SteveG

Question for electrical gurus: Big 3 aren't carrying the compressor because Porsche jumped the price. As we all know dealers don't have a lot time for 928 questions. Anybody know what the newer standard (911) compressor pulls (as in amps)? To compound the problem, I have a feeling my cigarette lighter is inop due to PO mods. I plan on unhooking whatever is wired thru the lighter, and R&R the lighter. THEN can I assume the new compressor won't overburden that circuit?

dr bob

In my opinion, the only reason to insist on a genuine compressor is to get the black box that holds it. You either have it or you don't, and mine is languishing in a storage box with a few other original pieces that may be valuable to a collector/owner someday.

In the meanwhile, for less than $10 at Wal-Mart, you can get a smaller, lighter, works-just-as-good 12V compressor.

One item on my future-projects list is adding a cigarette-lighter type accessory outlet that will live inside the tool compartment. The battery is very close, just a short (sorry...) run with a fused 20A power lead. Run a dedicated ground to the battery, and you can use it to charge/maintain the battery with the ground strap lifted. It also means you can run the compressor without asphyxiating yourself on exhaust fumes. All the bits for this install come from the local auto parts place for about the same cost as the $10 compressor.

ps-- One of my 'factory' compressors says "Made in Canada" on it. I haven't opened the other one, the black one. It's still sealed in the original wrapping. That's gotta make it worth an additional $100 or so...

Spend your money wisely!

Drewster67

I agree with the Doctor - The best thing about the compressor is the word PORSCHE (and the special fittings to deflate/inflate the spare) I have one from my 924s and have used it frequently but it's retired. (still working)

jpitman2

A few comments from my experience. A normal cigar lighter is NOT good for prolonged use of things like tyre pumps. If you look around, you will find a similar plug/socket set with a positive (as against rubbing/friction) contact for the +ve pole. These are much better for handling current safely. I have a fused one coming out of the battery box, and a socket under the number plate - invisible unless you know to look there. I can use it for charging or +12V supply to exterior.
Also, cheap compressors get VERY hot VERY quickly. A superior type is one that has at least a small air tank, and pump runs only when pressure falls. These give the pump a breather now and again, and increase their life quite a bit.
HTH
jp

dr bob

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by jpitman2:
<strong>A few comments from my experience. A normal cigar lighter is NOT good for prolonged use of things like tyre pumps. If you look around, you will find a similar plug/socket set with a positive (as against rubbing/friction) contact for the +ve pole. These are much better for handling current safely. I have a fused one coming out of the battery box, and a socket under the number plate - invisible unless you know to look there. I can use it for charging or +12V supply to exterior.
Also, cheap compressors get VERY hot VERY quickly. A superior type is one that has at least a small air tank, and pump runs only when pressure falls. These give the pump a breather now and again, and increase their life quite a bit.
HTH
jp</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Hi Jp--

The 'get hot quickly' problem afflicts the compressors in the P-labeled box too. These are definitely not designed for continuous duty. Seems like the plastic case that the Wal-Mart compressor comes in is designed to keep you from burning your fingers when you use it.

The power outlet by the number plate is a good idea, especially if you can located a socket that has a weatherproof cover as part of the package. Most of the 12V accessories I carry are set up to use a two-pin Molex-style connector rather than the cigar lighter. It takes a little work to get everything changed, but the connections are much more reliable. In the truck this includes fuel transfer pump (for the boat...), battery charger (for the boat...), air compressor, trouble light, AC inverter, a blow-up toy inflator (for the boat...), and probably more. So far only the compressor gets used in the 928, so it may be a few weeks before I get around to installing a molex power socket in that car. Might make a nice aftermarket accessory package, with the pre-fab'd wiring harness, the compressor, and a charger/maintainer for the battery.

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