How to Make an Air Compressor from an Old Refrigerator

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: It is extremely important to properly evacuate all refrigerant from your donor refrigerator's system.

   Many shops will do this free (and add it to their inventory.) This is also a good time to make sure the compressor is working
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   Step 2: Once all the gas is out of the system

   There's one going in and one going out of the sealed compressor module.
   
   Use a tubing cutter for the job.
   
   When cutting, leave as much length of copper tubing as possible with compressor.
   
   Try not to turn the unit upside down. , Mark both wires and terminals with masking tape or a marking pen to keep their proper configuration.
   
   Make note of wires at this location that will go to another set of terminals on 110v sealed compressor module (or "pump"), tape and mark these wires and terminals as well. , Connect corresponding power cord wires to the capacitor and green ground wire to base of pump. , Make sure pump unit is secured to prevent "lurching" or pulling wires loose by "walking" from vibration. , Plug it in and listen for motor sound:
   If the unit does not run, unplug it at once and check power cord wires.
   
   Note, one copper tube may spit oil at first.
   
   This is normal, but stand clear and mark the spitter as the supply line. , The line without a vacuum should be marked as the supply line. , On one leg of the second 3 way "tee" install a female "quick connect" Air chuck for the hose to inflate your tires and your air tools. , Clean up and insulate all wiring, route air fittings to the gauge, safety valve and quick connect assembly.
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   Step 3: cut the copper tubes.

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   Step 4: Follow power cord into the wiring harness tracing the wires to their separate terminals on the capacitor.

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   Step 5: Remove the wiring to everything else except the capacitor and pump.

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   Step 6: Gently bend both copper lines on the pump to point vertically

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   Step 7: while being careful not to kink them.

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   Step 8: Move pump away from walls and ceilings and clear an area of at least 15 feet (4.6 m) in circumference.

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   Step 9: If no oil blows out as unit is running

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    Step 10: put a finger tip on the end of the copper lines and feel for a gentle vacuum.

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    Step 11: Attach the supply line with a short length of air hose and clamps to a 1/4" npt fitting connected to a 4 way "tee" with the following; a 150 lbs safety release valve

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    Step 12: a 120 lbs or higher air gauge in line to 3 way "tee" in line with a 10 gallon (37.9 L) or larger steel air tank.

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    Step 13: Using the original rubber mounts and level as possible

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    Step 14: bolt the pump to a sturdy utility cart or any frame you like mount the air tank as close as possible to the pump.

Detailed Guide

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