North Star M157305AY.1 User manual

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M157305AY.1
Owner’s Manual
Electric Hot Water/Steam Pressure Washer
Instructions for Set-up, Operation, Maintenance & Storage
This pressure washer produces cold or hot water high-pressure spray as well as steam spray. Cleaning chemicals
may be incorporated into the spray if desired. The pressure pump is powered by an electric motor and water is
heated by an open flame burner fueled by diesel/kerosene or fuel-. Read and understand this Owner’s Manual
completely before using and keep this manual for review. Failure to properly set up, operate, and maintain could
result in serious injury or death to operator or bystanders.
WARNING: SPECIAL HAZARDS
•Skin/Eye Injury: High-pressure spray can cause serious skin or eye injury, including injection injury if fluid pierces the skin.
Injection injury can result in blood poisoning and/or severe tissue damage.
•Burns: Hot spray can scald and burn skin. Hot surfaces of wand and burner, as well as hot exhaust from the burner can
cause burns.
•Slips/Falls: Spray discharge can cause puddles and slippery surfaces. Spray-gun kickback can cause operator loss of
balance and falls.
•Flying Debris: High-pressure spray can cause surface damage and flying debris.
•Fire/Explosion: Burner sparking can ignite fuel or other flammable liquids or vapors in the vicinity. Hot exhaust from burner
can ignite combustible materials.
•Chemical Exposure: Cleaning chemical vapors or contact with skin may be hazardous.
•Electric shock: Spray contact with electrical sources can cause electric shock.
•Electrocution: Improper connection of the equipment or grounding conductor can result in a risk of electrocution.
•CO Poisoning: Exhaust from burner contains carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can cause carbon monoxide poisoning
and possible death if inhaled.
Equipment Protection Quick Facts
Inspect Upon Delivery: STOP! Closely inspect to make sure no components are missing or damaged. For missing
or damaged components please contact Product Support at 1-800-270-0810.
Check Pump Oil: Pump is shipped with oil. Check pump oil level before starting.
-Remove shipping tape and black vent plug( if present) from pump oil fill cap (CAT Pumps)
-Remove shipping plug and install vented fill cap (Comet Pumps)
Water Flow Requirements: Make sure your supply water flow rate is 20% higher than the pressure washer’s flow
rate (3 gal/min preferred), and that your water is clean and particle free.
Chemical Spraying: Use only NorthStar brand or equivalent washer chemicals designed for pressure washer use.
Maintenance Schedule: Pump, burner fuel filter, burner coil and electrodes require periodic checking and servicing
to keep pressure washer functioning efficiently. See “Maintenance & Repair”for frequency of servicing.
Any Questions, Comments, Problems or Parts Orders
Call NorthStar Product Support 1-800-270-0810
ITEM NUMBER: 157305, 157306,
157307, 157308
SERIAL NUMBER: _____________

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Table of Contents
Equipment Protection Quick Facts.................................................................................................................................... 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS..............................................................................................................................................2
ABOUT YOUR PRESSURE WASHER .......................................................................................................................4
SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................................................................................................5
COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION................................................................................................................................ 6
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT SAFETY FEATURES............................................................................................................8
High Pressure Safety Device (Rupture Disc) .................................................................................................................... 8
Temperature Control Switch............................................................................................................................................. 8
Pump Thermal Relief Valve.............................................................................................................................................. 8
Spray Gun Safety Latch ................................................................................................................................................... 8
SAFETY...................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Hazard Signal Word Definitions........................................................................................................................................ 9
SAFETY DECAL LOCATIONS.................................................................................................................................10
ASSEMBLY AND INITIAL SET-UP ..........................................................................................................................11
Step 1. Inspect & Unpack ................................................................................................................................................. 11
Step 2. Assembly.............................................................................................................................................................. 11
Step 3. Verify Electrical Connection ................................................................................................................................ 11
Grounding...................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Protection ..................................................................................................................... 11
Step 4. Moving and Handling ........................................................................................................................................... 12
Moving your pressure washer around............................................................................................................................. 12
To reduce risk of injury, do not attempt to manually lift the pressure washer. Use a shallow ramp to raise or lower pressure
washer to a different elevation........................................................................................................................................ 12
BEFORE EACH USE................................................................................................................................................13
Step 1: Inspect Equipment.............................................................................................................................................. 13
Electrical........................................................................................................................................................................ 13
Pump Oil........................................................................................................................................................................ 13
Spray System ................................................................................................................................................................ 13
Burner Fuel System (if heated water to be used) ............................................................................................................ 13
Periodic Maintenance..................................................................................................................................................... 13
Step 2. Check and Fill Burner Fuel Tank ........................................................................................................................ 13
Filling Burner Fuel Tank (if heated water to be used)...................................................................................................... 14
Step 3. Select Suitable Worksite Guidelines .................................................................................................................. 14
For All Indoor and Outdoor Uses.................................................................................................................................... 14
For Indoor Hot Water/Burner Use................................................................................................................................... 15
OPERATION.............................................................................................................................................................15
Step 1. Connect Hoses, Water Supply, and Spray Nozzle .............................................................................................. 15
Hose and Water Supply ................................................................................................................................................. 15
Connect Water Supply to Pump ..................................................................................................................................... 15
Connect Pressure Hose to Pump ................................................................................................................................... 15
Quick Connect Procedure .............................................................................................................................................. 15
Selecting and Connecting Spray Nozzle......................................................................................................................... 16
Step 2. Pre-Spraying Procedure...................................................................................................................................... 16
Safety Rules .................................................................................................................................................................. 16
Personal Protective Gear ............................................................................................................................................... 17
Purging.......................................................................................................................................................................... 17

