It looks like I'll have to replace an engine mount on my 97 Honda Civic CX D16Y7. What's the most economical air compressor/tools & accessories for getting some of those bolts off? I haven't used one before and I'm on a tight budget so it's going to have to be the minimal rig.
Thank you for your attention.

 

To be honest, when it comes to quality air compressors and air impact guns, they are not cheap. If they are economical, they don't have the power needed to get stubborn bolts/nuts off.

You are more likely to have better success with a torque multiplier and quality hand tools and a mapp/oxygen torch setup. mapp/oxygen I think is a little cheaper than the oxy/acetylene torches.

If you have the dollars the inductance tool is a safer route than a torch but it's about 3 times the cost.

 

I bought a Craftsman composite air impact for $150 with 750ft/lb of torque. That son of a bitch took a D17a2 crank pulley bolt right off with no issues. Axle nuts are also no issue even when they're staked in properly. I fortunately already had a 60 gallon Home Depot air compressor.

Can you keep an eye out for an air compressor tank on craigslist and just buy a replacement motor for it? Might be able to get a 60 gallon under 200 bucks that way.

 

Literally have never used air tools while doing a swap on a Honda. Was never needed. Save the money and get the swap done,

 

Thank you very much for your reply. I deeply appreciate it. I needed a starting point and you provided that so I'm very grateful. I've since looked online and it looks like the Harbor Freight Earth Quake 1/2 in. Composite Air Impact Wrench could fit into my budget. The specs include: "average air consumption 6CFM @ 90 PSI" and "delivers 950 ft. lbs. of bolt breakaway torque."
What would be an adequate air compressor for this particular wrench? I'm unfamiliar with the hoses and other parts, such as sockets (do they have to be just for an air impact wrench?), and hoses and other parts necessary to use it. I'm also restoring a 92 GeoMetro and I have an old 75 Dodge Champion 17ft. RV in storage that I may be taking apart this winter.
The work on the RV will be outdoors and isolated away from electrical sources so the air compressor that I will need will have to be gas-powered. If so, what's the most practical one for me to get?
Thank you very much for sharing your insight and experience.

 

There are special impact sockets that are case-hardened to withstand the torque delivered by an impact wrench. You will also need an inline water separator if you want your tools to last. I also recommend installing a quick release drain valve on the bottom of the tank, since air compressors also compress water that accumulates in the bottom.

The hose size/lengths vary depending on the tools you use. The highest diameter and shortest in length hoses deliver the most power (air CFM). I still used a 50ft 3/8" hose with the impact and it ripped the crank pulley bolt right off. I don't know off hand for CFM requirements, but a 30 gallon will do most anything except for continuous painting or continuous impact use. I've literally NEVER had to stop working with my 60 gallon though, which was handy during my transmission jobs this and last year. It's also super handy being able to fill up tires and blow out computers.

Which engine mount are you taking off? I don't think you need an air compressor setup if you're doing a one time job. I opted for all of my tools since I am the family mechanic for about 6 people. I also do side work on the weekends for extra cash since my job is only part time currently. I also really like using air ratchets to take off bolts super fast. You may wish to consider electric impacts for the portability. How far away is that RV? I'm not aware of any gas powered compressors outside of those crazy ones mounted on mobile service vehicles.

If the bolts are rusted/corroded frozen, a strong impact will likely snap the bolt right off. The impact likely won't even fit in the tight spaces a motor mount calls for. You might need to rethink your approach on the mount issue.

 

 

i have done dozens of engines and transmissions. i maintain all 6 of my vehicles and many of my family/friend's cars. that said, i do not use air tools at all. i use a $50 electric impact from harbor freight and a breaker bar when needed.

 

My thoughts exactly, every once in a while I need the impact gun, not not usually. I would save the money and just some hand tools.

 

yup, its not like all i do is work on little civics. i maintain my ram 2500, our van, etc. work them chicken wings!

 

I use an 18v battery-powered 1/2" impact and a 20v 1/4" impact driver on 99% of the stuff I maintain. Since i bought the battery impact, I haven't even fired my compressor up. I mean, you're gonna pay a pretty penny for a decently-sized (and reputably branded) compressor, and then you have to worry about the tools. You can also spend a ton of money on battery tools...I've found that the the battery tools are more economical and frankly, I get REAL touchy when the air hose gets caught under anything/everything.

When sizing a compressor or air tool, I've always heard the best combination (as far as CFM goes) is to have a compressor whose CFM is at least 1.5x the CFM of the tool. Air ratchets and die grinders use a ton of air, generally.

 

OP, just think about your needs. I don't need portability at all, and I basically inherited my 60 gallon compressor and have used it for 8 years with no issues other than trimming a hose when the end blew off. I also don't like to find replacement battery packs for things, or keep multiples on hand during a long job. I have a die grinder, impact, air ratchet, butterfly impact, air hammer/pickle fork, blow gun, spray paint gun, tire pressure adapters, and an air drill. I've used all of those tools this year several times except for the paint gun. The butterfly air impact and ratchet come out on most jobs, and really speeds work up.

The blow gun is also very handy for scaring the **** out of wildlife without having to kill them or wait for animal control. There's something about a huge volume of air and hissing that makes them freak out.

 

18v impact driver works fine, truthfully you'll need to get a feel for it because if you decide to go with an air compressor on a remote job you'll need either a)gas powered generator b)high powered inverter with a high powered alternator. Each has pro's and cons.