NorthStar M459212B.6 User manual

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M459212B.6
Owner’s Manual
Gasoline Portable Air Compressor
(For Outdoor Use only)
Instructions for Installation/Set-up, Operation, Maintenance, & Storage
This NorthStar® belt-driven compressor has a single stage 2-cylinder pump (Model 459212) or a 2-stage 3-cylinder
pump (Model 459222), an engine with cast iron cylinders for long life, and a compact design rated for 130 maximum
PSI (Model 459212) or 175 maximum PSI (Model 459222). Its continuous-duty rating ensures long-lasting
performance, and its cast iron pump head ensures superior heat dissipation. Lift eyes are provided for lifting or tying
down.
Read and understand this Owner’s Manual completely before using and keep this manual for review. Failure to
properly set up, operate, and maintain this compressor in accordance to this manual could result in injury or death to
operator or bystanders.
WARNING: SPECIAL HAZARDS
CO Poisoning: Exhaust from engine contains carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can cause carbon monoxide
poisoning and possible death if inhaled. ONLY run air compressor OUTDOORS and at least 20 feet from the home, away
from windows, vents and air intakes, to allow proper ventilation. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using the air
compressor, shut off the engine and get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY.
Injection Injury: High-pressure air stream can pierce skin and underlying tissues, leading to serious injury and possible
amputation. Such an injection injury can result in blood poisoning and/or severe tissue damage.
Flying Debris: High-pressure air stream can cause flying debris and possible surface damage.
Electric shock: Operating equipment in wet conditions or near water can cause electric shock.
Not For Breathing Air: NorthStar compressors are NOT designed, intended, or approved for supplying breathing air. No
compressed air should be used for breathing unless air is treated in accordance with applicable standards.
Fire/Explosion: Sparks from air powered tool heads or attachments can ignite fuel or other flammable liquids or vapors in
the vicinity. Exceeding the maximum pressure for air tools or attachments could cause them to explode.
Burns: Compressor pump, engine and discharge tubing are hot surfaces that can cause burn injuries.
Detailed safety information about these hazards appears throughout this manual.
Equipment Protection Quick Facts
Inspect Upon Delivery: FIRST! Inspect for missing or damaged components. See “Initial Set-Up” section for where
to report missing or damaged parts.
Add Engine Oil: Engine is shipped without oil. See engine manual for instructions on capacity and viscosity
recommendations.
Check Pump Oil: Pump is shipped with oil. Check the pump oil level before starting. See “Preparing for Operation”
section of this Owner’s Manual for capacity and viscosity.
Use Mechanical Lifting Equipment: Compressor is shipped on a pallet and is too heavy to handle manually. Use
proper lifting equipment for unloading and moving to installation site. Lifting eyes are provided.
Run Pump Unloaded for Break-in Period: Before initial use, open drain valves and run compressor for 20 minutes
to break in pump parts.
Follow Maintenance Schedule: Engine, pump, air filter, and tank require periodic inspection and servicing to keep
compressor functioning efficiently. See “Maintenance Schedule Summary”for frequency of servicing.
ITEM NUMBER: 459212, 459222
SERIAL NUMBER: _____________

