Central Pneumatic 90168 Installation manual

OILLESS COMPRESSOR
90168
SET UP AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Distributed exclusively by Harbor Freight Tools®.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.
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. Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing
improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein. Tools required for
assembly and service may not be included.
For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Manual revised 08h

SKU 90168 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 2
SAVE THIS MANUAL
Keep this manual for the safety warn-
ings and precautions, assembly, operat-
ing, inspection, maintenance and cleaning
procedures. Write the product’s serial
number in the back of the manual near the
assembly diagram (or month and year of
purchase if product has no number). Keep
this manual and the receipt in a safe and
dry place for future reference.
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INFORMATION
In this manual, on the labeling,
and all other information provid-
ed with this product:
This is the safety alert
symbol. It is used to alert
you to potential personal
injury hazards. Obey all
safety messages that
follow this symbol to avoid
possible injury or death.
DANGER indicates
a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING
indicates a
hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
CAUTION, used
with the safety
alert symbol, indicates a
hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in
minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE is used to
address practices
not related to personal injury.
CAUTION, without
the safety alert
symbol, is used to address
practices not related to
personal injury.
General Safety Warnings
WARNING Read all safety
warnings and instructions.
Failure to follow the warnings
and instructions may result in
explosion, re and/or serious
injury.
Save all warnings and
instructions for future reference.
Work area safety1.
Keep work area clean and well lit.a.
Cluttered or dark areas invite acci-
dents.
Do not operate compressors inb.
explosive atmospheres, such as in
the presence of ammable liquids,
gases or dust. Compressors be-
come hot which may ignite the dust
or fumes.
Keep children and bystandersc.away while operating a compres-
sor. Distractions can cause you to
lose control.
Electrical safety2.
Compressor plugs must match thea.
outlet. Never modify the plug in
any way. Do not use any adapter
plugs with grounded compressors.
Unmodied plugs and matching out-
lets will reduce risk of electric shock.
Avoid body contact with groundedb.
surfaces such as pipes, radiators,

SKU 90168 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 3
ranges and refrigerators. There is
an increased risk of electric shock if
your body is grounded.
Do not expose compressors toc.rain or wet conditions. Water enter-
ing a compressor will increase the
risk of electric shock.
Do not abuse the cord. Never used.
the cord for carrying, pulling or
unplugging the compressor. Keep
cord away from heat, oil, sharp
edges or moving parts. Damaged
or entangled cords increase the risk
of electric shock.
If operating a compressor in ae.
damp location is unavoidable, use
a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
(GFCI) protected supply. Use of
a GFCI reduces the risk of electric
shock.
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM WIRE
GAUGE FOR EXTENSION CORDS
(120 VOLT)
NAMEPLATE
AMPERES
(at full load)
EXTENSION CORD
LENGTH
25’ 50’ 100’ 150’
0 – 6 18 16 16 14
6.1 – 10 18 16 14 12
10.1 – 12 16 16 14 12
12.1 – 16 14 12 Do not use.
TABLE A
USE PROPER EXTENSION CORD.f. Make sure your extension cord is
in good condition. When using an
extension cord, be sure to use one
heavy enough to carry the current
your product will draw. An undersized
cord will cause a drop in line voltage
resulting in loss of power and over-
heating. Table A shows the correct
size to use depending on cord length
and nameplate ampere rating. If in
doubt, use the next heavier gage.
The smaller the gage number, the
heavier the cord.
Personal safety3.
Stay alert, watch what you are do-a.
ing and use common sense when
operating this compressor. Do
not use this compressor while you
are tired or under the inuence of
drugs, alcohol or medication. A
moment of inattention while operating
compressors may result in serious
personal injury.
Use personal protective equip-b.
ment. Always wear eye protection.
Safety equipment such as dust mask,
non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or
hearing protection used for appropri-
ate conditions will reduce personal
injuries.
Prevent unintentional starting.c.Ensure the switch is in the off-po-
sition before connecting to power
source or moving the compressor.
Do not overreach. Keep properd.
footing and balance at all times.
This enables better control of the
compressor in unexpected situations.
Dress properly. Do not wear loosee.
clothing or jewelry. Keep your
hair, clothing and gloves away
from moving parts. Loose clothes,
jewelry or long hair can be caught in
moving parts.
Only use safety equipment thatf. has been approved by an appropri-
ate standards agency. Unapproved
safety equipment may not provide
adequate protection. Eye protection
must be ANSI-approved and breath-
ing protection must be NIOSH-ap-

