Craftsman Compressors

I have a Craftsman 919.184192 60 gallon compressor that loses oil into the tank. I’ve changed the rings and the reed valves with no improvement. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Ben

I have 921.169130 with a mfg date of 5/13 SN 0020911. I’m pretty sure one or both of the capacitors are bad. Sears says these parts are no longer available. I purchased 2 capacitors (relatively inexpensive) that matched the uF ratings and installed them but they didn’t work.
I’m hell bent now on salvaging this compressor and pump by installing a new motor with capacitors already installed. Specs say it is a 1.5hp.
Any suggestions or assistance you can provide on where I can find a replacement motor would be appreciated before i spend more than what a new one costs.

Thanks Much

Mike

I need a motor and multi rib pulley for this compressor please

I have a Craftsman 919.152830 compressor that has a broken pressure switch (I know it is broken because I was clumsy and broke it myself). I also have a new check valve on order (this was the real problem before I broke the switch). Sears did tell me that my compressor is a 1990 model.

What compressor pressure switch do I need or what will work?
Thanks!

I have a craftsman 30 gallon air compressor electric motor that has a bad bearing. Is there a replacement bearing ,or is there a replacement motor?

I have a Craftsman 33 Gal 6hp model 167340. pressure drops to 80lbs and stays there! check valve is new, took line off of the check valve to pressure switch, no leak. sprayed all connections, no leak. no pin holes on tank. pressure switch diaphragm is in great shape, but can it still leak there?

What is proper way to install a new plastic motor cooling fan on the motor shaft? I am working on a craftsman oil free air compressor? Do I heat the fan in boiling water to expand the hole in the fan or what. I don’t want to break the fan. thanks for help

i have a craftsman 919.175260 compressor that will pump up to around 40 lbs and then starts struggling to go further..i have replaced the pressure switch and check valve. any help would be great

I have a craftsman professional 25 gal 175 psi model:919.167783.

After fumbling with the intake and discharge lines and having to replace the aluminum line with a high pressure/heat freight truck plastic line, I found the pressure switch to be leaking at the port where it connects to the copper check valve.

Ultimately, I changed out the pressure switch and check valve for brand new parts, but still cannot get the tank to build pressure and still experience leaking at the same connection on the pressure switch.

It seemed to work for a while when I swapped the old check valve with one from another compressor, but that setup included a bushing with a small hole in the side 3/8 input and a tee above it that ran one side to the pump and the other to the pressure switch.

When I used the new parts and original setup, it went back to having the old problem again. I don’t want it to just work. I want to understand why the friggen thing does or doesn’t work. Please save me from my mounting frustrations.

Craftsman compressor 921.153101, starts and stops then starts and stops,etc., etc. Will not stay running long enough to even put any air in tank. Appreciate any assistance. BTW, in checking the pressure switch, the “contacts” still touch even when the motor stops, so guessing probably not a switch problem. thanks

I have craftsman #919.165230 and after a days work my compressor loses air in tank and I cannot seem to find out where the air is leaking from

I have a craftsman 1.5hp 2 gal compressor and it reaches 25 psi and will not increase although the pump is still running, I have stripped the pump apart all gaskets and reed valves are ok. the piston compression rings are fine.

I have air pulling in at the intake and I cannot block the flow on the output, I have found the unloader vavle loose at the regulator. as this is my first regulator I am unsure if this is meant to be loose?

I am unsure what else can be the problem?

I have a 60 gallon Craftsman Professional that I bought new in 2010. I hadn’t used it much but my kids did. It locked up due to low oil level.

I bought a new pump on the ‘bay and didn’t notice that the inlet was on the wrong side. All the other dimensions were the same.

I kinda procrastinated and couldn’t return the pump. Just being honest!

Can I turn the head around to make this pump work? It is the standard 3hp two cylinder $99 dollar special. Aluminum with steel sleeves. I know, I am an idiot and baffoon! I have a smaller compressor but I would like to fix the big one to run a sand blasting cabinet.