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Table of Contents
Equipment Protection Quick Facts ........................................................................................................................................ 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS................................................................................................................................................2
ABOUT YOUR AIR COMPRESSOR ............................................................................................................................4
SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................................................................5
COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION..................................................................................................................................6
SAFETY ........................................................................................................................................................................7
Hazard Signal Word Definitions ............................................................................................................................................ 7
SAFETY LABELING.....................................................................................................................................................8
Safety Decal Locations ......................................................................................................................................................... 8
Safety Decals........................................................................................................................................................................ 9
INITIAL SET-UP..........................................................................................................................................................10
Step 1. Inspect & Unpack...................................................................................................................................................... 10
Components:....................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Fasteners: ........................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Step 2. Assembly................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Remove from pallet:............................................................................................................................................................ 10
Attach rubber feet:............................................................................................................................................................... 10
Step 3. Select Suitable Location........................................................................................................................................... 10
Outdoor Use Only ............................................................................................................................................................... 11
Install Spark Arrestor (if Required)...................................................................................................................................... 11
Installing Air Discharge Hose/Piping................................................................................................................................... 11
OPERATION ...............................................................................................................................................................13
Follow Safety Rules for Operation ....................................................................................................................................... 13
Preparing for Operation ........................................................................................................................................................ 13
Check/Add Oil to the Engine and Pump.............................................................................................................................. 13
Check and Fill Gasoline Tank ............................................................................................................................................. 14
Inspect Fuel System/Check for Leaks................................................................................................................................. 14
Start-Up Procedures.............................................................................................................................................................. 15
Air Hose and Tool Use........................................................................................................................................................... 15
Attaching Air Hose and Tools.............................................................................................................................................. 16
Using Compressor for Spraying........................................................................................................................................... 16
Moisture in Compressed Air................................................................................................................................................ 16
Shutdown Procedures........................................................................................................................................................... 16
STORAGE...................................................................................................................................................................17
Between-Use Storage............................................................................................................................................................ 17
Drain air receiver tank......................................................................................................................................................... 17
Choose a storage location .................................................................................................................................................. 17
Long term storage preparation............................................................................................................................................. 17
MAINTENANCE & REPAIR........................................................................................................................................18
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE SUMMARY..................................................................................................................18
DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS –MAINTENANCE & REPAIR ......................................................................................18
Inspect Safety/Relief Valve ................................................................................................................................................. 18
Inspect Air Filter .................................................................................................................................................................. 18
Inspect Compressor for Air Leaks....................................................................................................................................... 18
Engine Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................................... 19
Change Pump Oil................................................................................................................................................................ 19

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Drain Receiver Tank and Inspect Tank............................................................................................................................... 19
Check Drive Belt for Tension and Alignment....................................................................................................................... 19
Inspect & Clean Spark Arrestor (if Equipped) ..................................................................................................................... 20
Keep Compressor Clean..................................................................................................................................................... 20
TROUBLESHOOTING................................................................................................................................................21
PARTS EXPLOSION- MODEL 459212 & 459222 REV B.6 .......................................................................................22
PARTS LIST- MODEL 459212 & 459222 REV B.6 ....................................................................................................23
459212 PUMP EXPLOSION .......................................................................................................................................24
459212 PUMP PARTS LIST .......................................................................................................................................25
459212 PUMP KITS....................................................................................................................................................25
459222 PUMP EXPLOSION .......................................................................................................................................26
459222 PUMP PARTS LIST .......................................................................................................................................27
459222 PUMP KITS....................................................................................................................................................28
459212 PNEUMATIC SCHEMATIC ............................................................................................................................29
459222 PNEUMATIC SCHEMATIC ............................................................................................................................30
APPENDIX A: LUBRICANTS AND COMPATIBILITY................................................................................................31
Alternate Lubricants. ........................................................................................................................................................... 31
LIMITED WARRANTY ................................................................................................................................................32

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About Your Air Compressor
Thank you for purchasing a NorthStar air compressor! It
is designed for long life, dependability, and top
performance.
Intended Use. It provides compressed air primarily
used for operating air tools and pressurizing other non-
tool objects such as tires.Special precautions are
necessary when used for cleaning. It is not to be used to
supply breathing air.
Note: Do not use for other purposes, as unforeseen
hazards or equipment damage may result.
Power Source. The air compressor is powered by a
gasoline engine.
Supplies Required. Normal operation will require you
to supply:
Compressor pump oil
Gasoline
Engine oil
Personal Protection Equipment
See “Specifications”section of this manual for more
detail.
Site Location. Intended for outdoor use only.
Personal Protection. Wear safety apparel during
operation, including safety glasses with side and top
protection. Ear protection is also recommended if
working near any operating engine.
Adult control only. Only trained adults should set up
and operate the air compressor. Do not let children
operate.
Under The Influence. Never operate, or let anyone else
operate, the air compressor 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 air compressor
must have access to and read this manual. Keep this
owner’s manual with the air compressor 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 air compressor 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 #
459212
459222
FLOW OUTPUT
Max. Pressure Rating
130 PSI
175 PSI
Volume Rating @ 90PSI
13.7 CFM
14.9 CFM
Receiver Capacity
8 gal.
8 gal.
ENGINE
Engine
Honda GX160
Honda GX270
Engine Displacement (cc)
163 cc
270 cc
DIMENSIONS / COMPONENTS
Length
44”
44”
Width
28”
28”
Height
28”
28”
Weight
184 lbs.
217 lbs.
SUPPLIES REQUIRED (not included)
Engine Oil
Refer to engine owner’s manual
Refer to engine owner’s manual
Pump Oil
(shipped with oil, but refills
required)
SAE 30 non-detergent pump oil
(#4043)
SAE 30 non-detergent pump oil
(#4043)
Pump Oil Capacity
15.6 oz.
27 oz.

