LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE (Standard versions of 176T, 141T, 172RT, 142T)

Maintenance and repairs should only be carried out by a competent person, using genuine GLORIA replacement parts. If in any doubt, please contact GPS Sprayers Ltd, UK Agent for GLORIA. We will be pleased to either supply parts or service the sprayer for a reasonable charge.

BEFORE COMMENCING ANY WORK ON THE SPRAYER, ALWAYS TAKE CARE TO RELEASE ANY REMAINING PRESSURE IN THE CONTAINER WHICH COULD CAUSE YOU TO BE SPLASHED WITH CHEMICAL.

REGULAR EXAMINATION
The entire sprayer should be thoroughly examined at frequent, regular intervals for evidence of corrosion, breakage or leaks. Any faulty component found should be replaced before using the sprayer again.

GENERAL LUBRICATION
Occasional lubrication of rubber seals and ‘O’ rings which move, will keep the sprayer functioning nicely. If parts which employ an ‘O’ ring seal are removed, a light smear of grease around the outside of the ‘O’ ring, before the part is replaced, will ensure they slide into place properly to make a good seal. Suitable lubricants are a light grease or petroleum jelly.

TO LUBRICATE THE PUMP
The piston “O” ring (6), accessed by unscrewing the pump cap (3) at the top of the pump and withdrawing the piston rod (1). It should be lubricated with petroleum jelly or a similar light grease, but only on its’ external perimeter. The frequency of this operation will depend on usage, but experience will soon tell when excessive friction occurs and the “O” ring is dragging, making pumping difficult. A little lubricant on the piston rod will also make pumping easier.

TO LUBRICATE THE TRIGGER VALVE
If the trigger valve becomes stiff or sluggish to operate, it is necessary to lubricate the valve spindle and its’ ‘O’ rings (31) & (32).

CLEANING THE FILTER IN THE TRIGGER VALVE
There is a filter (44) in the handle of the trigger valve to prevent nozzle blockages. The filter can be unscrewed from the brass valve body (46) for cleaning, after first unscrewing the filter barrel (43).

TESTING THE SAFETY RELIEF VALVE
The safety valve should be tested at frequent, regular intervals; every three months if the machine is used continuously, or every six months if only used periodically. Proceed as follows:-

1) Ensure that the trigger valve is closed.

2) Fill the sprayer almost full with water to exclude nearly all the air inside.

3) Pressurise the sprayer using the pump until the relief valve opens. This should occur at between 6 and 7 bars (90-100 psi.)

If the valve is not heard to operate between these pressures, it must be replaced before the sprayer is used again.

REMOVING & REPLACING THE FILLER FUNNEL (17)
This is necessary to access the relief valve (38), decompression valve (18), or pressure gauge (37). After releasing the pressure, replace the pump, and pour near boiling water into the funnel, allowing it to stand for a couple of minutes to soften the plastic. With gloves on, tip out the water, remove the pump and pull off the filler funnel whilst holding the container base with your feet. To replace, immerse the funnel in very hot water for a few minutes, then with gloves on and a blunt screwdriver handy, offer it into position on the container and press it home with your thumbs onto the container neck. The screwdriver may be necessary to prise the last area of lip home.

HYDRAULIC TESTING
This test is essential to ensure that the container is in good condition and has not become weakened by corrosion or damage. Test at least once a year, more often if the sprayer is used continuously, or with aggressive chemicals. Test Equipment - It is recommended that an auxillary pump such as a bucket pump, or boiler test pump is used. A check valve should be installed in the pump outlet and connected directly to the container under test, via a suitable hose at least 10 metres long. A 14 bar pressure gauge and bleed-off valve should be connected downstream of the check valve. This valve will allow the container pressure to be released after testing.

Preparation - Carefully remove the funnel, relief valve, decompression valve and pressure gauge and replace them with test plugs. ( Part No. 08-055 available from GPS Sprayers Ltd.) Connect the 10 metre hose to the container outlet and remove the sprayers’ pump assembly.

Testing - Completely fill the container with water to exclude all air and replace the pump assembly. Thoroughly dry the outside of the container before testing, to allow possible leaks to show up. The container under test should be placed behind a protective screen and the auxillary pump operated at the full 10 metres distance provided by the hose. The container should be pressurised to 10 bars and the pressure maintained for at least 10 minutes. After testing, decompress by opening the bleed-off valve.

IMPORTANT - Failure to remove all air before performing the test could lead to explosive failure during testing.

Examination - Examine external surface for signs of leaks, especially at the seams. Remove test hose and empty the container. Remove the sprayer pump and use a light to examine internal seams for corrosion and distortion. If there is any doubt, even after the test, as to the
soundness of the container, it should be replaced immediately.