Graco 237 A Series Operation manual

INSTRUCTIONS–P ARTS LIST 308–462
Rev. B
Supersedes A
30:1 PRESIDENT, CARBON STEEL, CART MOUNTED
Heated A ir-Assiste d A irles s P ackage
See the Data Sheet, 305–665, for application information
3000 psi (210 bar) Maximum System Working Pressure
100 psi (6.9 bar) Maximum Air Inlet Pressure
Model 237–423, Series A
This complete package includes a pump,
an air-assisted airless–spray gun with size a 41
1 spray tip,
a portable cart, 25 ft. (7.6 m) air and fluid hoses,
air and fluid controls, and a fluid feed.
IMPORTANT
This manual provides the basic safety , installation and
operation information for the spray system. For your
safety , also read the component manuals supplied with
this system before operating it.
GRACO INC. P.O. BOX 1441 MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55440–1441
COPYRIGHT 1994, GRACO INC.
This manual contains important
warnings and information.
READ AND RETAIN FOR REFERENCE
04129

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Table of Contents
Symbols 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setup 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Component Information 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warranty 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graco Phone Numbers 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Symbols
Warning Symbol
WARNING
This symbol alerts you to the possibility of serious
injury or death if you do not follow the instructions.
Caution SymbolCAUTION
This symbol alerts you to the possibility of damage to
or destruction of equipment if you do not follow the
corresponding instructions.

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SKIN INJECTION HAZARD
Spray from the gun, hose leaks or ruptured components can inject fluid into your body and cause
extremely serious injury
, including the need for amputation. Splashing fluid in the eyes or on the skin
can also cause can also cause serious injury .
D
Fluid injected into the skin is a serious injury . The injury might look like just a cut, but it is a ser -
iuos injury . Get immediate medical attention.
D Do not point the spray gun at anyone or any part of the body .
D
Do not put hand or fingers over the spray tip.
D Do not stop or deflect fluid leaks with your hand, body , glove or rag.
D Do not “blow back” fluid; this is not an air spray system.
D Always have the tip guard and the trigger guard on the spray gun when spraying.
D Check the gun dif fuser operation weekly . Refer to the gun manual.
D Be sure the gun trigger safety operates before spraying the gun.
D Lock the gun trigger safety when you stop spraying.
D Follow the Pressure relief procedure on page 9 if the spray tip clogs and before cleaning,
checking or servicing the equipment.
DT ighten all fluid connections before each use.
D Check the hoses, tubes and couplings daily . Replace worn or damaged parts immediately . Per -
manently coupled hoses cannot be repaired.
D Handle and route hoses and tubes carefully. Keep hoses and tubes away from moving parts and
hot surfaces. Do not use the hoses to pull equipment. Do not expose Graco hoses to tempera -
tures above 180 _F (82_ C) or below –40 _F (–40_C).
TOXIC FLUID HAZARD
Improper handling of hazardous fluids or inhaling toxic fumes can cause extremely serious injury ,
even death, due to splashing in the eyes, ingestion, or bodily contamination.
D Know the specific hazards of the fluid you are using.
D Store hazardous fluid in an approved container . Dispose hazardous fluid according to all local,
state and national guidelines.
DW ear appropriate clothing, gloves, eyewear and respirator .
FLUID HEATER HAZARD
DThe heater is not appropriate for use in certain hazardous locations when soft wired as of fered in
this package. The heater is CSA certified and FM Approved as explosion proof for Class I, Divi -
sion 1, Group D, Hazardous Locations, T emp Code (identification number) T3. Read the heater
manual, 307–805, for additional information.
D Do not touch the heater during operation, it is very hot.
WARNINGWARNING

