If you have a Central Pneumatic air compressor, and you didn’t buy it used, from a garage sale, or from on on-line end-of-line wholesaler, odds are pretty good that you bought it at Harbor Freight.
In 2017, Harbor Freight offers about 35 different Central Pneumatic air compressors, from a 1/6 HP air brush style to a 5 HP, almost commercial type, on a 60 gallon air tank. They even have one model of a gas-powered, wheelbarrow style, that is quite well priced.
Central Pneumatic air compressors can be purchased through Harbor Freight on-line, or at the many Harbor Freight stores found throughout the United States.
Buyers of Central Pneumatic air compressors are, pretty much I think, aware that you get what you pay for. This line of compressors is entry level. I don’t believe they are made for serious compressed air use, where whether or not a compressor works means that trades persons do or don’t do work that day.
Which is not to say, if you are a periodic user of compressed air – the typical small workshop or home garage for example – you won’t be happy with this brand of compressors reliability. I just wouldn’t put the supply of my plants air system at the mercy of this particular brand.
While Harbor Freight boasts of having manufacturing around the world, I would be surprised if they actually owned a factory that makes air compressors. Their entire line is similar or identical to compressors of other brands with different colors and different labels. I could be wrong and will be happy to indicate so if someone can provide proof that HF actually makes their own compressors.
Regardless of whether they make them or not, try to find parts for a Central Pneumatic air compressor. Aside from pressure switches, gauges, regulators, PRV’s and check valves (all the same as those found on many other brands) there are very few repair parts for the compressor pump or the motor. Parts from other Central Pneumatic air compressors can often be used on other models of this brand. If you can scrounge or buy a non-working compressor, some parts from the old can be reused to fix others that have failed. Depends on your skill level as to whether or not this works for you.
If you are having a problem with your Central Pneumatic air compressor why not add a question or comment here? Include the model number of your compressor. As a result, perhaps the Central Pneumatic air compressor owner/user family, which is a huge one, can offer advice as some of them will, undoubtedly, already dealt with the same problem you are experiencing with your HF Central Pneumatic air compressor.
I need a set of brushes for a CP pancake air compressor Item# 61625 . ,6cfm @90psi
Can you tell me where to purchase?
Thanks
I believe that the electric motor brushes are specific, but not necessarily compressor brand specific as the motor manufacturers make compressor motors for so many different brands, though many have the same motor. If you Google “replacement compressor motor brushes” see if you can find them in this manner, since you’ll not likely get them at Harbor Freight.
I have a central pneumatic. Flip the switch pumps a few times & turns off. Got it about two weeks ago running beautifully. Now this Thanks let me know. Jim
Model number? Always had it plugged into the same outlet? In the two weeks, did you run it a lot? Is there anything else drawing power from the same power plug as you have the compressor plugged into?
My 6 gal 1.5 hp will run and fill the tank to about 145psi then it kicks the pressure relief valve open instead of simply turning off. I’ve had this a couple of years but this is only the third time using. First time it worked like a champ, filled to 150psi as advertised and shut off. The 2nd and 3rd time a no go. It just kicks open the pressure relief and keeps running… Read more »
If the normal cut out pressure setting is 150 PSI and the PRV is cracking open at 145 PSI, it’s likely the PRV that’s the issue. You can – with empty tank and compressor off – remove the PRV, rinse it in boiling water, let it dry, pull the ring a few times to be sure it can still cycle, reinstall, fire up the compressor and monitor it or, if that fails, replace it with… Read more »
Thank you willyr. I’ll give it a try. I’m new to compressors and wanted to purchase a lower end model to see exactly what I need before spending more money. Ironically, in the past I’ve got a lot of mileage from Harbor Freight tools with a little care and on occasion some modification. Thanks again!
I have a 1.5 horse 6 gallon Central Pneumatic air compressor model#62380. It has worked fine up until today. When turning the plastic covered switch to the on position, it lights up as it would normally, however now the compressor is not kicking on when it gets low. In fact, I emptied the tank and it’s a no go. Any suggestions as to what the problem may would be helpful as I would like to… Read more »
Good that the power is getting to the switch, Chris. And good that it lights up the on button. Question is, is the power getting through the switch to the motor circuit. Use a meter with the cover of the switch off and with great care and the power on, trace the power to the switch, to the ON/OFF button, and make sure that power is actually getting through the ON/OFF indicator light to the… Read more »
shuts off after a few seconds.Have to drain air completly before i hit reset button.Finally wont do anything.Motor ran good though.