Please don’t beat me up too bad but will this work? Thanks!

Can you tell me where I can get a piston rod for my 6hp twin valve oil less compressor?

I have a 919-16523 5.5 hp 26 gallon compressor that comes on then shuts off b4 it builds up any pressure. Would it be the run capasator causing this problem?

I have an older Craftsman compressor model #15658 with a stuck check valve. I have tried WD40, tried heating it, and even used a 2ft cheater pipe on an 18″ breakover and it will not bulge. Any ideas how to get it out. The valve will not close allowing the tank to bleed out through it. The unloader valve is good, every thing works good for its age.

I have an 07 Sears 929.167244 compressor with a dead motor, all switches good, 120v gets to motor, brushes look near new, 30ampfuse good on motor. Cannot get anywhere looking up the devilbiss D30106 motor # or ECM motor #E02645-10. Is my compressor trash for no motor replacement available?

I have Craftsman compressor 25 gal. Model 919.727321 serial #2116048444.

For last couple of year compressor usually tripping breakers at cut in pressure.

I open it an discover that plastic cover/box for capacitor is broken in few places including holding bolts opening that make it very loose and vibraitin. I suspect that this may be reason for problems. On the box is yellow sticker with numbers KCR49TN2312CX. I can’t find this part anyware. Mayby somebody can direct me to right place?

HI, Appreciate your site and any help.

I thought my only problem was a leaky regulator. I have a Craftsman single stage 919.167770. They don’t make the exact regulator anymore and the replacement is very similar looking but the airflow is just the opposite of the original so I had to take the plug out of one side and place in the other in order to install the gauge so I could read it properly.

I would note that I didn’t originally catch this when I installed it and ran the unit but it would only build pressure to about 30 or so and then started leaking. I figured out the error and reinstalled properly————-NOW, my problem is that it builds pressure and keeps building pressure WITHOUT shutting off! Even when I put the regulator at the lowest setting it keeps building pressure! Could it be a coincidence that the pressure switch has now gone bad at the same time the regulator did?? The machine is about 17 years old with minimal use. Should I try a new pressure switch to see if this corrects the situation? Wonder if I may have damaged it somehow when I installed the regulator backwards?? Thanks for any help!!

Got a quick question- I bought a replacement pressure regulator for my craftsman model 919.167244 air compressor. Can I just replace the valve/knob assembly- looks like it just screws in or should I change the pipe and all the gauges/relief valve too- seems easier if I can just change the valve

I have a craftsman 26 gallon air compressor just changed the valve pressure switch it turns on to 125 then it just off and when the air drops it doesn’t kick in again I have to unplug the Compressor for a few minutes I plug it back and it works for a few seconds and it dies again

Hi I have a 7 year old Craftsman 26 gallon 1.6 HP 160 PSI Air Compressor, The compressor works fine but loses about 40 PSI of pressure a day. I tried using the soap test but cannot find a leak anywhere. I thought it is was the drain plug but that is fine. We noticed the problem when the pump which is set to auto started turning on several times per day. Where could this unit be losing pressure.

I’m at a lose, I have a craftsman 25 gallon 1.8 hp. Originally the unit was kicking the breaker at around 120 psi. Tore down the pump and discovered a gasket missing and debree in piston and intake. Cleaned everything from new oil, all new gaskets and new reed valves. Test ran the compressor and same thing happen at 100psi. Again tore into the head and found this gasket broke in same area. This time I manually cut out a gasket with a tougher material and installed. Conducted a test run with inlet pipe disconnected for 5mins. Everything seemed to work good. Connected the inlet pipe and let pressure build up. Pressure reached 150 psi and cut off. Everything seemed to work properly other than the head unit got hot. Did a second test and compressor started at 80 psi after air was bled off. Once started it the pressure would not rise. I removed the pump tube and there was very little pressure coming from the pump. I removed the inlet filter and there wasn’t any suction. Again I removed the head and valve assembly and this 3rd gasket had failed in the same area as the last 2. I have read other post and don’t know why or where to go from here.

