Craftsman 919167301 air compressor Parts

PSI (pounds per square inch) is the pressure your Craftsman air compressor model 919167301 produces and stores in the tank; CFM (cubic feet per minute) is the airflow volume it can deliver at a given pressure. Together, they tell you whether the compressor can run your air tools reliably.

Quick definitions

• PSI: how hard the air pushes (pressure)
• CFM: how much air moves (flow/volume)
• SCFM: “standard” CFM measured under defined conditions; often used for tool ratings
• Cut-in / cut-out PSI: the pressure switch points where the motor starts and stops

How to use CFM and PSI when choosing tools

Match the tool’s required CFM at a specific PSI to what the compressor can supply.

What you’re doing	What matters most	Typical result if undersized
Short bursts (brad nailer, inflator)	PSI and tank size	Works, but cycles often
Continuous use (sander, grinder)	CFM at 90 PSI	Pressure drops, tool slows
Spraying/painting	Steady CFM at set PSI	Poor spray pattern, pulsing

Common mistakes we see

• Comparing max PSI only; tools usually care about CFM at 90 PSI (or another stated PSI).
• Ignoring duty cycle; high-demand tools can overrun small compressors.
• Using long, small-diameter hoses; pressure drop can mimic “low PSI” problems.

Why it matters

PSI without enough CFM means the tank may reach pressure, but the compressor cannot keep up while you work. If your unit struggles to start, build pressure, or hold pressure, use our DIY troubleshooting content like air compressor won't build tank pressure and air compressor won't start.

Last updated: February 2026

The most common cause of air compressor failure (including Craftsman model 919167301) is poor maintenance that leads to overheating and internal wear. Dirty intake filtration, restricted cooling airflow, and neglected lubrication (on oil-lubricated pumps) accelerate bearing and pump damage.

What fails first (most common root causes)

• Overheating from blocked cooling fins, poor ventilation, or long run times
• Dirty or clogged intake filter that makes the pump work harder and run hotter
• Moisture and contamination in the tank and air lines that corrodes components and sticks valves
• Air leaks at fittings, drain valve, regulator, or hose connections that increase run time
• Pressure switch or check valve problems that cause hard starts and repeated cycling

Quick checks we recommend before assuming the pump is “bad”

1. Listen at startup: a hum with no rotation often points to a start/capacitor or pressure-related hard-start issue.
2. Check tank drain: drain condensation; heavy rust-colored water indicates frequent moisture exposure.
3. Inspect airflow: confirm the shroud/vents are clear and the unit is not pushed against a wall.
4. Leak test: spray soapy water on fittings and watch for bubbles.
5. Watch pressure behavior: slow build or a stall at a certain PSI often points to valves, gasket, or a leak.

Symptom-to-cause cheat sheet

What you notice	Most likely cause	Why it leads to failure
Runs hot, trips breaker	Restricted airflow, dirty filter, overuse	Heat breaks down seals and damages bearings
Won’t start, tank has pressure	Check valve or pressure switch issue	Motor starts under load and overheats
Won’t build pressure	Leak, reed valve, head gasket	Pump runs continuously and wears out
Constant cycling	Leak or pressure switch setting issue	Excess starts shorten motor life

Why it matters

Most “failures” start as small efficiency problems (leaks, dirty filter, moisture) that force longer run times. Longer run times create heat, and heat is what quickly turns minor wear into major pump or motor damage.

For step-by-step troubleshooting by symptom, use our DIY guides like air compressor won't start and air compressor won't build tank pressure.

Last updated: February 2026

For a Craftsman 919167301 air compressor, repair is worth it when the problem is a single, serviceable failure (like a pressure switch, check valve, or leaking fitting) and the tank and pump are in good shape. Replacement makes more sense when the pump is worn out, the tank is compromised, or repairs keep repeating.

Quick decision checklist

• Repair if it’s a clear, one-time issue (won’t start, won’t build pressure, minor air leak).
• Repair if the compressor reaches cut-out pressure and holds it with only small fixes.
• Replace if the pump is weak (slow fill, overheating, low output) and needs major internal work.
• Replace if the tank won’t hold air after fittings and valves are addressed.
• Replace if you’ve already paid for multiple repairs and performance is still poor.

Common repairable problems (and what they usually point to)

Symptom	Most common cause	Typical fix level
Won’t start	Pressure switch, power supply, motor issue	Moderate
Won’t build tank pressure	Intake valve, reed valves, gasket, major leak	Moderate to major
Air leaks constantly	Fittings, regulator, check valve, drain valve	Minor to moderate
Can’t adjust output pressure	Regulator issue or blockage	Minor to moderate

For step-by-step troubleshooting by symptom, use our DIY guides like air compressor won't start and air compressor won't build tank pressure.