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Step 3. Spraying .............................................................................................................................................................. 17
Starting.......................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Spraying Procedure ....................................................................................................................................................... 17
Using Chemicals for Cleaning (if desired)....................................................................................................................... 17
Hot Spray Procedure...................................................................................................................................................... 18
Step 4. Stopping ............................................................................................................................................................... 19
STORAGE ................................................................................................................................................................ 19
Between-Use Storage.................................................................................................................................................... 19
Long-Term Storage Preparation (between infrequent uses and at end of season)........................................................... 19
Winter Storage Preparation............................................................................................................................................ 19
MAINTENANCE & REPAIR......................................................................................................................................20
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................................................................................................................20
DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS –MAINTENANCE & REPAIR.....................................................................................20
Dust/Debris Removal ..................................................................................................................................................... 20
Inspect Fuel System(s) .................................................................................................................................................. 20
Inspect Spray System .................................................................................................................................................... 20
Clean Inlet Filter for Garden Hose.................................................................................................................................. 21
Check Tire Pressure ...................................................................................................................................................... 21
Change Pump Oil........................................................................................................................................................... 21
Drain Burner’s Fuel Filter/Water Separator..................................................................................................................... 21
Descale Heating Coil...................................................................................................................................................... 21
Inspect and clean the flow switch as needed .................................................................................................................. 22
Inspect Heating Coil and Desoot as Needed .................................................................................................................. 24
Inspect/Clean/Adjust Electrodes..................................................................................................................................... 24
Perform Engine Maintenance......................................................................................................................................... 25
OIL BURNER ADJUSTMENT (ONLY NEEDED IF WHITE EXHAUST SMOKE APPEARS)....................................26
TROUBLESHOOTING..............................................................................................................................................27
PARTS EXPLOSION–REV AY ................................................................................................................................28
PARTS LIST–REV AY.............................................................................................................................................29
PUMP EXPLOSIONS................................................................................................................................................30
COMET AXD 2527GE-NH PUMP EXPLODED VIEW............................................................................................... 34
WIRING DIAGRAMS ................................................................................................................................................38
WIRING DIAGRAMS ................................................................................................................................................39
WIRING DIAGRAMS ................................................................................................................................................40
WIRING DIAGRAMS ................................................................................................................................................41
LIMITED WARRANTY.............................................................................................................................................. 42
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 INFORMATION....................................................................................................43