I have a craftsman air compressor twin piston. Recently it would start running rough around 80psi to the point of dimming the lights and tripping the breaker after it continuesly ran. The top of the head would be very hot to the touch. I took the compressor apart and discovered the gasket around one of the reed valves to be missing. I replaced 4 reed valves,all gaskets and new oil. Once all new parts were installed I started the compressor up and it ran like new. Pressure built up to around 120. At this point I heard a pop and the compressor started struggling. The lights started dimming with each stroke of the piston.
I unhooked the tub that connects the compressor to the tank. Once disconnected I engaged the electric motor and pump and both ran smoothly.

I’m at a loss to why it get to the point of dimming the lights while running under pressure but runs smooth with no pressure.

I have a craftsman twin cyl Mod. 919166330which will not build any pressure. I replaced the check valve and the valve plates. Where else do I look?

I have a Craftsman Model 919.165110 compressor. Put in a new capacitor ( thought that was the problem)..runs for 3 seconds then trips the breaker…any idea’s??

I have a Craftsman portable air compressor, Model #921153101. It will build up pressure rather quickly until it reaches about 90-100 psi, at which point, it trickles (1-2 psi per minute) up to over 100 psi. It never reaches the 125 psi cut-out, and the compressor smells like it is getting too hot so I end up manually shutting it off in fear of it over-heating. Any ideas on what this could be, or, is anyone else having similar issues as well? Thanks!

I have a Craftsman air compressor model # 919.167812 that I am having problems with the
pressure switch. I have installed 2 and every time the cut switch/ unloader when the compressor reaches the cutoff pressure the motor shuts down and the unloader starts spewing until it reaches the cut on pressure the motor comes on and it stops spewing. If you turn the switch to the off position and the unloader starts spewing until the tank is empty. Any ideas would be helpful. The switch is an A71370.

In my 60 gallon, 3.1HP twin cylinder oil lubricated 150 psi compressor, the motor has failed. It was working just fine and now won’t start.

Taking off the panel on the motor itself, I can measure 240VAC inside the motor which turns off when I switch off the on/off switch on the pressure switch.

The only circuit that is inside the motor that could be keeping it off is the thermal shutdown cutoff. That button is not out / cannot be reset. Is that a common part to fail?

The motor’s capacitors look intact as well.

Any idea what could be wrong?

Hi – I have a three year old craftsman 33 gallon vertical compressor model 921.165720. rated to 165 psi. Problem started last year and Sears will not service the unit for some reason – at least my local one wouldn’t.

From what i could find last year and still holding true this year, the unit runs to about 80 psi and shuts off. They only way to get it back on and continue is to unplug it from the outlet and wait. The longer it ran, the longer i have to wait. What i have read was this is a thermal switch causing this to happen, thus the removal of power completely is required to reset. Eventually I can get it up to about 130 psi. Is this fixable? I only use this about 3-5 times a year, so as you can imagine I am quite upset with this Craftsman product. And the outside outlet is direct to panel, so there is nothing on the circuit but the compressor. Any insight would be great. Thanks. Scott

Hi, I have an older 6 gal. Sears model: 919.165281 oil-less pancake, it has no un-loader valve on the (mechanically controlled / electrical contact) pressure switch (AC-0747) 110 on – 135 off.

From what I have read in the forums here, it is not necessary, since it is small.

However, it seems apparent to me that I should be able to replace the mechanically controlled contact pressure switch with an electrical one (e.g. VA811502PF or N003307SV or similar) with the same or close to the same cut in and cut out limits. Please correct me if I am wrong. (PS: I know they are both mechanically controlled via air pressure, it’s just for the sake of differentiating the two kinds of switches) the original (hard wired) is much larger, than the ladder type with two wires molded into it or terminals for connectors.

