Blue Line VORTEX 8000Q User manual

VORTEX 8000Q Mobile Cleaning
Unit
The Worlds Most Powerful Cleaning Machine
Service and Operation Manual
BLUELINE Equipment Co. LLC
2604 Liberator Dr., Prescott, AZ 86301 1-928-445-3030

BLUELINE VORTEX 8000Q I
Congratulations on your purchase of the
VORTEX MOBILE CLEANING UNIT.
This instruction/parts manual is a guide for
operating and servicing your BLUELINE
VORTEX 8000Q® mobile cleaning unit.
Proper operation and service are necessary to
ensure the outstanding performance of this unit.
When properly maintained, your mobile cleaning
unit will have a long and trouble-free life.
The following service methods outlined in this
manual are detailed in a manner that operation and
servicing may be performed properly and safely.
Because service levels vary due to the skill of the
mechanic, tools and parts availability, ensure that
prior to attempting any repair, you are familiar with
this equipment and have the proper tools. Any
questions regarding the operation, service, or repair
of this unit should be directed to your nearest
BLUELINE dealer.
The headings WARNING and CAUTION are
utilized to warn you that steps must be taken to
prevent personal injury or damage to the
equipment. Please make sure that you have read
and understand these instructions entirely before
proceeding with the operation of this unit.
Record your units vehicle identification number
here for future reference or if you should need to
contact the factory in the future for any reason.
VIN:
This service and operations manual is written
specifically for BLUELINE VORTEX 8000Q®
mobile cleaning unit manufactured by:
BLUELINE EQUIPMENT LLC
2604 Liberator Drive
Prescott, AZ 86301 USA
The information contained in this document is
subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of BLUELINE
EQUIPMENT LLC.
All rights reserved. Copyright 2006 by
BLUELINE EQUIPMENT LLC. No part of this
work may be used or reproduced in any form or
means without the express written consent and
permission of BLUELINE EQUIPMENT LLC.
Published by BLUELINE EQUIPMENT LLC.
First printing: April 2008
Printed in USA
VORTEX 8000Q® MANUAL
PART# 49-036
Revision 1
September, 2008
s

II BLUELINE VORTEX 8000Q
LIMITED WARRANTY
BLUELINE warrants your machine to be free of defects in material and workmanship. This
warranty shall extend to the designated parts for the specific period of time listed from the date
of delivery to the user. If BLUELINE receives notice of any defects during the warranty period,
BLUELINE will either, at its option, repair or replace products that prove to be defective. Any
transportation, related service labor, normal maintenance and diagnostic calls are not included.
Vacuum Pump (Through manufacturer or local dealer)_______ 18 months
Water Pump_________________________________________ 1 year
Oil Pump___________________________________________ 1 year
Waste Pump_________________________________________ 1 year
Engine Heat Exchanger________________________________ 1 year
Wands (Excluding shut off valve and orifices)______________ 1 year
Waste and Water Tanks________________________________ 1 year
Pressure Regulator____________________________________ 1 year
All Other Components_________________________________ 1 year
This warranty shall not apply to defects caused by improper operation, inadequate maintenance
by the customer, unauthorized modification or misuse, improper repair, freezing or damage due
to hard water scaling.
Electrical components, disposable filters, belts, hoses, fittings, o-rings and other service
maintenance items are not under warranty. Components supplied by BLUELINE, but provided
by other manufacturers, will only be warranted to the extent that they are warranted to
BLUELINE.
To receive warranty service, products must be returned to a BLUELINE designated service
facility. The customer shall prepay shipping charges for products returned to BLUELINE for
warranty evaluation and BLUELINE shall pay for the return of products to the customer.
BLUELINE makes no other warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to this product.
BLUELINE disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose. Any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness is limited to the specific duration of
this limited warranty.
This warranty gives the customer specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that
may vary from state to state, or province to province.
The remedies provided herein are the customer’s sole and exclusive remedies. In no event shall
BLUELINE be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages,
whether based on contract, tort, or any other legal theory.

