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Can a car ac compressor be used as a Hydraulic pump ? Does it require some modifications to do so or is it impossible to begin with and the compressor can't handle the oil?

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  • $\begingroup$ hydraulic systems have to withstand high pressures (imagine the cylinder taking a hard bump) ... so, no $\endgroup$
    – Pete W
    Commented Dec 19, 2021 at 23:51

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No, the clearances, compression ratio and valves are not designed for that use.

If you want a hydraulic pump then use a power steering pump, now available in two flavours mechanical ie engine or belt driven and electric.

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I would say definitely not. Pumps like that are designed specifically for their application, and changing the working fluid is not what I would call a minor change. It's possible you could hook it up and get it to run poorly in a fashion, but be prepared for it to break at any moment, so whatever you need the hydraulic pressure for would be at risk. It would be much easier to buy a small hydraulic pump, or better yet a hydraulic jack unless you need a lot of fluid displacement.

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  • Air compressors work by compressing air, a gas.
  • Hydraulic pumps work by pumping hydraulic fluid, a liquid, which is not compressible.

Attempting to run hydraulic fluid through an air compressor will most likely burst the compressor.

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