Also, I would like to know, at what point, of air pressure or type of compressor do I need to concern myself with a compressor that should require or have an un-loader valve?

Thank you for your time and attention.

I have a craftsman 26 gal oil free direct drive air compressor model #921.64710. it builds pressure up to about 80ish (pretty consistent) and then cuts out. if I let it sit for awhile and turn it back on it will continue to build air and finally reach it max PSI of 150 but does not cut back on after pressure drops from use. I attempted to test the capacitors and if I did so correctly thy are ok. I tested the power out put into and out of the pressure switch and have power to the motor even after it cuts out. This will be my first compressor repair and I have done my best to research the problem but am still at a loss. do you think this is thermal overload problem that requires a new motor or hopefully something I have missed?. thank you in advance.

I have a craftsman compressor, 20 gal, 220 volt with 2 piston pump.the loader valve on the regulator was always leaking causing the compressor to kick on and off. I replaced the regulator and the new one leaked. Found the tank check valve was faulty , I repaired that and now when the compressor is running it sounds like it’s missing a beat every so often. can you tell why? Thanks AL.

I have a craftsman 80 gal. Compressor runs but will not go past 50lbs sounds like I’m hearing air coming from some where but not sure what to check. Thanks in advance for your help

I have a Sears compressor model 106.153780 it’s a pretty old compressor. The issue is, when the compressor reaches 70psi the compressor pump seems burdened then the motor bogs down. I quickly shut off the breaker to avoid and damage.

So far I’ve checked:
Pump oil – full
Check valve – Ok (air goes to from pump to tank and not vice versa)
Flappers – seem ok and operating

Any other ideas?

Hi, I have a Craftsman Model # 919165220 20 gallon single stage.

It seems to run and fill up fine but occasionally will give a loud high pitched squeal while running. I’ve noticed it’s more likely to do it after the tank has been completely emptied and the pressure passes 30psi as it refills. I’ve tried to pinpoint it with a mechanics stethoscope with no luck. I’ve ruled out any loose fasteners or fittings.

The strange thing is that I can make the squeal go away by pushing on the pump, tank, handle or pretty much anywhere on the compressor. Even a light tap on the cover will make it stop for a few seconds.

Can the valve plate cause this type of sound?
If I pull it will a visual inspection confirm a problem?

I have a Craftsman 3 gallon 1 hp air compressor bought in 2007. Just used it this morning and went to turn it on again and only heard a clicking sound from the switch box, I believe it is called the pressure switch. I release the pressure after every use. Can I repair this myself or bring it to Sears for repair? If it is worth it.

I have a craftsman 919-164180 that starts but stops immediately i took it apart and put it back together and it turned on twice then started acting up again. I had the stop/start capacitors checked and they tested good although one was kinda warm. Any thoughts?

I have a crafstman model 919137670 compressor. The compressor is not automatically restarting. The intial start will fill the tank to 120 PSI. Regardless of the device that I use once the PSI drops below the recommended PSI for that device the compressor will take about 5-10 minutes before it restarts. I have already replaced the air compressor check valve model # A19718 due to the motor not restarting once the PSI drops below the set PSI level.

Hi, I have a Craftsman Twin Tank air compressor. When I turn it out, the pressure can only build up to 40 psi, it doesn’t go any further. Can you please guide me how to fix it? Thanks.

Can anyone help me with my 6 hp 30 gal 120v Craftsman oil-less single cylinder compressor?

Every time I use it, the surge protector I had it hooked up too would always trip every time the compressor would reach cut out pressure. When I plug the compressor directly to the wall socket without the surge protector, the circuit breaker would trip once compressor hits cut out pressure also. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I have a craftsman compressor model919.167240 it continualy goes on and off . the switch seems to fine. while looking at it while pressure is building, the switch does not dissengage but the motor will stop. then it will start again. different amounts of time but it constantly does this. Anyone have any ideas?

