How to Find Your Air Compressor Part Number
If you’re trying to order an air compressor part and don’t have a part number, you’re not alone. This is the most common problem we see, and it’s also the biggest reason people get stuck or leave parts pages.
Here’s the truth: air compressor parts are not interchangeable. Even parts that look identical can differ by size, airflow, thread type, or internal design. That’s why photos alone usually aren’t enough.
This guide walks through the most reliable ways to find your part number and what to do if you don’t have it yet.
Why the Part Number Matters
Air compressor parts are engineered for specific machines. Brands often use dozens of variations of the same “type” of part across different models and years.
The part number tells you:
- Exact fit for your compressor
- Correct airflow and pressure rating
- Compatibility with your housing or assembly
Ordering without a part number increases the risk of downtime, returns, and wasted time.
Start With the Part You’re Replacing
1. Check the physical part
Many air compressor parts have the part number stamped, printed, or tagged directly on them. This is especially common with:
- Air filters
- Oil filters
- Air/oil separators
Before removing the part, look closely for:
- Numbers printed on the gasket, body, or label
- Brand markings combined with a numeric code
- Partial numbers that can be matched online
Even a partial number is often enough to narrow things down.
Check Your Compressor Nameplate
2. Locate the model and serial number
If the part itself doesn’t have a visible number, the next step is your compressor’s nameplate.
The nameplate usually lists:
- Brand
- Model number
- Serial number
This information does not automatically give you a part number, but it tells you which parts manual or diagram applies to your machine. Most part numbers are assigned based on model and serial range.
Without this information, confirming fitment is guesswork.
Use a Parts Manual or Diagram
3. Reference the correct parts breakdown
Once you have your compressor model and serial number, you can reference a parts manual or exploded diagram for your machine. These diagrams list:
- Each component by location
- The corresponding part number
- Notes for serial-specific changes
Many manufacturers make manuals available online, and older machines often have printed manuals on-site.
If your compressor has been in service for years, this is often the most accurate way to confirm the correct part.
Important: Parts manuals are helpful, but they are not always foolproof.
Many compressors have multiple versions of the same model, and parts can change based on serial number ranges, production years, or factory revisions. It’s common to find several manuals online that look correct but list different part numbers.
When using a parts manual, always make sure:
- The manual matches your exact model
- The serial number range aligns with your machine
- The part description and specifications match what you’re replacing
If something doesn’t line up, don’t assume the part is interchangeable. A small difference on paper can mean a big problem in the field.
If You’re Unsure, Start With Maintenance Parts
4. Focus on routine service items
If you’re not sure which part failed or where to begin, most customers start with routine maintenance items. These are the parts replaced most often and searched for most frequently:
- Air filters
- Oil filters
- Air/oil separators
These parts still require correct fitment, but they are easier to identify than internal components and are a common starting point when planning maintenance.
Why Browsing by Photo Rarely Works
It’s tempting to browse parts by photo, but air compressor parts are precision components. Differences in:
- Diameter
- Length
- Micron rating
- Thread size
Differences in diameter, length, micron rating, or thread size are often impossible to see in an image. Two parts can look identical and still not fit the same machine.
That’s why identifying the part number first is always the safest approach.
What’s Coming Next
We know this process can be frustrating. That’s why we’re building a Find My Part tool that will allow you to filter parts by compressor model and other key details.
Until then, using a part number or narrowing things down by brand and machine type is the most reliable way to get the right part the first time.