Graco 231-201 Operation manual

308–180
Rev. E
Supersedes Rev D
and PCN E
First choice when
quality counts.
02821A
Model 231–201 Shown
INSTRUCTIONS-PARTS LIST
INSTRUCTIONS
This manual contains important
warnings and information.
READ AND KEEP FOR REFERENCE.
ELECTRIC, 120 VAC
390st Airless Paint Sprayer
2750 psi (19.5 MPa, 195 bar) Maximum Working Pressure
Model 231–201, Series D
Standard mount; complete sprayer with hose, gun,
RAC IVDripLessTip Guard and SwitchTip
Model 231–328, Series A
Basic sprayer only
GRACO INC. P.O. BOX 1441 MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55440–1441
COPYRIGHT 1992, GRACO INC.

2 308-180
Table of Contents
Warnings 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Component Identification and Function 5. . . . . . . . . . . .
Setup 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Startup 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shutdown and Care 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flushing 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motor Test 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Repair Information 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motor Brush 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displacement Pump Repair 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motor 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motor Start Board 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Supply Cord 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ON/OFF Switch 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive Housing, Connecting Rod, Crankshaft 27. . . . . .
Pressure Control 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure Transducer 30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suction Hose 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drain Valve 32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displacement Pump Parts Drawing and List 33. . . . . . .
Model 231–201 and 231–328
Sprayer Parts Drawing 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Model 231–201 and 231–328
Sprayer Parts List 35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graco Warranty and Disclaimers 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Symbols
Warning Symbol
WARNING
This symbol alerts you to the possibility of serious
injury or death if you do not follow the instructions.
Caution Symbol
CAUTION
This symbol alerts you to the possibility of damage to
or destruction of equipment if you do not follow the
instructions.
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD
Improper grounding, poor ventilation, open flames or sparks can cause a hazardous condition and
result in a fire or explosion and serious injury.
If there is any static sparking or you feel an electric shock while using this equipment, stop
spraying immediately. Do not use the equipment until you identify and correct the problem.
Provide fresh air ventilation to avoid the buildup of flammable fumes from solvents or the fluid
being sprayed.
Keep the spray area free of debris, including solvent, rags, and gasoline.
Electrically disconnect all equipment in the spray area.
Extinguish all open flames or pilot lights in the spray area.
Do not smoke in the spray area.
Do not turn on or off any light switch in the spray area while operating or if fumes are present.
Do not operate a gasoline engine in the spray area.
WARNING
WARNING

308–180 3
TOXIC FLUID HAZARD
Hazardous fluid or toxic fumes can cause serious injury or death if splashed in the eyes or on the
skin, inhaled, or swallowed.
Know the specific hazards of the fluid you are using.
Store hazardous fluid in an approved container. Dispose of hazardous fluid according to all local,
state and national guidelines.
Always wear protective eyewear, gloves, clothing and respirator as recommended by the fluid
and solvent manufacturer.
MOVING PARTS HAZARD
Moving parts can pinch or amputate your fingers.
Keep clear of all moving parts when starting or operating the pump.
Before servicing the equipment, follow the Pressure Relief Procedure on page 9 to prevent the
equipment from starting unexpectedly.
INJECTION HAZARD
Spray from the gun, leaks or ruptured components can inject fluid into your body and cause ex-
tremely serious injury, including the need for amputation. Fluid splashed in the eyes or on the skin
can also cause serious injury.
Fluid injected into the skin is a serious injury. The injury may look like just a cut, but it is a serious
injury. Get immediate medical attention.
Do not point the gun at anyone or at any part of the body.
Do not put your hand or fingers over the spray tip.
Do not stop or deflect leaks with your hand, body, glove or rag.
Do not “blow back” fluid; this is not an air spray system.
Always have the tip guard and the trigger guard on the gun when spraying.
Check the gun diffuser operation weekly. Refer to the gun manual.
Be sure the gun trigger safety operates before spraying.
Lock the gun trigger safety when you stop spraying.
Follow the Pressure Relief Procedure on page 9 if the spray tip clogs and before cleaning,
checking or servicing the equipment.
Tighten all fluid connections before operating the equipment.
Check the hoses, tubes, and couplings daily. Replace worn or damaged parts immediately. Do
not repair high pressure couplings; you must replace the entire hose.
Fluid hoses must have spring guards on both ends, to help protect them from rupture caused by
kinks or bends near the couplings.
WARNING
WARNING