BLUELINE VORTEX 8000Q III
Table of Contents
SECTION ONE: GENERAL INFORMATION 1
1. SAFETY 2
Safety, Specifications, Chemical, Water Requirements
2. RECEIVING YOUR MOBILE CLEANING UNIT 6
Dealer Responsibility, Acceptance of Shipment, Equipment Listing, Optional Equipment
SECTION TWO: SYSTEMS/OPERATION 8
3. SYSTEMS 11
Water Pumping System, Heat Transfer System, Vacuum System, Chemical System
4. OPERATION 15
Equipment setup, Instrumentation, Starting Your Unit, Priming the Chemical Pump, Waste
Pump, Operation, Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, Stair Tool Cleaning, Flood Restoration,
Shut Down and Daily Maintenance, Freeze Protection.
SECTION THREE: MAINTENANCE and SERVICE 24
MAINTENANCE CHART 26
5. MAINTENANCE 29
6. GENERAL SERVICE ADJUSTMENTS 32
7. TROUBLESHOOTING 35
SECTION FOUR: PARTS and ACCESSORIES 43
9. ILLUSTRATED PARTS LISTINGS 44
10. ACCESSORIES 75
SECTION FIVE: SERVICE BULLITENS 84

BLUELINE VORTEX 8000Q 1
SECTION 1:
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. SAFETY
Safety 2
Specifications 5
Chemical requirements 6
Water requirements 6
2. RECEIVING YOUR TRUCK MOUNT UNIT
Dealer responsibility 6
Acceptance of shipment 6
Equipment listing 7
Optional equipment 7

SECTION 1
2 BLUELINE VORTEX 8000Q
1. SAFETY
For Your Safety!
The following WARNING labels are on your VORTEX 8000Q mobile cleaning unit. These
labels point out important Warnings and Cautions, which must be followed at all times.
Failure to follow warnings could result in personal injury, fatality, to yourself and/or others
or property damage. Please follow these instructions carefully!
DO NOT remove these decals.

SECTION 1
BLUELINE VORTEX 8000Q 3
!
1. Read the operator's manual before
starting this unit.
Failure to adhere to instructions could result in
severe personal injury, property damage, or
could be fatal.
2. Operate this mobile cleaning only in a
well- ventilated area.
Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide,
which is an odorless and deadly poison that can
cause severe injury or death. DO NOT operate
this unit in an enclosed area. DO NOT operate
this unit where the exhaust may enter a
building doorway, window, vent or other
opening.
3. DO NOT place hands, feet, hair, clothing or
any body parts near rotating or moving parts.
Rotating machinery can cause severe injury or
death.
4. NEVER operate this unit without belt and
safety guards. High speed moving parts, such
as belts and pulleys, should be avoided while
the unit is running. Severe injury, fatality or
damage may result.
5. NEVER service this unit while it is running.
High speed mechanical parts as well as high
temperature components may result in injury or
severed limbs.
6. The engine and other components will be
extremely hot from operation. To prevent
severe burns, DO NOT touch these areas while
the unit is running or shortly after the unit is
shut off.
7. DO NOT touch the exhaust diverter valve or
any part of the exhaust system while the system
is running or for 20 minutes after the unit is
shut off. Severe burns could result.
8. Water under high pressure at high
temperature can cause burns, severe
personal injury, or fatality. Shut down unit,
allow to cool down and relieve system of all
pressure before removing caps, valves, plugs,
fittings, filters or hardware.
9. Battery acid contains sulfuric acid. To
prevent acid burns, avoid contact with skin,
eyes and clothing. Batteries also produce
explosive hydrogen gases while charging. To
prevent fire or explosion, charge batteries only
in a well ventilated area. Keep sparks, open
flames, as well as other sources of ignition
away from battery at all times. Remove all
jewelry prior to servicing batteries. Keep
batteries out of the reach of children.
Before disconnecting the negative (-) ground
cable, ensure that all switches are in the off
position. If on, a spark could occur at the
ground connection terminal which could cause
an explosion if hydrogen gas or gasoline
vapors are present. ALWAYS disconnect the
negative (-) terminal first.
10. DO NOT exceed your vehicles weight
limit. GVW (Isuzu NPR) 14,250 lbs. This will
prevent unsafe or hazardous driving conditions.
11. Always keep your vehicle clean and
orderly. Wands, tools and accessories must be
securely stowed while driving the vehicle.
12. All high-pressure hoses must be rated at
3000 PSI and have a heat rating of 250° F.
Thermoplastic hoses do not meet this criteria,
and should never be used. Severe burns,
damage to property or fatality could result if
hoses do not meet these requirements.
13. Ensure that you have received proper
training from the distributor that you purchased
the unit from prior to operation.
14. This unit produces high pressure and high
temperatures. Improper use could result in
serious injury or fatality.

