MB 12V air compressor specification

[philharve]

Hi All

Does any member know the specifications for MB's own little portable compressor? I have one which I purchased separately after the original owner of my car decided to keep the compressor that came with the car. I can appreciate why he did this, it's a beauty and not too noisy. However, there is nothing marked on its outer casing to indicate its maximum PSI or Free Air Delivery. Maybe there was a label that has fallen off.

Since this little compressor is powered via the cigarette lighter socket I can assume the compressor's motor consumes between 100 - 150Watt.

I am contemplating buying a replacement, a more powerful air compressor, but more powerful than what?

I realise I probably won't be able to use the lighter socket with the replacement compressor because the amperage will be to high. I assume this socket to be limited to about 10Ampere. Is that about right?

Can any member recommend a more powerful alternative air compressor? There are loads to choose from but in almost all cases you need to examine their specifications closely. A 200 - 300psi compressor is not necessarily a good choice. Greater Free Air Delivery is often better for faster inflation. That's what I'm after ... faster inflation.

REGARDS

Phil

 

[television]

Then you need to examine the cubic liters or feet per minute on the specs. All of these 12 volt things are very low on this point,,they have to be owing to the diameter of the piston in the pump it is under 1"

 

[philharve]

12V air compressor - cubic capacity

Hi Malcolm

I hadn't realised the cylinders were typically that small. This must include the offering from MB which is quite small? The size of the air compressor will therefore give an indication of its power & performance although that's not the whole story.

REGARDS

Phil

 

[television]

There are some small ones around in a big plastic case

The current consumption is a good clue here, the higher the current the larger the output

 

[Blobcat]

You might find one at a breakers yard, the Honda Accord has a quite nice little one although non of them are great at inflating a flat tyre as per Malcolm above. I've had more than one of them overheat trying to inflate a flat tyre in one go. I have a couple of "cheap" ones which i keep in each car and a proper compressor in the garage.

 

[LYNALL]

e ebay mini cooper as they have runflats and very nice little compressors in the boot.



Lynall

 

[philharve]

Mini Cooper air compressor

Hi LYNALL

That's interesting! This is part of the BMW Cooper's tool kit?

I'm not interested in obtaining another 'mini' compressor unless it significantly outperforms my present MB compressor. I have my eyes set on something all together more powerful, up to 50 - 75LPM, or 0.25+ HP.

REGARDS

Phil

 

[television]

It takes a 1.5 hp motor to drive a 180 liter of free air

 

[philharve]

air compressor 12v

Hi Malcolm

That's an interesting piece of information! If one assumes a linear interpolation then 0.25HP (or 186.5W) would equate to 30LPM. I believe cigarette lighter sockets are rated at 10Amax (or 120W) which would give a figure 19.3LPM, say 20LPM, as the maximum pump delivery. Yes, that sounds about right! However, I doubt the little mini compressors that are sold almost everywhere cannot match this. I doubt my little MB unit is up to this mark.

A heavy duty air compressor would have to connect direct to the battery because it would draw to much current. Not a problem. Anderson connectors, 50A say, plus stout wiring would extend battery power into the boot area from beneath the boot floor where the battery is located. An inline fuse holder, bladed variety, should eliminate the risk of short circuit damage.

I have a number of air compressors in mind (34, 50 and 72LPM) The little 'un would fit the bill.

REGARDS

Phil

 

[philharve]

Update

Hi All

I have ordered a genuine T-Max BA2641 air compressor from an off road retailer. I fancied the cylindrical Michelin Hi Power model but the T-Max blows its socks off with its 150PSI and 72LPM performance. It's about the same size as the Michelin but unlike the Michelin it comes with a neat carry bag. Best of all, they are about the same price and the T-Max is reportedly much quieter. A no-brainer decision.

The downside [but not much] is that I will have to make a cable to extend the battery terminals above the boot floor, otherwise I would have to remove the floor every time I wanted to clip-on the compressor to the battery terminals. Cigarette socket use is not possible because the compressor current is to high, it will average 30Amperes in use.

With inflation times of 0 - 32psi in just over a minute, the powerful T-Max has a great many other pneumatic applications.

REGARDS

Phil