4 308-180
EQUIPMENT MISUSE HAZARD
Equipment misuse can cause the equipment to rupture or malfunction and result in serious injury.
This equipment is for professional use only.
Read all instruction manuals, tags, and labels before operating the equipment.
Use the equipment only for its intended purpose. If you are not sure, call Graco Technical Assis-
tance at 1–800–543–0339.
Do not alter or modify this equipment.
Check equipment daily. Repair or replace worn or damaged parts immediately.
Do not exceed the maximum working pressure of the lowest rated system component. Refer to
the Technical Data on page 36 for the maximum working pressure of this equipment.
Use fluids and solvents which are compatible with the equipment wetted parts. Refer to the Tech-
nical Data section of all equipment manuals. Read the fluid and solvent manufacturer’s warn-
ings.
Do not use 1,1,1–trichloroethane, methylene chloride, other halogenated hydrocarbon solvents or
fluids containing such solvents in pressurized aluminum equipment. Such use could result in a
chemical reaction, with the possibility of explosion.
Do not use hoses to pull equipment.
Route hoses away from traffic areas, sharp edges, moving parts, and hot surfaces. Do not ex-
pose Graco hoses to temperatures above 82C (180F) or below –40C (–40F).
Do not lift pressurized equipment.
Comply with all applicable local, state, and national fire, electrical, and safety regulations.
WARNING
WARNING
INSTRUCTIONS
Liquids can be injected into the body by high pressure airless spray
or leaks – especially hose leaks.
Keep body clear of the nozzle. Never stop leaks with any part of the
body. Drain all pressure before removing parts.Avoid accidental trig-
gering of gun by always setting safety latch when not spraying.
Never spray without a tip guard.
In case of accidental skin injection, seek immediate
“Surgical Treatment”.
Failure to follow this warning can result in amputation or serious
injury.
FIRE AND
EXPLOSION HAZARD
SKIN INJECTION
HAZARD
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL LABELS AND INSTRUCTION MANUALS BEFORE USE
Spray painting, flushing or cleaning equipment with flammable liq-
uids in confined areas can result in fire or explosion.
Use outdoors or in extremely well ventilated areas. Ground equip-
ment, hoses, containers and objects being sprayed.
Avoid all ignition sources such as static electricity from plastic drop
cloths, open flames such as pilot lights, hot objects such as ciga-
rettes, arcs from connecting or disconnecting power cords or turn-
ing light switches on and off.
Failure to follow this warning can result in death or serious injury.
NOTE: This is an example of the DANGER label on
your sprayer. This label is available in other
languages, free of charge. See page 36 to order.

308–180 5
02823A
Component Identification and Function
C
Fig. 1
G
E
F
D
A
K
M
B
H
N
J
L
Model 231–201 Shown
AMotor DC motor, 120 Vac, 15A, 1 phase
BDrive Assembly Transfers power from DC motor to the displacement pump
CPressure Adjusting Knob Controls fluid outlet pressure
DON/OFF Switch Power switch that controls 120 Vac power to sprayer
EFluid Outlet Hose and spray gun is connected here
FDisplacement Pump Pressurizes fluid to be sprayed through spray gun
G50 ft (15 m) Main Hose 1/4 in. ID, grounded, nylon hose with spring guards on both ends
HRAC IV Tip Guard Reverse-A-Clean (RAC) tip guard reduces the risk of fluid injection inju-
ry
JContractor Gun High pressure spray gun with gun safety latch
KRAC IV Switch Tip RAC switch tip atomizes fluid and removes clogs from spray tip without
removing tip from spray gun
LPressure Drain Valve Relieves fluid pressure when open
MPressure Control Controls motor to maintain fluid pressure. Works with pressure
adjusting knob.
NSpray Gun Safety Latch Inhibits accidental triggering of spray gun

