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6 Graco Airless Paint Sprayer Troubleshooting Tips To Know

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Graco is a famous brand for painting tools, but their airless guns sometimes have problems. However, following a few steps in this guide can easily fix most issues. In this Graco airless paint sprayer troubleshooting guide, we’ll answer some common questions about the popular Graco paint guns called Magnum and Truecoat.

The Magnum paint sprayers from Graco are popular among people who do repairs, home projects, and renovations. Professional painters also use them for smaller jobs, so they don’t have to carry heavy equipment.

The Truecoat paint sprayers from Graco are designed for enthusiastic home users but are also used by professionals. They are easy to use and great for small indoor or outdoor projects.

Table of Contents Show

Troubleshooting The Graco Magnum Line Spray Gun

In this section, I’ll try to answer some common questions people have when their Magnum paint sprayer stops working properly. This includes troubleshooting for both the Graco Magnum X5 and X7 models.

#1 The Motor is Not Running On Your Paint Sprayer

When you try to start your spray gun by plugging it in and flipping the switch, but the motor doesn’t start, there could be a few reasons for this. Here are some possible causes and their solutions.

The pressure control is set too low: Increase the maximum pressure by turning the control knob clockwise.
There might be an issue with the electric outlet: Test the outlet with a device that works. You may need to replace a fuse or circuit breaker or try using a different power outlet.
Check the extension cord or the sprayer’s electric cord for any damage: If you find any breaks or faults, replace the cords if necessary.
The pump might be seized: This could be due to water freezing in the pump or dried paint residue. First, make sure the sprayer is turned off and unplugged. Then, place it in a warm area for several hours to thaw. Do not try to start the unit before it’s thawed, as it could cause damage. If the unit is not frozen, it could indicate hardened paint, which would require cleaning.
If the control or motor is damaged, or the motor doesn’t turn even with the pump removed: In these cases, your spray gun will need to be serviced by an approved service center.

#2 Graco Paint Sprayer Won’t Prime

If your sprayer fails to prime or loses prime during smooth operation, you will notice that paint doesn’t flow through the suction tube or the pressure doesn’t build up. Here are some fixes you can try:

Check the position of the PRIME/SPRAY valve: It should be set to the prime position, not the spray position, for priming. Turn the valve to the prime position and wait until the paint comes from the drain tube.
Ensure that the drain tube is fully immersed in paint and there is no debris on the inlet screen: Make sure the drain tube is inserted all the way into the paint and clean any dried paint or dirt from the inlet screen.
For X7 or X5 models, press the PushPrime button twice if the inlet or outlet valve ball is jammed or dirty: This should loosen the inlet valve, and then you can reprime your unit.
Check the suction tube for leaks or cracks: A leaking tube can cause issues, so inspect it carefully.
If there is debris in the paint causing a blockage: Strain your paint before using it and after clearing any obstructions.
If the spray/prime valve is deteriorated or blocked by debris: Consult an authorized Graco service technician for assistance.

#3 Paint Leaks From The Suction Tube

When you see paint leaking from your sprayer’s drain tube, it means the system is building up too much pressure. This issue requires the expertise of Graco’s professionals to fix.

#4 Paint Leaks Around The Pump Area

If you notice paint leaking around the pump of your sprayer, it could mean that the pump is worn out and needs to be replaced. Check the piston rod and replace the piston packings if you notice any damages or signs of wear.

It is important to address this issue promptly to prevent further damage to the sprayer and ensure optimal performance. Contact a Graco service technician for assistance in replacing the pump and resolving the paint leakage problem.

#5 Problems With the Motor

The motor is an important part of your paint sprayer, and if it gets hot, it can work inconsistently or shut off unexpectedly. This can lead to damage if you don’t address the underlying cause, which might include:

Blocked vent holes in the enclosure

Ensure the vent holes are clear and not blocked by overspray.

Avoid covering the sprayer

Ensure that nothing is covering or draped over the unit, allowing it to have proper airflow.

Check the extension cord

If you’re using an extension cord, make sure it’s not too long and has a sufficient gauge for the power requirements of the sprayer.

Using the right generator

If you’re using a generator, ensure it provides the correct voltage for the sprayer and is regulated properly.

Motor replacement

If none of the above causes apply, it’s possible that your motor is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced by a Graco-authorized technician.

