Full Version: using lighter for 12V inflator
Are there any issues with using the cig lighter to power a 12V tire inflator? Some of the reviews of inflators mention blowing fuses, but these appear to refer to newer cars. Should the car engine be running when using the inflator? Anyone with any advice about using or not using this?
914s are 40 years old now & so are the wires & copper in them!
I've had an inflater blow fuses on our newer wires `88 Westy, as well as brand new rented trucks we use as tow vehicles. Both for little bike tires & big ole vehicle & trailer tires.
So I would advise against it, or at least get a far better quality than what the FLAPS, HF, HD, Lowes, etc. sell, cuz they get hot when running even a short time!
That causes even more friction, & that is what I think is causing more current draw & blowing fuses & electrical fires in some cases.
That's my 2 cents!
Tom
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I've had an inflater blow fuses on our newer wires `88 Westy, as well as brand new rented trucks we use as tow vehicles. Both for little bike tires & big ole vehicle & trailer tires.
So I would advise against it, or at least get a far better quality than what the FLAPS, HF, HD, Lowes, etc. sell, cuz they get hot when running even a short time!
That causes even more friction, & that is what I think is causing more current draw & blowing fuses & electrical fires in some cases.
That's my 2 cents!
Tom
///////
QUOTE(Tom_T @ Sep 23 2015, 11:52 AM) 
914s are 40 years old now & so are the wires & copper in them!
I've had an inflater blow fuses on our newer wires `88 Westy, as well as brand new rented trucks we use as tow vehicles. Both for little bike tires & big ole vehicle & trailer tires.
So I would advise against it, or at least get a far better quality than what the FLAPS, HF, HD, Lowes, etc. sell, cuz they get hot when running even a short time!
That causes even more friction, & that is what I think is causing more current draw & blowing fuses & electrical fires in some cases.
That's my 2 cents!
Tom
///////
Maybe I'll just use a hand pump!
QUOTE(914 RZ-1 @ Sep 24 2015, 07:04 AM)
QUOTE(Tom_T @ Sep 23 2015, 11:52 AM)
914s are 40 years old now & so are the wires & copper in them!
I've had an inflater blow fuses on our newer wires `88 Westy, as well as brand new rented trucks we use as tow vehicles. Both for little bike tires & big ole vehicle & trailer tires.
So I would advise against it, or at least get a far better quality than what the FLAPS, HF, HD, Lowes, etc. sell, cuz they get hot when running even a short time!
That causes even more friction, & that is what I think is causing more current draw & blowing fuses & electrical fires in some cases.
That's my 2 cents!
Tom
///////
Maybe I'll just use a hand pump!
Hand pump whats that
,some of these compressors pull a lot of current,certainly more than the lighter I would extend the leads on your electric one and run straight on to the battery when you need it.
Cig lighter hole is larger than new plugs so contact is iffy and wires small. It was intended for 15 seconds of use. Get a HF battery booster / inflator about $40 and you good to go.
You can tap the battery directly. I used to use a chargeable one with good results.
I use a small SCUBA pony bottle for a compressed air source with the first stage of an old SCUBA regulator. The first stage reduces the pressure to a usable 120 PSI. The only drawback is, you must be SCUBA certified to have the tank re-filled and it must be visually inspected and pressure tested on a regular basis.
No problems using a cheap tire compressor on my Toyota. For the 914 I connect it straight to the battery cause the lighter cage is too big.
They like the engine running as the IR drop on the cables is big, and the last thing you want after a flat is a dead battery.
I like Elliot's idea. If you can't use a scuba tank, just buy the CO2 cartriges used by cyclists, like 200 of those
Now seriously, you can use a fire extinguisher tank.
They like the engine running as the IR drop on the cables is big, and the last thing you want after a flat is a dead battery.
I like Elliot's idea. If you can't use a scuba tank, just buy the CO2 cartriges used by cyclists, like 200 of those
Now seriously, you can use a fire extinguisher tank.
QUOTE(Elliot Cannon @ Sep 24 2015, 10:10 AM)
I use a small SCUBA pony bottle for a compressed air source with the first stage of an old SCUBA regulator. The first stage reduces the pressure to a usable 120 PSI. The only drawback is, you must be SCUBA certified to have the tank re-filled and it must be visually inspected and pressure tested on a regular basis.
oh,thats different,you don't have an air compressor
SCUBA... you learn something new every day. 
Here's a nice 12 volt pump for pretty cheap. From Shanghai Tool Supply. http://www.harborfreight.com/12V-100-PSI-H...il_s1031_c3915c
QUOTE(bandjoey @ Sep 23 2015, 12:47 PM)
Cig lighter hole is larger than new plugs so contact is iffy and wires small. It was intended for 15 seconds of use. Get a HF battery booster / inflator about $40 and you good to go.
Like this one? It's $75 on sale: http://www.harborfreight.com/4-in-1-jump-s...ssor-62374.html
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