Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Refrigerator Repair:
An old refrigerator compressor adapted for an air pump
I am thinking of using an old fridge compressor (from a domestic fridge) to compress air. Do you know:
1. Will I run into problems due to lack of lubrication. (I understand that Freon acts as a lubricant as well as a cooler.)
2. How many PSI can a regular fridge compressor pump? I need 30 or better. Thanks,
Old refrigerator compressors work great for air pumps. I welded a handle on top of one, wired on a cord end and installed a pressure gauge and air chuck and have used it around the house for over ten years now.
They develop way more then 30 psi. In fact they will do about 300. However the volume is low. To fill a single air mattress it takes about 10 min. A car tire from just about flat takes about 15 minutes.
The oil lubrication is of no concern due to the lower part of the case being filled with oil. The unit develops a bit of oil pressure to lubricate itself inside and I'm sure in transport it splashes around a bit, too. The reason engineers designed the oil to atomize in the sealed system and circulate with the refrigerant is the desirable protection against rust happening inside steel components such as the condenser.
Two negatives though,
one: If you tip them over the oil will spill out, messy.
two: They won't start in extreme cold weather, low car tire Mon. morning in the winter? Your compressor won’t run unless you warm it up for an hour, so it’s best stored in the house.
P.S. I have a racing bicycle with 120 psi tires and it works just fine.
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