Modified 6-Cylinder Engine Uses 3 Cylinders To Compress Air

Modified 6-Cylinder Engine Uses 3 Cylinders To Compress Air ENGINES Engines 20-6-30 If you've ever thought of turning an old engine into a high-volume air compressor, you'll be interested in the way Clayton, Ill., farmer David Buss modified a 1961 Ford car engine to compress air. Buss left three of the cylinders intact so they run normally, but then modified the other three cylinders to compress air. He first blocked off the intake manifold on the compressor end of the engine so it wouldn't draw in gas. He next removed a frost plug from the compressor end to let in air. He installed an air cleaner off an old lawnmower in the frost plug port. He replaced the spark plugs on the "compressor cylinders" with commercial check valves to keep pressure from backfeeding into the cylinders. The engine starts and runs normally on the three remaining unmodified cylinders," Buss says. "It develops up to 170 psi's, more than enough power to operate air tools. It really works well." He mounted the air compressor on a home-built 5 by 7-ft. trailer that's also fitted with a Lincoln welder and an acetylene torch. Total cost of the project was $700, including $27 apiece for the check valves. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, David Buss, R.R. 2, Box 27, Clayton, Ill. 62324 (ph 217 894-6417 or 7070).

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