6 308-180
Setup
WARNING
If you supply your own hoses and spray gun, be
sure the hoses are electrically conductive, that the
gun has a tip guard, and that each part is rated for
at least 2750 psi (19.5 MPa, 195 bar) Working
Pressure. This is to reduce the risk of serious inju-
ry caused by static sparking, fluid injection or over-
pressurization and rupture of the hose or gun.
CAUTION
To avoid damaging the pressure control, which
may result in poor equipment performance and
component damage, follow these precautions:
1. Always use a nylon spray hose at least 50 ft.
(15 m) long.
2. Never use a wire braid hose as it is too rigid to
act as a pulsation dampener.
3. Never install any shutoff device between the
filter and the hose. See Fig. 2.
1. Connect the hose (74) and gun (67) and screw it
onto the outlet nipple (28). Don’t use thread
sealant, and don’t install the spray tip yet!
2. Fill the wet–cup (102). Pry off the wet-cup seal.
Fill the cup 1/3 full with Graco Throat Seal Liquid
(TSL), supplied. Install the wet-cup seal.
3. Plug in the sprayer. Be sure the ON/OFF switch
(52) is OFF. Plug the cord into a 15A grounded
outlet at least 20 feet away from the spray area. A
12 AWG 150 ft (45 m) grounded extension cord
may be used.
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD
Proper electrical grounding is essential
to reduce the risk of fire or explosion
which can result in serious injury and
property damage. Also read FIRE OR
EXPLOSION HAZARD on page 2.
WARNING
4. Flush the pump to remove the lightweight oil
which was left in to protect pump parts after fac-
tory testing. See page 12.
5. Prepare the paint according to the manufactu-
ers’s recommendations. Remove any paint skin.
Strain the paint through a fine nylon mesh bag
(available at most paint dealers) to remove par-
ticles that could clog the spray tip. This is an im-
portant step toward trouble-free paint spraying.
Fig. 2
1
3
4
2
1/4 npsm(m) fluid outlet
Rotate clockwise to increase pressure
Do not install any shutoff device here
Fill 1/3 full with TSL
Shown in closed or spray position
5
32
33
64
28
74
102
52
12
3
4
5
67 Model 231–201 Shown 02823A

308–180 7
Operation
How to use the gun trigger safety
When engaged, the gun safety latch prevents the gun
from accidental triggering. See Fig. 3.
WARNING
INJECTION HAZARD
If the gun still sprays when the gun trig-
ger safety is locked, repair the gun. See
manual 307–614, supplied.
Fig. 3
1
2Gun safety latch
shown disengaged
1
2
Gun safety latch
shown engaged
How to use the pressure drain valve.
Use the pressure drain valve to relieve fluid pressure
from the pump and to help prime the pump. If the valve
senses an over pressure condition, it opens automati-
cally to relieve fluid pressure. If this happens, stop
spraying immediately, shut off and unplug the sprayer.
Determine the cause of the problem and correct it be-
fore operating the sprayer again. Refer also to the
Troubleshooting , page 13. See Fig. 4.
Fig. 4
Closed, or spray position
Open or drain, position
1
2
1
2
02825
A
How to use the pressure control.
The pressure control controls the motor operation so
the sprayer maintains constant fluid pressure at the
pump outlet. Turn the pressure control knob fully coun-
terclockwise to obtain the minimum setting. Turn the
knob clockwise to increase pressure. See Fig. 5.
Fig. 5
+
–
02824A

8 308-180
Operation
How to use the RAC IV tip guard.
WARNING
INJECTION HAZARD
To reduce the risk of serious injury,
whenever you are instructed to relieve
pressure, follow the Pressure Relief
Procedure on page 9.
The tip guard alerts you to the risk and helps prevent
placing any part of the body close to the spray tip. The
tip guard also adjusts the vertical or horizontal spray
pattern. See Fig. 8. The tip guard holds a reversing
spray tip. The tip is in the spraying position when the
tip handle points forward. See Fig. 6.
Clean the front of the tip frequently during the day’s
operation. First, follow the Pressure Relief Procedure
on page 9.
Fig. 6
Tip handle shown in
spraying position.
Turn handle 180,
trigger gun to clear clog
1
2
2
1
04647
How to remove a tip clog.
1. Release the gun trigger. Lock the safety latch. Ro-
tate the RAC IV tip handle 180. See Fig. 6.
2. Unlock the safety latch. Trigger the gun into a pail
or onto the ground to remove the clog.
3. Lock the safety latch. Rotate the tip handle to the
spraying position.
4. If the tip is still clogged, lock the safety latch, shut
off and unplug the sprayer, and open the pressure
drain valve to relieve pressure. Clean the spray tip
as shown in manual 307–848, supplied.

