Central Pneumatic 04169 User manual

AIR COMPRESSOR
5.5 HP / 8 GAL. / GASOLINE POWERED
Model 04169
ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011
Visit our Web site at http://www.harborfreight.com
Copyright 2003 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No portion of this
manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form
without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
®
®

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
SAVE THIS MANUAL
You will need this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly,
operating, inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures, parts list and
assembly diagram. Keep your invoice with this manual. Write the invoice
number on the inside of the front cover. Keep this manual and invoice in a safe
and dry place for future reference.
GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
1. KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN AND DRY. Cluttered, damp, or wet work areas
invite injuries.
2. KEEP CHILDREN AWAY FROM WORK AREA. Do not allow children to handle
this product.
3. STORE IDLE EQUIPMENT. When not in use, tools and equipment should be
stored in a dry location to inhibit rust. Always lock up tools and equipment, and
keep out of reach of children.
4. DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT IF UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR
DRUGS. Read warning labels on prescriptions to determine if your judgement or
reflexes are impaired while taking drugs. If there is any doubt, do not attempt to
use this product.
SKU 04169 PAGE 2
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Never use compressed air on yourself or another to blow off clothing, skin or hair.

5. USE EYE AND HAND PROTECTION. Wear ANSI approved safety impact eye
goggles and heavy-duty work gloves when using this product. ANSI
approved safety impact eye goggles and heavy-duty work gloves are available
from Harbor Freight Tools.
6. DRESS SAFELY. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry, as they can become
caught in moving parts. Wear a protective hair covering to prevent long hair from
becoming caught in moving parts. If wearing a long-sleeve shirt, roll sleeves up
above elbows.
7. DO NOT OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at all times to prevent
tripping, falling, back injury, etcetera.
8. INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS MUST FOLLOW OSHA REQUIREMENT.
9. STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing at all times. Use common sense. Do
not use this product when you are tired or distracted from the job at hand.
10. CHECK FOR DAMAGED PARTS. Before using this product, carefully check that
it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for damaged
parts and any other conditions that may affect the operation of this product.
Replace or repair damaged or worn parts immediately.
11. REPLACEMENT PARTS AND ACCESSORIES: When servicing, use only
identical replacement parts. Only use accessories intended for use with this
product. Approved accessories are available from Harbor Freight Tools.
12. MAINTAIN THIS PRODUCT WITH CARE. Keep this product clean and dry for
better and safer performance.
13. MAINTENANCE: For your safety, service and maintenance should be performed
regularly by a qualified technician.
14. USE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB. Do not attempt to force a small tool or
attachment to do the work of a larger industrial tool. There are certain applica-
tions for which this tool was designed. It will do the job better and more safely at
the rate for which it was intended. Do not modify this tool, and do not use this
tool for a purpose for which it was not intended.
15. WARNING: The warnings, precautions, and instructions discussed in this manual
cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. The operator
must understand that common sense and caution are factors, which cannot be
built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.
SPECIFIC PRODUCT WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
1. MAINTAIN A SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT. Keep the work area well lit.
Make sure there is adequate surrounding workspace. Always keep the work area
free of obstructions, grease, oil, trash, and other debris. Do not use the Air Com-
pressor in areas near flammable chemicals, dusts, and vapors.
SKU 04169 PAGE 3 REV 09/03

2. ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE AIR COMPRESSOR FROM ITS ELECTRICAL
POWER SUPPLY SOURCE, RELEASE ITS AIR PRESSURE, AND
DISCONNECT ALL PNEUMATIC TOOLS FROM THE MACHINE BEFORE
PERFORMING ANY SERVICES OR MAINTENANCE.
3. WARNING: Make sure to fill the Air Compressor with a premium quality,
30-weight, non-detergent, compressor oil before each use. Running the Air
Compressor with no oil or low oil will cause damage to the equipment and
void the warranty.
4. MAKE SURE ALL TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED WITH THE AIR
COMPRESSOR ARE RATED TO THE APPROPRIATE PSI CAPACITY. Do not
use any tool or equipment that operates over 125 PSI.
5. DRAIN AIR COMPRESSOR EVERY DAY. Do not allow moisture to build up
inside the Air Compressor Tanks (part #39). Do not allow the Air Compressor to
sit pressurized for longer than one hour.
6. DO NOT REMOVE THE FACTORY SEALED PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
(part #13).
7. DO NOT OPEN THE AIR COMPRESSOR TANKS’ DRAIN PLUGS SO THAT
MORE THAN FOUR THREADS ARE SHOWING.
8. THE AIR COMPRESSOR TANKS’ SAFETY VALVE (part #29) SHOULD NOT
BE ADJUSTED. This Valve automatically releases air if the Tank pressure ex-
ceeds the preset maximum.
9. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR OR MODIFY THE AIR COMPRESSOR TANKS
(part #39). Welding, drilling, or any other modification will weaken the Tanks,
resulting in damage from rupture or explosion. Always replace worn, cracked, or
damage Tanks.
10. NEVER OPERATE THE AIR COMPRESSOR WITHOUT ITS SAFETY COVER
(part #31) ATTACHED AND IN GOOD WORKING ORDER. Air Compressor
scan start automatically without warning. Personal injury and/or property damage
could result from contact with moving parts.
11. THE AIR COMPRESSOR PARTS MAY BE HOT EVEN IF THE UNIT IS
STOPPED. Keep fingers away from the running Air Compressor. Fast moving
and hot parts will cause injury and/or burns.
12. DO NOT SPRAY FLAMMABLE MATERIALS IN THE VICINITY OF AN OPEN
FLAME OR NEAR IGNITION SOURCES INCLUDING THE AIR COMPRESSOR
UNIT. Do not direct paint or other sprayed materials at the Air Compressor. Lo-
cate the Air Compressor as far away from the spraying area as possible to mini-
mize overspray and accumulation on the Air Compressor. Use a face mask/
respirator when spraying, and spray in a well ventilated area to prevent health
and fire hazards. Do not smoke when spraying paint, insecticides, or other flam-
mable substances. When spraying or cleaning with solvents or toxic chemicals,
follow the instructions provided by the chemical manufacturer.
SKU 04169 PAGE 4 REV 09/03

13. GASOLINE FUEL AND FUMES ARE FLAMMABLE, AND POTENTIALLY
EXPLOSIVE. Use proper fuel storage and handling procedures. Always have
several ABC Class fire extinguishers nearby.
14. KEEP THE AIR COMPRESSOR AND SURROUNDING AREA’S CLEAN AT
ALL TIMES.
15. REFILL THE ENGINE WITH GASOLINE OUTDOORS OR ONLY IN WELL
VENTILATED AREAS. Do not store, spill, or use gasoline near an open flame or
heat devices such as a stove, furnace, or water heater which utilize a pilot light or
any device that can produce a spark.
16. DO NOT REFILL THE ENGINE WITH GASOLINE WHILE THE ENGINE IS
RUNNING OR HOT.
17. WHEN SPILLS OF FUEL OR OIL OCCUR, THEY MUST BE CLEANED UP
IMMEDIATELY. Dispose of fluids and cleaning materials as per all local, state,
and federal codes and regulations. Store oil rags in a covered metal container.
18. DO NOT OPERATE THE AIR COMPRESSOR WITH KNOWN LEAKS IN THE
FUEL SYSTEM.
19. NEVER STORE FUEL OR OTHER FLAMMABLE MATERIALS NEAR THE AIR
COMPRESSOR.
20. WARNING! CARBON MONOXIDE CAN CAUSE SEVERE NAUSEA,
FAINTING, OR DEATH. DO NOT OPERATE THE AIR COMPRESSOR INSIDE
A CLOSED BUILDING OR A POORLY VENTILATED AREA.
21. FIRE AND EXPLOSION DANGER. AVOID CONTACT WITH HOT FUEL, OIL,
AND EXHAUST FUMES.
22. PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO NOISE LEVELS ABOVE 85 dBA IS HAZARD-
OUS TO HEARING. ALWAYS WEAR ANSI APPROVED HEARING PROTEC-
TION WHEN OPERATING OR WORKING NEAR THE AIR COMPRESSOR
WHEN IT IS RUNNING.
23. ALWAYS FOLLOW AND COMPLETE SCHEDULED AIR COMPRESSOR AND
ENGINE MAINTENANCE.
24. CAUTION! THE AIR COMPRESSOR CONTAINS NO AIR COMPRESSOR OIL.
Follow lubrication instructions before operating the Air Compressor.
25. CAUTION! THE GASOLINE ENGINE (part #25) CONTAINS NO ENGINE OIL.
Refer to the engine manufacturer’s lubrication instructions before operating the
Engine.
SKU 04169 PAGE 5 REV 09/03
26. WHEN CHECKING THE ENGINE’S OIL LEVEL: Make sure to unscrew (do not
pull) the Dip Stick out.

27. TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR AIR TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT, it is
recommended to install an Oiler/Water Filter (not included) in series with the Air
Output Line of the Air Compressor. (See Figure A.)
28. MAKE SURE TO READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AS OUTLINED IN THE BRIGGS & STRATTON
GASOLINE ENGINE USER MANUAL.
29. WARNING! MAKE SURE TO TURN OFF THE GASOLINE ENGINE, RELEASE
ALL PRESSURE FROM THE SYSTEM, AND ALLOW THE UNIT TO COM-
PLETELY COOL BEFORE PERFORMING ANY INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE,
OR CLEANING PROCEDURES ON THE UNIT.
30. WARNING: This product contains or produces a chemical known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects (or other reproductive harm).
(California Health & Safety Code 25249.5 et seq.)
SKU 04169 PAGE 6 REV 09/03
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TO
PNEUMATIC
TOOL / EQUIPMENT
TO
AIR
COMPRESSOR
OUTLET LINE
OILER / WATER FILTER
(NOT INCLUDED)
FIGURE A
UNPACKING
When unpacking, check to make sure all the parts shown on the Parts List on page 12
are included. If any parts are missing or broken, please call Harbor Freight Tools at the
number shown on the cover of this manual as soon as possible.

SKU 04169 PAGE 7 REV 09/03
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE: For additional references to the parts listed in the following pages, refer to the
Assembly Diagram on page 12.
Note: The only assembly required is as follows.
A. Put on front Wheel (part #30): An Axle Washer (part #41) goes on each side of
Wheel and Front Axle (part #42) fits through hub of wheel. Insert Retainer Pin
(part #43) to keep wheel in place. Front Axle fits into Wheel Brackets (part #50)
and is secured in place by two Bolts (part #44) with Washer (part #45), which are
threaded into the hole in each Wheel Bracket.
B. Each Handle (part #46 and #47) fits into the Handle Bracket (part #51) on the
side of the Air Tank (part #39). Secure each Handle in place with 2 Bolt/Washer
combinations (part #44 and #45). After assembly is complete test the rollability of
the Air Compressor. Make sure Front Wheel rolls properly, with no wobble. Make
sure the Handles are securely in place.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1. CAUTION: ALWAYS make sure the Air Compressor is filled to the proper
level with a premium quality, 30-weight, non-detergent compressor oil prior
to turning on the machine. Failure to do so will result in damage to the Air
Compressor and void its warranty.
2. To check the level of oil in the Air Compressor, observe the Oil Window (part #22)
located on the Crank Shaft Case (part #24). Proper oil level is indicated when
FIGURE B
SAFETY VALVE
(#29)
PRESSURE
GAUGE
(#12)
QUICK COUPLER
(NOT INCLUDED)
TOOL
PRESSURE VALVE
(#13)
CONNECTOR
(#14)
1. Prior to using, the Air Compressor requires the attachment of a 3/8” NPT Quick
Coupler (not included) to the Connector (part #14) of the Pressure Gauge
(part #12). To do so, wrap approximately 4” of thread seal tape (not included)
around the male threads of the Quick Coupler. Then, wrench tighten the Quick
Coupler into the “T” Connector. (See Figure B.)

the oil appears in the middle of the circle in the Oil Sight Gauge. (See Figure C.)
3. If the oil level is below the middle of the circle in the Oil Window (part #22), UN-
SCREW (do not pull) the Oil Cap (part #23) out of the Oil Fill Hole. Next, add oil
into the Oil Fill Hole until the level of oil reaches the middle of the circle as indi-
cated in the Oil Window. Do not overfill. Then screw the Oil Cap back onto the
Oil Fill Hole, being careful not to strip the plastic threads.
(See Figure C.)
SKU 04169 PAGE 8 REV 09/03
OIL
WINDOW
(#22)
OIL CAP
(#23)
FRONT VIEW SIDE VIEW
FIGURE C
4. CAUTION: ALWAYS make sure the crankcase of the Gasoline Engine
(part #25) is filled to the proper level with a premium quality, 30-weight,
non-detergent engine oil prior to starting the engine. Failure to do so will
result in damage to the Air Compressor and void its warranty. Refer to the
engine manufacturer’s instruction manual for further information.
5. Check to make sure the Drain Plugs on both Air Tanks (part #39) are fully closed.
(See Figures D, and E.)
TYPICAL DRAIN PLUGS
1/4” HEX
PIPE
FIGURE D
6. Turn the Tool Pressure Valve (part #13) clockwise all the way to allow com-
pressed air to build up in the Air Tanks (part #39). (See Figure B.)