I have a Craftsman twin cylinder compressor model 106.152581 that lately has been spitting oil out of what I believe to be a breather hole in the bearing cap. This cap is on the same side of the compressor that has the pulley. From my own online research it looks like it could be the cylinder rings. These rings are no longer available on the Sears Parts Direct website. My question is could the problem be something else and if you suspect the rings, were else may they be available? Otherwise the compressor runs fine.

Thank you

I have a good one for you… I have an old Craftsman 2 cylinder compressor. At least 40 years old. It originally had a 1hp motor (according to the sticker). It used to have intermittent issues with restarting (centrifugal switch wouldn’t unload) and it would pop the breaker occasionally. Recently it got worse.

I have:

1. Rewired with new 12 gauge cord.
2. Replaced the pressure switch (including unloader valve).
3. Replaced the belt.
4. Cleaned and tried to adjust the centrifugal switch.
5. Replaced the motor.

The original motor on this unit was a 1hp. At some point, my Dad apparently replaced it with a Century K56, 1/2 HP, 3450RPM. When I discovered this, I thought “AHA!” and that I’d be in great shape with a new motor. Sears web site called for a Century CP1152L, 1.5HP. The 1.5 is same rotation, same frame, same RPM. So I bought one. Even worse starting than the 0.5 HP motor.

This compressor has a 1/2 inch line from the compressor to the tank and a 1/8 line from the head to the unloader. I disconnected the unloader line at the head. There is no leaking from the check valve. When I fill the tank to 100LB, I can get the thing to start if the unloader line is disconnected. I can then cover the port with a rag and my thumb and it runs just fine.

The only things left to replace are the check valve and the compressor piston assembly. The pump seems to turn by hand just fine. It’s so bad now that if there’s more than 20PSI in the tank it stutters and pops the breaker.

So could a faulty check valve cause issues with starting up? Valve isn’t leaking… could it be sticking and not wanting to open?

i have a craftsman 919.167241 it builds up to about 40-45 lbs of pressure and keeps running but wont build any more pressure . i have to shut it off manually but it holds pressure with out leaking down. where should i start looking for the problem?

First of all – Fantastic WEB site! I’m in the middle of my first compressor repair on my Craftsman 20 gallon.
Pretty sure, based on all the articles, my check valve is leaking, since my unloader valve is leaking air now after shutdown. Its been a very slow leak for months, as my compressor (normally left on overnight) would suddenly start up for no reason and fill the tank back up.
My check valve is exactly like the one pictured, and my whole compressor layout is identical to the photo.
So I have two questions that, despite reviewing every article, I don’t see addressed.
1. What is the best tool(s) to back out and reinstall a check valve like the one pictured? Stardard channel lock pliers is the only tool I could get to work without damaging the two threaded outlets. However, I’m not completely hopeful I get it tightened enough when I reinstall.
2. I’ve read in several places about cleaning the check valve, but no where have I found exactly what that means as far as technique. I’m a pretty seasoned home-mechanic, and I have the luxury of owning a small ultrasonic cleaner. I put my valve in the cleaner for a couple of hours, but haven’t done anything else so far. I does have the plastic valve pieces inside, so I was going to lubricate these parts with a synthetic oil that is a highly purified clear lubricant designed for dental equipment. Will this be ok?

Thanks for any and all responses and help!

Mike

Hello, I have a craftsman 30 gal. air compressor item number 919.167310. It never reaches the cut out pressure and shuts off. It reaches 80 p.s.i. and, though it is still running, the pressure will not rise above 80 p.s.i. I have no leaks, the tube to the check valve get significantly hot (maybe that’s normal given where the other end connects on the motor/piston). Can you give me any ideas what may be wrong? Thank you…

I have an old 919152940 that wont build pressure in the tank. The regulator dial will build to just shy of 20 psi but the tank pressure never moves. Any suggestions?