308–180 9
Startup
INJECTION HAZARD
The system pressure must be manually
relieved to prevent the system from
starting or spraying accidentally. Fluid
under high pressure can be injected through the
skin and cause serious injury. To reduce the risk of
an injury from injection, splashing fluid, or moving
parts, follow the Pressure Relief Procedure
whenever you:
are instructed to relieve the pressure,
stop spraying,
check or service any of the system equipment,
or install or clean the spray tip.
WARNING
Pressure Relief Procedure
1. Engage the gun safety latch.
2. Turn the ON/OFF switch to OFF.
3. Unplug the power supply cord.
4. Disengage the gun safety latch. Hold a metal part
of the gun firmly to a grounded metal pail. Trigger
the gun to relieve pressure.
5. Engage the gun safety latch.
6. Open the pressure drain valve. Leave the pressure
drain valve open until you are ready to spray
again.
If you suspect that the spray tip or hose is completely
clogged, or that pressure has not been fully relieved
after following the steps above, VERY SLOWLY loos-
en the tip guard retaining nut or hose end coupling to
relieve pressure gradually, then loosen completely.
Now clear the tip or hose obstruction.
Startup Procedure
Use this procedure each time you start the sprayer to
help ensure the sprayer is ready to operate and that
you start it safely.
NOTE: If this is a first-time startup, flush the sprayer.
See page 12.
NOTE: Refer to Fig. 2 and the other figures referenced
in the text as you start the sprayer.
1. Open the pressure drain valve (42). See Fig. 7.
2. Don’t install the spray tip until the pump is
primed!
3. Put the suction hose (32) into the paint. If you
are pumping from a pail, push the drain hose (33)
down below the top of the pail to avoid splashing
paint when the drain valve is opened.
01021A
Open or drain, position
Fig. 7
1
1
42
4. Turn the pressure knob (64) to the minimum
setting.
5. Disengage the gun trigger safety. See Fig. 3,
page 7.
CAUTION
Do not run the sprayer dry for more than 30 sec-
onds to avoid damaging the pump packings.
6. To prime the pump, turn the sprayer switch (52)
on. Slowly increase the pressure until the sprayer
starts. When fluid comes from the pressure drain
valve, close the valve.

10 308-180
Startup
WARNING
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD
To reduce the risk of static sparking and
splashing when priming or flushing the
system, hold a metal part of the gun
firmly to the side of a grounded metal pail before
triggering the gun.
7. To prime the hose, lower the pressure to reduce
splashing. Hold a metal part of the gun firmly
against and aimed into a grounded metal pail. See
the preceding WARNING. Hold the gun trigger
open and slowly increase the pressure until the
pump starts. Keep the gun triggered until all air is
forced out of the system and the fluid flows freely
from the gun. Release the trigger and engage the
gun safety latch.
8. Check all fluid connections for leaks. Relieve
pressure before tightening the connections.
9. Engage the gun safety latch.
10. Install the spray tip and tip guard. Install the
spray tip. If you are using the RAC IV tip guard,
refer to manual 307–848 for installation instruc-
tions.
11. Adjust the spray pattern
a. Increase the pressure until spray from the gun
is completely atomized. To avoid excessive
overspray and fogging, and to extend tip and
sprayer life, always use the lowest pressure
needed to get the desired results.
b. If more coverage is needed, use a larger tip
rather than increasing the pressure.
c. Adjust the direction of the spray pattern. See
Fig. 8. Engage the gun safety latch. Loosen
the retaining nut (A). Position the tip guard for
a horizontal or vertical pattern. Hold the tip
guard in place and tighten the retaining nut.
NOTE: Spray patterns will change as tips wear.
Change the spray tip if adjusting the pressure will not
improve the spray pattern.
01025
Fig. 8
For a horizontal
spray pattern
For a vertical
spray pattern
1
2
2
1
A