Miller Blue Star 185 User manual

Issued January 2018 • Index No. ED/2.5
Welder/generator is warranted for three years, parts and labor.
Engine is warranted separately by the engine manufacturer.
Class-leading 6,500-watt peak power
of regulated power to extend power
tool life.
Accu-Rated™peak generator power is
usable for maximum generator loads
such as plasma cutting, Millermatic®
MIG welders and motor starting.
Single-range amperage control
makes setting amperage levels easy.
Quick-reference parameter chart
provides convenient amperage
setting guidance.
120-volt GFCI and 240-volt
receptacles provide power for jobsite
tools. Receptacles are circuit-breaker
protected.
Receptacle covers improve reliability
by protecting receptacles from debris.
Reliable air-cooled OHV engine ensures
consistent engine performance.
Large 6.25-gallon fuel capacity
leads its class. Longer run
time for welder or generator
usage. See page 2 for fuel
consumption data.
Standard electric start for easy
engine start-up.
Standard auto idle. Idles engine
while not in use. Reduces fuel
consumption and noise.
Engine controls on front panel
for engine switch, idle control
and choke cable.
Hour meter provides easy
tracking of run hours for
maintenance intervals.
Compact and portable, its small
footprint uses little truck space.
Optional running gear also makes
the Blue Star one-man portable.
Processes
Stick (SMAW)
DC TIG (GTAW)
Air plasma cutting and gouging
with optional Spectrum®models
Output Range 60–195 A
Generator Power Output Rated at 104°F (40°C)
6,500 watts peak,
6,200 watts continuous
Net Weight 296 lb. (134 kg)
Industrial Applications
Maintenance and repair
Farm/ranch applications
Construction
Stand-alone generator
Service trucks
Quick
Specs
Blue Star®185
Miller Electric Mfg. LLC
An ITW Welding Company
1635 West Spencer Street
P.O. Box 1079
Appleton, WI 54912-1079 USA
MillerWelds.comEquipment Sales US and Canada
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
International Phone: [phone]
International FAX: [phone]
Reliable Blue Star engine drive is the standard
for portable welder/generators.
Gas Engine-Driven
Welder/AC Generator

Fuel Consumption
0.000
0.200
0.400
0.600
0.800
1.000
1.200
012345 6
Aux. Power KW at 100% Duty Cycle
U.S. Gal. per Hour
Idle
Duty Cycle
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
0 102030405060708090100
% Duty Cycle
Weld Amps
Volt/Amp Curve
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
0 1020304050607080
Amps
Volts
Generator Power Curve
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
DC Amps
DC Volts
120 V
240 V
Max.
Mid.
Min.
Performance Data
2
Welding
Process
DC stick/TIG
Welding
Mode
CC/DC
Amperage
Range
60– 195 A
Rated Weld Output
at 104°F (40°C)*
185 A at 25 V, 20% duty cycle
150 A at 25 V, 100% duty cycle
Single-Phase
Generator Power
Peak: 6,500 watts
Continuous: 6,200 watts
120/240 VAC, 40/26 A
Dimensions
H: 24.75 in. (629 mm)
W: 20.625 in. (524 mm)
D: 31.25 in. (794 mm)
Net Weight
(without fuel)
296 lb. (134 kg)
Specifications (Subject to change without notice.)
*Rated at sea level.
Engine Specifications (Engines warranted separately by the engine manufacturer.)
Horsepower (HP)
13.4 hp at 3600 rpm
Type
One-cylinder, four-cycle
overhead valve, industrial
air-cooled, gasoline
Engine Speeds
3,750 rpm
(2,500 rpm at idle)
Fuel
Capacity
6.25 gal.
(23.7 L)
Oil Capacity
1.4 qt. (1.3 L)
Standard
Shutdowns
Low oil level
Engine Brand
and Warranty
Kohler CH440,
3-year warranty
Fuel Consumption Data
•6.25-gallon fuel capacity.
•Under a continuous load of 3,000 watts of generator
power, the Blue Star 185 will run for about 7.5 hours.
•Welding at 130 amps (at 30 percent duty cycle), the
Blue Star 185 will run for about 12.8 hours of operation.
Certified by Canadian Standards Association to both the Canadian and U.S. Standards.

