Nautilus MX3-500 User manual

1
REVISED:
01
-
2
9
-
2015
LMANN05
MX3
-
500
Nautilus
Operatin Manual

2
Nautilus MX3-500 Operating Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TOPIC PAGE
•Introduction 3
•Technical Specifications 4
•Optional Equipment 5
SECTION 1: Operational Safety
•Electrical Safety 6
•Mechanical Safety 7
SECTION 2: Operation Procedures
•Vacuum Connections 8
•Electrical Supply 9
•Water Supply & Chemicals 10
•Solution Hose & Pump Priming 13
•Heater & Vacuum Hose 14
•Foam Downer 15
•Pump-Out System 16
•Pressure Adjustments 17
•Shutdown Procedures 18
•Accessory Storage 19
•Troubleshooting 20
•Solution Flow Path 23
•Wiring Diagrams 24
SECTION 3: Maintenance/ Technical
•Maintenance 27
•Drawings & Parts Lists
oPump 36
oPressure Regulator 37
oAuto-Fill 38
oPump-Out Pump 40
oParts Pictures 41
oParts List 52
oHose List 55
•Warranty 56

3
Introduction
Con ratulations on your purchase of the Hydro-Force Nautilus MX3-500. The
MX3-500 is desi ned to ive truckmount-level performance in a portable machine
that combines versatility with ease of transport. Years of experience, en ineerin ,
and plannin have one into the desi n and manufacturin of the MX3-500. We
take a reat deal of pride in the MX3-500; our oal is no less than your complete
satisfaction.
The Hydro-Force Nautilus MX3-500 is intended for commercial use only.
This manual will provide users with the knowled e required to operate the
Nautilus MX3-500 safely, to understand how to properly operate and maintain the
machine, and to ensure that the equipment operates at its maximum performance
level.
All users must read and understand this manual completely before
operating the machine.
Always maintain this manual in le ible condition adjacent to the Nautilus MX3-
500, or place in a secure location for future reference.
Any questions pertainin to the operatin or servicin of this unit should be
directed to your nearest Hydro-Force distributor.
This manual is written specifically for the Nautilus MX3-500 portable extractor
units manufactured by:
Hydro-Force
4282 South 590 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84123
801-268-2673
801-268-3856 FAX
Information in this manual is subject to chan e without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of Hydro-Force or its parent or affiliated
companies.

4
Technical Specifications
MX3-500 High Pressure Extractor
Height: 42-1/4”
Length: 34-3/8”
Width: 23-3/8”
Weight: 136 lbs.
Solution Tank Capacity: 12 gallon
Recovery Tank Capacity: 12 gallon
Solution Pump: Pump-Tec 207 pump with 1/2 HP Motor - 0-500 psi – 1.06 gpm
Vacuum Motors: Two AMETEK Lamb 5.7” diameter 3-Stage – tangential discharge
Can be operated in series or parallel configuration
Pump-out Pump: FloJet 120VAC 4.5 gpm
(Optional)
Power Draw: Cord 1 – 20.85Amp wide open / 13.45amp full load
Cord 2 – 5.50Amp wide open / 2.80amp full load
(Add 14.58amps to Cord 2 for units with optional 1750W Heater)
(Add 1.50amps to Cord 2 for units with optional Pump-Out Pump)
Standard Equipment
Vacuum Connection: 2” Barb or 2”Male Flash Cuff with 2” Male NPT
Vacuum Hose: 25’ X 1-1/2” with 1-1/2” cuff & 2” cuff
2” Female Flash Cuff x 1-1/2” hose adapter
Carpet Wand: 1-1/2” SS Dual Jet S-Bend Wand – AW29
Accessory Mounting Hardware: Four 1/4-20 x 5/8” SS Screws and Washers
Pump Priming Hose: 12” x 1/4” with 1/4” male quick connect
HP Solution Hose: 25’ x 1/4” with 1/4” male & female quick connects
Power Cords: 2 – 25’ x 12gauge with male & female plug ends
Electrical: Dual Circuit Indicator
5amp Pump Circuit Breaker
Internal Component Cooling Fan
Optional Features:
1750W Heater
Auto Fill System with chemical draw:
Metering Tip Kit: 14 different tips for changing chemical dilution rate
Water Supply Hose: 50’ x 3/8” with 1/4” female quick connect &
Female garden hose fitting
Auto Pump-out System:
Pump-out Hose: 50’ x 3/4” with male & female garden hose fittings