SECTION 1
4 BLUELINE VORTEX 8000Q
15. DO NOT modify this unit in any manner.
Any modification could result in serious injury
or fatality, and will void your warranty.
16. California Proposition 65 Warning: Engine
exhaust from this product contains chemicals
known by the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive
harm.

SECTION 1
BLUELINE VORTEX 8000Q 5
SPECIFICATIONS
Truck Isuzu NPR HD
Allowable Truck Gross Weight 14,250 lbs.
*Refer to owners’ manual for allowable axle load ratings.
Engine Speed 700-1700 rpm (Manual Control Cleaning Mode)
600-700 rpm (Idle)
Water Pump RPM 1400 rpm
Vacuum Pump RPM 3000 max rpm @ 900 cfm
Water Flow Rate 6.5 GPM (maximum) Optional 4.5 GPM
Water Pump Pressure 1750 PSI (maximum) Optional 2750 PSI
Vacuum Relief Valve 17 in. HG
Waste Tank Capacity 210 Gallons at shutoff
TANKS
Fresh Water 220 Gallons.
Waste Recovery 220 Gallons
JET SIZING
BLUELINE recommends that the total floor tool tip size does not exceed .12”. Using
larger jet sizes on your VORTEX 8000Q® unit may reduce cleaning temperatures.
Example: Four-jet wand uses four 95015 jets. (95 deg. Spray angle w/015 orifice)
.015 x 4 = .06
When using two wands while cleaning with this unit, BLUELINE recommends that the
tip size in each tool does not exceed a total of .18”.
Example: Four-jet wand uses four 9501 jets. (95 deg. Spray angle w/01 orifice)
.01 x 4 = .04 .04 x 2 tools = .08
Upholstery tool jet size: 80015 Stair tool jet size: 9502
Spray lance jet size: 3.5 GPM maximum

SECTION 1
6 BLUELINE VORTEX 8000Q
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Use ultra low sulfur diesel fuel (15ppm) ONLY.
Refer to vehicle owners' manual for use of additives
and bio-diesel recommendations.
ENGINE OIL REQUIREMENTS
Refer to vehicle owners' manual for
recommended oil type and maintenance
schedules.
CHEMICAL REQUIREMENTS
The BLUELINE VORTEX 8000Q® mobile truck
cleaning unit’s unique last step chemical injection
system can be used with a wide variety of water
diluted chemical compounds, either acidic or
alkaline, depending on the work to be performed.
We recommend using only the highest quality
chemistry.
WATER REQUIREMENTS
Because hard water deposits will damage the
plumbing and heat exchange systems on this unit,
BLUELINE recommends that a high quality water
softener be used in areas where the water hardness
exceeds 3-1/2 grains. If a water softener is used, it
must have a flow capacity of at least five (5) GPM
or greater, without any hose constrictions.
The use of a water softening system will reduce
maintenance and reduce down time caused by hard
water scaling. It will also enhance the performance
of cleaning chemicals, which will result in greater
efficiency in lower concentrations.
2. RECEIVING YOUR
TRUCK CLEANING UNIT
DEALER RESPONSIBILITY
THE BLUELINE DEALER THAT YOU
PURCHASED THIS MOBILE TRUCK
CLEANING UNIT FROM IS RESPONSIBLE
FOR THE PROPER INITIAL TRAINING OF
YOUR OPERATORS AND MAINTENANCE
PERSONNEL.
ACCEPTANCE OF SHIPMENT
Your VORTEX 8000Q® mobile truck cleaning
unit was thoroughly tested, checked and inspected
in its entirety prior to leaving our manufacturing
facility. When receiving your mobile cleaning
unit, please make the following acceptance
check:
1. The unit should not show any signs of damage. If
there is damage, notify your dealer immediately.
2. Carefully check your equipment and packing list.
The standard BLUELINE VORTEX 8000Q® unit