#6 Spray Pattern Issues

When you have primed your pump and loaded your sprayer but are not getting the spray pattern you desire, here are some tips to achieve a smooth finish:

Partially blocked spray tip: If debris and particles are hindering the spray, use the unclog function on the reversible spray tip. Switch the spray tip to the unclog position, then pull the trigger to clear the blockage and switch it back.
Spray tip in the unclog position: Ensure that the spray tip is set to the spray mode instead of the unclog mode.
Debris in the paint causing clogging: Strain the paint to remove debris or foreign particles.
Low-pressure setting: Check if the pressure control knob is properly adjusted for the desired spray setting.
Clogged spray gun filter: Inspect the gun filter and clean or replace it as needed.
Spray tip size too large for the sprayer: Change to a smaller spray tip that matches the sprayer’s capabilities.
Worn spray tip: Replace the worn spray tip with a new one.
Worn seal and gasket on the spray tip: Replace these parts with new ones to ensure a proper seal.
Suction tube not fully immersed or clogged inlet screen: Make sure the suction tube is completely submerged in the paint, and clean the inlet screen if necessary.
Inadequate extension cord: Use a suitable and long extension cord of appropriate gauge and length to provide sufficient power.
Clogged or worn outlet/inlet valve: To check for these issues, prime the sprayer with paint and briefly trigger the gun. When you release the trigger, the pump should stop cycling. If it continues cycling, the pump valves may be clogged or worn. Clean or replace the valves.
Thick coating medium: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to thin the material appropriately.
Extra section added to the airless hose: Removing the additional extension may be necessary if it exceeds the sprayer’s capabilities.

Troubleshooting the Graco Truecoat Line Spray Gun

Utilizing the latest paint sprayer technology, the Graco Truecoat series of sprayers are a great fit for the DIYer or professionals wanting a handheld solution for maintenance work. If you encounter issues with your sprayer, here are some tips:

#1 No Sound When Trigger is Pulled

When you pull the trigger on your spray gun, but there is no sound, and nothing happens, the following issues may be the cause:

No power supply

Ensure that your outlet has power and that your unit is properly plugged in.

Overheated motor

If the motor has overheated, wait for 20 to 30 minutes for the unit to cool down before attempting to use it again.

Faulty electronic control

If the electronic control of your HVLP sprayer is not functioning, you may need to replace it.

#2 Sound But No Spray

If your machine makes noise when you pull the trigger, but no material sprays out, there could be several reasons for this:

The sprayer isn’t primed: Make sure to prime the pump and check that only one FlexLiner is in the cup support.
Improper attachment of paint cup: Make sure that the cover on the paint cup is working correctly. When attached and tightened, no threads should be visible. Align the arrow on the cup cover with the range indicated on the cup support and ensure that the entire assembly is securely hooked onto the sprayer. Additionally, check for any air in the FlexLiner and make sure the VacuValve is properly closed. Clean the VacuValve reservoir, air hole, or even the sprayer if necessary.
Incorrect position of prime/spray knob: Turn the dial forward so that it is in the spray position and not the prime/pump position.
Incorrect position of spray tip: Verify that the spray tip is set to the spray position.
Clogged spray tip: Inspect the spray tip and clean it if necessary. If the inline filter is plugged into the trigger lock, the Graco paint sprayer will not spray any fluid.
Debris in the material: Foreign particles in the paint may be clogging the spray tip. Strain the paint to remove any debris.
Insufficient speed from the unit: On variable control models, increase the speed until the unit sprays. For dual control machines, set it to high.
Low or empty material in the cup: Refill the FlexLiner and re-prime the system.

#3 Inconsistent or Poor Finish

If your Graco Truecoat sprayer is not delivering a flawless finish, consider the following factors and their potential solutions:

Partially blocked spray tip: Clean any old, dried paint from the spray tip.
Incorrect position of spray tip: Ensure that the tip is correctly set to the spray position.
Incompatible spray tip size: If the spray tip size doesn’t match the medium, switch to a larger tip for viscous materials and a smaller spray tip for thinner paints.
Worn tip orifice: Replace the spray tip if it is worn or damaged.
Aerated medium: Make sure to stir the material instead of shaking it.
Low paint temperature: If the paint is too cold, warm it up before attempting to spray.

We hope our troubleshooting guide has resolved any problems you may have encountered with your Graco paint sprayer. Nevertheless, there are occasions when you require technical assistance directly from the manufacturer.

Last Updated on: December 19, 2023

Hi, my name is John Snow and I am a car lover. With two decades under my belt fixing and driving cars, I'm always on the hunt for fresh, cutting-edge methods to give my ride a performance boost. Driven by my zeal to decode car problems, I'm on a mission to equip vehicle owners with accurate and handy tips. By doing so, they can fix their rides while saving both time and cash.

By John Snow