Central Pneumatic 97080 User manual

3 GALLON OILLESS
AIR COMPRESSOR
Model 97080
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
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 10e

Page 2SKU 97080 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical Requirements 120 V~ / 60 Hz / 2.6 A
Power Cord Type 18 AWG x 3 C / 6 ft. long
Power Plug Type 3 Prong Grounded
Pressure Switch Type ON/OFF (Pull/Push) Rocker Switch
Air Inlet 1/4” - 18 NPT Female Thread
Fuse 3A
Compressor Style Oilless
Pump Style Single Cylinder
Maximum Air Pressure 100 PSI
Air Flow Capacity 1.0 SCFM @ 40 PSI
0.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI
Air Tank Capacity 3 Gallons
Accessories Thread Seal Tape / Quick Coupler
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. Keepyourinvoicewiththismanual. Writetheinvoicenumberontheinsideofthe
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. Cluttered benches and dark areas invite1. accidents.
Do not operate air compressors in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence2.
of ammable liquids, gases, or dust. Air Compressors create sparks which may
ignite the dust or fumes.
Keepbystanders,children,andvisitorsawaywhileoperatinganairtool. Distractions
3. 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.
218549
Rev 07k

Page 3SKU 97080 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
PERSONAL SAFETY
Stay alert. Watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating an1.
air tool. Do not use an air tool while tired or under the inuence of drugs, alcohol, or
medication. Amoment of inattention while operating air tools may result in serious
personal injury.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair. Keep
2. your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or
long hair can be caught in moving parts.
Avoidaccidentalstarting. BesurethePowerSwitch(45)isinits“STOP”position,all3. pressureissafelyreleased,andtheunitisunpluggedbeforemovingtheCompressor
and before performing any service, maintenance, or cleaning procedures on the
unit.
Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning the Compressor on. Awrench
4. 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. Proper footing5. and balance enables better control of the air tool in unexpected situations.
Use safety equipment. Always wear ANSI-approved safety impact6. glasses, dust mask/respirator and hearing protection during use.
TOOL USE AND CARE
Do not force the tool. Use the correct tool for your application. The correct tool will1. 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 (45) does not turn it2. on or off. Any tool that cannot be controlled with its Pressure Switch is dangerous
and must not be used until repaired.
Store idle tools out of reach of children and other untrained persons. Tools are
3. dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
Maintain tools with care. Properly maintained tools are less likely to bind and are4. easier to control. Do not use a damaged tool. Tag damaged tools “Do not use”
until repaired.
Checkformisalignmentorbindingofmovingparts,breakageofparts,andanyother
5. 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 your model.6. Accessories that may be suitable for one tool may become hazardous when used
on another tool.

Page 4SKU 97080 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
SERVICE
Tool service must be performed only by qualied repair personnel. Service or 1.
maintenance performed by unqualied personnel could result in a risk of injury.
When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement parts. Follow instructions
2. 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: You drop theAir Compressor. Always lift
the Air Compressor using its Handle.
Do not expose to a high-dust environment. Dusty conditions may increase wear on
2. the Compressor.
DANGER!3. This Air Compressor is NOT equipped and should not be used “as-is”
to supply breathing air. For any application of air for human consumption, you
must t the Air Compressor with suitable in-line safety and alarm equipment (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.
DANGER!4. Never attempt to repair or modify the Air Tank (53). Welding, drilling,
or any other modication will weaken the Tank resulting in damage from rupture or
explosion. Always replace worn, cracked, or damaged Tanks.
Maintain labels and nameplates on the Air Compressor. These carry important
5. information. If unreadable or missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for a
replacement.
WARNING!6. Neveruseplastic(PVC)pipeforcompressedair;seriousinjuryordeath
could result. Any tube, pipe, or hose used must have a pressure rating higher than
150 PSI. Minimum recommended pipe size: Up to 50 feet long use 1/2” diameter.
Greater than 50 feet use 3/4” diameter. Larger diameter pipe is always better.
Make sure all tools and equipment used with the Air Compressor are rated to the7. appropriate capacity. Do not use any tool or equipment that does not operate from
85 PSI to 100 PSI.