5
Additional / Optional Equipment
Wand Glide – Delrin AW529D
Wand Glide – Teflon AW529T
18” Bottom Velcro Strap for Wand Holder NM5841
Hy-Dry Deluxe Upholstery Tool: AW50D
Gekko Handle Assembly: AR51A
Gekko 4” Tool Head: AR51D
SX-7 Tool Head: AR51G
Gekko Hand Tool: AR53
1-1/2” Vacuum Hose: (Sold per foot – No cuffs) AH36
2” cuff for 1-1/2” Vac Hose: AH46
1-1/2” cuff for 1-1/2” Vac Hose: AH42
1-1/2” Hose Connector PVC: AH74
HP Solution Hose 1/4” X 25’ w/M-F Quick Connects AH79D
1/4” Male Quick Connect: AH102B
1/4” Female Quick Connect: AH101B
Pump-out Hose: AH65
Hydro Filter II: AC10
Replacement Screen for Hydro-Filter II: AC10C
Metering Tip Kit: PDE001
12/3 X 25’ Power Cord: AX32
12/3 X 50’ GFCI Power Cord: NM4407A
Belt Pack AX108
AC10
A
R51G
AR53
AR5
1A
AW
5
0D
M4407
A
AX108
AR51D

6
Safety
This machine is an electrical appliance.
Care must be taken to reduce the risk of electrical shock.
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING THE MX3-500.
•To reduce the risk of property dama e or injury, repairs to electrical systems should only be performed by
experienced technicians. Contact your distributor for assistance. Unplu machine power cord from outlet
before performin any repairs on the extractor.
•This machine shall be rounded while in use to protect the operator from electric shock. The machine is
provided with a three-conductor cord and a three-contact roundin type attachment plu to fit the
proper roundin type receptacle. The reen (or reen and yellow) conductor in the cord is the roundin
wire. Never connect this wire to other than the roundin pin of the attachment plu .
•This machine is for use on a nominal 120-volt circuit and
has a roundin plu that resembles the plu illustrated in
the sketch to the ri ht. Make sure that the machine is
connected to an outlet havin the same confi uration as
the plu . No plu adapter should be used with this
machine.
•The power cords supplied with this machine are properly
sized to handle the electrical load of this machine and
properly rounded as described above. Any extension
cords used with this machine must be similarly sized with
an equal or reater load ratin and rounded to assure
safe operation. A properly sized or rated GFCI protected cord can be used for additional protection.
•The two power cords must be plu ed into separate circuits durin operation. The Dual Circuit Indicator will
ensure that the two cords are operatin on different circuits (see Pa e 9 for details.)
•Do not use the MX3-500 outdoors, in standin water or on wet surfaces. Do not store the MX3-500 in wet
conditions. If extractor is leakin , unplu machine power cords from outlets before approachin or touchin
machine.
•Do not unplu power cord by pullin on the cord. Grasp the plu end when unplu in the cord. Do not pull
the extractor by the cord. If cord or plu is dama ed, do not use cord. Replace with new cord or repair as
needed before use.
•Overloaded circuit may not always trip circuit breaker. Reduced volta e to a machine on an overloaded circuit
will prevent components from operatin properly.
Section
1

