Big Block Chevy Air Compressor

[Clik]

Years ago I saw a couple of bulk transport trailers (18 wheeler rigs) that used a Big Block Chevy with modified heads as a vacuum pump. Didn't look home built.

I don't remember whether it was hydraulically driven off the rig's tractor or what. I assumed the heads just had reed valves for obvious reasons. Who needs lifters, push rods a cam and all that for a vacuum pump?

With all the cheap junk engines out there these days and the price of compressors, I wonder...???????? You see where this is going?

 

[chris142]

I have seen that with varius engines. 318 chryslers were popular for this. They ran 4 cylinders as a gas engine and the other 4 were an air pump. Cummins had a way to turn 3 of the 6 cylinders on a Diesel into an air pump for unloading bulk trailers back in the 50's.

 

[TwoInch]

there are conversion heads and intakes that will make a V8 ford run on one bank, and compress with the other.

there are kits for old VW motors also.

they are out there. but very impractical for general garage type air usage.

 

[Fixnair]

What you saw was a Thompson compressor. You are right it is a Chevy 454 I think. They were usually driven off the PTO. All eight cylinders pumped air. They weren't cheap.

 

[TwoInch]

I bet that thing takes 80 hp to fire off and 45 to keep it spinning.

i remember reading somewhere that it takes about 12hp to spin a small block chevy to 2000rpm.

i am sure it would take much more to spin it under a load, compressing air on 8 cylinders though.

i have contemplated attempting to convert a twin cylinder lawn tractor motor into a compressor using the plug holes as the output. in my mind, the only tough part would be figuring out how to turn the damn thing.

 

[Nostalgic Dave]

I've seen a few antique motorcycle engines ( 1900's to 1920's) used as compressors, spun with an electric motor. One was a 1912 Indian twin.

Sent from my AT100 using Tapatalk 2

 

[TwoInch]

You use one cylinder to turn the other. Block the intake and hook an airline up in the spark plug hole or exhaust port.

I have a couple of old 'tire inflators' that you pull out a spark plug, screw in a check valve with a hose and air chuck, and start the car.

They are a bit archaic but I carry them in the offroad-mostly truck as a FIFTH air supply.

i remember those tire fillers that used the plug hole. ford used them IIRC

as for the twin cylinder, i know i could run it with one cylinder like you explain, that wouldnt be bad, but im talkin running both cylinders, and taking the deck down a bit to bump up the squeeze. i was brainstorming on how to clutch another single cylinder 5 horse to it. or possibly running it electric. old lawn motors are a dime a dozen, throw some tight rings in it and move some air!

one day ill make one up.

 

[rsanter]

If you really want some compressed air....you turn one of the crate chevy 502 engines into a compressor....and drive it with another chevy 502 engine.....

Bob