Central Pneumatic 96068 Installation manual

12 VOLT HIGH VOLUME 100 PSI
AIR COMPRESSOR
Model 96068
SET UP AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
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©2007 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 improve-
ments, 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 10g

Page 2SKU 96068 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical Requirements 12 VDC / 14 Amps
Power Cord Type: 18 AWG x 2 C x 121” Long
Power Plug Type: Cigarette Lighter Adapter Plug
Fuse Type: 15 Amp/250V
Power Switch Type: ON/OFF Rocker Button
Equipped with Overload Protection
Maximum Working Pressure 100 PSI
Pump Style Single Cylinder
Maximum Continuous
Working Time
12 Minutes
Recommended ON/OFF
Cycle Time
12 Minutes On / 30 Minutes Off
Air Gauge 0 to 100 PSI / 0 to 7 kg/cm2
Air Flow Capacity 0.88 GP/Minute (25 L/Minute)
Air Hose Diameter 5/16”
Overall Dimensions 6-5/8” L x 2.83” W x 5-1/4” H
Weight 3.5 Lb.
SAVE THIS MANUAL
You will need this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly, oper-
ating, 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 RULES AND PRECAUTIONS
WARNING!
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS
Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in
electric shock, re, and/or serious injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WORK AREA
Keep your work area clean and well lit.1. Cluttered benches and dark areas invite
accidents.
Do not operate air compressors in explosive atmospheres, such as in the2.
presence of ammable liquids, gases, or dust. Air Compressors create sparks
which may ignite the dust or fumes.
Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while operating an air tool.3.
Distractions can cause you to lose control. Protect others in the work area from
debris such as chips and sparks. Provide barriers or shields as needed. Children
should not be allowed in the work area.

Page 3SKU 96068 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
PERSONAL SAFETY
Stay alert. Watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operat-1.
ing an air tool. Do not use an air tool while tired or under the inuence of
drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating air tools
may result in serious personal injury.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair.2.
Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes,
jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
Avoid accidental starting. Be sure the Power Switch (4) is in its “OFF” posi-3.
tion, all pressure is safely released, and the unit is unplugged before moving
the Compressor and before performing any service, maintenance, or cleaning
procedures on the unit.
Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning the Compressor on.4. A
wrench or a key that is left attached to a rotating part of the machine may result in
personal injury.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.5. Proper footing
and balance enables better control of the air tool in unexpected situations.
6. Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Always wear ANSI-
approved safety impact goggles and heavy duty safety gloves during use.
TOOL USE AND CARE
Do not force the tool. Use the correct tool for your application.1. The correct
tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it is designed.
Do not use the Compressor if the Compressor’s Power Switch (4) does not2.
turn it on or off. Any tool that cannot be controlled with its Power Switch is dan-
gerous and must be replaced.
Store idle tools out of reach of children and other untrained persons.3. Tools
are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
Maintain tools with care.4. Properly maintained tools are less likely to bind and are
easier to control. Do not use a damaged tool. Tag damaged tools “Do not use”
until repaired.
Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any5.
other condition that may affect the tool’s operation. If damaged, have the tool
serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained tools.
Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your6.
model. Accessories that may be suitable for one tool may become hazardous
when used on another tool.

Page 4SKU 96068 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
SERVICE
Tool service must be performed only by qualied repair personnel. 1. Service or
maintenance performed by unqualied personnel could result in a risk of injury.
When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement parts. Follow instruc-2.
tions in the “Inspection, Maintenance, And Cleaning” section of this manual.
Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow maintenance instructions may create
a risk of electric shock or injury.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES AND PRECAUTIONS
CAUTION!1. Your Warranty is voided if:
Youa. drop the Air Compressor. Always lift the Air Compressor using its
Handle (52).
DANGER! This Air Compressor is NOT equipped and should not be used2.
“as-is” to supply breathing air. For any application of air for human consump-
tion, you must t the Air Compressor with suitable in-line safety and alarm equip-
ment (not included). This additional equipment is necessary to properly lter and
purify the air to meet minimal specications for Grade D breathing as described
in Compressed Gas Association Commodity Specication G 7.1-1966, OSHA 29
CFR 1910. 134, and/or Canadian Standards Associations (CSA). In the event the
Air Compressor is used for the purpose of breathing air application and proper in-
line safety and alarm equipment is not simultaneously used, existing warranties
are void, and Harbor Freight Tools disclaims any liability whatsoever for any loss,
personal injury, or damage.
Maintain labels and nameplates on the Air Compressor.3. These carry important
information. If unreadable or missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for a replace-
ment.
Always use a tire pressure gauge to check the actual pressure in the item4.
inated.
Do not use this Compressor continuously for over 12 minutes.5. Allow the
Compressor to cool approximately 30 minutes after inating an item.
Make sure all inatable items used with the Air Compressor are inated to 6.
the appropriate capacity. Do not inate any item over or under its manufacturer’s
recommended PSI rating.
Inatable items constructed of soft materials 7. (balls, beach toys, air mattresses,
rubber rafts, etc.) usually will not show the manufacturer’s recommended air pres-
sure. Take care not to over-inate the object.
Avoid burns.8. After several minutes of use, the Compressor will become hot to the
touch. Always wear heavy duty safety gloves when using the Compressor.