7
This machine must be protected from conditions which
may damage the pump, tank, hoses and other components.
•Freezing of water in this machine will cause serious damage. The MX3-500, solution hoses, and tools
must be protected from freezin temperature. Store, transport, and use this equipment only in temperatures
well above freezin . (32ºF or 0ºC). If you suspect the MX3-500 has been frozen, do not plu in or turn on
machine until you are sure it has thawed completely.
•If the equipment cannot be stored or transported in a warm environment, it can be uarded from freezin by
runnin an anti-freeze solution throu h the incomin water lines, chemical feed system, solution pump, solution
lines, tools and pump-out pump. The machine is filled at the factory with anti-freeze to eliminate dama e durin
shipment in cold weather.
oThe anti-freeze solution must be completely flushed from the machine before it is returned to service.
•The MX3-500 must not be used to pick up flammable or combustible materials or used in areas where these
materials may be present.
•Solvent-based or water-based solutions containin solvents may dama e the pump, hoses, and other
components. Do not assume chemical compatibility. Contact your distributor or Hydro-Force if you have
questions re ardin the compatibility of your chemicals with the machine.
•Do not clean with solutions that are at temperatures above 130ºF.
•Rinse the solution tank, chemical system, and pump with fresh water after each day’s use.
•Do not allow pump to run dry. Always maintain adequate solution level to supply solution pump.
•HP hoses may rupture if worn or dama ed. Do not use HP solution hoses if hose coverin is cut, bul in , or
otherwise dama ed. Examine HP solution hoses daily and replace or repair hoses as needed.
•Use a Hydro-Filter II and clean the recovery tank daily to keep pump-out filter and pump from becomin
clo ed. Store the MX3-500 with the recovery tank lid open.
•Keep Vacuum Inlet Filter clean and check float for proper operation. Do not operate the MX3-500 without the
Vacuum Inlet Filter in place. Use defoamer to eliminate foam build-up during cleaning and prevent
foam/moisture from entering vacuums.
Use common sense to protect yourself and others while using this equipment.
•Keep pets and children away from the machine when in use.
•Keep all body parts, hair, and loose clothin away from openin s and movin parts. Always wear appropriate
work clothin and safety equipment when operatin unit.
•Use extra care when cleanin on stairs. Wet carpet on stairs can be slippery.
•Do not move the MX3-500 up or down stairs when tanks are full of water. Drain solution and recovery tanks,
and secure base latches before movin unit up or down stairs. Lift usin only the machine handles desi ned &
desi nated for movin and liftin .
•Water may be spilled, drip, or be exhausted from vacuums durin operation. Place unit in area where water will
not cause dama e or use drop cloth to protect surfaces.

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Vacuum Connections
The MX3-500 has a unique vacuum system which allows you to
connect your vacuums in either parallel or in series. Vacuum
connections can be changed quickly, with only a screw driver.
While there is debate on which vacuum alignment provides the best
extraction, this much is true:
•Two vacuums in series: The vacuum lift is increased by 1.6
times the rating of a single vacuum, while the air flow stays the
same as a single vacuum.
•Two vacuums in parallel: The vacuum air flow is increased by
2.0 times the rating of a single vacuum, while the lift says the
same.
Air flow is usually measured in cubic feet per minute, indicated as
CFM.
Lift is usually measured in inches of water column, indicated as
“H2O or “WC.
To connect vacuums in parallel:
1. Connect the dischar e / exhaust hose from vacuum #1 to the
exhaust pipe on machine base.
2. Place the rubber stopper into the vacuum inlet port of vacuum
manifold number two.
3. Open vacuum ate valve and attach the Gatekeeper to prevent
accidental valve closure.
When connected in parallel, both vacuums must be runnin durin
cleanin . Vacuums cannot be operated individually.
To connect vacuums in series:
1. Connect the dischar e / exhaust hose from vacuum #1 to the
vacuum inlet port of vacuum manifold number two.
2. Place rubber stopper into the exhaust pipe on machine base.
3. Remove Gatekeeper and close vacuum ate valve.
When connected in series vacuums can be operated individually if desired durin
cleanin .
Always secure the Gate Valve Open with
the Gatekeeper when connecting the vacuums in Parallel.
Closing the Vacuum Gate Valve with the hoses connected
in the Parallel configuration may
cause damage to Vacuum #2.
Section
2
GATEKEEPER