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FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD
Improper grounding, poor air ventilation, open flames or sparks can cause a hazardous condition
and result in a fire or explosion and serious injury
.
D
Ground the equipment and the object being sprayed. See Ground the system on 6.
D If there is any static sparking while using the equipment, stop spraying immediately . Identify
and correct the problem.
D Provide fresh air ventilation to avoid the buildup of flammable vapors from solvent or the fluid be -
ing sprayed.
D Do not smoke in the spray area.
D Extinguish all open flames or pilot lights in the spray area.
D Do not turn on or of f any light switch in the spray area.
D Electrically disconnect all equipment in the spray area.
D Keep the spray area free of debris, including solvent, rags and gasoline.
D Do not operate a gasoline engine in the spray area.
EQUIPMENT MISUSE HAZARD
Equipment misuse can cause the equipment to rupture, malfunction or start unexpectedly and result
in serious injury .
D
This equipment is for professional use only .
D
Read all instruction manuals, tags, and labels before operating the equipment.
D Use the equipment only for its intended purpose. If you are in doubt about this, call Graco T echni-
cal Assistance at 1–800–543–0339.
D Do not alter or modify this equipment. Use only genuine Graco parts and accessories.
D Check equipment daily . Repair or replace worn or damaged parts immediately .
D
Do not exceed the 2760 psi (190 bar) maximum working pressure at 120 psi (8.3 bar) maxi -
mum incoming air pressure of the pump, or the maximum working pressure of any accessory
used with it.
D Do not move or lift pressurized equipment.
DUse fluids or solvents which are compatible with equipment wetted parts. Refer to the T echnical Data
section of all equipment manuals. Read the fluid and solvent manufacturer ’ s warnings.
D Fluid hoses must have spring guards on both ends to protect it from rupture caused by kinks or
bends at or close to the couplings.
D Comply with all applicable local, state and national fire, electrical and other safety regulations.
MOVING P ARTS HAZARD
Moving parts, such as the air motor piston located behind the air motor plates, which can pinch or
amputate fingers.
D Never operate the equipment with the air motor plates removed.
D Keep clear of any moving parts when starting or operating the equipment.
WARNINGWARNING

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Setup
I. Prepare the operator.
All persons who operate the system should be trained
in the safe, efficient operation of all system compo -
nents as well as the proper handling of the chemical
coating. At a minimum, all operators should
thoroughly read the safety , installation and operation
sections of this manual and the component manuals.
II. Prepare the site.
1. Use a minimum recommended 5 HP (3.7 kW) air
compressor for ef ficient operation.
2. Clear obstacles and debris that could hinder the
operator’ s movement.
3. Bring an air line from your compressed air supply
to the pump location. Be sure the air is dry and
filtered. Install a bleed–type master air valve (A)
upstream from the pump. Another master air valve
(32) is supplied with the package. When the
bleed–type master air valve is closed and the
pump air regulator (31a) is opened, the valve
relieves all air pressure to the system.
4. Have a grounded waste pail available to use when
draining the fluid filter .
5. V entilate the spray booth.
WARNING
T o prevent hazardous concentrations of
toxic and/or flammable vapors, spray
only in a properly ventilated spray
booth. Never operate the spray gun
unless ventilation fans are operating.
Check and follow all of the national, state and local
codes
regarding air exhaust velocity requirements.
KEY
Components you must supply:
A Bleed-type master air valve
Required for pump, order
part no. 107–142, 1/4” npt(f)
B Air filter . Order part no.
106–149, 1/2 npt(f)
C Air supply line
D Grounded 5 gallon metal pail
E Air line moisture trap
Components supplied with package:
1 30:1 President pump
2 Fluid heater
3 Back pressure regulator
28 Fluid filter (not visible)
29 Filter drain valve (not visible)
31a Pump air regulator
31b Gun air regulator
32 Bleed–type air valve
55 Air-assisted airless spray gun
64a Gun fluid hose
64b Gun air hose
66 Pump ground wire
Fig. 1