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Component Identification
1. Pneumatic Tires: Keep tire pressure at 30 PSI for
easy movement.
2. Unloader: Vents discharge air to atmosphere in
start/stop operation.
3. Lifting Eyes: May also be used as tie down locations.
4. Discharge Tube: Carries compressed air from pump
to safety/check valve, and then to the storage tank. It
becomes very hot during use and can cause severe
burns. Never touch.
5. Engine: NOT shipped with oil. Refer to engine
Owner’s Manual for proper oil and capacity.
6. Engine Controls: Location of choke, engine speed
and fuel valve.
7. Engine On/Off Switch: Turn switch to “ON” when
starting engine. CAUTION: Unit is not equipped with
high temperature “auto shutoff”. Do NOT allow to
overheat.
8. Manual Tube. Storage for safety manual.
9. Compressor Air Filter: Keep clean and particle free.
See “Pump Explosion and Pump Parts List” for
replacement part number.
10. Air Compressor Pump: Shipped with oil.
11. Belt Guard: Covers belt, engine pulley and flywheel.
NEVER operate compressor without belt guard in
place.
12. Regulator: Adjusts outlet pressure, not to exceed
pressure rating of attachment tool.
13. Tank Pressure Gauge: Liquid filled gauge. Shows
pressure in receiver tank.
14. Regulated Pressure Gauge: Liquid filled gauge.
Shows regulated supply pressure.
15. ASME Safety/Check Valve: Automatically releases air
if tank exceeds preset pressure max. (150 PSI for
459212 & 200 PSI for 459222). A check valve is a
pressure release port. Pull valve pin to relieve pressure
from receiver tank.
16. Quick Connect: This is a ¼” quick connect.
17. Air Receiver / Storage Tank: 8 gallon twin tank.
18. Tank Drain Valve: Used to remove moisture from air
after compressor is shut off and air emptied from tank.
Drain moisture daily after each use.

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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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Safety Labeling
Safety Decal Locations
WARNING:
ALWAYS make sure safety labels are in place and in good condition. If a safety label is missing or not legible, order new labels
from NorthStar Product Support at 1-800-270-0810.
On-Product Warning Labels
Location
Part numbers
Description
1
788995
Air Compressor Instructions
2
788937
Poisonous Gas
3
788936
Burn Hazard, Hot Muffler
4
788935
Fuel Fire Explosion Hazard
5
788924
Air Compressor Safety

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Safety Decals
To order replacement safety labels, call NorthStar Product Support
at 1-800-270-0810.
1
2
4
5
3

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Initial Set-Up
Step 1. Inspect & Unpack
Upon receipt, inspect air compressor for missing or
damaged parts. Verify that it is the compressor you
ordered.
See “Component Identification” section of this manual
for a diagram of the compressor and its components.
For missing components, contact Product
Support at 1-800-270-0810.
For damaged components, contact the freight
company that delivered the unit and file a claim.
If complete, fill out product serial number
information. See “Limited Warranty” section of
this manual.
Components:
Figure 1
Fasteners:
Figure 2
Step 2. Assembly
Remove from pallet:
1. Remove and discard the tie strap.
2. Unbolt the compressor feet by removing the lag
bolts and washers and discarding them.
(Figure 3)
Figure 3
Attach rubber feet:
1. Attach handle and rubber feet as shown.
(Figure 4)
Figure 4
Step 3. Select Suitable Location
WARNING: Lifting hazard
The compressor is heavy. Ensure that proper lifting
equipment is available to unload and move compressor
to installation site.
WARNING: Location hazards
Choose a suitable site for operating your compressor to
prevent possible death from carbon monoxide
poisoning or injury from fire/explosion, hot surfaces or
equipment tip-over.
Rubber Feet
Qty 4
Part # 2215
5/16” x 3/4”” Bolt
Qty 4
Part # 82015
5/16” Nyloc Nut
Qty 4
Part # 82020
Air Compressor
Tie Strap
Lag Bolt
Rubber Feet
5/16” x ¾” Bolt
5/16” Nyloc Nut