Is there a reset button on an air compressor?
Yes, many electric air compressors (including many Craftsman units like model 919167300) have a motor thermal overload reset that trips if the motor overheats or is overloaded. If yours has one, it is usually a small button on or near the motor housing; press it after the motor cools to restore operation.
On most portable electric compressors, the reset is located in one of these spots:
- On the motor end bell (near the fan cover)
- On the side of the motor body, close to the wiring cover
- Near the power cord entry point or switch area
- Integrated into the on/off switch (no separate button)
If you do not see a button, your compressor may use an internal overload that resets automatically after cooling.
- Turn the compressor OFF and unplug it.
- Let the motor cool for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Reduce load before restarting:
- Open the tank drain briefly to lower tank pressure
- Set the regulator to 0 PSI
- Press the reset button firmly (if present).
- Plug in and start the unit.
Frequent trips mean the motor is working too hard or power is unstable. Check these common causes:
- Extension cord too long or too small gauge (voltage drop)
- Low supply voltage or a weak circuit (shared outlet, long run)
- Bad start capacitor (motor hums, then trips)
- Pressure switch or unloader valve problem (hard restart against tank pressure)
- Pump issues (tight pump, worn piston/seals, overheating)
| What you notice | Most likely cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Motor hums, won’t spin, then trips | Start capacitor or low voltage | Try a dedicated outlet; inspect capacitor |
| Trips right at restart with air in tank | Unloader/check valve issue | Test unloader; inspect check valve |
| Runs a while, gets very hot, then trips | Overheating or pump drag | Improve ventilation; check pump condition |
| Trips immediately when switched on | Electrical short or seized motor/pump | Stop using; inspect wiring and pump |
The reset protects the motor windings from overheating damage. If it trips repeatedly, fixing the underlying cause prevents burned wiring, nuisance shutdowns, and slow pressure build.
For model-specific parts and diagrams, search by model 919167300 on Sears PartsDirect. You can also use our DIY troubleshooting for air compressor won't start when the unit will not run at all.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the 4 types of compressors?
The four common compressor types are reciprocating (piston), rotary screw, centrifugal, and axial. Your Craftsman 919167300 air compressor is in the “shop air” category where reciprocating (piston) designs are most common for powering air tools and inflating tires.
- Reciprocating (piston): A piston compresses air in a cylinder; common in portable and garage compressors.
- Rotary screw: Two interlocking screws compress air continuously; common in commercial shops needing steady airflow.
- Centrifugal: A high-speed impeller accelerates air and converts velocity to pressure; used for large industrial systems.
- Axial: Multiple rotating and stationary blade stages compress air; used in very high-flow applications (often aerospace and turbines).
| Type | How it compresses air | Typical best use | Common traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reciprocating (piston) | Piston in cylinder | Home, DIY, intermittent tool use | Higher noise, cycles on/off |
| Rotary screw | Twin screws | Continuous shop air | Smooth output, runs longer |
| Centrifugal | Spinning impeller | Large facilities | High flow, complex, efficient at scale |
| Axial | Blade stages | Specialized high-flow systems | Very high flow, not typical for shops |
Knowing the compressor type helps you focus on the right components and symptoms. For example, piston-style units commonly involve issues with the pressure switch, check valve, tank pressure, and air leaks.
- If it won’t power on: air compressor won't start
- If it runs but won’t build pressure: air compressor won't build tank pressure
- If pressure bleeds off: air compressor air leaks
- If it struggles to restart with pressure in the tank: air compressor won't start with a full air tank
For Craftsman 919167300 repairs, we recommend matching parts by the exact model number and the symptom you’re seeing. If you need to search beyond the model parts list, use Sears PartsDirect to look up diagrams and compatible replacements by model.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common cause of air compressor failure?
The most common cause of failure on a Craftsman air compressor like model 919167300 is poor maintenance that leads to overheating and accelerated wear. Dirty intake filtration, restricted cooling airflow, neglected lubrication (on oil-lubricated units), and small air leaks force the pump and motor to work harder until a switch, motor, or pump component fails.