AB
E
C
D
3
19
64b
64b
1
66
31b
31a
32
2
8
28
29
55

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Setup
III. Unpack the system.
1. In addition to the assembled unit, these compo -
nents are packed separately: suction assembly ,
hose set, gun. In Fig. 1 items identified with a
number are supplied with the system. Items identi -
fied with a letter are supplied by you.
2. These are the manuals you should receive:
306–981 30:1 President pump
308–176 Air-Assisted Airless spray gun
307–273 Fluid filter
307–805 Fluid heater
306–860 Back pressure regulator
308–167 Air regulator
306–861 Ball valve
308–136 Cart
IV. Connect the hose set and gun to the
system. See
Fig. 1 and 2.
1. Connect the air hose (64b ) between the gun air
regulator (31b) and the air inlet of the spray gun
(55). These are 1/4–18 swivel fittings.
2. Connect one blue fluid hose (64a ) to the fluid filter
(28) outlet. Connect the other blue fluid hose to the
back pressure regulator (3) outlet. These are
1/4–18 swivel fittings.
3. Connect the whip hose (19) to the fluid inlet of
the spray gun (55). These are 1/4–18 swivel fit -
tings.
4. V
erify that all fittings throughout the system are
tightened securely .
5.
Use a tie strap to secure the insulated hose to the
leg of the cart. This provides strain relief so that
tugs on the heavy hoses don’t damage the hose
connections.
Fig. 2
To gun air regulator (31b) outlet
Ref 64a
To fluid filter (28) outlet
19
T o back pressure regulator (3) outlet
64a
64b
54
55
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V. Ground the system.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of static sparking, ground the
pump and all other equipment used or located in
the spray area. Check your local electrical code for
detailed grounding instructions for your area and
type of equipment. Ground all of this equipment.
Also read . FIRE OR EXPLOSION HAZARD on
page 4
1. Pump : one end of the ground wire (66) is already
connected to the air motor grounding lug. Connect
the clamp end of the ground wire to a true earth
ground. Connect the clamp end of the ground wire
to a true earth ground.
2. Air and fluid hoses : use only grounded hoses with
a maximum of 500 ft. (150 m) combined hose
length to ensure grounding continuity .
3.
Heater: by plugging into a properly grounded elec -
trical outlet. If you use an extension cord, be sure
it is a 3-wire grounded cord which is properly sized
for the heater .
4.
Air compressor : according to manufacturer ’ s
recommendations.
5.
Spray gun: grounding is obtained through connec -
tion to properly grounded air and fluid hoses and
pump.
6.
Object being sprayed: according to local code.
7. Fluid supply container: according to local code.
8. All solvent pails used when flushing , according to
local code. Use only metal pails, which are con -
ductive. Do not place the pail on a non-conductive
surface, such as paper or cardboard, which inter -
rupts the grounding continuity .

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System Component Information
I. How to use the air–assisted airless
spray gun.
With an air-assisted airless spray gun, the spray tip
shapes the fluid into a fan pattern. Air from the air cap
further atomizes the fluid and completes the atomiza -
tion of the paint tails into the pattern to produce a more
uniform pattern.
The spray gun has a built-in lead and lag operation. When
triggered, the gun emits air before the fluid is discharged.
When the trigger is released, the fluid stops before the air
flow stops. This helps assure the spray is atomized and
prevents fluid buildup on the air cap.
NOTE: The gun air and fluid inlets have 1/4–18 npsm
(R1/4–19) compound male threads that are compatible
with
NPSM and BSP female swivel connectors.
1. Use the fan pattern valve (E) can be used to
reduce the pattern by about 25% of the total pat -
tern width. As the valve is opened, the pattern will
reduce slightly . The tip used designates the total
width of the spray pattern.
2. T o unlock the gun trigger safety, turn the safety so
it is parallel with the trigger . T o lock the gun trigger
safety , turn the safety to a right angle with the trig -
ger
. See Fig. 3.
Fig. 3
UNLOCKED gun trigger safety
LOCKED gun trigger safety
0795A
1
2
1
2
E
II. How to change the spray pattern
direction.
1. Relieve the air and fluid pressure.
2. Install a spray tip in the gun. Rotate the air cap
(the spray tip rotates with it) to determine the
direction of the spray pattern. See Fig. 4.
Fig. 4
V
ertical Spray Pattern Horizontal Spray Pattern
0791

