Does anyone know if Grand Erg compressors can be sourced in the UK or do I get it direct from Italy? Also wondered if they were generally reckoned to still be the best. Read through the previous thread on this and three years ago they seemed to be top drawer. Would appreciate updated thoughts...

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pigapicha

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pigapitcha

http://www.jljphotography.co.uk

pigapicha,

If you ask me, nothing beats an engine driven air compressor with a tank, and nothing else gives enough volume to run air tools.

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Roman (UK)
www.overlandcruiser.info

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Roman (UK)

Hi Roman. Good to meet on this forum as well as the elco list...

Do you mean the ARB or do you use something else? I too have a series 80 TLC and essentially I want something to deflate and inflate tyres and the benefit of using air tools sounds useful. I have factory fitted lockers throughout and they work a treat so no need for air lockers. And the factory ones are reputed to be tough.

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pigapicha

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pigapitcha

http://www.jljphotography.co.uk

Jeremy,

ARB compressor is basically for operating air lockers. You can use it for blowing up tyres but don't hold your breath - you'll need ca 15 min to go from 10 psi to 30 psi for all four tyres.

The drawback of the engine mounted compressor is that it takes the space of the A/C compressor and needs a suitable bracket. You'll have to fabricate your own bracket:
option 1) using the A/C compressor bracket as the base, adapting it to the unit you have (York and Sanden are the best );
option2 ) rolling your own - that gives you an further option of driving the compressor and another toy from one belt, like a hydraulic winch pump.

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Roman (UK)
www.overlandcruiser.info

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Roman (UK)

Thanks Roman. Looking into it.Will look under the bonnet when I get home tonight.

Jeremy

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pigapicha

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pigapitcha

http://www.jljphotography.co.uk

Actually Roman, I have both a York engine driven air compressor and the factory Sanden air condition compressor mounted in my Jeep Wrangler. I made a bracket to mount the York right next to the Sanden so that I wouldn’t sacrifice the air conditioning comfort. I changed the pulley of the alternator to one with double groove and drive the air compressor via a belt from the extra groove.

I got the pulley from www.onboardair.com and made the braket myself. Check their website for more detailed info on the setup and for some cool accessories.

I should mention that I recommend the York over the Sanden since its upright position and, sort of, separation between oil and air, keeps the crank at the bottom much better lubed than the Sanden and puts much less strain on the air filters. That is if the York is in good condition.

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A.B.

OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
ShortWheelbase.com – Jeep preparations.
Coordinates Converter – Lat/Long <-> UTM Conversion Tool.

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A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.

Hello A.B.

Yes I now remember you once mentioned this setup. I am not sure how much space ther is under the bonnet in your Wrangler, but in the Lancruiser HDJ80 a mini York and a ZF hydraulic pump on the same bracket is a very tight fit.

I know onboardair and have spoken to Brad about the compressor. They have some nice toys but I managed to source most of the accessories locally from the RS catalogue.

BTW, how often do you replenish oil in the York (say, after how many tyres)? Also, have you tried the trick with blocking a lubricating passage in the cylinder head to reduce oil consumption?

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Roman (UK)
www.overlandcruiser.info

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Roman (UK)

Getting back to a Grand Erg for pumping up tyres - its a powerful machine that does not slow down as the pressure rises, but it's possibly overkill (300 quid?) unless you use it regularly or for other vehicles as its bulky (wont fit under the lid of an 80 much much else).
If you cant find a neat way of running one off the engine, something like a Viair for half the price but more than half the perfomance (and half the size/weight) might do you. These are portable too, unlike an engine comp, which can have its uses.
Matt Savage sells them. Whatever, make it runs at least 2-3cfm.

Ch

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Morocco Overland 4 (2025) • Trans Morocco Trail

Thanks one and all. Helpful.

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pigapicha

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pigapitcha

http://www.jljphotography.co.uk

Hello Roman,

Actually, I didn’t have that much space to begin with and I think my engine bay isn’t bigger than the LC so everything I did can be easily done on an LC or Rover with hand tools and little elbow grease.

I modified and relocated some stuff in my engine bay to make room for the York compressor and some other extras. I modified the battery tray to hold 2 batteries more efficiently and welded to it is a small bracket to mount a second high performance MSD coil. I relocated the air box to make room for the York compressor and removed the jack to the back and in its place went the air tank. Also right next to the York on the right fender I made a small aluminum shelf to which I mounted the fuse box, a second small electric compressor to adjust the Rancho 9000 shock absorbers and an MSD 6 ignition module. I can get you pictures if interested.

My York doesn’t consume oil; it just spits it out as soon as I pour it in. So I can’t give you any 1st hand experience on the consumption or the lubrication passage trick (I’ve heard of mixed results from this trick but mostly positive). So I end up pouring oil in the compressor once a month or so with the outlet disconnected to catch the excess oil. Even though it ends up with little oil, It works flawlessly. That’s what I love about the York; it just keeps on working no matter what .

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A.B.

OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
ShortWheelbase.com – Jeep preparations.
Coordinates Converter – Lat/Long <-> UTM Conversion Tool.

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A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.

I have Grand Erg, and the Viair (from Matt Savage) fitted, each, in Land Rovers.

The Grand Erg is better, but not sufficiently to warrant the extra cost. Go Viair, very good...

I am just back from Mauritania with both vehicles, and so have been able to do a practical, direct, comparison.

Sam.

Sam

A ringing endorsement. As space and weight are always a premium a Viair it is...probably



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pigapicha

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pigapitcha

http://www.jljphotography.co.uk