SLS valve block relocation and compressor upgrade

ScotchRocks · 4th May 2017, 03:32 PM

Hello Discoverers,

I am contemplating the merits of doing something like this:
IMG_0334.jpg
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** · 4th May 2017, 03:44 PM

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** · 4th May 2017, 04:46 PM

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

Cheers Lemo

ScotchRocks · 4th May 2017, 04:55 PM

Originally Posted by 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

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** · 4th May 2017, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by ScotchRocks

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** · 4th May 2017, 09:02 PM

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.

Cheers

Mike

**John_D4** · 5th May 2017, 09:09 AM

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.

D2, SLS Pump alternative.

**simonmelb** · 5th May 2017, 12:01 PM

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** · 8th May 2017, 02:44 PM

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

**Tins** · 13th June 2017, 11:48 AM

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.

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SLS valve block relocation and compressor upgrade

We can do this the easy way, or the hard way, which is it going to be?

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