SKU 90168 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 4
proved for the specic hazards in the
work area.
Compressor use and care4.
Do not force the compressor. Usea.
the correct compressor for your
application. The correct compressor
will do the job better and safer at the
rate for which it was designed.
Do not use the compressor if theb.
switch does not turn it on and off.
Any compressor that cannot be con-
trolled with the switch is dangerous
and must be repaired.
Disconnect the plug from thec.power source of the compressor
before making any adjustments,
changing accessories, or stor-
ing compressors. Such preventive
safety measures reduce the risk of
starting the compressor accidentally.
Store idle compressors out of thed.
reach of children and do not allow
persons unfamiliar with the com-
pressor or these instructions to
operate it. Compressors are danger-
ous in the hands of untrained users.
Maintain compressors. Check fore.
misalignment or binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts and any
other condition that may affect the
compressor’s operation. If dam-
aged, have the compressor re-
paired before use. Many accidents
are caused by poorly maintained
compressors.
Use the compressor in accordancef. with these instructions, taking into
account the working conditions
and the work to be performed. Use
of the compressor for operations
different from those intended could
result in a hazardous situation.
Service5.
Have your compressor serviceda.
by a qualied repair person using
only identical replacement parts.
This will ensure that the safety of the
compressor is maintained.
Air Compressor Safety Warnings
1.

area or towards a hot surface. Spray
area must be well-ventilated. Do not
smoke while spraying or spray where

parts - keep compressor at least 20
feet away from explosive vapors,
such as when spraying with a spray
gun.
Risk of bursting - do not adjust2. regulator to result in output pressure
greater than marked maximum pres-
sure of attachment.
Risk of injury - do not direct air3. stream at body. To reduce the risk of
electric shock, do not expose to rain.
Store indoors.
Do not use to supply breathing air.4.
-5. pressor at people or animals.
Industrial applications must follow6. OSHA requirements.
Maintain labels and nameplates on7. the compressor. These carry impor-
tant safety information. If unreadable
or missing, contact Harbor Freight
Compressors for a replacement.
Avoid unintentional starting. Prepare8. to begin work before turning on the
compressor.

SKU 90168 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 5
This product is not a toy. Keep it out9. of reach of children.
WARNING: The brass components10. of this product contain lead, a chemi-
cal known to the State of California
to cause birth defects (or other repro-
ductive harm). (California Health &
Safety code § 25249.5, et seq.)
People with pacemakers should11. consult their physician(s) before use.
-
imity to heart pacemaker could cause
pacemaker interference or pacemak-
er failure. In addition, people with
pacemakers should:


on.

avoid electrical shock.

grounded. Ground Fault Circuit Inter-
rupter (GFCI) should also be imple-
mented – it prevents sustained elec-
trical shock.
Some dust created by power sand-12. ing, sawing, grinding, drilling, and
other construction activities, contains
chemicals known [to the State of Cali-
fornia] to cause cancer, birth defects
or other reproductive harm. Some
examples of these chemicals are:

-
ment or other masonry products
-
cally treated lumber
Your risk from these exposures var-
ies, depending on how often you do
this type of work. To reduce your
exposure to these chemicals: work in
a well ventilated area, and work with
approved safety equipment, such as
those dust masks that are specially

particles. (California Health & Safety
Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
WARNING: Handling the cord on13. this product will expose you to lead,
a chemical known to the State of
California to cause cancer, and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling. (Califor-
nia Health & Safety Code § 25249.5,
et seq.)
The warnings, precautions, and in-14. structions discussed in this instruction
manual cannot cover all possible con-
ditions and situations that may occur.
It must be understood by the operator
that common sense and caution are
factors which cannot be built into this
product, but must be supplied by the
operator.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS.

SKU 90168 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 6
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
TO PREVENT
ELECTRIC SHOCK
AND DEATH FROM
INCORRECT GROUNDING
WIRE CONNECTION
READ AND FOLLOW THESE
INSTRUCTIONS:
Grounded Compressors:
Compressors with Three Prong
Plugs
In the event of a malfunction or1. breakdown, grounding provides a
path of least resistance for electric
current to reduce the risk of electric
shock. This compressor is equipped
with an electric cord having an
equipment-grounding conductor and
a grounding plug. The plug must be
plugged into a matching outlet that
is properly installed and grounded in
accordance with all local codes and
ordinances.
Do not modify the plug provided – if it2.

