Described here is a quiet air compressor with plenty of power to inflate tires, blow dry parts and even spray automotive paint. All that’s needed is a 110volt refrigerator or freezer (bigger is better) with a salvageable compressor and an air tank, with an air gauge, safety release valve, few feet of 3/8 I.D. air hose and some fittings
Step One
It is extremely important to properly evacuate all refrigerant from your donor refrigerator’s system. Many shops will do this free (and add it to their inventory.) This is also a good time to make sure the compressor is working
Step Two
Once all the gas is out of the system, cut the copper tubes. There’s one going in and one going out of the sealed compressor module. Use a tubing cutter for the job. When cutting, leave as much length of copper tubing as possible with compressor. Try not to turn the unit upside down.
Step Three
Follow power cord into the wiring harness tracing the wires to their separate terminals on the capacitor. Mark both wires and terminals with masking tape or a marking pen to keep their proper configuration. Make note of wires at this location that will go to another set of terminals on 110v sealed compressor module (or “pump”), tape and mark these wires and terminals as well.
Step Four
Remove the wiring to everything else except the capacitor and pump. Connect corresponding power cord wires to the capacitor and green ground wire to base of pump.
Step Five
Gently bend both copper lines on the pump to point vertically, while being careful not to kink them. Make sure pump unit is secured to prevent “lurching” or pulling wires loose by “walking” from vibration.
Step Six
Move pump away from walls and ceilings and clear an area of at least 15 feet (4.6 m) in circumference. Plug it in and listen for motor sound: If the unit does not run, unplug it at once and check power cord wires. Note, one copper tube may spit oil at first. This is normal, but stand clear and mark the spitter as the supply line.
Step Seven
If no oil blows out as unit is running, put a finger tip on the end of the copper lines and feel for a gentle vacuum. The line without a vacuum should be marked as the supply line.
Step Eight
Attach the supply line with a short length of air hose and clamps to a 1/4″ npt fitting connected to a 4 way “tee” with the following; a 150 lbs safety release valve, a 120 lbs or higher air gauge in line to 3 way “tee” in line with a 10 gallon (37.9 L) or larger steel air tank. On one leg of the second 3 way “tee” install a female “quick connect” Air chuck for the hose to inflate your tires and your air tools.
Step Nine
Using the original rubber mounts and level as possible, bolt the pump to a sturdy utility cart or any frame you like mount the air tank as close as possible to the pump. Clean up and insulate all wiring, route air fittings to the gauge, safety valve and quick connect assembly.