First, go through the start-up procedures:
- Remove the suction assembly and check the washer inside the female fitting. The part onto which the suction assembly attaches is the inlet valve.
- Stick your finger or the eraser end of a pencil into this valve and push. There is a spring-loaded pin inside the valve that should move back and forth when pressure is applied to it. If you can’t get this pin to move by applying additional force, you can use a screwdriver and a hammer to release it.
- Push on the outlet pushbutton, normally located underneath the block portion of the sprayer.
- Make sure that the prime/spray valve is in the “Prime” position.
- Make sure the pressure is turned to “High.”
- Turn on the unit.
If your sprayer still will not prime, determine if the hydraulics have been bled. The easiest way to make this determination is as follows:
- Remove the inlet valve and turn the sprayer on.
- Place your finger in the inlet cavity. You will touch the diaphragm.
- With your finger on the diaphragm, turn the pressure to “Low” and slowly increase it. If the hydraulics are functioning properly, you will feel the diaphragm vibrate. As you turn the pressure up, you will feel this vibration increase in intensity.
- If the hydraulics are functioning properly, reinstall the inlet valve and remove the outlet valve.
- With the sprayer in the “Prime” position at high pressure, pour water into the outlet valve cavity and push on the spring loaded pin inside the inlet valve.
If the diaphragm did not move during the hydraulic test:
AL series sprayers:
- With the unit running, turn the pressure to “Low.”
- Using a 5/8'' or adjustable wrench, slowly remove the valve from the housing until you see a drop of oil.
- Retighten the valve and turn the pressure to “High.” The sprayer should begin priming.
PS series sprayer:
- Turn the sprayer off and lay it so that the inlet is facing up.
- Using a 1/4" allen wrench, remove the block, then remove the diaphragm. As you remove the diaphragm, be careful not to lose the check valve spring, which is located behind the diaphragm at the six o’clock position.
- Fill the diaphragm cavity and the cavity at the six o’clock containing the spring with a non-detergent oil. Hydraulic oil is recommended.
- Reinstall the diaphragm.
- Using a lint free cloth, wipe off the surface of the housing and the surface of the block.
- Make sure that the diaphragm washer is installed with the flat side in the block.
- Reinstall the block. Tighten the bolts in a cross pattern, so that the block tightens evenly.
- Go through the start procedures.