-
cian.
Improper connection of the equip-3. ment-grounding conductor can re-
sult in a risk of electric shock. The
conductor with insulation having an
outer surface that is green with or
without yellow stripes is the equip-
ment-grounding conductor. If repair
or replacement of the electric cord or
plug is necessary, do not connect the
equipment-grounding conductor to a
live terminal.
4. service personnel if the grounding
instructions are not completely under-
stood, or if in doubt as to whether the
compressor is properly grounded.
Use only 3-wire extension cords that5. have 3-prong grounding plugs and
3-pole receptacles that accept the
compressor’s plug.
Repair or replace damaged or worn6. cord immediately.
7. This compressor is intended for use
on a circuit that has an outlet that
looks like the one illustrated above
in 125 V~ 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.
The compressor has a grounding
plug that looks like the plug illustrated
above in 125 V~ 3-Prong Plug and
Outlet.
The outlet must be properly installed8. and grounded in accordance with all
codes and ordinances.
Do not use an adapter to connect this9. compressor to a different outlet.

SKU 90168 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 7
Double Insulated Compressors:
Compressors with Two Prong
Plugs
To reduce the risk of electric shock,1. double insulated equipment has a po-
larized plug (one blade is wider than
-
ized outlet only one way. If the plug



proper outlet. Do not change the plug
in any way.
Double insulated compressors may2. be used in either of the 120 volt
outlets shown in the preceding illus-
tration. (See Outlets for 2-Prong
Plug.)
SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical
Requirements 120 V~ / 60 Hz / 210 W 
6.25 A (Peak)
Three Prong Plug
Air Tank Capacity 3 Gallons
Pressure Range 70-100 PSI
Air Flow Capacity .5 CFM @ 90 PSI / .7 CFM
@ 40 PSI
Accessories 25’ Coil Air Hose / Air Chuck
UNPACKING
When unpacking, make sure that the
item is intact and undamaged. 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 90168 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 8
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT
SAFETY INFORMATION
section at the beginning of this
manual including all text under
subheadings therein before set
up or use of this product.
TO PREVENT
SERIOUS INJURY
FROM ACCIDENTAL
OPERATION:
Turn the Power Switch of the
compressor to its “OFF”
position and unplug the
compressor from its electrical
outlet before assembling or
making any adjustments to
the compressor.
Note: For additional information regarding
the parts listed in the following pages,
refer to the Assembly Diagram near
the end of this manual.
Prior to using the Air Compressor,
make sure to familiarize yourself with its
basic features and methods of operation
as described in this section:
Power Switch (19):1. The Power
Switch turns the Air Compressor ON
and OFF. When the Power Switch
is in its ON position it allows the Air
Compressor to automatically start up
or shut down depending on the level
of compressed air in the Air Com-
pressor’s Tank (14).
Safety Valve (3):2. If the Air Compres-
sor does not automatically shut down
when the air pressure reaches the
Air Line
Connection
Point
TOOL
PRESSURE
GAUGE
(2A)
TOOL
PRESSURE
REGULATOR
(6)
TANK
PRESSURE
GAUGE
(2)
SAFETY
VALVE
(3)
TANK
(14) POWER
SWITCH
(19)
DRAIN
(9)

SKU 90168 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 9
factory preset level, the Safety Valve
will automatically pop open to prevent
over pressurization in the Tank (14).
To operate the Safety Valve manually,
pull the ring on the Safety Valve to
relieve air pressure in the Tank.
Tank Pressure Gauge (2):3. The Tank
Pressure Gauge measures the air
pressure stored in the Tank (14), and
is not adjustable by the operator.
Tool Pressure Gauge (2A):4. The Tool
Pressure Gauge measures the air
pressure being supplied to the tool
being used.
Tool Pressure Regulator (6):5. The
Tool Pressure Regulator allows you to
adjust the air pressure (0 to 120 PSI)
being supplied to the tool being used.
Turn the Tool Pressure Regulator
clockwise to increase the air pressure
to the tool, and counterclockwise to
decrease the air pressure.

SKU 90168 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 10
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT
SAFETY INFORMATION
section at the beginning of this
manual including all text under
subheadings therein before set
up or use of this product.
Close the Drain (9) completely.1.
Turn the Tool Pressure Regulator2. (6) counterclockwise until it is fully
closed.
Pull the ring on the Safety Valve (3)3. to check that it operates properly.
Attach the Air Hose (20) to the air4. outlet on the Regulator (6). Connect
the other end of the air hose to the air
inlet of the tool. Other components,
such as a connector and quick cou-
-
cient, but are not required.
Note: 
-

