York OBA questions

[sixstringsteve]

I'm trying to decide if I want to go with a York OBA setup or a small under-hood compressor. As much as I'd like to be able to run air tools on the trail, my real need is to power the front ARB locker and air up tires. I already have the York Compressor, and it doesn't look too involved to install on the tacomas. I had a couple of questions.

1) is the compressor running all the time, or do you turn it on with a switch (much like an AC pump)? If it's running all the time, I would assume it impacts MPG.
2) What electrical connections are necessary?
3) Is an oil/water separators necessary?
4) Is it tough to plumb one to work with an ARB locker?

I like the insane CFM that they put out, and the ability to run air tools off my engine is always a plus, especially for things like front axle work on the trail. It does take up a lot of space in the engine bay, and I'll have to change my dual battery plan. Trying to decide between York and a medium size ARB compressor. I'm leaning toward the York right now. Anyone have any input/opinions?

 

[Hickey]

They only run when the pump needs to build air, just like AC.

 

[Spork]

They only run when the pump needs to build air, just like AC.

Just to clarify this, the way I understand it there is a clutch on the compressor that you have to supply power to to engage, usually a switch on your dash.

 

[gahi]

pressure switch on the tank turns on the clutch on the compressor. A separator would be a good idea, especially for running air lockers. Condensation in the lines can freeze. I dont think it would be any more difficult to plumb the ARB's. You could just run a line to wherever its needed off the tank. For airing up, york's rule.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Cool. How does it know when it needs air? Is it via a hard switch, or a pressure sensor? Do I have to run it to a tank, or can I go straight from the pump to the locker or an air chuck?

EDIT: a few responses came in while I was asking questions.

 

[Spork]

http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech-article-12.html

there is a pressure switch and one on the dash typically.

 

[gahi]

I think you would need some kind of tank, but it could be really small. Just enough to get the lockers going. I guess without a tank you might just have a longer lag time while the pump builds enough pressure. Maybe the amount stored in just the lines would be enough?

 

[Bob B]

1) Put a pressure switch and a manual switch on it.. Manual switch turns the system on/off(on for trail, off for daily/ hwy use), pressure switch wont let it drop below a minimum..Say 125 psi.. Then it will only run if it reaches its minimum req pressure.. Add a tank and it will run even less. When its off, it spins freely, when its on its pumping.

2)a single 12V source will power the clutch.

3) Not positive on this one. I will be running one. I believe it has something to due with blow by and the wet oiling system... But not positive.

4) I believe to plumb for a ARB, you will just need to reg the pressure down to somewhere around 90-100 psi...then run it to your ARB solonoid and to the locker as normal.

Ok strictly my .02

As far a airing up tires and air tools... OBA wise, a york can't be beat. Sure they are big and semi complex, but they are smaller than a CO2 tanks, old technology (which is provin reliable) and quiet. Rev the engine a little and you will have more air than you can use. I have one I will be installing on my wifes Jeep for everything from tires, tools, air matresses, ARB's, to pressurizing a trailer water tank for running water on the trail.

Just a note too Steve, there are three different CFM's of the york..
Heres a page to help answer a lot of your questions and identify what CFM york you have..

http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/yorkair.html

 

[sixstringsteve]

Thanks for the info Bob, that's really helpful.

I have the biggest york.

 

[Bob B]

NICE..

answer to #3 from Kilby's site.

"All York compressors pump oil. There is an internal passage
between the suction chamber and lower crankcase that serves
as the crankcase vent. When running, the compressor will suck
oil from the crankcase and deposit it in the suction chamber
of the compressor through this passage. From there, the oil is
pumped into the discharge chamber and out the air line. This
is normal, but needs to be addressed. This is why we use the 10.
coalescing (oil removal) filter in the oil return system. Under
normal conditions, the York compressor uses 10-12 ounces of
ordinary 30 wt engine oil for lubrication. The compressor comes
from the factory with approximately 14 ounces of Ester Oil
installed. It’s o/k to run this oil initially and re-fill with engine oil
when needed. Use the dipstick on a regular basis to check the
oil level and add as needed. Anything below 6 ounces of oil is
considered “running out” and will void the warranty."

