Re: Modern AC Compressor in a 6-Volt Car

Posted by HH56 On 2014/2/3 21:47:32

I know there are several Sandens running on 6v cars. Fred is now another confirmed.

What I believe is happening is because the generator output is at it's normal around 7.4v, the clutch is able to pull in because of the higher charging voltage. Sanden specs say minimum pull in is 7.5v so there is probably a bit of a fudge factor. I know mine won't pull in on a straight 6.3v and I believe Jim McDermaid in AZ tested his with the same results.

Appreciate the offer of the phone # and maybe will take you up on it at some point. For now I'm going to try out that small extra battery/relay module I made -- at least as a start. If it doesn't work out, then it's a simple matter to change a couple of wires and go with 6v. What I am hoping to do is come up with something proven that can work for those that won't take a chance on the Sanden running directly on 6v so they could still use the compressor.

Am curious if Fred changed his blower motor though. I made some tests and felt the 12v motor would work adequately on 6v. I wanted to document the difference so did change it to a 6v universal motor. What I found is the 6v motor puts out about a third more air than the 12v running on 6v but not nearly as much as the 12v running on 12v.