Page 5SKU 96068 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Avoid injury.9. Never direct the Air Nozzle (57) at people or animals.
Make sure the Air Compressor is located on a at, level, sturdy surface ca-10.
pable of supporting the weight of the Compressor and any additional tools
and equipment.
Industrial applications must follow OSHA guidelines.11.
Never leave the Air Compressor unattended when it is plugged in and running.12.
Turn off the Compressor, and unplug the unit before leaving.
Do not allow children and other unauthorized people to handle or play with13.
the Air Compressor.
Do not modify the factory set pressure shutoff or startup switches.14. This tool will
do the work better and safer at the speed and capacity for which it was designed.
Never point the Air Nozzle (57) at people or animals.15.
16. WARNING! The brass components of this product contain lead, a chemical
known to the State of California to cause birth defects (or other reproductive harm).
(California Health & Safety code § 25249.5, et seq.)
17. WARNING! People with pacemakers should consult their physician(s) before
use. Electromagnetic elds in close proximity to heart pacemaker could cause
pacemaker interference or pacemaker failure.
18. WARNING! The warnings and precautions discussed in this manual
cannot cover all possible conditions 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
UNPACKING
When unpacking, check to make sure all parts shown on the Parts List are included.
If any parts are missing or broken, please call Harbor Freight Tools at the number
shown on the cover of this manual (and at the bottom of each page) as soon as
possible.
REV 10g

Page 6SKU 96068 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Power
Switch (4)
Cigarette
Lighter
Adapter
(1)
Air
Nozzle
(57)
Pressure
Meter
(49)
FIGURE A
To Inate Automotive Tires:
Place the Air Compressor on a at, 1.
level, dry surface.
2. Remove the valve cap from the
valve stem of a
tire. Thread on
the Air Nozzle
(57) to the tire
stem. (See
Figure B.)
Plug the Cigarette Lighter Adapter3.
(1) into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter
socket. (See Figure C.)
FIGURE C
CIGARETTE LIGHTER ADAPTER (1)
Caution: Always start the vehicle’s
engine prior to operating the Air
Compressor so as to not deplete
the vehicle’s battery.
4. Turn the Air Compressor’s Power
Switch (4) to
its “ON” posi-
tion. (See
Figure D.)
The Pressure Meter (49) is located5.
on top of the Air Compressor. The
maximum air pressure this unit will
produce is 100 PSI. Do not inate
the air pressure beyond the tire
manufacturer’s ination rating.
To obtain an accurate air pressure
reading, turn off the Air Compressor
when the desired pressure is indi-
cated on the gauge. (See Figure
A.)
When nished, turn the Power 6.
Switch (4) to its “OFF” position. Re-
mover the Air Nozzle (57) from the
vehicle’s tire valve stem. Replace
the valve cap. Then, disconnect
the Cigarette Lighter Adapter (1)
from the vehicle’s cigarette lighter
socket.
FIGURE B
OFF ON
FIGURE D
REV 10g

