Is it possible or safe to run a portable compressor (Viair 400P) under the hood? They come with alligator clamps that connect to the battery and requires the engine to be running when in use. Can I mock up a mount and install it in the engine bay? I figure I can cut off the alligator clamps, add two wire terminals (one for positive and one for negative) and hook those to the battery terminal bolts. The existing wiring is already fused.
Portable Air Compressor to On Board Air
- Thread starter Chilow
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SidKo
New member
I don't see why not. As you said, there is already an inline fuse. I would also install an inline switch as well.
Just be a couple of the things to consider:
- Operating temperature while under the hood. Keeping the hood open while using may help, but I am not sure how much of the built-in heat sink on the compressor would help dissipate the heat, especially while operating in an area that is already hot.
- May not be rated for dust/moisture. May cause filter to clog often. So be mindful of cleaning it often. Also be mindful when rinsing the engine bay. You may want to bag it while doing so.
Just be a couple of the things to consider:
- Operating temperature while under the hood. Keeping the hood open while using may help, but I am not sure how much of the built-in heat sink on the compressor would help dissipate the heat, especially while operating in an area that is already hot.
- May not be rated for dust/moisture. May cause filter to clog often. So be mindful of cleaning it often. Also be mindful when rinsing the engine bay. You may want to bag it while doing so.
Jeremy556
New member
Sure. My on board air setup that I have been running for 5 years, 170k+ miles and is used at least once a week, often several times a day, consists of what started out as a 400P and a 400C.
I removed the switch, fuse and handle from the 400P, installed a leader hose with a check valve and wired it into a pressure switch with fused relay. Both compressors feed into a manifold the feeds my air locker and quick connect in my bumper for tire filling.
I removed the switch, fuse and handle from the 400P, installed a leader hose with a check valve and wired it into a pressure switch with fused relay. Both compressors feed into a manifold the feeds my air locker and quick connect in my bumper for tire filling.
DontKickTrees
New member
I wired in my smittybuilt compressor under the hood with a fuse and relay and it has worked great over the last year. I’m in California so there isn’t much moisture but we have plenty of dust and it’s still going well.