My Sears Craftsman compressor is about 4 and a half years old, model 921.153101. After operating it for a short time, I lose pressure to the hose. The gauges show compression but if I remove the hose there is no quick release of air. If I push the hose back into the quick connect, pressure returns to the hose but only briefly. Any ideas as to what the problem is???

I ran my Craftsman 4 gallon air compressor 1 HP, without oil for about 15 minutes. Now when I turn it on it just hums for about 4 seconds and then shuts down. Did I cook the cylinder and should I junk the machine? It was almost new. Mike N

I have an old Sears air compressor, 1hp 12 gallon tank model 919.176311. I got from my uncle after he passed, and it worked fine for the past few years, but the other day I went to use it and the motor was just clicking, after a while I tried it again and it will start up like it supposed to but in about 20 seconds it trips the circuit breaker. Its a 20 amp breaker with nothing else running on it, its plugged directly to the outlet, no extension cord. Is the motor on it going out, or could it be one of the capacitors?

I am trying to rewire an older craftsman 220v compressor 106.174841. The motor has only two lines and I don’t see a ground screw on the pressure switch. How do I connect the 3 wires from the plug to a motor with two wires via a switch with 4 terminals?

Thank you for your help

Hello,
I have Craftsman compressor model #919.167783. For a while it was struggling to reach the 150psi cut-off. I opened it up and found that the pair of cyl sleeves were badly worn and my rings had taken a set. I ordered repair kits K-0648 & K-0650 to replace these parts. After installation I found that my compressor would build pressure up to ~30PSI and then sit there, not increase. With compressor off there was no leak-down. I was advised that my reed valves were bad (there was a very small gap between them and the plate). I ordered a pair of Z-AC-0032 valve plates and installed. Torqued the HHP & HLP down properly and still same issue. Stuck at 30PSI. I removed the choke valve and it appears to be functioning and seated when at rest. Not sure where to go from here.

compressor fan kit KK-5018 shot out of the compressor in pieces in December of 2014, we replaced it in January 2015 and one week ago it did the same thing. Can you please advise as to why this would be occurring?

So the pressure switch on my Sears compressor 919.195411 is shot. Often won’t shut off and the pressure release valve has to come on. So of course Sears doesn’t make the part anymore and they have no alternate. My options are to buy one they sell for the latest model, but it doesn’t have an unloader valve on it. Is it possible to just add another unloader valve to the side of the tank check valve assy? Or am i better off getting a replacement 120psi on and 150psi off switch from Condor: 11LA2E. It has the same specs. Unloader valve is located in another area, but I can always re-route the tube from the check valve to the new location. Any help is appreciated. Sears wants $500 for a new compressor, but they don’t deserve that simply on principal for not offering replacement parts. Image is of the old part complete with specs.

Hey Willy . Was 60 degrees today so I decided to continue the compressor fix.
I did what you said. I took off the regulator completely. I bought a new goodyear 3/8 hose and hooked that directly to the tank. I then tried to take off lug nut and again no go. BUT we both had the right idea. Heres what was wrong . I was using a 4 inch extension on the gun. I took off the extension and went with just the socket and VROOOM the lug nuts were flying off. I think there is to much play when I was using the extension and it was acting as a torque stick would. To make sure this worked I replaced my 2 front shocks. The bottom 13/16 nut was rusted on there since 2003 and VROOM. No problem at all. So for an impact gun full pressure works GREAT with no extension LOL But regulator is needed for like nail guns and cut off wheels ect. I got a pancake compressor for nail guns.
Thanks for the help. Merry Christmas

I think your onto something. I ordered a new goodyear 3/8 hose and Ive been reading that most shops use straight pressure on impact guns. I will try to hook the new hose up to the line before the regulator BUT at this time we got 15 inches of snow so I’m going to wait till spring to further my attempts to get this impact to work. My compressor goes to around 145psi ish so Im hoping that will do the trick. Now wish for warmer weather . TY for the help. If this site is still here I will update then …