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About Your Pressure Washer
Thank you for purchasing a NorthStar hot water
pressure washer! It is designed for long life,
dependability, and top performance.
Intended Use. Washing siding, windows, walkways,
driveways, patios, decks, fences, vehicles, boats,
lawnmowers, ATVs and other equipment by:
•Producing a high-pressure water spray (heated or
unheated), and
•Incorporating cleaning chemicals into a low-
pressure water spray.
Note: Do not use for other purposes, as unforeseen
hazards or equipment damage may result.
Water Supply. The pump requires a clean, standard tap
water supply provided through a garden hose at a flow
rate of at least 3 gallons per minute. Use of a backflow
preventer on the water supply hose is recommended
and may be required by local code.
Chemical Usage. Any cleaning chemicals that are used
must be specifically approved for use in pressure
washers.
Power Source. The pump is powered by an electric
motor. The spray water is heated (when desired) by a
spark-ignited, open flame burner fueled by
diesel/kerosene/fuel-oil.
Supplies Required. Normal operation will require you
to supply:
•Pump oil
•Burner fuel if heating water (kerosene, diesel, or
fuel oil)
•Input water supply
•Input water supply hose
See “Specifications”section of this manual for more
detail.
Site Selection. Pressure washers used while the open
flame burner is used to heat the water are for
OUTDOOR USE ONLY unless specific exhausting
guidelines are met. Read additional details in the
“Before Each Use”section of this manual.
Personal Protection. Wear safety apparel during
operation, including waterproof insulated gloves, safety
glasses with side and top protection, and non-slip
protective footwear. Some cleaning chemicals may
require the use of a respirator mask (as instructed on
chemical label).
Adult control only. Only trained adults should set up
and operate the pressure washer. Do not let children
operate. Pressure washers can generate forces greater
than children can control and require judgment beyond
what can be expected of them.
Under The Influence. Never operate, or let anyone else
operate, the pressure washer while fatigued or under
the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
Keep this manual for reference and review.
ATTENTION: Rental Companies and Private
Owners who loan this equipment to others!
All persons to whom you rent/loan this pressure washer
must have access to and read this manual. Keep this
owner’s manual with the pressure washer at all times
and advise all persons who will operate the machine to
read it. You must also provide personal instruction on
how to safely set-up and operate the pressure washer
and remain available to answer any questions a
renter/borrower might have. Owner’s Manuals are
available from NorthStar at 1-800-270-0810.

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Specifications
MODEL
Model #
157305
157306
157307
157308
FLOW OUTPUT
Pressure Rating
1700 psi
2700 psi
2000 psi
2750 psi
Flow Rate
1.5 gpm
2.5 gpm
1.5 gpm
2.5 gpm
Maximum Temperature
250F
POWER REQUIREMENTS
Dedicated NEMA
Receptacles
5-20R
6-30R
5-20R
6-30R
Volts
115V
230V
115V
230V
Amps
20A
30A
20A
30A
Hertz
60Hz
Phase
Single
DIMENSIONS/COMPONENTS
Length
38”
Width
26”
Height
43”
Weight (fueled)
385 lbs.
415 lb.
385 lb.
415 lb.
Pump Type
Ceramic Triplex Plunger
Motor Horsepower
1.5 hp
5 hp
2 hp
5 hp
High Pressure
Discharge Hose
3/8” x 50’
Chemical Injection Point
Injection dilution ratio 15-to-1
SUPPLIES REQUIRED (not included)
Burner Fuel
#1 or #2 Diesel, B5 or lower Biodiesel, Kerosene, or Fuel Oil
(Capacity: 8.25 gal.)
Pump Oil
(shipped with oil, but
refills required)
Comet: Universal Tractor Transmission Oil
or Mobil 1 Synthetic 15W-50
Cat: SAE Non-Detergent Oil
Input Water Supply
Standard tap water @ 20-100 psi, delivered @ 3.0 gpm or higher
Input Water Supply
Hose
Standard garden hose with inside diameter at least 5/8”
(at least 3/4” diameter if hose longer than 100 ft.)

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Component Identification
1. Exhaust Vent: Provides an exit for burner exhaust
gases.
2. High Pressure Water Outlet: A passage for water
to exit pump and enter the hose.
3. Motor: Electric motor powers the pump.
4. Burner: The oil burner is preset and performance
tested at the factory. The Burner may need initial
adjustment for peak performance. See “Oil Burner
Adjustment” section for instructions on initial
adjustment of the oil burner. You will need to use
the handle to tip the pressure washer up in order to
access the Burner from underneath.
5. Fuel Fill Cap: Vented cover for fuel tank.
6. Fuel Tank: The Burner has an 8.25 gal. fuel tank-
kerosene, #1 or #2 diesel, or fuel oil may be used.
Do not mix fuel types.
7. Control Box: Flat surface for mounting switches.
8. Flow Switch: Water activated switch to control on
and off of burner.
9. Pump: A mechanical device that moves and
pressurizes fluid. [Pump oil must be changed after
first 40 hours of use, and then changed every three
months or 500 hours of use. See “Maintenance and
Repair”section for pump oil change instructions
and recommendations.]
10. Gun Hooks: Spray gun storage location.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
16
16
17
19
18
15

