[Target70]

Originally Posted by WNDSRFR

If you're using it so infrequently, I wouldn't worry about your bearings yet. I used to commute 50 miles to work every day on I-95 and would engage it at least 10 times a day. At least. I've changed batteries about 7 times.
As far as free spinning goes..
I don't understand how that works. I removed my switch from the gas petal and engage it by hand while the motor is clamped in a vice. It seems like it is either off or on. It's supposed to have the 2 stage switch but it doesn't seem to work. There's a pot on the switch, I don't know what it's for. I'll try adjusting it today to see if it does anything.
The only connection the controller has to the car is to the alternator via the batteries. I thought I had the latest version. Maybe not.

Well it's good to know it's robust enough to last this long with that type of duty cycle. For the free spinning I am referring to the engine pulling air through the compressor without the phantom motor being engaged while the engine is running say at idle or cruising speed. That air flow should cause the wheel to spin as the engine pulls the air through the intake. I realize that this puts much less stress on the bearings than being loaded with boost, but friction is friction so I just assume they will wear out eventually, but have no idea how long that would take.

as for your two stage switch I can't say. I believe the version with the two stage switch is one of if not the newest version but it's been a long time and I only have the 1.0 or 1.5? I think. Mine has a single trigger switch with a vacuum sensor in the control box and a vacuum line going to a nipple on the metal pipe between the intake and compressor that lightly activates the phantom whenever it senses a strong vacuum. For example when the engine is demanding more air than can easily flow through the compressor wheel, it spins up the compressor just enough create a positive pressure to cancel out the vacuum caused by the restriction, then it shuts back off.