9
Operation Procedures
Knowledge of the proper operation of the MX3-500 is required to ensure
user safety and efficient performance of the extractor.
SET UP AND OPERATION
1. Electrical Cords:
Two 25’ power cords are supplied with the Nautilus MX3-500. The ampera e required by each cord requires
that the two cords be plu ed into separate circuits:
•Cord #1 (Left side) Powers vacuum #1, vacuum #2 and coolin fan. Cord #1 must be connected to a
20amp circuit.
•Cord #2 (Ri ht side) Powers solution pump, the optional 1750W heater and optional waste pump if so
equipped. When the optional heater is used Cord #2 must be connected to a 20amp circuit. Units
without a heater or with the heater turned OFF cord #2 of the MX3-500H can be connected to a 15amp
circuit.
20amp circuits are usually found in kitchens and bathrooms. An overloaded circuit will not always trip
the circuit breaker immediately, but it may not provide sufficient volta e for proper operation and the breaker
may trip eventually.
Plu the two power cords into two outlets from different circuits. If the Dual Circuit Indicator reen li ht
fails to li ht, you may be on the same circuit and may need to select a different plu for one of the cords. If
the Dual Circuit Indicator reen li ht comes on, you are plu ed into two different circuits. Proceed with
your set-up procedure.
(Dual Circuit Indicator Light may take up to 30 seconds to recognize the two circuits and turn ON.)
If a circuit breaker trips or the pump circuit breaker trips durin operation, reset the breakers and move the
cord to another outlet as needed.
When operating the MX3-500 using the OPTIONAL 1750W
heater DO NOT turn the heater on until after the pump has been primed and solution
hose and tool connected – Steps 3, 4 & 5.
Power Cord – AX32
25’ – 12 gauge M-F Plugs
Cord #1 Cord #2
Dual Circuit Indicator Light

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2A. Water Supply & Chemical Mixing– Manual Fill:
•Pour up to 12 allons of hot water into the solution tank at the front of the machine. The water
temperature cannot exceed 130°
°°
°F.
•Measure and add the appropriate amount of the desired liquid chemical to the water in the solution tank.
The amount of chemical will vary dependin on the type of chemical used, the amount of water in the
tank, and the material bein cleaned; consult the chemical packa in for specific mixture ratios.
•Powdered chemicals should be dissolved in water before addin to the water in the solution tank.
DO NOT RUN OUT OF WATER WHILE USING THE MACHINE! Ensure
that the tank contains enough water to complete each job. If the water level is low: stop cleaning,
turn off the pump, and refill the tank. Running the pump dry will damage the pump and void the
warranty.
2B. Optional Auto-Fill System - Water Supply & Chemical Dilution:
•The chemical dilution rate is controlled by the meterin tip, and the dilution rate can only be chan ed by
chan in the meterin tip (See “How to Chan e the Meterin Tip” on Pa e 11 for instructions.)
Chemical Feed Setup:
•Remove the chemical feed hose from the solution tank. Make sure float is attached to valve and han in
freely, above the bottom of the solution tank. Adjust float hei ht to maintain adequate water level.
•Place the end of the chemical feed hose into a container of liquid chemical.
•If the tip is removed, and the proportionin system operated with no tip, the dilution rate will be 8:1 (the
equivalent to addin 16-1/4oz of chemical to each allon of water.)
•The recommended tip for use with the MX3-500H is the turquoise tip with a dilution rate of 256:1. This
means that for each allon of water flowin into the machine, 1/2 ounce of chemical will be added.
•If a fresh water rinse with no chemical is desired, simply leave the chemical feed hose inside the
solution tank.
Proportioning Valve
Chemical Feed Hose
Float Hanger
Float
Float Valve
Pour appropriate amount of hot water into
solution tank
Add appropriate amount of chemical to water
in soluti
on tank