1
3
2
4
6
5
6
3
Control Panel
1. Engine Hour Meter
2. 240 V Receptacle with
Circuit Breaker
3. Engine Control Switch with
Auto Idle
4. Choke Cable
5. 120 V GFCI Receptacles with
Circuit Breakers
5. Single-Range Amperage Control
6. Quick-Reference Parameter Chart
Power Usage Guide
The power generator is designed to provide strong power while keeping the voltage within
10 percent of 120/240 V. 120/240 V ±10 percent is the range where tools and motors are
designed to operate. This increases tool/motor performance and tool/motor life.
Typical Contractor Tools
Starting Running
Tool Watts Watts
Hand Drill
1/4 inch 350 350
1/2 inch 600 600
Circular Saw
6-1/2 inch 500 500
8-1/4 inch 1,400 1,400
Table Saw (10 inch) 6,300 1,800
Band Saw (14 inch) 2,500 1,100
Air Compressor
1/2 hp 3,000 1,000
1-1/2 hp 8,200 2,200
Electric Chain Saw
1/2 hp, 12 inch 1,100 1,100
2 hp, 14 inch 1,100 1,100
Flood Lights
HID 125 100
Metal halide 313 250
Mercury 1,000 —
Vapor 1,250 1,000
Submersible Pump 600 200
(400 gph)
Centrifugal Pump 900 500
(900 gph)
High Pressure Washer
1/2 hp 3,150 950
1 hp 6,100 1,600
Wet and Dry Vac (1.7 hp) 900 900
Typical Farm Equipment
Starting Running
Machine Watts Watts
Portable Conveyor (1/2 hp) 3,400 1,000
Farm Duty Motors
(e.g. conveyors, feed augers
air compressors)
1/3 hp 1,720 720
1-1/2 hp 8,200 2,200
Washer (2 gal/min.)
550 psi 4,500 1,400
700 psi 6,100 1,600
Typical Industrial Motors
Starting Running
Motor Watts Watts
Split Phase
1/8 hp 800 300
1/2 hp 3,175 875
Capacitor Start —
Induction Run
1/3 hp 2,020 720
1-1/2 hp 8,200 2,200
Capacitor Start —
Capacitor Run
1-1/2 hp 8,100 2,000
Fan
1/8 hp 1,000 400
1/2 hp 3,500 1,100
Typical Household
Starting Running
Appliance Watts Watts
Dishwasher
Cool dry 1,400 700
Hot dry 1,400 1,450
Electric Range
6-inch element 0 1,500
8-inch element 0 2,100
Microwave Oven 800 625
(625 watts)
Refrigerator or Freezer 2,200 700
Automatic Washer 2,300 1,150
Clothes Dryer
Gas 1,800 700
Electric 1,800 5,750
Garage Door Opener
1/4 hp 1,100 550
1/2 hp 1,400 725
Furnace Fan (gas/fuel oil)
1/8 hp 500 300
1/6 hp 750 500
1/4 hp 1,000 600
1/3 hp 1,400 700
1/2 hp 2,350 875
Lights 0 As indicated
Radio 0 50–200
Well Pump
1/3 hp 1,400 750
1/2 hp 2,100 1,000
Sump Pump
1/3 hp 1,300 800
1/2 hp 2,150 1,050
Central Air Conditioner
10,000 Btu 2,200 1,500
20,000 Btu 3,300 2,500
24,000 Btu 4,950 3,800
32,000 Btu 6,500 5,000
40,000 Btu 7,800 6,000

Equipment Stock No. Description Qty. Price
Blue Star®185 907664 Kohler engine, with 120 V GFCI receptacles
Accessories
Running Gear 301246 Balanced running gear for easy transport
Lifting Eye 195353 Provides safe and secure lifting of machine
Protective Cover 301245 Blue with logo
Spark Arrestor Kit 301244
Remote Oil Drain Kit 224831 Quick connect for easy engine maintenance. Order from Miller Service Parts
Receptacle Kit 088297 6 ft. cord with 240 V plug. Order from Miller Service Parts
240 V Electrical Plug 213380 For use with 240 V receptacle. Order from Miller Service Parts
Engine Tune-Up Kit 268469 Includes spark plug and engine air filter. Order from Miller Service Parts
Stick Accessories
Weld Cables 300836 Includes 50 ft. No. 2 electrical cable and holder, 50 ft. work cable with clamp and lug
Plasma Accessories
Spectrum®375 X-TREME™907529 120–240 V, 12 ft. torch. See literature PC/9.2
Date: Total Quoted Price:
Ordering Information
Genuine Miller®Accessories
© 2018 Miller Electric Mfg. LLC
Distributed by:
Running Gear 301246
Compact, balanced, lightweight, wheel-barrow-
style running gear designed for easy on-site
mobility.
Lifting Eye 195353
Secure lift point when
picking up machine.
Protective Cover 301245
Blue with logo. Attractive, mildew-resistant,
odor-free, water-resistant cover protects your
machine’s finish.
Spark Arrestor Kit 301244
Mandatory when operating on California
grasslands, brush, or forest-covered land, and
all national forests. For other areas, check your
state and local laws.
Weld Cables 300836
Consists of 50-foot (15.2 m), No. 2 electrode
cable with insulated electrode holder and lug,
and 50-foot (15.2 m) No. 2 work cable with
clamp and lug.
Spectrum®375 X-TREME™907529
See literature PC/9.2. Comes complete with
protective X-CASE™(not shown).
Order the following from Miller Service Parts.
Remote Oil Drain Kit 224831
Quick connect for easy engine maintenance.
Receptacle Kit 088297
6-foot cord with NEMA 6-50P plug to adapt to
any 240 V application.
240 V Electrical Plug 213380
For use with 240 V receptacle.
Engine Tune-Up Kit 268469 Field
For Kohler CH440. Includes spark plug and
engine air filter.