7. Connect the air hose (not provided) to the previously installed 3/8” NPT Quick
Coupler on the Air Outlet Line. Then, connect the other end of the air hose to the
pneumatic tool or equipment (not provided) that is to be used.
8. Start the Gasoline Engine (part #25). Refer to the Gasoline Engine
manufacturer’s instruction manual for further information.
9. Allow sufficient time for the Air Tanks’ Pressure Gauge (part #27) to indicate at
least 80 PSI before using the Air Compressor. (See Figure I.)
SKU 04169 PAGE 9 REV 09/03
AIR OUTLET LINE
TOOL PRESSURE VALVE
(#13)
PRESSURE GAUGE
(#12) PRESSURE GAUGE (#27)
AIR FILTER (#1)
AIR TANK (#39)DRAIN PLUG
WHEEL (#30)
SAFETY COVER (#31)
FIGURE E
GASOLINE ENGINE (#25)
10. Turn the Tool Pressure Valve (part #13) counterclockwise to allow air to the
pneumatic tool. (See Figures B, and E.)
11. NOTE: When adjusting the air pressure being forwarded to the pneumatic tool,
you will need to compare the pressure readings of both the Tanks’ Pressure
Gauge (part #27) and the outlet Pressure Gauge (part #12). The reading on the
Tanks’ Pressure Gauge dictates the maximum air pressure at which the outlet
Pressure Gauge may be set. (See Figure E.)
12. With the Air Compressor running, and the air hose and pneumatic tool hooked up
to the Air Compressor, turn the Tool Pressure Valve (part #13)
counterclockwise to increase the air output to the tool, up to the maximum
rated pressure (125 PSI) as indicated on the Tanks’ Pressure Gauge (part #27).
(See Figure E.) In any case never exceed the pressure rating of the hose or tool
connected to compressor.
13. Turn the Tool Pressure Valve (part #13) clockwise to decrease the air output to
the tool, down to the minimum rated pressure (0 PSI) as indicated on the Tanks’
Pressure Gauge (part #27). (See Figure E.)
14. The Safety Valve (part #29) is used when decompression is needed quickly and
efficiently. (See Figure B.)
SAFETY VALVE (#29)

15. In the event fast decompression of the Air Tanks (part #39) is required, immedi-
ately turn off the Gasoline Engine (part #25) and pull out on the Pull Ring of the
Safety Valve (part #29) until both Air Tanks have fully decompressed.
(See Figures B, and E.)
16. Pull out on the Safety Valve (part #29) to immediately release air pressure in the
Air Tanks (part #39). (See Figure I.)
SKU 04169 PAGE 10 REV 09/03
17. When finished using the Air Compressor, turn off the Gasoline Engine
(part #25), and pull out on the Pull Ring of the Safety Valve (part #29) until both
Air Tanks (part #39) have fully decompressed. (See Figures B, and E.)
INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND CLEANING
1. CAUTION! Aways release all pressure from the system and disconnect all
tools from the Air Compressor before performing any inspection, maintenance,
or cleaning. Be aware that the sudden release of air from any valve or air tool can
present a danger to one’s ears.
2. BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the general condition of the Air Compressor.
Check all air fittings for leaks. Check for loose screws, misalignment or binding
of moving parts, cracked or broken parts, damaged, and any other condition that
may affect the safe operation of this tool. If abnormal noise or vibration occurs,
immediately release all pressure from the system and have the problem cor-
rected before further use. Do not use damaged equipment.
The Drain Plugs are located underneath each Air Tank, and should be used daily
to release all trapped moisture that may cause Air Tank corrosion. Slowly and
carefully unscrew (no more than four threads) the Drain Plugs until the con-
densation begins to be released from the Air Tanks. Allow sufficient time for all of
the condensation to escape from the Air Tanks. Then, firmly re-tighten the Drain
Plugs. (See Figure E.)
3. DAILY: EMPTY CONDENSATION FROM THE AIR TANKS (part #39).
4. DAILY: Check the Air Compressor oil level. If necessary, fill with a premium
quality, 30-weight, non-detergent, compressor oil. NOTE: When checking the Air
Compressor oil level, make sure to unscrew (do not pull) the Oil Cap (part #23).
5. EVERY 100 HOURS OF USE: Clean the Air Filter Sleeve (part #1) with a mild
solvent. Then, dry and re-attach the Air Filter Sleeve. (Replace the Air Filter
Sleeve if it is too dirty to properly clean.) To clean or replace the Air Filter Sleeve,
remove the two Hex Socket Set Bolts. Remove the Air Filter Cover. Remove the
Air Filter Sleeve and clean. Then, replace the Air Filter Sleeve and two Hex
Socket Set Bolts. (See Figures E, and F.)