SECTION 1
BLUELINE VORTEX 8000Q 7
should arrive with the following items as well as
any optional accessories:
EQUIPMENT LISTING
A. Operation and Service manual
B. Hose reel
C. 400 ft. 2” vacuum hose
D. 220 Gallon fresh water tank
E. 220 Gallon waste tank
F. Pre-Filter box with stainless steel strainer.
G. Waste tank filters.
H. 2 Chemical solution reels.
I. 400 ft. of 1/4 in. high pressure solution hose with
quick connects
J. 2 vacuum hose adaptors
K. 50 ft. water supply hose with quick connect
L. Vortex marketing materials package.
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

8 BLUELINE VORTEX 8000Q
SECTION 2:
SYSTEMS/OPERATION
3 SYSTEMS/OPERATION
Mobile Truck Unit Layout 9
Battery 10
Fire extinguisher 10
Water pumping system 11
Heat transfer system 11
Vacuum system 13
Chemical pumping system 14
4. OPERATION
Preparation 15
Starting the unit 19
Priming the chemical pump 20
Automatic waste pump 21
Operation 21
Automatic Diverter System 21
Cleaning 21
Upholstery cleaning 22
Stair tool cleaning 22
Flood restoration/extraction 22
Shut down and daily maintenance 22
Freeze protection 23

SECTION 2
BLUELINE VORTEX 8000Q 9

SECTION 2
10 BLUELINE VORTEX 8000Q
BATTERY CONNECTION
!
Explosive gases, Dangerous gases!
Batteries contain sulfuric acid. To prevent acid
burns, avoid contact with skin, eyes and
clothing. Batteries also produce explosive
hydrogen gases while charging. To prevent fire
or explosion, charge batteries only in a well
ventilated area. Keep sparks, open flames, as
well as any other sources of ignition away from
batteries at all times. Remove all jewelry prior
to servicing batteries. Keep batteries out of the
reach of children.
Refer to vehicle owners’ manual for specific
instructions on the maintenance, removal or
replacement of vehicles batteries.
Before disconnecting batteries, ensure that all
the mobile cleaning units’ switches are in the
OFF position. If ON a spark could occur at the
ground connection terminal, which could cause
an explosion if hydrogen gas, or other explosive
vapors are present.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
BLUELINE, and many government agencies,
recommend that a fire extinguisher rated for A, B,
and C type fires be installed into any commercial
vehicle.