More info here:
http://onboardair.com/web-instructions/oba_manual.pdf

http://onboardair.com/york.htm

http://onboardair.com/faq.htm

 

[sixstringsteve]

awesome, thanks Bob. I'm leaning towards the York.

 

[Rot Box]

I think the York would be well worth the time and effort. Keep in mind ARB's have a min and max pressure that needs to be maintained during operation and a tank would really help cushion that... I highly recommend a tank.

Fwiw I run this compressor only for my ARB and love it. You can see it has a very small tank attached: http://store.arbusa.com/ARB-On-Board-High-Performance-12-Volt-Air-Compressor-CKSA12-P3574C9.aspx Did a bit of research and decided to order this the other day. Plan to give my impressions after it arrives: http://www.amazon.com/Master-Flow-M...342&sr=8-4&keywords=air+compressor+masterflow Sorry I don't know how to make the short links

 

[sixstringsteve]

I do like how the ARB compressor has a mini tank built in. I'm running out of room under my hood, so the smaller the space, the better.

 

[Bob B]

The tank doesn't need to be under the hood..You could put it on a frame rail and build a skid plate for it. Or make an enclosed piece of tube in a bumper a air tank by just adding air chucks. One in,one out. If you run a small manifold before the tank, thats where the ARB take off could be. Then it can store additional air in the tank and back feed from the tank if demand gets high enough. A bumpers length 1 3/4" dom tube would hold enough air to run a ARB, switching on and off for quite a while without cycling the compressor.

 

[Rot Box]

I do like how the ARB compressor has a mini tank built in. I'm running out of room under my hood, so the smaller the space, the better.

It is very small an compact. For lockers it works very well and it comes plug and play with everything you need. Lockers are really the only thing it is good for though.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

York setups rock, no two ways about it... if you have the space there really isn't a reason not to run one. That said, by the time you do purchase the additional plumbing required to operate the ARB Air Locker, you might consider doing both. Crazy you say, well not really... the compact ARB CKSA12 (linked above) is designed for Air Locker operation only, i.e. no tires, etc. But it does have a small tank and a pressure switch to handle the small volume needs of the air locker and at the specified pressure. I've seen guys spend $200+ additional plumbing in a regulator, wiring, switches, etc on top of the York setup. So you could do the CKS12 for only the locker, 100% plug and play and will include everything you need to finalize the install there. Then install the York and not have to worry about a tank, manifold, metric conversions, pressure switch, pressure regulator, etc. Food for thought as you plan out your system.

Lastly, ARB has their new twin compressors out, they too will run air tools, etc. The kick out just over 6CFM. Dollar-wise they are pretty 6's with a York setup assuming you buy some commercial parts. Do it all your self and a York could be under a couple hundred.

 

[sixstringsteve]

that's some good food for thought. Will the smaller ARB compressor end up running more than the medium ARB compressor (sorry, I dont' know my model numbers) when used just for lockers?

 

[cruiseroutfit]

that's some good food for thought. Will the smaller ARB compressor end up running more than the medium ARB compressor (sorry, I dont' know my model numbers) when used just for lockers?

Yes, but a nominal amount. When you hit the locker button, the compact (CKS) will cycle for a few seconds and be off until you activate the locker again. The medium (CKM) will do the same but after its up to pressure, it can activate the locker a couple of times without running again, maybe 2 or 3 times? Either way with an engine running you barely notice the compressor cycle.

 

[Hickey]

I am a big fan of the ARB pumps when they are dedicated to locker use only. Add a CO2 tank for tires and tools. That way you can have a backup air supply in case you have a problem with one system or the other. The ARB pump will suck for airing up tires and running tools, but it's inexpensive and perfect for just lockers.

 

[jinxspot]

Lots of good info here, I have a 4wheeler mag article from 2012 with the parts list for york conversion as well... if ya want it I'll scan it in.
Engine conversion's tend to be just as exspensive as most the onboard air systems (don't be fooled by "its cheaper")

My rule of thumb:
-Small ARB compressor for lockers. (right tool for the job) you can plump it for emergency air.

-York OBA for what you use all the time (ie. inflate aired down tires) and it can run tools.

-CO2 for convienence of emergency air on demand (frozen hoses & air tools suck though).

-Remote Electric OBA (like Quick air2) for none engine compartment mounted OBA systems with kicker tanks.