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System Component Information
III. Fluid heater.
See Fig. 5.
The heater (3) used in this system is a high mass
heater . Always circulate the fluid when the heater is
operating to prevent overheating and damaging the
fluid. Do not use catalyzed material in this heater .
IV. How to use the 3–way valve.
See Fig. 5.
Heated systems require that the fluid circulate
constantly when the heater is turned on. The 3-way
valve (7) supplied with this system allows you to drain
or circulate the fluid. The words Drain and Circulate
are marked on the valve.
1. In the Drain position and with the gun untriggered,
the fluid returns from the gun, to the back pressure
regulator (3), to the hose (19) and to the 3–way
valve (7) which directs the fluid out the drain hose
(8). This position is used when flushing the system
and when relieving system pressure.
2. In the Circulate position, with the gun untriggered,
fluid returns from the gun, to the back pressure
regulator (3), to the hose (19) and to the 3–way
valve (7) which directs the fluid back into the pump
intake. This position is used during normal opera -
tion and it helps keeps the fluid at a constant
temperature.
Fig. 5
32
19
7
8
V. How to adjust the air and
back pressure regulators. See Fig. 6.
This system has two air regulators. As you look at the
system, the regulator (31a) on the left of the pump
regulates air to the gun and the regulator (31b) on the
right regulates air to the pump.
1. Always open air regulators slowly to prevent surg -
ing during startup.
2. T o open the regulator , which allows air to flow , turn
the T–handle IN (clockwise). T urn the T–handle
OUT (counterclockwise) to close off the air flow .
Be sure the jam nut under the T–handle does not
interfere with your adjustments. T ighten the jam
nut to lock in the setting, if desired.
3. The back pressure regulator (3), located on the
fluid return side of the circulating system, acts as a
flow control. Use it to balance the pressure of the
circulating fluid so that the pump sucks in a suf fi-
cient volume of fluid without running too fast or too
slow. T urn the regulator IN (clockwise) to restrict
fluid and slow down the pump. T urn the regulator
OUT (counterclockwise) to allow more flow which
speeds up the pump. See Fig. 6.
4. T o open the back pressure regulator , which allows
fluid to flow , turn the knob IN (clockwise).
5. Adjust the back pressure regulator only when the
gun is triggered and fluid is flowing through the
regulator for an accurate setting.
Fig. 6
CW
CCW
31b
31a
3
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Operation
I. Pressure relief procedure
WARNING
To reduce the risk of serious injury , including
splashing fluid or solvent in the eyes or on the skin,
always follow the procedure below when you stop
spraying or shut of f the pump, check or service any
part of the system, or install, clean or change spray
tips.
1.
Engage the gun trigger safety .
2. T
urn off the heater (turn to 0).
3. T
urn the 3-way valve (7) to Drain.
4.
Close the bleed-type master air valve (A,14).
5. Close the air regulators (31a,31b).
6. Disengage the gun trigger safety .
7.
Hold the gun firmly to a grounded metal pail.
T rigger the gun to relieve pressure.
8. Engage the gun trigger safety .
9.
Open the drain valve (29), having a container
ready to catch the drainage.
If you suspect that the spray tip or hose is completely
clogged or that pressure has not been fully relieved,
very slow loosen the tip guard retaining nut or hose
end coupling and relieve pressure gradually . Clean the
tip or hose obstruction.
II. Flush the pump before the first use.
Flush with a solvent compatible to your fluid. Consult
the fluid manufacturer ’ s literature for recommenda -
tions. See Flushing on page 12.
III. Prime the system.
See Fig. 7.
1. Remove the air cap and spray tip from the gun.
2. Close the filter drain valve (29).
3. Put the suction tube into the fluid supply container .
4.
Hook the drain hose (8) on the waste pail.
5. T urn the 3-way valve (7) to the Drain position.
6. T urn the back pressure regulator (3) all the way
out (counterclockwise)
7. Make sure the air regulators (31a,31b) are closed.
8. Open the master air valves (A,32).
Fig. 7 
A
C
3
31b
31a
32
2
8
28
29
KEY
A Bleed-type
master air valve)
C Air supply line
2 Fluid heater
3 Back pressure regulator
7 3–way valve
28 Fluid filter (not visible)
29 Filter drain valve
(not visible)
31a Pump air regulator
31b Gun air regulator
32 Bleed–type air valve
7

10 308-462
Operation
NOTE: In the next steps, the pump will cycle quickly
until air is purged.
9. Slowly turn on the pump air regulator (31b) until
the pump cycles slowly . When fluid flows from the
drain hose, turn the 3-way valve to Circulate.
10.
Hold the gun firmly to the grounded metal waste
pail. T rigger the gun while adjusting pressure at
the pump air regulator (31b) just enough to purge
the air and storage solvent out of the system.
When new fluid comes from the gun, release the
trigger . Engage the gun trigger safety .
11. T
urn IN the back pressure regulator (3) to raise the
system pressure until the pump stops.
12. Raise the air pressure to the pump to 35 psi (2.4
bar). Adjust the back pressure valve to set the
pump cycle rate at 1 stroke every 10 seconds.
13. T urn the heater dial to 3 . When adjusting the
heater , always allow the fluid to circulate and stabi -
lize (about 10 minutes) before checking the tem -
perature.
CAUTION
Be sure the fluid is circulating whenever the heater
is on to reduce the risk of damage to the fluid or
the heater .
14.
Use the fluid manufacturer ’ s recommendations for
temperature and adjust the heater accordingly . If
unknown, set the temperature to 1 10_F (43_ C) at
the outlet thermometer . Do not proceed until the
temperature has stabilized. Do not allow the fluid
to exceed 140 _F (60_ C) unless your fluid
manufacturer recommends higher temperatures.
15. Spray fluid into a waste pail for about 10 seconds
to bring heated material to the gun.
16. Hook the drain hose (8) on the fluid supply pail.