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How to Change the Metering Tip:
•Remove the chemical feed hose from the barb on the side of the proportionin valve.
•Unscrew and remove the old tip.
•Screw in the proper tip for your chemical tip and place the hose back on the barb
Metering Tip Kit (Hydro-Force Item PDE001) contains 14 different colored meterin tips, allowin
dilution rates from 11:1 up to 427:1. Refer to the chart below to select the tip that meets the dilution rate for
your chemical application.
•For example: if you require 1-1/2 ounces of chemical per allon of water, chan e to the red meterin tip
with the dilution rate of 85:1.
•The dilution rates are based on chemicals with water-like viscosity. Thicker (more viscous) chemicals will
dilute at a different rate.
•For powdered chemicals, a liquid concentrate must be made. Mix the concentrate accordin to the
manufacturer’s directions, and then select the appropriate meterin tip.
•Contact your distributor or Hydro-Force if you have questions about your chemical.
Metering Tip Application Chart:
Metering Tip Kit – PDE001
Turquoise Tip
Dilution 256 - 1
Red Tip
Dilution 85 - 1
TIP
COLOR
CHEMICAL DILUTION RATES
OZ / GAL (RATIO)
TAN 0.30 (427:1)
ORANGE 0.40 (320:1)
TURQUOISE 0.50 (256:1)
PINK 0.75 (170:1)
LIGHT BLUE 1.00 (128:1)
BROWN 1.12 (114:1)
RED 1.50 (85:1)
WHITE 1.75 (73:1)
GREEN 2.00 (64:1)
BLUE 2.50 (51:1)
YELLOW 3.75 (34:1)
BLACK 5.00 (26:1)
PURPLE 8.50 (15:1)
GRAY 11.50 (11:1)
NO TIP 16.25 (8:1)
Proportioning Valve
Chemical Feed Hose

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Water Supply:
•Once the correct meterin tip is in place:
oConnect the Auto-Fill Water Supply Hose to the water inlet (the male quick-connect on the front
of the machine.)
oConnect the other end of the hose to a water faucet, and then turn on the water.
•Hot water can be used as lon as the temperature does not exceed 130°F.
•Faucet adapter kits (Hydro-Force item #AX21 & AX22) are available that allow connection to different
types of faucets if needed.
To adjust the water level in the solution tank:
•Turn off the water supply.
•Adjust the len th of the chain connectin the float bottle to
the float valve. Unhook the float from the beaded chain on
the valve. Unsnap the hook from the beaded chain on the
float.
Move the bottle down to decrease the water level.
Move the bottle up to increase the water level.
•Snap the back onto the float chain & hook the float back
onto the valve chain.
•Turn the water supply back on.
If the chemical is not drawin , or if the tank is not fillin
or is overflowin , refer to the trouble shootin uide, or
contact your distributor for assistance.
Connect the Auto-Fill Water Supply Hose to Solution Inlet
(Male quick connect on the front of the machine.)
3/8” id X 25’ with F Quick Connect & F Garden Hose Fitting
Float Valve
Float Bottle
Connect the Auto-Fill Water Supply Hose to a
faucet and turn on the water
Chemical
Feed Hose
Float Hanger Hook

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3. Priming the High-Pressure Pump:
Once water is in the solution tank, the hi h pressure pump must be primed:
•There is a primin hose included with the machine. Connect the primin hose to the solution outlet –
female quick connect on the front of the machine.
•Turn on both vacuums and the solution pump. Insert the end of the primin hose into the vacuum
inlet port on the front of the machine and cup your hand around the hose to block off the vacuum
inlet with your hand. The vacuum will pull solution throu h the pump and primin hose into the
vacuum tank.
•Turn off the pump and vacuums. Disconnect the primin hose. You can now continue your set-up.
As lon as there is solution in the tank, the pump should remain primed.
If the pump still does not prime, or if flow is low or unsteady, check the hose from the solution tank to the
pump (as well as the filter) for clo in , kinks, or restrictions. Clean or replace hose and/or filter and repeat
the primin procedure.
If you are havin trouble with the pump, refer to the trouble shootin uide or contact your distributor for
advice or assistance.
4. Connection of Solution Hose:
Connect the hi h pressure solution hose to the solution outlet (female quick connect on the front of the
machine). Connect the other end of the hose to the male quick connect on the cleanin tool. When you are
ready to start cleanin , turn the solution pump switch to the ON position. The pressure is preset; there is no
pressure adjustment to be made.
Connect the male end of the HP Solution Hose
Assembly to the female solution outlet fitting on
the machine. Connect the female end to the
cleaning tool.
HP Solution Hose Assembly – AH79D
1/4” id X 25’ with M-F Quick Connects
PUMP PRIMING HOSE
NM5080

