SuperFlow MV-50/MasterFlow MF-1050 Dual Air

[FPKites]

Not my original idea, but figured I'd document the process.

A lot of people have either the SuperFlow MV-50 compressor that was part of an inventory blow-out at Checker/Schuck's/Kragen a couple years back, and a lot of us have the MastFlow MF-1050 that's currently available from PepBoys and Costco.

This compressor, while a great little workhorse, has cruddy fittings on it, and a gauge that's sketchy at best. The compressor puts out CFM comparable to a Viair unit, at a fraction the price. The only difference between this unit and the Viair is the duty cycle. I've read that the SuperFlow/MasterFlow is 70% vs the 100% on the Viair.

If you go with dual hoses, the pressure between the 2 tires you're airing up will equalize...or so I understand. Not a physics major

The body of this pump rocks - problem is, the hose sucks. Mine gave out just after I had finished airing up the 3rd of 4 tires, and I had to borrow a hose from a club member so I could finish up. Of course, this unit doesn't use standard couplings, so I had to make sure I borrowed a hose from somebody who had the right unit.

Now onto the mod:

First, take off the standard pressure gauge that's on the compressor...it's garbage, and if it's every accurate, it's not for very long.


Here's a shot of our supplies. I went to our favorite store, Harbor Freight - picked up an Air Compressor Starter Kit, 2 tire chucks with a clip, an extra hose, a T-connector and a coupling to go from the 1/8" that's on the housing to the standard 1/4".


Here's our new gauge - $3.99 at Autozone.


Unscrew the collar, and here's what you have. I tried to pull out the actuator rod, but it doesn't come off. If I was being anal, I could have used the dremel to cut it shorter, but it doesn't seem to interfere with the pump housing, so I left it.


Don't forget the teflon tape on every fitting - don't want any leaks. The gauge fits perfectly in the threads of the old gauge


I had to use 2 couplings to go from the 1/8" to the 1/4" in order to adapt to the T-connector. Also, I set up the couplings so that I can go with 1 hose if I need to. Female on one side of the T, and male on the other. That way I have a side that will seal off when not in use.


Haven't had a chance to try it out on tires yet, but I've heard that it works well. Worst case, if I find it doesn't work, I'll take out the T and run it on one hose. At least I know that my shtuff doesn't leak anymore.

[nierace]

Neat...I think i'm going to but a compressor in my spare tire compartment. I'm not sure though...it may be a waste since I'm not going to air lockers and its only value would be to air up...I guess using air tools on the trail would be pretty cool too.

[FPKites]

With the low CFM, I don't think this compressor would be so great. Granted, it can hit up to 150PSI, but only a 1.5 or so CFM. Maybe coupled with a gallon or so tank? Anything more than 2 gallons would be way too much for this little compressor, especially since it's not 100% duty cycle

[nierace]

I didn't say I was going to get that girly compressor

[tigertrack1600m]

anybody else have mods/pics you did to this compressor?

[PrinceBondar]

I am in the process of modding right right now.

I went to Lowe's and for $8, I got a 25' coiled hose with a 1/4" male fitting on each end. For a little less than $4 each, I got two brass quick-change couplers (universal) and put those on there. So, $16 invested. The resulting hose will connect to the existing nipple on the compressor just fine. On the other end, you can plug in the air-filling instrument of one's choice. I'm also going to swap out the gauge with one from an auto store. I destroyed the stock one getting it off, so I hope I can find a suitable replacement.

[waterboarder]

I did this mod, using the same air gauge as you do. It doesn't work. When not actively using the air, the pressure greatly exceeds the 60psi on that gauge. When using the air, the needle bounces around so much, it is useless.

I tried using a gauge that goes up to 200psi. It could handle the pressure when not in use, but when using, the needle still bounced around so much that it was useless.

I ended up just capping off that hole and now I have no gauge at all. When I want to get the pressure, I'll just use a stem-style gauge on the tire itself.

In other news - I used my compressor over the weekend to blow up a queen-sized air mattress. Took only about 5 minutes. Pretty good!