SLS valve block relocation and compressor upgrade

[ScotchRocks]

Hello Discoverers,

I am contemplating the merits of doing something like this:
122896
1. Moving second battery from tray under the hood to rear left cargo position.
2. Relocating the sls valve block to now empty battery tray.
3. Upgrading compressor to something that can do tyres as well as sls. And doesn't cost $1200 to replace.

Some questions for the more experienced on here:
1. Am I being paranoid in wanting to relocate the sls apparatus to somewhere less likely to get submerged or damaged?
2. Should I just use a portable comp. rather than going for trendy pish posh air on board malarkey?
3. My understanding is that the space available where the ACE pump usually goes (td5, mine doesn't have ACE) is too small to cram in an engine driven compressor. Anyone tried?
4. Has anyone succcessfully relocated the sls compressor and valve block in this way? Worth it?

I want to keep the sls, so please no 'just convert to coils no problem' responses. Context is that this will be for a year long adventure to some reasonably remote (but not csr / Gary highway remote) locations.

[John_D4]

Watching with interest as I'm planning to convert my D2 TD5 back to air from coils. I've wondered the same about 'is this really the best place for an air compressor & electrical housing'. Seems like a stupid place to me

[Lemo]

Hey,

Great idea! I'll be doing the same when my compressor packs it in!
Use the search at the bottom of the page (when on a computer) and it'll bring up a few more hits.

Did a quick search and came up with this older post I'd come across before.
Also think there's a few links within post as well

Discussion on replacing Wabco sls compressor (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/discovery-2-a/133570-discussion-replacing-wabco-sls-compressor.html)

Cheers Lemo

[ScotchRocks]

Hey,

Great idea! I'll be doing the same when my compressor packs it in!
Use the search at the bottom of the page (when on a computer) and it'll bring up a few more hits.

Did a quick search and came up with this older post I'd come across before.
Also think there's a few links within post as well

Discussion on replacing Wabco sls compressor (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/discovery-2-a/133570-discussion-replacing-wabco-sls-compressor.html)

Cheers Lemo

Thanks a bunch, didn't find any of those in the first three pages of ?air compressor' related search. Believe it or not there are many many many pages of results for land rovers and air compressors :P

I feel like what I just wrote sounds sarcastic or rude, but I actually genuinely mean thank you! Thanks!

[Lemo]

Thanks a bunch, didn't find any of those in the first three pages of ?air compressor' related search. Believe it or not there are many many many pages of results for land rovers and air compressors :P

I feel like what I just wrote sounds sarcastic or rude, but I actually genuinely mean thank you! Thanks!

No problem!!

I used the search "sls arb compressor conversion"

I know before the site crashed I found a post with pictures of a guy using a remote arb compressor and machining an adaptor plate to bolt into the compressor locating before the dryer.
But left the valve block and hose in situ

I'll also have another search and see what I find and post here

Cheers Lemo

[nismine01]

Hi, just a different way to tackle the same thing!

Why not seal up the compressor housing, put in a 25mm fitting and a flexible pipe into the engine bay as we do with diff breathers.

Seems it would be a whole lot easier.[wink11]

Cheers

Mike

[John_D4]

Just found this interest thread. Worth the read. Towards the end a guy said he replaced his system with a compressor, tank & 2 solenoids. Sounds easy.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/discovery-2-a/192364-d2-sls-pump-alternative.html

[simonmelb]

The whole SLS system including the compressor and valve block is very reliable for normal touring use - as long as you extend the air breather hose from behind the rear tail light to inside the cabin away from dust, and don't submerge the whole compressor. Mine has never been touched in 300,000 km - only new airbags as that's it. For those who tow a lot maybe it would be working harder though.

It is easily serviced with the new compressor seal available on eBay from bagpipeandy.

So unless you're into lots of wading, I think you're trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist.

Better to keep the rear bin for extra storage if you can, and put an ARB compressor under the front drivers seat for your tyres.

And I think a good battery setup is the starter battery moved to the firewall position and a 120-130AH deep cycle where the starter battery was.

[CU55TM Disco]

If you have rear air con, there looks to be room for a decent sized compressor in beside the rear A.C. unit.

[Tins]

I've looked many times at that second battery tray, as I have moved my second battery down next to the starter batt. Then I remember why I moved it in the first place. That location gets pretty hot, at least it does on a TD5. Not sure that there'd be much advantage, as I reckon heat would be worse for the comp than the occasional dunking.

As for SLS, I regret ever taking it off. I got sick of coming back to the car and finding it sitting on the bump stops, and was 'advised ' by a LR "specialist" to put springs in, springs he'd be happy to sell me, of course. If I'd known how simple they actually are to fix..... The car's ride was ruined, I can't raise or lower it to meet the trailer, the list goes on.

[ScotchRocks]

I scored a second hand compressor and valve block assembly For a good price, so just going to carry a spare. Strongly considering replacing springs (age unknown) and keeping the current ones as spares, will refurbish the air lines and possibly add a manual inflation valve assembly while I am at it 'just in case'

Can't financially justify a super flash on board air system when the el cheapo portable compressor does the job.

Maybe be if I ever wanted to put an air locker in the rear diff I would revisit...

[Tins]

The whole SLS system including the compressor and valve block is very reliable for normal touring use - as long as you extend the air breather hose from behind the rear tail light to inside the cabin away from dust, and don't submerge the whole compressor. Mine has never been touched in 300,000 km - only new airbags as that's it. For those who tow a lot maybe it would be working harder though.

It is easily serviced with the new compressor seal available on eBay from bagpipeandy.

So unless you're into lots of wading, I think you're trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist.

Better to keep the rear bin for extra storage if you can, and put an ARB compressor under the front drivers seat for your tyres.

And I think a good battery setup is the starter battery moved to the firewall position and a 120-130AH deep cycle where the starter battery was.

bagpipingandy.

[Lemo]

[QUOTE=ScotchRocks;2683571]
Hey,
Any tips on the manual inflation assembly what are you using??
Shut off valve inline with tee piece to schrader valve??
Going to local pneumatic supplier this week and seeing what parts I can get??

Cheers Lemo

If the compressor fails you need to do both sides remember--
as long as theres a sharp set of side cutters, joiners, some tubing and two shraders in your tool kit, you're set.
I just found it easier to add some hose with the joiners as normal running gear,, other may have more original length hose, LR were pretty stingy with mine.
you will need around 60-70psi in the bags
maybe some tape to block the dust ?

[Fluids]

I'm with Simon. The SLS system is better left as is positioned and maybe extend the inlet filter incab as suggested. Fixing a custom system when remote will be way harder than just getting a std part and fitting it. In 8.5yrs ... I fitted new airsprings not long after purchase and I replaced 1x them during a trip a few weeks back. I did a bagpipingandy 2yrs ago when we bought the kamper as its 200kg odd ball weight & fitted a new inlet filter.

SLS is brilliant !

Car is 13yrs old. I reckon that's reliable ! It's done a little "sensible" wading during my time without any adverse effects.

I use the Arb in a box compressor. Plug into the rear Anderson and hose reaches all 6 tyres easily.
Onboard air can't be taken to another vehicle/application.

I'd leave the SLS as is :)

[lewy]

124817 124818
Okay here is what I done,
1. The existing valve block is still in use in the same place.
2. The problem is the dump/exhaust valve which is part of the compressor,
3. You need to modify the compressor so you can still use the dump valve .
4. The new compressor is mounted in the rear but can be mounted elsewere.