The TRICK for using the RV2 for On Board Air

[tv_larsen]

Remove the EPR valve and spring from the intake.

I've read this on RCC somewhere, so I can't take credit, but I also don't think this is well known.

The RV2 is the AC compressor used on most Mopars up to around 1980.  This is an excellent compressor for both air conditioning, and on board air.  However, typically when the RV2 is converted to simply compress air, the output volume seems very poor.

I converted my compressor for OBA last fall just before Ram Jam.  However, even though it would easily bring my 3 gallon tank up to 105 psi (the setting of my pressure switch) it took some time.  I never timed it, but I suspect it was at least 3 minutes to pressurize the tank from zero psi.

I removed the EPR valve tonight.  It will now pressurize the tank in just over 10 seconds with the engine at about 2000 rpm.  That is a MAJOR improvement in output volume.  I can even open the drain valve on the tank and with the engine at about 2000 rpm the tank will maintain 80-90 psi.  I am impressed.

At Jeep Safari this year I used my RV2 on board air to refill all 4 of my 38" tires from 7 psi to 15 psi three different times.  The RV2 compressor did fantastic.  I was able to fill all 4 tires at about the same rate as I could with my 5hp shop compressor.  During the re-airing of the tires the 3 gallon tank would never drop below 80-90 psi, and would recover to the preset max pressure of 105 psi before I could move from one tire to the next.

Just remove the intake line fitting, the spring is behind it.  Then use a pair of pliers and just pull the valve out.  Reinstall the line fitting with the gasket and you're done.