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Air Compressor/Tank Set Up Tips


Before assembling the system, decide where you are going to locate the air tank and how it will be mounted. The tank should be secured to a structural component of the car and should never be used when not properly secured. The tank can be mounted at any angle EXCEPT vertically. The input/output port cannot be at the bottom of the tank.

Some air tanks will have two ports, some will have four and some will have six. Packages that include the 2 and 4-port tanks will also include a t-manifold that will give you the extra outlets you need.

Always use Teflon thread tape when attaching air fittings!

The Compressor

Install the compressor according to the instructions in the user’s manual. The manufacturer inspects every compressor before it leaves the factory and also inspects every compressor sent back for warranty service. If the compressor was installed incorrectly, the manufacturer will not service it under warranty. They're very particular about this, so be sure to follow the instructions in detail. The air outlet from the compressor should be threaded into one of the ports on the tank, preferably on the opposite side of the tank from the pressure switch. If you are installing the compressor in a location that can get dirty or wet, be sure to relocate the air intake to a clean location.

The Pressure Switch

The pressure switch turns the compressor on and off automatically, based on the air pressure in the tank. On 2 and 4-port tanks, the pressure switch is installed into the t-manifold, in the threaded port that is smaller than the others. The pressure switch should never be installed at the bottom of an air tank where condensation could accumulate and interfere with the operation of the switch.
There are two wires on the pressure switch. One of them (it doesn't matter which one) gets connected to the red power wire on the compressor. The other wire from the pressure switch should be connected to a switched +12v power source in your car.

Pressure Safety Valve

The safety valve will prevent excess air pressure from building up in the tank. In 2 and 4-port systems, install it an open port on the manifold. On 6-port systems install it directly on the tank. The safety valve should never be installed at the bottom of an air tank where condensation could accumulate. This will interfere with the operation of the valve.
Connection to the Air Horn

The supplied air hose connects to the compressor and air horn with a compression fitting. To attach the hose, remove the threaded collar from the compression fitting and slide the collar onto the hose. Push the end of the hose onto receptacle on the compression fitting. Once the hose is pushed all the way to the base of the fitting, thread the collar back on and tighten with a wrench. The compression fitting with the air hose should be attached to the T-manifold (2 and 4-port systems).