Air Horn Compressor
Installation Instructions

Air Horn Compressor

Mounting the Compressor
1) For maximum efficiency the compressor should be mounted as close as
possible to the horn. A shorter length of air hose will improve performance.
The compressor should be mounted on a firm surface where it will beprotected from moisture and high temperatures, but is still accessible formaintenance purposes. The compressor should be mounted vertically withthe air port facing up.
2) The compressor can be mounted two ways: by using the metal mounting
strap or the mounting side-bracket on the compressor. To mount using thestrap, place the strap over the center of the compressor. Install the strap
nut and bolt through the holes in the bottom of the strap and tighten until
the strap is snug around the compressor. Mount the compressor and strap
using two 1/4” size pan-head screws of appropriate length. To Mounting TheCompressor mount using the side-bracket, install an 8mm bolt and “hang” thecompressor on the bolt.
3) Trim the air hose to the proper length using a sharp knife. Install the air hose
onto the compressor by sliding it over the air port opening. Be sure there areno kinks in the air hose that will impede air flow.
4) Lubricate the compressor right after installation and then again every
4-5 months to prevent possible loss of air volume. To lubricate thecompressor, remove the air hose from the compressor air port and place
3 to 4 drops of light machine oil into the air port opening. Do not overlubricate. Let the oil set for a few minutes and then activate the compressor
momentarily to distribute the oil. Failure to activate the compressor before
re-connecting the air hose may result in oil being blown onto the horn
diaphragm and contaminating it. Re-connect the air hose.

Wiring The Compressor
NOTE: The following items are needed to complete the wiring of the horn andare NOT included: horn button, 20-amp fuse and fuse carrier, two 1/4” female
quick-connect tabs and the proper length and gauge of stranded wire (see Wire
Size chart).
1) Select the proper stranded wire size for the length of wire you will needfrom the Wire Size chart.
2) The length of wire should be sufficient to allow enough slack to prevent
undue tension at the connection points.
3) Connect the wires as shown in the wiring diagram. It is recommended thatthe quick-connect tabs be soldered to the stranded wire for the best andmost reliable connection to the compressor. Suggestion: Use the Marinco
Direct Connect Multi Connection Battery Terminals (Part #12VTR) toconnect the wiring to the battery.
4) If horn volume is weak, recheck all the wiring and air hose connections.

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Installation Instructions

Wire Size Chart for 12V Installation
Length of Wire*
0-20 Feet
21-30 Feet
31-50 Feet
51-80 Feet
Over 80 Feet

Wire Size(0-5 Meters)(6-9 Meters)(10-15 Meters)(16-24 Meters)(Over 24 Meters)

14 AWG
12 AWG
10 AWG
8 AWG
6 AWG(1.9 mm)(2.3 mm)(3.0 mm)(4.0 mm)(5.3 mm)

AWG: American Wire Gauge*As measured from the battery to the compressor and back to the battery (round trip).

Trouble Shooting
If the air horn does not produce any sound or is low in volume, check the following:
1) Check to see if the 20A fuse has blown.
2) Check the air hose for kinks that could impede air flow.
3) Check the wiring for broken or frayed wires. Check the compressor with a DC
volt meter. Make sure there is 12 volts across the two compressor terminals
while the horn button is being pushed.
4) Check the horn diaphragm. Remove the 5 phillips head screws on thehorn end cap and remove the plastic diaphragm. Inspect the diaphragm forcontamination. If there is dirt or oil on it, clean with a soft dry cloth and reinstall. In the unlikely event that the diaphragm is torn, call Marinco customer
service for replacement part #20147.
5) Check compressor lubrication. If the compressor has not been lubricated ona regular basis (every 4-5 months) it could lose air volume. Lubricate as perinstruction #4 under “Mounting The Compressor”.
Note: It is very important that when lubricating the compressor, the oil is allowed tosettle and the compressor is activated BEFORE re-attaching the air hose. Failure
to do this may result in oil being blown onto the diaphragm and contaminating it.

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Warranty information: www.marinco.com/limited-warranty

www.marinco.com | 800.307.6702
12/2012								 20401