Bob, are you using an extension cord now and weren’t before? Have you relocated the compressor? What it sounds like is that the motor is overheating and shutting itself down before damage can occur. An empty tanks make the restart easy. A full tank means back pressure and a harder start. If there is an unloader valve, make sure that’s working. If it is, and the compressor is plugged directly into a wall socket, and… Read more »
Unsure of the actual model but it’s the 20 or 21 gal virtical HF air compressor. When I plug it in you can hear the motor hum. Then the circuit breaker trips on the motor. I have the drain valve open. Thinking I have a bad circuit breaker on the motor itself. It has only built up air maybe 5 times since I bought it and always had to drain the tank every time to… Read more »
Are you using a power bar or extension cord to power the compressor? If not, what is the amperage of the circuit into which you are plugging the power cord?
Plugged directly into house on a 15 amp circuit. I have no problems running my welder off of a 50 ft drop cord off the same circuit but the compressor won’t run being plugged directly into it
Thanks for the reply. The humming is indicative of either a stalled motor (pump cannot turn so pump sheave and motor cannot turn as a result) or the power supply to the motor is in question. If the power supply from the power cord to the pressure switch, and then the pressure switch to the motor is good, then it’s the motor and that typically points to a start capacitor on the motor failing. By… Read more »
Sorry I wasn’t home with the compressor at the time. It’s a 2.5 hp 21 gal HF compressor. The compressor turns free. I just plugged it in and tried it. It will turn over about 3 times real slow then blow the on board circuit breaker
So I’m guessing start cap then.
Thanks. I was kinda leaning that way. I messed with it a bit today just flipping the switch on when I would walk by it. It got to where it would run flawless for 2 seconds the. Pop the circuit breaker. After that three or four times it started running great. Won’t build air unless I drain the tank completely and other times as long as it’s down to 50 psi it will run fine… Read more »
I have a Central Pneumatic air compressor that I acquired used. The model number labels are gone. Before I attempt to make new gaskets for the pump head, I would like to know if these parts are available. It is a 110V, direct drive, OIL lubricated compressor with single stage, single cylinder compressor pump. It is about 20gal and vertical. Cylinder head is aluminum, cylinder is cast iron. It has a steel plate containing a… Read more »
Daryl, if you haven’t done so already, Google “reed valve kits” then “Central Pneumatic reed valve kits” and then “Harbor Freight compressor reed valve kits”. I found a bunch. You might get lucky and find yours.
I found a kit that looks identical in design. Not certain about bore size and bolt spacing. . . do you know if Central Pneumatic ever utilized the same compressor pump as Campbell Hausfield? This is the reed valve kit in question: https://www.fix.com/parts/compressor/campbell-hausfeld/fix10243074/valve-plate-kit-hl026100av/?Source=GAWS%3fSource%3dGAWS&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4qvlBRDiARIsAHme6ouwrYROpYNgH0Thhyfea5GD2AmSb9gOvAaSp5usD5ZJESCQniO4EbwaAtl4EALw_wcB Meanwhile, I’m going to attempt to translate the grid scale to see if the bore and bolt spacing are the same.
Daryl, sorry for misreading your original post. I’ll get this up so that perhaps someone can tell us if Campbell Hausfeld made your compressor.
No worries, your suggestion was spot on. Thanks again. A little more googling and it appears to be the same compressor pump/motor assembly or a knock-off of the Campbell Hausfeld HL4000 series. . The Harbor Freight compressor in this video I found is identical to mine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSwXKDg4hVg
I purchased a Central Pneumatic / Harbor Freight 61454 compressor about 1 year ago. Ran it when I first got it, then it sat for a year. Today I ran it and it filled fine (125 psi). Then ran the air down to about 90 psi and the compressor wanted to start then just hummed. I turned off switch. Drained tank to zero and compressor would start and fill. Drain air down to about 90… Read more »
I guess you changed the location of use of the compressor? Are you using a power bar or extension cord? Have a look at this page too: https://fix-my-compressor.com/compressor-wont-re-start-when-air-is-used/ and let us know if the unloader valve is working as it should, okay?
I was able to relocate the compressor and it seems to be working ok now. I am guessing it was a power issue even though it wasn’t popping any breakers. It now cycles normally. Thanks
You are welcome, and apologies for mixing up the replies.
model 10 gal 2.5 hp 125 psi. started it today and the oil shot out through the oil relief plug. Any idea what would cause this
Has the compressor been tipped over? Has there been a recent oil change? Is the compressor taking longer than normal to come up to the pressure switch stopping pressure?