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5. Optional 1750W Heater Operation:
To prevent damage to the heater, the heater must have water in it before it is
turned ON. Fill solution tank, prime the pump and connect solution hoses before turning heater
ON.
While the heater allows for maximum operatin temperature of approximately 190ºF, the temperature of the
cleanin water delivered to the tool is dependent on two factors:
•The startin temperature of the water: Startin with hotter water will require a smaller temperature
increase from the heater to reach the maximum temperature.
The water temperature in the solution tank cannot exceed 130°
°°
°F.
•Flow rate: The lower the flow rate of the water throu h the heater, the more time the water will be inside
the heater. The water will have more time to be heated and can reach a hi her temperature. Hi h water
usa e and flow rate will not allow the water enou h time to be heated and the temperature of the water
delivered to the tool will be much lower.
The flow rate can be lowered by puttin smaller jets in the cleanin tool and by reducin the amount of
time the wand is sprayed. Takin additional dryin stokes without sprayin water between sprayin
strokes will help increase the potential temperature rise.
6. Connection of Vacuum Hoses:
The vacuum connection port on the machine can be either a
2” hose barb or 2” male Flash Cuff. Both are included with
your MX3-500. The desired connector can be threaded into
the vacuum port on the front of the machine.
A 2” female Flash Cuff 1-1/2” hose adapter is also included
to connect the 1-1/2” vacuum hose to the 2” male Flash
Cuff on the machine.
A 2” hose cuff for 1-1/2” vacuum hose is included to
connect the 1-1/2” vacuum hose to the 2” hose barb on the
machine.
With the proper cuff attached to the 25’ Vacuum Hose, the
25’ vacuum hose is then connected to the vacuum
connection port on the MX3-500. The other end with the
1-1/2” cuff is connected to the cleanin tool.
When ready to be in cleanin , turn both vacuum switches
to the ON position. If connected in series, the MX3-500
can be operated with only one vacuum for cleanin delicate
fabrics. (See Vacuum Connection instructions on Pa e 8) In
most situations you will turn both vacuum switches ON.
VACUUM CONNECTION WITH STANDARD
BARB AND VINYL CUFF
VACUUM CONNECTION WITH FLASH
CUFFS

15
7. Optional Foam Downer:
A key problem with portable extractors is that they have small tanks where foam dissipates slowly. If you
have had issues with foam or are anticipatin foamin problems, you will want to use a Foam Downer.
Foam can be drawn into the vacuums before the vacuum shutoff closes. Foam and water blowin out the
vacuum makes a bi mess, can decrease vacuum lift and dama e the vacuum motors.
The Foam Downer kills foam as waste water enters the machine. Place a container of liquid defoamer on the
top of your MX3-500. The vacuum air flow siphons the liquid defoamer throu h Foam Downer into the
vacuum tank, breakin down the foam before it can cause any dama e or make a mess.
•Mounts and is ready to use in seconds
•Uses defoamer very economically
•NO LABOR is involved to spray or spread defoamer – it’s all automatic
•Keeps silicone defoamers off the floor where they can cause resoilin problems
The Foam Downer is an attachment that allows the vacuum to draw a small amount of defoamer in a
constant slow flow into the waste tank of the Nautilus. We recommend usin a diluted defoamin solution of
four ounces of defoamer to one allon of water (1-32). Place the draw tube into the allon of diluted
defoamer and open the needle valve one half turn as your startin point. If this is not sufficient to break
down the foam you can open the valve more or add more defoamer to the water to make a stron er solution.
With the valve open one half turn it will take approximately one half hour to drain the allon of diluted
defoamin solution.
FOAM
DOWNER
AH17
FOAM DOWNER cannot be used
with 2” Male Flash Cuff connector
on machine. Remove 2” Male Flash
Cuff and install 2” hose barb as
needed.
HOSE HOOK
AH95