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11. Power Switch: Flip up for on.
12. Thermostat: Controls power to fuel solenoid for
firing.
13. Control Panel: Power Switch (Reference 15),
Thermostat (Reference 16) and Nozzle Storage
(Reference 18) are located on control panel.
14. Nozzle Storage: Control Panel (Reference 17) has
space for storing nozzles.
15. Fuel Filter/Water Separator: Filter in fuel line that
removes water and screens out dirt and debris from
fuel.
16. Power Cord Hangers: Storage Location
17. High Pressure Hose Hanger: Storage Location
18. Garden Hose Water Inlet: Connection point for
standard garden hose. Garden hoses less than
100’ in length must have a minimum inner diameter
of 5/8.” Garden hoses over 100’ in length must
have a minimum inner diameter of 3/4.”
19. Rupture Disc: Over pressure safety device.
20. Quick Connector: Connection point on spray gun
for high pressure hose.
21. Spray Gun: Pressurized water is discharged.
22. Grip: Protected area on spray gun for additional
hold.
23. Lance Wand: Unprotected area on spray gun.
Note: See “Parts Explosion” for additional detail.

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Special Equipment Safety Features
This unit is equipped with the following safety features:
High Pressure Safety Device (Rupture Disc)
Acts as a backup safety feature. If the Pressure Control
Valve (Unloader) malfunctions, this separate high-
pressure safety device will open and relieve excess
system pressure. Repair is required.
WARNING: Rupture Disc failure
If the high-pressure safety device ever discharges
water, turn the unit off and do not use the machine.
Call Product Support at 1-800-270-0810.
Temperature Control Switch
Measures water temperature and automatically turns
burner off when temperature setting is reached. When
water temperature drops, burner automatically reignites.
Figure 1
Pump Thermal Relief Valve
This valve, on the Unloader bypass port, protects the
pump from overheating. The pump continues to work in
bypass mode when you are not spraying. If high
temperatures are developed during bypass mode, the
Thermal Relief Valve will open and discharge hot water
onto the ground, protecting the pump from overheating.
Note: One of two pumps will be on your machine.
Figure 2
Spray Gun Safety Latch
Has a built-in trigger safety latch to guard against
accidental trigger actuation.
Figure 3
High Pressure
Safety Device
Note: Shield not
shown for clarity
Pump
Thermal
Relief Valve
Cat pump
Comet
pump
00417
Safety Latch
High Temp
Limit

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Safety
Hazard Signal Word Definitions
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
CAUTION
NOTICE
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to
potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety
messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury
or death.
DANGER (red) indicates a hazardous situation, which if
not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING (orange) indicates a hazardous situation,
which if not avoided, could result in death or serious
injury.
CAUTION (yellow), used with the safety alert symbol,
indicates a hazardous situation, which if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION (yellow), without the safety alert symbol, is
used to address practices not related to personal injury.
NOTICE is used to address practices not related to
personal injury.

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CHEMICALNOZZLE
0°NOZZLE 25°NOZZLE15°NOZZLE 40°NOZZLE
STEAMNOZZLE
 
 
 
®
 
RISK OF ELECTROCUTION
1. Connect only to properly grounded
outlet. Do not remove ground pin.
2. Inspect cord before using - Do not
use if cord is damaged.
3. Keep all connections dry and off
the ground.
4. Do not touch plug with wet hands
5. This product is provided with a
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter built
into the power cord plug. If
replacement of the plug or cord is
needed use only identical
replacement parts.
6. Read owner's manual before using.
DO NOT REMOVE THIS TAG
Part No. 778070
WARNING
Part No. 778070
RISK OF ELECTROCUTION
1. Connect only to properly grounded
outlet. Do not remove ground pin.
2. Inspect cord before using - Do not
use if cord is damaged.
3. Keep all connections dry and off
the ground.
4. Do not touch plug with wet hands
5. This product is provided with a
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter built
into the power cord plug. If
replacement of the plug or cord is
needed use only identical
replacement parts.
6. Read owner's manual before using.
DO NOT REMOVE THIS TAG
WARNING
15°NOZZLE
CHEMICALNOZZLE
0°NOZZLE
STEAM NOZZLE
25°NOZZLE 40°NOZZLE
Safety Decal Locations
Always make sure safety labels are in place and in good condition. If a safety label is missing or not legible, order
new labels or unsafe operation could result. To order replacement safety labels, call NorthStar Product Support at
1-800-270-0810.
Ref#
Part#
Description
1
305410
Caution, Hot Water
2
777725
NorthStar
3
305427
Danger, Hot Water
4
778176
Control Panel
5
778174
Nozzle
6
778070
Cord Warning
7
N/A
Warning/Start-Up Instructions
8
798057
Rupture Disk Warning
32821
TFG Lanyard