No on oil change and it has not been turned over. Pressure was at 90 when I turned it on
I have oilless airbrush compressor. It stops and jumps around now. Not much air coming out of the regular. After jumping around, it then stops for a few seconds and then starts jumping again. What is the problem?
Linnie, while you know exactly what you mean, I’m afraid I don’t. What does “jumps around now” mean please? Are you saying the compressor starts and stops too often?
I take it this compressor has no tank, is that so?
When this is occurring, are you using the compressor for long periods of time at one sitting, and are you using any extension cords or power bars to get power to it?
What does it mean when my gauge needle won’t pass the 20 psi
Jason, please tell us what model of Central Pneumatic / Harbor Freight air compressor we are talking about, and which gauge… the tank or the regulator?
No power. Won’t even turn on. Model 100 psi 1/3 Hp 3 gal tank
Tank empty of air? Power at the plug? Power from plug to compressor? Power after the pressure switch, indicating that, with the tank empty, the switch is now “on” and passing power to the motor? Need a bit more info to try and further diagnose the issue, Joy.
Where can I get parts for 3gal. Oilless need a piston and sleeve, It’s about 5 years old.
I have a central pneumatic 125 psi 21 gallon model number 61454. It will come on build up to 40 psi and shut off, hit reset button and comes on for a few seconds before going back off. Just replaced pressure switch, any suggestions as to what the problem could be, can bypass reset button and it continues to run.
Becky, tell me, are you using an extension cord or power bar? If so, don’t. Plug the compressor right into a wall socket, will you? Did that help? Running the compressor while bypassing the reset button may be causing some motor harm. I guess you’ve got a power supply issue, and if it is not the use of a too-small extension cord or then the motor capacitor may be an issue. The issue is, I… Read more »
I don’t see the image, but it is plugged into a wall socket and not extension cord. What is the fix for the overheating
Well, the image upload didn’t work. 🙂 I think you’ve got a motor capacitor issue. “Start Capacitor The electric motor usually has a quick-discharge battery on it called a start capacitor to help in starting. If the start capacitor has failed, it is not giving the electric compressor motor the added boost necessary to get the motor going. If the other remedies have failed, then the odds are improving that the start capacitor is at… Read more »
It will start but won’t stay running and build pressure
Yeah, same answer as before I’m afraid. Harbor Freight are still selling these. Is yours fairly new? If so, talk to them too.
Thank you for all your help, we will try this
been looking for days now for 3/8 24 to 1/4 npt adapter/reducer so I can put an accessory in line with this regulator I have. any one know where?
Any of the big box stores Ace hardware any local hardware store should have a a bushing a 3/8 to quarter inch bushing
;I dropped my unit (#62380) and it landed on the quick-coupler, snapping off the coupler AND the piece it threaded into. The piece is a pot-metal construction that the pressure gauges and knobs all tie into. On the parts diagram the quick couple is Number 34. It appears that I would have to remove the entire assembly, gauges and all, just to get a new piece for the quick couple to thread into. then there’s… Read more »
I’m curious of the intake air flow on the 1.8 oil-less compressor motor.
Please that is.
And hokE, I’m curious as to how come that information is of interest to you? I’m trying to conceive of a reason, and cannot think of one. Perhaps, before I spend a lot of my time researching the issue – since I, and I suspect no one – knows the answer right off, care to let us know the how come?
Oh easy. Sorry.
I’m going to hook up an oxygen concentrator to it.
Basically making a very small on demand system for a torch.
Okay, let’s see what we can dig up, and for sure, I hope that another visitor with some information on this can chime in.
I need new air filters for my air compressor can’t find the size 1 3/8 tall 2 3/4 OD 13/8 ID where can we get them. my compressor is 5 years old still works fine
Hey Ryan. If you don’t mind visiting one more page on this site, this one talks about getting a new air intake filter. Let us know if this helps, will you?
