Air compressor mod

[niget2002]

I'm trying to add a real air filter to my air compressor. I need to attach a 4" bolt to the top of the head. The ac is cast iron and the bolt I have is stainless steel.

Anyone think high temp jb weld would work?

I tried the regular stuff, but the high temp of the head caused it to melt.

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[niget2002]

Any other recommended way of possibly doing this?

 

[lametec]

Post some pictures of what you're trying to accomplish.

 

[PT Doc]

It is not clear what you are trying to accomplish with the 4"bolt.

 

[BillK]

The best way would be to take the head off and have the bolt TIG welded in place. Any chance there is room to drill and tap the head for a stud ?? A picture would help you get better replies.

 

[niget2002]

Thanks guys. I'll get some pics when I get home.

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[niget2002]

Here's some pics. The first is the bolt sitting on the head. The second is just the head. The last is with the air cleaner.

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[Ram]

Why don't you just use the fins on the head to a few hooked turn buckles to the top plate on the filter?

 

[niget2002]

Looking at it more today, I thought about something like a compression plate on the top going to something around the bolts that hold the head on.

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[AndyA]

Drill horizontal holes in a few of the fins. Then hold a lid on the filter using some springs that hook into the holes in the fins.

Welding the cast iron is problematic for someone without lots of experience.

Another option, if there's enough meat, is to drill and tap a hole. Then use a piece of all-thread instead of the 4" bolt.

 

[cabranch47]

Could you replace one of the head bolts with a longer stud or threaded rod? Tighen head down with nut/washer and mount filter on top of that.

 

[tylernt]

Could you replace one of the head bolts with a longer stud or threaded rod? Tighen head down with nut/washer and mount filter on top of that.

^^ This. Get a piece of allthread and two nuts. Undo one head bolt, insert the allthread, then tighten one nut down to hold the head on. Then put on your air filter, then the second nut (perhaps a wingnut) to hold the filter down.

Alternatively, I understand that cast iron can be brazed?

 

[niget2002]

Could you replace one of the head bolts with a longer stud or threaded rod? Tighen head down with nut/washer and mount filter on top of that.

That may work. I'll have to find a different filter due to the size of the intake and the way it's cut into the head.

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[Kevin54]

Fasten the filter down using some J-bolts. Similar to what is used to hold batteries down in a battery tray. Like the others stated, drill a hole through the fins. Then you can hook the "J"-bolt into the holes and make a strap to go across the top.

 

[niget2002]

They say all good designs have that one iteration where the engineer steps back and goes WTF did I do that for!

Here's mine.

Don't worry, I'll be going to Lowe's tomorrow to return the two bolts and springs for much shorter springs.

The good news is the design works.

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[R6 Racer]

Get way shorter springs & flip the top plate upside down.

Steve

 

[niget2002]

Finished the mod.

Removed the eye bolts and replaced the springs with much shorter ones. I also cleaned up the cross bar and cleaned up the corners. The filter vibrates around a bit while it's running but it doesn't move.

Thank-you everyone for the suggestions you gave.

 

[niget2002]

Hated the way this looked and the filter kept bouncing around so I trashed the springs.

I removed the head bolts and cut a new aluminum piece to go under the filter. I swiss cheesed it so air can get through. The original aluminum piece became a large washer to spread the load.

A lock washer and a little blue locktite for good measure finished the job.

Works 100% better.

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