16
8. Connection of Optional Pump-Out Hose:
If your machine has the Optional Auto Pump-Out System you may want to connect the Pump-Out Hose.
The pump-out hose is a 50’ section of 3/4” arden hose. (Use of smaller diameter hose may reduce flow.)
•Remove the cap from the pump-out outlet fittin on the back of the machine.
•Connect the pump-out hose to the outlet fittin .
•Place the other end of the hose in a commode or drain connected to the sanitary sewer system.
•Secure hose end to prevent movement durin pumpin .
Use defoamer to prevent foam build-up in recovery tank during cleaning and to keep
foam/moisture from entering vacuums.
Use Hydro Filter II inline filter to trap and remove debris from the waste water before it
enters the recovery tank. Excess debris in recovery tank may clog Pump-Out filter. Clean
Filter as needed during use.
Do not turn the Waste Pump switch ON unless pump-out hose is connected and has been
routed to a proper drain.
The Waste Pump does not use a float switch and will run as soon as the Waste Pump switch
is turned ON. It is made to run continuously while cleaning, as this type diaphragm pump
can run dry without damage.
When ready to be in cleanin , turn the Waste Pump switch to the ON position.
If not usin the waste pump-out, the pump-out hose does not need to be connected. When the recovery tank
fills durin cleanin , the float assembly in the vacuum inlet filter will rise and will automatically shut off the
vacuum air flow to prevent the recovery tank from overfillin and waste water from ettin into the vacuums.
When this occurs:
•Immediately shut off the vacuum switches.
•Drain the recovery tank.
oTurn off the pump switch while drainin the tank.
oTurn pump switch back upon resumption of cleanin .
•Close the drain valve and turn the vacuum switches back on when
ready to resume cleanin .
If the pump-out or vacuum shutoff is not workin properly, refer to the
trouble shootin uide or contact your distributor for advice or assistance.
Connect the
Female Garden
Hose Fitting end
of the Pump-out
Hose to the outlet
fitting on the back
of the recovery
tank. Place the
other end of the
pump-out hose in
a sanitary drain.
Float Shutoff Assembly
Drainin the Recovery Tank
Pump
-
out Filter

17
9. Pressure Adjustment:
To make it easier to check and adjust the pressure, the pressure au e and the pressure re ulator are mounted
on the control panel on the front of the machine. When the hi h-pressure solution pump is on and primed,
pressure will show on the au e.
•To decrease the pressure, turn the brass knob on the pressure re ulator to the left (counter-
clockwise.)
•To increase the pressure, turn the brass knob on the pressure re ulator to the ri ht (clockwise.)
•To adjust pressure to your tool and surface requirements:
oCheck the pressure on the au e.
oRe-adjust as needed to set the machine at the desired pressure.
oChoose the pressure settin that best meets your type of cleanin .
Pressure gauge & Regulator/Unloader
To increase the solution pressure, turn the
regulator knob clockwise.
To decrease the solution pressure, turn the
regulator knob counter-clockwise.
The maximum pressure settin is 500psi; however,
the hi hest pressure attained is dependent on the
amount of water flow at the tool:
•Smaller jets and lower flow will allow for
hi her pressure at the tool.
•Lar er jets and hi her flow will lower the
maximum pressure attained at the tool.
The desired settin will depend on the type of
cleanin and tool used. For example:
•Carpet Cleanin with 2-jet AW29 wand: 400psi
•Upholstery Cleanin with AW50D tool: 200psi
If adjustin or maintainin pressure becomes a
problem, refer to the trouble shootin uide or
contact your distributor for advice or assistance.

