works well for airing up after wheeling, but as stated you won't run air tools with it!! You can also find them on 'fleabay' under 12 volt compressors, I picked mine up for $22.50 inc. s/h.

[Tinker]

I use this same compressor but mine is hard mounted on my hid-a-trunk for easy access. works good but a little slow. I did ditch the hose it came with and got a quality coil hose and air chuck.

[jagular7]

I have this compressor hard wired with electrical disconnects & mounted under the hood. It works well for airing up after wheeling, but as stated you won't run air tools with it!! You can also find them on 'fleabay' under 12 volt compressors, I picked mine up for $22.50 inc. s/h.

The Viair model or the HF type compressor? If the HF, is it Chicago Pnuematic?
Can you get pics if installed?

[jagular7]

I use this same compressor but mine is hard mounted on my hid-a-trunk for easy access. works good but a little slow. I did ditch the hose it came with and got a quality coil hose and air chuck.

No tank associated? Add a tank opposite the muffler and be amazed at the minimal uses. You get more air volume than that little cylinder of about 1/2 size of a 12oz soda can.

[SKI BOY]

I have this compressor hard wired with electrical disconnects & mounted under the hood. It works well for airing up after wheeling, but as stated you won't run air tools with it!! You can also find them on 'fleabay' under 12 volt compressors, I picked mine up for $22.50 inc. s/h.

The Viair model or the HF type compressor? If the HF, is it Chicago Pnuematic?
Can you get pics if installed?

I have the 'Chicago Pnuematic' model. Plan to add a small 2-4 gallon reserve tank, but haven't decided on the best location yet. Will post pics!

[dexetr30]

Harbor Freight is opening a store about 3 minutes from where I live. It should be open in about a week. I'll have to check all this out. I could definitely use some on board air.

[wrangler387]

^ i love harbor freight, a lot of good deals for random stuff (not to mention there are 10%, 15%, 20% coupons out often). You do have to be a little carefull as to what kind of tool to buy from there though...
I think i may try one of these and an air tank... then if i do upgrade to a York down the road i can just put the little compressor in my g/fs car 

[aka-justin]

I burned out one of these air compressors when mounting it to my inner fender of my Wrangler.  What I found out, after frustration and a few cuss words, is that I think they booby-trapped this unit.

First off, the base plate is metal but is isolated electronically with rubber feet on the bottom plate and rubber bushings that hold the motor to it.

Second, the thermal protection device has the point lead wire connecting to it via a grounded screw.

I took mine all apart, since I couldn’t return it to Harbor Freight all hacked up, and discovered the grounding screw.  I removed the thermal protector, since I burnt it up bypassing the fuse , and connected the positive point lead to the positive wire.  Buttoned it all up and I'm good to go.  No more short.  

Here’s a diagram, based off my memory, of the before and after configuration.


I would imagine that it would be in their best interest to booby trap these if the company making them made another version that you pay more for that is meant to be mounted in a vehicle.  That’s just my hunch.

Hope this helps.
-Justin

[oldjeep]

Better specs for the about the same price.  The MV-50 is what I run and it puts out almost 2x the cfm of the HF unit.
http://www.amazon.com/Industries-MV50-SuperFlow-Hi-Compressor/dp/B000BM8RT8

Got mine at Oreily and cost about $40

They have been around a long time.  Here's someones writeup on using it with an OBA system
http://www.4x4wire.com/tech/portable_oba/

[aka-justin]

I would have bought one year and half ago over the harbor freight had I known.  Curious if the postive lead is also grounded to it's frame.