Page 5SKU 97080 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Drain the Air Compressor every day. Do not allow excessive moisture to build up
8. inside theAir Compressor’s Tank. Do not open the Drain Valve (54) with more than
10 PSI of air pressure in the Tank. Do not unscrew the Drain Valve so that more
than four threads are showing.
Do not alter or remove the Safety Valve (25).
9.
Make sure the Air Compressor is located on a at, level, sturdy surface capable 10. of supporting the weight of the Compressor, operator(s), and any additional tools
and equipment.
Do not move or transport the Compressor if the Air Tank (53) is under pressure.11.
Industrial applications must follow OSHA guidelines.12.
Never stand on the Air Compressor. Serious injury could result if the Compressor13. is tipped.
NeverleavetheAirCompressorunattendedwhenit ispluggedin andrunning. Turn14. off the Compressor, and unplug the unit before leaving.
Do not allow children and other unauthorized people to handle or play with the Air15. Compressor.
Do not modify the factory set pressure shutoff or startup switches. This tool will do16. the work better and safer at the speed and capacity for which it was designed.
Avoid body contact with oils and lubricants used in the Compressor. If swallowed,17. seek medical treatmentimmediately. For skin contact, immediately wash with soap
and water. For eye contact, immediately ush eyes with clean water.
WARNING:18. 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.)
Peoplewithpacemakersshouldconsulttheirphysician(s)beforeuse. Electromagnetic19.
elds in close proximity to heart pacemaker could cause pacemaker interference
or pacemaker failure.
WARNING!20. 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

Page 6SKU 97080 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
GROUNDING
WARNING!
Improperly connecting the grounding wire can result in the risk of electric shock.
Check with a qualied electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is
properly grounded. Do not modify the power cord plug provided with the tool.
Never remove the grounding prong from the plug. Do not use the tool if the
power cord or plug is damaged. If damaged, have it repaired by a service facility
before use. If the plug will not t the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a
qualied electrician.
GROUNDED TOOLS: TOOLS WITH THREE PRONG PLUGS
1. Tools marked with “Grounding Required” have a three wire cord and three prong
grounding plug. The plug must be connected to a
properly grounded outlet. If the tool should
electrically malfunction or break down, grounding
provides a low resistance path to carry electricity
away from the user, reducing the risk of electric
shock. (See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)
The grounding prong in the plug is connected
2. through the green wire inside the cord to the
groundingsysteminthe tool. Thegreenwireinthe
cord must be the only wire connected to the tool’s
grounding system and must never be attached to an electrically “live” terminal.
(See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)
Yourtoolmustbepluggedintoanappropriateoutlet,properlyinstalledandgrounded3. in accordance with all codes and ordinances. The plug and outlet should look like
those in the following illustration. (See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)
3-Prong Plug and Outlet

Page 7SKU 97080 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
SYMBOLOGY
Double Insulated
Canadian Standards Association
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
V~ Volts Alternating Current
AAmperes
n0xxxx/min. No Load Revolutions per Minute (RPM)
UNPACKING
When unpacking, check to make sure all the parts shown on the Parts List are
included. Ifanypartsaremissingorbroken,pleasecallHarborFreightToolsatthenumber
shown on the cover of this manual as soon as possible.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION!1. Always make sure the Compressor’s Power Switch (45) is in its
“STOP” position prior to performing any service, maintenance, or cleaning of the
Compressor.
To attach the Handle (47), align the two mounting holes in the Handle with the two
2. threaded mounting holes in the Bracket on the Air Tank (53). Then secure the
Handle to the Air Tank using two Screws (46). (See Figure A.)
Handle (47)
Figure A
Pressure Regulator
(24)
Screw (46)