Page 7SKU 96068 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
To Inate Balls, Toys, Air Mattresses, Rubber Rafts, Etc.:
The compressor comes with three nozzles for inating a variety of items. Thread 1.
on the desired nozzle onto the Air Nozzle (57). Insert the nozzle into the item you
want to inate then turn on the Air Compressor, and inate the object. Do not
over-inate.
When nished, turn the Power Switch (4) to its “OFF” position. Remove the nozzle 2.
from the inated object. Then, disconnect the Cigarette Lighter Adapter (1) from
the vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket. (See Figures A and B)
INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND CLEANING
WARNING!1. Make sure the Power Switch (4) of the Air Compressor is in its
“OFF” position and the unit is unplugged from the vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket
before performing any inspection, maintenance, or cleaning procedures.
Before each use,2. inspect the general condition of the Air Compressor. Check for
loose screws, misalignment or binding of moving parts, cracked or broken parts,
damaged electrical wiring, loose air ttings, and any other condition that may affect
the safe operation of the Compressor. If abnormal noise or vibration occurs, have
the problem corrected before further use. Do not use damaged equipment.
To clean,3. wipe with a clean, damp cloth and a mild detergent. Then dry. Do not
use solvents. Do not immerse the unit in liquids.
To replace the Fuse (58),4. unscrew and remove the cap on the Cigarette Lighter
Adapter (1). Remove the old Fuse, and replace with a new Fuse (type: 15 Amp).
Then, screw the cap back onto the Cigarette Lighter Adapter. (See Figure C)
5.
CAP
GLASS FUSE (58)
CIGARETTE LIGHTER ADAPTER (1)
FIGURE C
CAUTION! All maintenance, service, or repairs not mentioned in this5.
manual must only be performed by a qualied service technician.

Page 8SKU 96068 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
PARTS LIST
Part Description Part Description Part Description
1 Cigarette Lighter Adapter 21 Bearing (608Z) 41 Seal Ring
2 Cord 22 End Cover 42 Air Exhaust Slice
3 Screw (3 x 25) 23 Inner Hex Screw (4 x 8) 43 Rivet
4 Power Switch 24 Shockproof Pad 44 Seal Ring
5 Rear Cover 25 Air Intake Cover 45 Cylinder Cover
6 Shockproof Pad 26 Filter Mesh 46 Spring Washer (4mm)
7 Connection Cap 27 Screw (3 x 10) 47 Screw (4 x 35)
8 Screw (4 x 102) 28 Front Cover 48 Support Ring
9 Spring Washer (4mm) 29 Offset Shaft 49 Pressure Meter
10 Washer (4mm) 30 Offset Wheel 50 Protective Sleeve
11 Cord Sleeve 31 Bearing (626Z) 51 Air Outlet Tube (8 x 114)
12 Overload Protector 32 Crank 52 Handle
13 Connection Wire 33 Piston Ring 53 Air Outlet
14 Motor Rear Cover 34 Press Ring 54 Quick Connector
15 Brush Holder 35 Air Intake Slice 55 Air Hose (8 x 1500)
16 Motor Housing 36 Rivet 56 Lock Spring
17 Bearing (608Z) 37 Cylinder Liner 57 Air Nozzle
18 Spring Washer 38 Radiation Cover 58 Glass Fuse (15 Amp)
19 Rotor 39 Seal Ring 59 Needle Nozzle
20 Spring Washer 40 Cover 60 (2) Inator Nozzle
NOTE:
Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only,
and are not available individually as replacement parts.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY
DIAGRAM IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR
DISTRIBUTOR MAKESANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OFANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT HE
OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER
AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS
SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS, AND NOT BY THE BUYER.
THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISKS AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE
ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER
INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem Possible Cause Possible Solution
Compressor will not start. Cigarette Lighter Adapter (1) not1.
securely inserted in vehicle’s cigarette
lighter socket.
Power Switch (4) not on.2.
Vehicle battery not fully charged.3.
Blown Compressor Fuse.4.
Blown automotive fuse.5.
Insert Cigarette Lighter Adapter (1) securely.1.
Turn Power Switch (4) ON.2.
Charge vehicle battery.3.
Replace Fuse.4.
Check automotive manual and replace blown5.
fuse.
Low pressure. Loose connection(s).1. Make sure all connections are tight.1.
Overload Protector trips. Continuous use too long.1. Do not use unit continuously for over 121.
minutes. Allow 30 minutes for unit to cool
down after each use.
REV 10g

Page 9SKU 96068 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM
NOTE:
Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only,
and are not available individually as replacement parts.
58
60

Page 10SKU 96068 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
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
directly 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 limitation
of exclusion may not apply to you. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.
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-
plaint must accompany the merchandise. If our inspection veries the defect, we will either
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 repaired
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.
This warranty gives you specic legal rights and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd. • PO Box 6009 • Camarillo, CA 93011 • [phone]