Why it matters (cost and safety)

A compressor that short-cycles, runs hot, or can’t hold pressure wastes electricity and wears out the motor and pump faster. Fixing a simple leak or control issue early often prevents a bigger pump failure later.

Practical “worth it” rule for this model

• If the compressor fills normally and the issue is controls or leaks, we repair.
• If it fills very slowly, never reaches pressure, or needs a pump rebuild, we compare the repair time and parts cost against replacing the unit.

If you suspect internal pump wear, our guide how to rebuild an air compressor pump helps you judge the scope before you commit.

Last updated: February 2026

The four main compressor types are reciprocating (piston), rotary screw, centrifugal, and axial. For a Craftsman air compressor like model 919167301, you will most often see a reciprocating (piston) design because it fits typical home and light shop air tool use.

The 4 compressor types (what they are and where they fit)

• Reciprocating (piston): A piston compresses air in a cylinder; common in portable and shop compressors.
• Rotary screw: Two intermeshing screws compress air continuously; common in commercial shops needing steady airflow.
• Centrifugal: A spinning impeller accelerates air and converts velocity to pressure; used for high-volume industrial air.
• Axial: Multiple rotating and stationary blades compress air in stages; used in turbines and specialized industrial systems.

Quick comparison

Type	How it compresses air	Typical best use	Common traits
Reciprocating (piston)	Piston in cylinder	Home, DIY, intermittent air tools	Higher noise, cycles on and off
Rotary screw	Twin screws	Continuous shop air	Smooth output, often quieter
Centrifugal	Impeller	High-volume plants	Efficient at large scale
Axial	Blade stages	Turbines, specialty	Very high flow, complex

Why it matters when troubleshooting your 919167301

Knowing the compressor type helps you focus on the most likely failure points. A piston-style unit commonly runs into issues with starting, pressure build, and leakage around valves and fittings.

• If it won’t start, focus on power supply, pressure switch, and motor start components; see air compressor won't start.
• If it won’t build tank pressure, focus on intake/exhaust valves, head gasket, and check valve; see air compressor won't build tank pressure.
• If it leaks air, check fittings, drain valve, regulator, and tank connections; see air compressor air leaks.

Common “type” confusion (compressor vs. pump)

Many people say “compressor type” when they mean the pump mechanism. On most portable Craftsman units, the pump is a single-stage reciprocating pump (good for general-purpose air tools), while larger shop systems may use rotary screw for continuous duty.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman air compressors are made for the Craftsman brand by different manufacturers (OEMs) over time, so the maker depends on the specific model. For Craftsman model 919167301, the manufacturer is typically identified by the model/series family and the data tag on the tank or shroud; we use that information to match the correct parts and repair guidance.

Who actually manufactures them?

Craftsman is a brand name; the air compressor itself may be built by one of several OEMs depending on the production era and model series.

Common OEM patterns you may see:

• DeVilbiss Air Power (a long-time Craftsman compressor supplier for many models)
• Campbell Hausfeld (common on some older Craftsman units)
• Other OEMs used in different years and product lines

How to identify the maker on your 919167301

Use the unit’s identification label to confirm the manufacturing source and to ensure you get compatible parts like a pressure switch, regulator, check valve, or tank pressure gauge.

Check these spots:

• Tank label near the handle or base
• Shroud/cover label near the pump and motor
• Data plate listing model, specs, and sometimes a manufacturing code
• Parts diagram callouts (when available for the model)

Quick guide: what to record before ordering parts

What to capture	Where to find it	Why it matters
Model number (919167301)	Tank/shroud label	Confirms the correct model family
Type (oil-free vs. oil-lubricated)	Label and pump design	Changes pump parts and maintenance needs
Pressure switch cut-in/cut-out behavior	During operation	Helps diagnose no-start and overpressure issues
Symptoms (leaks, won’t build pressure, won’t start)	During use	Points to the most likely failed component

Why it matters

OEM differences affect fit and function. A pressure switch, unloader valve, or check valve that looks similar can have different port sizes, pressure ranges, or wiring layouts, so identifying the exact build helps prevent wrong-part returns and repeat failures.

Helpful troubleshooting next steps

If you’re trying to connect the manufacturer question to a repair, use these targeted guides:

• Air compressor common questions
• Air compressor won't start
• Air compressor won't build tank pressure

Last updated: February 2026