any object.
Plug the Power Cord/Plug (7) into the5. nearest 120 volt, grounded, electrical
outlet.
Turn the Power Switch (19) to its6. AUTO or
|
position.
Observe the Tank Pressure Gauge7. (2), and allow the air pressure in the
Tank (14) to build up to 70 PSI.
Observe the Tool Pressure Gauge8. (2A), while turning the Tool Pressure
Regulator clockwise to increase pres-
sure up to the desired level.
WARNING! Do not exceed the tool’s
maximum air pressure.
The Air Compressor is now ready9. to use. 
Compressor, turn the Power Switch
(19) to its OFF or Oposition. Then,
unplug the Air Compressor from its
electrical outlet.
Turn the Tool Pressure Regulator10. (6) counterclockwise until it is fully
closed.
Pull the ring on the Safety Valve (3)11. to relieve all remaining air pressure in
the Tank.
Activate the tool in a safe manner12. to release air pressure from the air
hose. Then, disconnect the air hose
from the tool, and store the compres-
sor in a safe, dry location.

SKU 90168 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 11
MAINTENANCE AND
SERVICING
Procedures not specically
explained in this manual
must be performed only by a
qualied technician.
TO PREVENT
SERIOUS INJURY
FROM ACCIDENTAL
OPERATION:
Turn the Power Switch of the
compressor to its “OFF”
position and unplug the
compressor from its electrical
outlet before performing any
inspection, maintenance, or
cleaning procedures.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS
INJURY FROM COMPRESSOR
FAILURE:
Do not use damaged
equipment. If abnormal noise
or vibration occurs, have the
problem corrected before
further use.
BEFORE EACH USE,1. inspect the
general condition of the Air Compres-
sor. Check for loose screws, mis-
alignment or binding of moving parts,
damaged electrical wiring, Tank, air
hoses/accessories (not included),
and any other condition that may af-
fect its safe operation.
AT END OF EACH WORKDAY:2. Condensation will accumulate inside
the Tank (14). To prevent corrosion
inside the Tank, the moisture should
be drained at the end of each work-
day. To drain the moisture, Pull the
ring on the Safety Valve (3) to relieve
all remaining air pressure in the Tank.
Open the Drain (9) on the bottom of
the Tank, and tilt the Tank to allow the
moisture to drain. Then, make sure
to fully close the Drain.
TO CLEAN:3. Use a clean cloth and
mild detergent to clean the body
of the Air Compressor. Do not use
solvents. Do not immerse any part of
the Air Compressor in liquid.
4. WARNING! If the supply cord of
this power tool is damaged, it must
be replaced only by a qualied
service technician.

SKU 90168 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 12
PARTS LIST
Part Description Qty.
1 Shroud w/Handle 1
2 Tank Pressure Gauge 1
A2 Tool Pressure Gauge 1
3 Safety Valve 1
4  1
5 Connector 2
6 Tool Pressure Regulator 1
7 Power Cord/Plug 1
8 Fan 1
9 Drain 1
10 Rubber Foot 4
PARTS LIST
Part Description Qty.
11 Circuit Board 1
12 Pressure Switch 1
13 Pump Assembly 1
14 Tank 1
15 Connector (1/8”-27 NPT) 2
16 Connection Nut 2
17 Copper Vent Tube 1
18 Screw 8
19 Power Switch 1
20 25’ Air Hose (Not Shown) 1
21  1
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY


DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT








SKU 90168 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 13
ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM
2A
2
3
4
5
8
5
6
1
19
18
17
16
15
15
13
14
12
11
1010
9
7
Air Line
Connection
Point
Parts 20 and 21 - Air Hose and Ination Chuck - not shown.
Record Product’s Serial Number Here:
Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.
Note: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are not avail-
able individually as replacement parts.

SKU 90168 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 14
LIMITED 1 YEAR / 90 DAY WARRANTY
Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high
quality and durability standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that for a period
of one year from date of purchase that the tank is free of defects in materials and work-
manship (90 days if used by a professional contractor or if used as rental equipment).
Harbor Freight Tools also warrants to the original purchaser, for a period of ninety days
from date of purchase, that all other parts and components of the product are free from
defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty does not apply to damage due di-
rectly or indirectly to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations out-
side our facilities, normal wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance. We shall in no event
be liable for death, injuries to persons or property, or for incidental, contingent, special
or consequential damages arising from the use of our product. Some states do not allow
the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limita-
tion of exclusion may not apply to you. 


To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with
transportation charges prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the com-
-
ther repair or replace the product at our election or we may elect to refund the purchase
price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will return re-
paired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect
resulted from causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost
of returning the product.

which vary from state to state.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd. • PO Box 6009 • Camarillo, CA 93011 • [phone]