Page 8SKU 97080 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
HOSE CONNECTION
TO PREVENT EXPLOSION: Use only clean, dry, regulated, compressed
air to power this tool. Do not use oxygen, carbon dioxide, combustible
gases, or any other bottled gas as a power source for this tool.
Tool
Air
Compressor
Quick
Coupler Air Hose
on Reel
Filter
Regulator with
Pressure Gauge
Male
Connector Male Connector
Valve
Quick
Coupler
Recommended Air Line Components
Oiler
1. Incorporate an in-line oiler, shut-off valve, regulator with pressure gauge, and lter
for best service, as shown in the diagram above. An in-line shutoff valve is an
important safety device because it controls the air supply even if the air hose
is ruptured.
Note: If an automatic oiler system is not used, add a few drops of Pneumatic Tool Oil to
the airline connection before operation. Add a few more drops after each hour of
continual use.
Attach an air hose to the compressor’s air outlet. Connect the air hose to the air
2. inlet of the tool.
Other components, such as a connector and quick coupler, will make operation3.
more efcient, but are not required.
WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Do not install a female quick coupler on the tool. Such a coupler contains an
air valve that will allow the air tool to retain pressure and operate accidentally after
the air supply is disconnected.
WARNING
REV 07k

Page 9SKU 97080 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
To Start The Compressor:
Check to make sure the Air Tank’s Drain Valve (54), located at the bottom of the1. Air Tank (53), is fully closed. Pull on the Safety Valve (25) to verify that it is not
stuck. (See Figures B and C.)
Plug the Power Cord (35) into the nearest 120 volt, grounded, electrical outlet.
2.
Push in the “ON” side of the ON/OFF Power Switch (45) to turn the compressor3. on. (See Figure B.)
Figure C
Regulated Pressure
Gauge (70)
Tank Pressure
Gauge (26)
Safety Valve (25)
Pressure Regulator (24)
REV 07k
Drain Valve (54)
ON/OFF Power Switch (45)
Figure C
Figure B

Page 10SKU 97080 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Connect a high pressure air hose (not included) to the Pressure Regulator (24).1. Connect an air blow gun (not included) to the other end of the air hose. Turn the
compressor on. Refer to Hose Connection Instructions on page 8.
When the maximum air pressure, 100 PSI, is reached as indicated by the Tank
2. Pressure Gauge (26), the motor will stop.
Blow air out of the blow gun while you turn the Pressure Regulator (24) knob3. to adjust Pressure Regulator (24). Turn the Pressure Regulator (24) knob
counterclockwise to decrease the PSI, turn it clockwise to increase the PSI.
When the Regulated Pressure Gauge (70) shows the pressure that you want to
limit the compressor to, the Pressure Regulator (24) is set. (See Figure C.)
Between the Pressure Regulator knob and valve body, a narrow ring acts as a
4. lock-ring for the knob. Rotate the ring in a counterclockwise direction and tighten
it against the knob to secure the setting. (See Figure C.)
NOTE: When the maximum air pressure, 100 PSI, is reached as indicated by the
Tank Pressure Gauge (26), the motor will stop. The Compressor will automatically
restart when the air pressure drops below 85 PSI. (See Figure C.)
To Stop The Compressor:
Push the ON/OFF Power Switch (45) to its “OFF” position.1.
Unplug the Air Compressor from its electrical outlet. Place a collector can (not2. included) under the Air Tank (53) and turn the Drain Valve (54) counterclockwise.
Pull out on the Safety Valve (25) to release all remaining air pressure from the3. Air Tank (53). (See Figure C.) This will not only drain the air, but will also drain
any accumulated moisture. After all air is drained, turn the Safety Valve (25)
clockwise.
Squeeze the trigger on the pneumatic tool to release any remaining air pressure
4. from the tool. Then disconnect the air hose from the tool, and store the tool in a
clean, dry, safe location out of reach of children.
Remove any moisture in the Air Tank (53) by opening the Tank Drain Valve (54).
5. Then, retighten the Drain Valve (54). (See Figure B.)
Allow the Air Compressor to completely cool. Then store the unit in a clean, dry,6. safe location out of reach of children.
REV 07k
To Adjust The Air Regulator:

Page 11SKU 97080 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Problem Possible Cause Possible Solution
Compressor will not start. Blown fuse or circuit breaker
1. tripped.
Loose electrical2. connections.
Bad Capacitors.3.
Replace fuse.1. Make sure Compressor is plugged2. into a working, 120 volt, grounded,
electrical outlet.
Replace Capacitors.3.
Low pressure. Defective check valve.1. Air leak in safety valve.2. Defective Valve Plate.3. Drain Valve not fully closed.4. Have a qualied service technician 1. replace check valve.
Check valve by pulling on ring. If2.
condition persists, have a qualied
service technician replace valve.
Replace Valve Plate.3. Close Drain Valve.4.
Safety valve releasing. Defective pressure switch.1. Defective Safety Valve2. .Have a qualied service technician 1. replace pressure switch.
Replace Safety Valve.2.
Pressure switch will not turn
off Compressor. Defective pressure switch.Immediately unplug Compressor from
its electrical outlet. Do not operate
Compressor until a qualied service
technician can replace pressure
switch.
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.
Daily, purge theAir Tank (53) of all air and moisture to prevent corrosion. To do so,
3. slowly and carefully unscrew (no more than four threads) the Tank Drain Valve (54)
until the compressed air and condensation begins to be released from the Tanks.
Allow sufcient time for all of the air and condensation to escape from the Tanks.
Then, rmly re-tighten the Drain Valve.
CAUTION! All maintenance, service, or repairs not mentioned in this manual must4.
only be performed by a qualied service technician.
To replace the Fuse (43), unscrew the fuse and replace with a 250V, 3A fuse.5.
TROUBLESHOOTING
INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND CLEANING
WARNING!1. Make sure the ON/OFF Power Switch (45) of the Air Compressor
is in its “STOP” position, the unit is unplugged from its electrical outlet, and air is
drained from the Tank (53) before performing any inspection, maintenance, or
cleaning procedures or leaving it unattended.

Page 12SKU 97080 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
PARTS LIST
Part Description Qty.
1 Motor 1
2 Crank 1
3 Screw 1
4 Bearing (608-2RS) 1
5 Connecting Rod 1
6 Silica Gel Ring (21.2 x 2.5) 1
7 Piston Ring 1
8 Paper Pad 1
9 Hoop (#8) 1
10 Cylinder 1
11 Cylinder Washer 1
12 Silica Gel Ring (31 x 2) 1
13 Cylinder Head 1
14 Connector 2
15 Silica Gel Ring (31.5 x 1.8) 1
16 Screw (M4 x 40) 4
17 Flat Washer (#4) 5
18 Spring Washer (#4) 5
19 Fan 1
20 Screw (M4 x 10) 1
21 Flag Terminal (4.8 x 0.6) 2
22 Flag Terminal Bushing (4.8) 2
23 Tube 6.30”
24 Pressure Regulator 1
25 Safety Valve 1
26 Tank Pressure Gauge 1
27 Two-Way Valve 1
29 Mufer Board 1
30 Screw (M3 x 6) 4
31 Copper Connector Rod 2
32 Copper Hoop 2
33 Screw (M6 x 25) 4
Part Description Qty.
34 Damping Pad 1
35 Power Cord 1
36 Motor Cover 1
37 Circuit Board 1
38 Screw (M4 x 8) 2
39 Washer 1
40 Wire Clip 1
41 Screw (M4 x 15) 2
42 Nut 4
43 Fuse (3 Amp) 1
44 Fuse Box 1
45 Power Switch 1
46 Screw (M5 x 16) 2
47 Handle 1
48 Handle Soft Grip 1
49 Cords 1
50 Flat Washer (#6) 1
51 Zip Tie 1
52 Rubber Sheath 1
53 Air Tank 1
54 Drain Valve 1
55 Rubber Foot 4
56 Pressure Controller 1
57 Ball 1
58 Spring 1
59 Screw (M6 x 15) 4
60 Flat Washer (#6) 6
61 Copper Tube 1
62 Screw (M6 x 20) 4
65 Quick Connect Coupler 1
66 Thread Seal Tape 1
70 Regulated Pressure Gauge 1

Page 13SKU 97080 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM
70
26

Page 14SKU 97080 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 workmanship (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 outside 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,EXPRESSORIMPLIED,INCLUDINGTHEWARRANTIESOFMERCHANTABILITY
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 complaint 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]
Record Product’s Serial Number Here:
Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.
Note: Somepartsarelisted andshown forillustrationpurposesonly, andarenot 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
DISTRIBUTORMAKESANYREPRESENTATIONORWARRANTYOFANYKINDTOTHEBUYERTHATHE
OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO REPLACEANY PARTS OFTHE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER
AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS
SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIEDAND LICENSEDTECHNICIANS,AND NOT BYTHE 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.