These are the patterns we see most often when an air compressor stops working reliably:
- Intake filter is clogged, reducing airflow and raising pump temperature
- Cooling fins and shrouds are packed with dust, restricting ventilation
- Unit runs too long because of air leaks at fittings, hose, drain valve, or check valve
- Pressure switch contacts wear or stick from heat and cycling
- Tank is not drained; moisture accelerates internal corrosion and can damage valves
Do these checks before you replace parts so the new component does not fail again:
- Unplug power and let the compressor cool completely
- Inspect and clean the air intake area and any cooling vents
- Listen for hissing; use soapy water on fittings to find air leaks
- Verify the tank drain works and drain condensation after use
- Watch the gauges while filling; abnormal behavior points to a valve, regulator, or gauge issue
| Symptom | Most likely area | Why it happens |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t start | Pressure switch, motor, capacitor, power cord | Heat, worn contacts, electrical stress |
| Runs but won’t build pressure | Pump valves, piston seal, check valve | Wear, leakage, overheating |
| Builds pressure but leaks down | Tank fittings, drain valve, safety valve | Vibration loosens joints; seals age |
| Cycles erratically | Pressure switch, regulator, gauge | Sticking mechanism or inaccurate sensing |
Overheating and air leaks are “multiplier” problems: they increase run time and cycling, which speeds up wear on the pump, pressure switch, and motor. Fixing the root cause first is what makes a repair last.
- Use our step-by-step symptom help for air compressor won't start
- If pressure is low, follow air compressor won't build tank pressure
- For major wear, see how to rebuild an air compressor pump
If you need to look up diagrams or search replacement parts by model number, start with the parts list for Craftsman 919167300, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What company makes Craftsman air compressors?
Craftsman is a brand name, so Craftsman air compressors (including model 919167300) are built by different original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) depending on the model and production year. The most reliable way to identify the maker for your specific unit is the data plate on the tank or shroud.
Look for the rating label (often on the tank) and check for these common identifiers:
- Model and serial information (sometimes includes an OEM code)
- A manufacturer name printed in small text
- A prefix or code tied to the OEM (varies by era)
- Electrical details like voltage, amps, and phase (helps match replacement components)
- Pressure specs like max PSI and cut-in/cut-out ranges (helps match a pressure switch)
Different production runs have been associated with different OEMs. Here is a practical way to think about it:
| What you have | What it usually means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Older Craftsman compressor | Often built by an earlier OEM supplier | Use the label details to match parts by spec |
| Newer Craftsman compressor | Often built by a current contract OEM | Match parts by model and pressure/electrical ratings |
| Label is worn or missing | OEM is hard to confirm from the unit | Use model number 919167300 and component specs |
The OEM affects which components fit correctly, especially items like a pressure switch, check valve, regulator, and gauges. Matching by model number plus specs prevents issues like incorrect cut-out pressure, wrong port size, or mismatched wiring terminals.
Even when the OEM varies, we can still narrow the right repair path by symptom:
- If it will not power on, use air compressor won't start
- If it runs but will not build pressure, use air compressor won't build tank pressure
- If it struggles to restart with pressure in the tank, use air compressor won't start with a full air tank
- If you suspect pump wear, use how to rebuild an air compressor pump
If you are shopping by model number, start with the parts list for Craftsman 919167300, then expand your search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth it to repair a compressor?
For a Craftsman air compressor model 919167300, repair is worth it when the problem is a common service item (leak, pressure control, or valve issue) and the tank and pump are sound. If the pump needs a major rebuild or the tank is unsafe, replacement is the better value.
- Repair if it builds pressure but leaks down (fittings, drain valve, regulator, safety valve).
- Repair if it will not start but the motor is healthy (pressure switch, unloader, wiring).
- Repair if it runs normally and only output pressure control is unstable.
- Replace if the pump has severe wear (knocking, overheating, very low output).
- Replace if the tank shows heavy rust, dents, or seepage.
| Symptom | Common cause | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t start or trips breaker | Pressure switch, unloader, electrical issue | Diagnose controls first |
| Runs but won’t build tank pressure | Check valve, head gasket, reed valves | Test for leaks and valve issues |
| Builds pressure but loses it fast | Fittings, drain valve, regulator, safety valve | Find leak with soapy water |
| Loud mechanical noise, very hot pump | Internal pump damage | Replace or rebuild pump |
- Spray soapy water on fittings and valves to pinpoint leaks.
- Watch the tank gauge; steady rise then stall points to pump/valves.
- Listen at shutdown; constant hissing often points to a check valve or unloader.
- No-start issues: air compressor won't start
- Low or no tank pressure: air compressor won't build tank pressure
- Suspected pump wear: how to rebuild an air compressor pump
A targeted repair restores safe cut-in and cut-out operation and stable PSI. Replacing a unit that only needs a switch or valve wastes money; keeping a compressor with a failing pump or unsafe tank leads to repeat downtime.
For parts lookup by model number, use the diagrams for Craftsman 919167300 or search on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