I bought the Central pneumatic upright, model #47065. When I first started using it, it would charge up the tank as expected and then cut off as expected, so as not to over charge. However, after a little use, the compressor began popping the motor in-line reset switch at lower and lower pressures (after resetting the switch each time). The compressor is on a designated circuit and has never tripped my breaker. So, I pulled… Read more »
I’ve uploaded a photo of the 47065 to help folks regarding parts. Meantime, if you Google “compressor motor reset switch” you’ll find a bunch for sale on ebay. The issue is whether they are the same setting as the one off the 47065. Good luck with the search and if you find one, maybe you could post and let us know where
I have a central pneumatic standing portable 21 gallon 2.5 hp 125 psi single stage air compressor, harbor freight item # 61454 (not sure if this is model #). This compressor is brand new. Brought it home, drained shipping oil and flushed with provided oil to remove any slag from machining process. Filled halfway up sight glass with straight 30 weight oil, plugged in and flipped switch. It buzzed for about 10 seconds and tripped… Read more »
The manual states that the power supply be 120VAC / 60Hz / 14A (Dedicated circuit recommended). I surmise that the inrush requirements of the compressor, coupled with it’s distance from the power panel, contribute to the motor pulling more amps than the circuit can handle, and the breaker trips. Try plugging the compressor into a socket as close to the panel as possible, with nothing else pulling power, and see if it starts OK.
How do I remove the black plastic cover on the HF 6 Gallon 1.5hp oil-less compressor model # 62380. Am fighting a leak problem but need tp get at the guts to continue my troubleshooting.
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
Their are five M6 x 30 screws located in the recessed holes in the top of the cover. You’ll need an extended metric bit to reach them.
See the holes but no heads on screws. Seems like they are coming up from below.
Help !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
David, the manual, which you can get directly from the CP / Harbor Freight website, shows that, for your model, the screws are in the top. Maybe contact them if the manual is wrong?
Hello, I have a Central Pnumatic 60 gal. 5 HP 165 PSI Two Stage Air Compressor. this morning when I turned the switch on it started for 1/2 a second and shut down. I checked the fuse box at the house its was still on. I tried the empty the tank to get the pressure switch to activate the power on sequence with no effect. I just checked the motor and compressor both turn freely.… Read more »
A few pages linked from here: //fix-my-compressor.com/air-compressor-problems-and-fixes/ address this issue. Good to empty the tank as a first step. No success there, trace the power flow from before the pressure switch to the motor circuit. All good? Then see if there is a capacitor on this compressor motor. If so, check that. See how on the page on this site.
I have the 21gal upright compressor and have had it. I knew going in you get what you pay for and it’s worked “ok” for a few years. Recently it’s started to fail on re-start. It’ll get up to 125psi or so when empty but as I use it, when it kicks back on it chugs once or twice, humms and quits, popping the fuse. From my understanding it’s the unloader valve(?). I’ve looked everywhere… Read more »
Could be unloader, could be start capacitor, if no change in where you use it or the power supply. These are, in my opinion, “light duty” air compressors, and are suitable for hobby shop or home workshop intermittent use. Cheap to buy, expensive to maintain. If you need compressed air on an ongoing basis, moving up a quality notch might not be a bad idea.
I have a central pneumatic air compressor model #94667 which has quit pumping higher than 45 psi, so it never cuts off. I have to shut it off to keep it from running constantly and burning up. What may be my problem and can I repair it myself?
This may help, David: //fix-my-compressor.com/when-an-air-compressor-runs-and-runs/
When you’ve done the checks, add a comment if you need a bit more help.
Mine did exactly the same thing. I took it apart and the piston ring was broke. I’ve looked all over and can’t find a replacement.
If you haven’t measured the broken ring, and simply Googled “piston ring with xxxx dimensions”, you should. Someone is making the rings and you should be able to find a non-OEM version.
I have the 29 gallon 2hp compressor. It’s oiled and has a motor from marathon electric in Wisconsin. I did the cfm calculation and it’s giving me 7 cfm on refill from 120psi to 150 cut out. Don’t know how accurate the formula is. Also used my clamp ammeter and found it to spike to 26 amps on start up and runs at 14.9 amps while running. Recently it started clicking. Can’t tell where it’s… Read more »
No idea where the clicking is coming from, Chris?
I wonder if it may be the centrifugal switch, if this motor has one and the clicking may be a warning of the switch gunked up, weakened to the point of failing, or burnt?
I have a harbor freight air compressor that I purchased used.. it’s a stand up 21 gallon rather 150psi. The tank only builds about 80psi and the the prv pops and starts letting the air out?? I thought maybe the pressure gauge was reading wrong, but tried using my air gun to remove a lug and it does not have enough psi to do it.
When you say Harbor Freight air compressor, I take that to mean a Central Pneumatic product? If not, please advise. A quick way to check the gauge is to swap the tank gauge with the regulator gauge and see if the same discrepancy in PRV cracking remains, or that it was the gauge that is failing. If it is for sure the PRV that’s cracking early, with the compressor off and the tank empty, remove… Read more »