[Big James 4XL]

While seaching the boneyards for L78 Camaro tachs(chuckle, chuckle) and electric vacumn pumps from some Cadillacs as mentioned here by others, I realized Cadillacs also have electric air compressors for their ride control systems and I found and bought several of them.

My question is how is the pressure regulated?
They have a green, a black, an orange and a white wire on them the green is 12V power and the black is ground for sure because I have tested them and the all run fine. So I assume the other 2 wires must run to a pressure switch somewhere.

Any suggestions how to control the pressure?
Any idea what pressure these things are designed for?

I was thinking of using one for an onboard compressor to inflate the air shocks on my Elky.

Howbout it Coppertop, any ideas/knowlege along these lines?

------------------
Elcaminos are special!

I'd rather walk around with a Chevrolet hubcap in my hand than drive a Ford


work in progress
Big James Elky(AKA Ol Paint)
another shot of Ol Paint

 

[BillK]

James,
On my wife's Riviera, the pressure is not actually regulated. There is a "ride height" switch attached between the frame and the rear suspension that controls the compressor. If you load down the rear of the car, it turns the compressor on until the proper hgt is attained. If you take weight out, it actually lets air pressure out of the shocks. I have a wiring diagram somewhere...it is probably the same as the Caddy. Let me know if you want a copy.
Hope this helps,

------------------
Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md

1971 Heavy Chevy - original owner
Team Chevelle #100

 

[Elree Colby]

James

The orange (power) and white (ground) wires are connected to a vent solenoid inside the unit. Low ride hight, run the compressor, High ride hight, open the vent.

 

[Big James 4XL]

Thanks! After playing around with tese things some I think I can just use a on/off switch,pnematic check vavle, and a small regulator to presurize the air shocks when needed for towing a light trailer.

------------------
Elcaminos are special!

I'd rather walk around with a Chevrolet hubcap in my hand than drive a Ford


work in progress
Big James Elky(AKA Ol Paint)
another shot of Ol Paint

 

[BC]

BigJames,
How much pressure would you say these compressors put out? Enough to inflate a tire to say 35 psi? That would be pretty cool to have one as an emergency thing where you always had air. Also, I do some four-wheeling from time to time and could use one there also. Do you know what years or models used the ride control system?

Thanks,
Bill C.


------------------
Bill C.
'71 SS (now with 468BBC)
'70 Nova 350/700r4
ACES #2780
Colo Spgs, CO

 

[Big James 4XL]

I don't know what pressure they are designed for. I'm thinking that since they are used for suspension leveling they should easily inflate the air shocks on my Elky. GM air shocks air designed for around 60/80 psi, if memory serves me correctly, and aftermarket ones can go as high as 120psi I believe. They look like a good piece and they're easy to find and remove. I can imagine many uses for them and the local you pull it only charge $10 for one. I bought 3 but may go back and get a couple more.



------------------
Elcaminos are special!

I'd rather walk around with a Chevrolet hubcap in my hand than drive a Ford


work in progress
Big James Elky(AKA Ol Paint)
another shot of Ol Paint

 

[BC]

Bigjames,
Do you recall what years/models you got them from? Or what was the 'correct' name for the ride control system ?

Thanks,
Bill C.


------------------
Bill C.
'71 SS (now with 468BBC)
'70 Nova 350/700r4
ACES #2780
Colo Spgs, CO

 

[Big James 4XL]

The Caddys were late 70s cars I think. Looked like the last of the big Caddys. They were plentiful here. As I said earlier I got 3 off the fist 5 caddys I checked and there were several more. Slight variations in the mounts and wire harness but all were easy to remove. They were mounted on the driver side inner fender.
Don't know the proper name for this option. I'd like to get some the info on these too. Like pressure rating, control circuit, etc.. The presure line is 1/8" plastic tubing which can be easily adapted to many configurations.

------------------
Elcaminos are special!

I'd rather walk around with a Chevrolet hubcap in my hand than drive a Ford


work in progress
Big James Elky(AKA Ol Paint)
another shot of Ol Paint

 

[HJ]

BC 75 to 91 rear wheel drives(fleetwoods) had this compressor.output is over 120 lbs but not enough volume to inflate tires.

 

[BC]

HJ,
Thanks for the input...that's a good point that these are probably not high-volume pumps, but rather high-pressure/low volume. Still might work if you have lots of time

Thanks,
Bill C.


------------------
Bill C.
'71 SS (now with 468BBC)
'70 Nova 350/700r4
ACES #2780
Colo Spgs, CO