18
Shutdown Procedures:
•If usin the optional auto-fill system, turn the water supply off before finishin each job. This will allow
use of the water and chemical already in the tank, and will reduce the amount of excess water to be
disposed of later.
•If usin the optional 1750W heater, turn the heater off before finishin each job. This will allow the
water to cool the heater as you finish the job.
•When finished cleanin , turn off all switches.
•If the optional auto-fill system was used and there is still water in the solution tank, push the float down
to release the water inlet hose pressure before disconnectin the hose from the faucet. Disconnect the
water inlet hose from the quick-connect on the front of the machine.
•Disconnect the solution hose and vacuum hose from the cleanin tool. Pull valve tri er to release
pressure from the hose before disconnectin solution hose from cleanin tool.
•If a Hydro Filter II inline filter was used, disconnect the Hydro-
Filter II from the vacuum hoses and clean the filter as needed.
Replacement filter screens are available (AC10C.)
•Disconnect the vacuum hose and solution hose from the machine.
•If water remains in the solution tank, use the vacuum hose and
vacuum the excess water from the tank.
•If the optional auto-fill system was utilized, place the chemical feed
hose back into the solution tank.
•If the optional Auto waste pump-out system was used:
oTurn the waste pump switch “on” to pump out any
remainin water from the recovery tank.
oTurn switch off, remove the pump-out hose from the outlet
fittin and replace the cap.
oRoll up hose toward drain to remove remainin water from
hose.
oConnect ends of hose to ether to prevent dirty water from
drippin from hose durin transport.
•Disconnect the power cords from the outlets and from the
machine.
•Remove the float shutoff assembly from the recovery tank and clean vacuum shutoff filter as needed.
Clean Pump-Out filter screen. Replace shutoff assembly and tank lid.
•Drain any remainin water from the recovery tank and dispose in sanitary drain. Do not use the same
bucket to drain the tank that you use to fill the tank.
•Roll up all hoses and cords. Collect and store extractor, all tools, and accessories.

19
Accessory Storage Options:
The MX3-500 is desi ned to make it easier for the
operator to transport the machine and the most common
cleanin accessories.
Bucket & Sprayer Storage
The top of the MX3-500 is sized and recessed to hold a
five allon bucket or two one- allon chemical bottles as
well as two 2QT sprayers.
Power Cord Storage
The back of the MX3-500 has two sets of cord wraps to
hold two 12/3 x 25’ power cords.
Carpet Wand Storage
The front of the MX3-500 is desi ned to hold a S-Bend
Carpet wand and has two straps to hold it securely.
Optional strap for lar er wands available
Other Tool & Hose Storage
Each side of the MX3-500 has a set of molded in threaded
inserts to which holders can be attached to hold other
accessories or supplies makin it much easier to move
around. Four 1/4-20 x 5/8” mountin screws & washers
included.
Molded in Threaded Inserts
for Side Mount Holders
Wand Holder Straps

20
Troubleshooting –
Nautilus MX3-500
Problem
Cause
Solution
Machine not Building circuit breaker tripped. Reset breakers or move cords to other outlets
turning on - Faulty power cord Replace cord (AX33)
No power Faulty switches or internal wiring Check wiring & test switches - Repair as needed *
Solution
Pump Building circuit breaker tripped. Reset breakers or move cords to other outlets
not running Pump circuit breaker tripped Reset breaker – Check available circuit power & pump
Faulty power cord Replace cord (AX33)
Faulty switches or internal wiring Check wiring & test switches - Repair as needed *
Pump motor breaker tripped Push in reset button on pump motor &/or external breaker
Pump motor faulty Replace pump motor (PT066)
Pump seized - trips breaker
Repair or replace pump head & bearing (PT065) - Check
motor and/or replace complete pump & motor assy. (AP52)
Low Solution Jets too large for pressure desired
Check jets size & flow rates use smaller jets or lower
pressure
Pressure
and/or Jets worn allowing too much flow Replace jets
Pulsation Solution inlet filter plugged Clean or replace filter
Hose from solution tank restricted Repair or replace hose
Pump intake hose or fittings
leaking Repair or replace hose. Tighten clamps or replace fittings
Pressure regulator sticking Lube o-rings on regulator piston – PAGE 33
Pressure regulator faulty Repair or replace pressure regulator (PT021)
Filter screen or jets plugged on
tool Clean out filter or jets
Solution tank empty Add water to tank - Check & repair auto fill assembly
Pump not primed Perform pump priming procedure
Pump faulty Repair or replace pump (PT065 or AP52)
Tool valve faulty Repair or replace valve
Quick connects or hoses restricted Clean out or replace quick connects and/or hoses
Can't connect Pressure in lines Release pressure
solution hose Quick connects faulty Replace quick connects (AH101B, AH102B)
to machine Wrong style/size quick connects Replace quick connects to match connects on machine
*
: To reduce the risk of fire electrical shock or injury repairs to wiring should only be
performed by experienced service technicians.
If you are not experienced in checking electrical wiring contact your nearest authorized service
center to perform tests and repairs to wiring and switches.
Section
2
Troubleshooting