SECTION 2
BLUELINE VORTEX 8000Q 11
3. SYSTEMS
NOTE: Read and understand this section of the
manual entirely before proceeding.
This portion of the manual divides the unit up into
systems and describes how each system works.
Prior to proceeding into the operations and
maintenance sections of this manual it is
recommended that you acquire a basic
understanding of how the unit functions.
WATER PUMPING SYSTEM
See figure 2-1. Water flows from the fresh water
tank, through a wye strainer to the water pump
where it is pressurized. The pressurized water is
pumped to the pressure regulator, which maintains
the desired pressure setting. The pump discharge
manifold is equipped with a nitrogen charged
accumulator, which helps reduce pressure
fluctuations.
Water flows from the pressure regulator through
the engine coolant heat exchanger, through the
vacuum exhaust heat exchanger and then through
the upper xentherm heat exchanger.
Water then flows through the metering valve
located on the control panel. At this point, the
chemical injection takes place.
The hot solution mixture of water and chemicals
then flows to the cleaning tool.
HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEM
See figure 2-1 Water is heated through a multi-
stage heat exchange system that utilizes engine
coolant, vacuum exhaust and engine exhaust. Stage
one utilizes hot engine coolant, where the
temperature is maintained at or near 195°F by the
engine thermostat. The engine coolant flows
through the engine heat exchanger heating the
pressurized water supplied by the water pump.
Water then flows through the vacuum exhaust heat
exchanger and into the upper xentherm heat
exchanger. Where oil heated by the engine exhaust
in the lower xentherm heat exchanger is circulated
in a closed loop system, heating the water to the
desired temperature, set with the oil temperature
control located on the control panel.
This unit is equipped with an automatic diverter
valve system located behind the engine muffler.
This system incorporates an electronic rotary
solenoid with an exhaust diverter valve. When the
water temperature reaches the desired setting, the
solenoid automatically positions the diverter valve
into the direct exhaust mode.
The low water level switch located on the water
tank will automatically shut off the water pump
clutch, disengaging the water pump when the fresh
water supply is low. A water tank empty indicator
light, located on the control panel, will then be
illuminated.

SECTION 2
12 BLUELINE VORTEX 8000Q
Water System
2-1

SECTION 2
BLUELINE VORTEX 8000Q 13
VACUUM SYSTEM
See figure 2-2. The vacuum flow is initiated by the
vacuum pump, or blower. An air and water mixture
is drawn into the vacuum inlet on the side of the
truck. The mixture flows through a strainer basket
in the pre-filter box, and then into the waste tank.
The air exits the waste tank through a 100 mesh
filtration system, into the vacuum pump. A
vacuum pump relief valve is installed for vacuum
pump protection.
The air is discharged from the vacuum pump
through a spiral silencer, then through a vacuum
exhaust heat exchanger.
A level shut off sensor is located near the top of
the waste tank and will shut down the PTO (power
take off) unit before the tank is at full capacity. A
waste tank full indicator light, located on the
control panel, will then be illuminated. This
protects the vacuum pump from water damage.
Note: Waste tank level shut off sensor will not
shut the unit off due to high levels of foam. The
use of a quality defoamer is recommended.
2-2

SECTION 2
14 BLUELINE VORTEX 8000Q
CHEMICAL PUMPING SYSTEM
See figure 2-3. The chemicals are drawn from the
chemical jug through a strainer into the flow meter.
The flow meter indicates the rate of chemical flow.
The chemicals then flow into the stainless steel
pulsation chemical pump. The chemical pump
injects the chemicals to the three way selector
valve located on the front panel. This valve may be
used to turn the chemical flow to PRIME, OFF, or
METER.
The chemicals then flow through the chemical
metering valve to the solution outlet. This valve
controls the rate of chemical flowing into the
cleaning solution, which is indicated by the flow
meter.
2-3

SECTION 2
BLUELINE VORTEX 8000Q 15
5. OPERATION
PREPARATION
This section of the operator’s manual explains how
to prepare, start, operate, shut down and maintain
your BLUELINE VORTEX 8000Q® mobile
cleaning unit. The VORTEX 8000Q® unit is easy
to operate, however only trained operators should
proceed.
!
Operate this unit and equipment only in a well
ventilated area. Exhaust fumes contain carbon
monoxide, which is an odorless and deadly
poison that can cause severe injury or death.
DO NOT run this unit in an enclosed area. DO
NOT operate this unit where the exhaust may
enter a building doorway, window, vent or any
other opening.
Water under high pressure at high temperature
can cause burns, severe personal injury, or
fatality