DeVilbiss GFG Gravity Pro GFG-517 Service Bulletin

SERVICE BULLETIN

SB-2-179-F

Replaces SB-2-179-E

Repair Kit KK-5025

GFGTM GRAVITY PROTM MODEL GFG-517

CONVENTIONAL SPRAY GUN

IMPORTANT: Before using this
equipment, read all safety precautions
and instructions. Keep for future use.

DESCRIPTION

The GFG-517 is a general purpose, heavy
duty, high production spray gun suitable for
use with most types of materials. The fluid
tip and needle and internal fluid passages
are stainless steel.

Note

This gun includes 300 series stain­less steel fluid passages and 400/
300 S.S. series tip and needle.
Guns may be used with chlorinated
solvent materials. The gravity cup
must also be compatible for use
with chlorinated solvent materials
(GFC-501 Acetal).

IMPORTANT: This gun is designed for use
with mildly corrosive and non-abrasive ma­terials. If used with other high corrosive or
abrasive materials, it must be expected
that frequent and thorough cleaning will
be required and the necessity for replace­ment of parts will be increased.

Note

The GFC gravity feed cups are in­cluded with the gun as part of the
GFG-618 gun and cup kits. See

Accessories

information.

on page 6 for more

2. Attach the gravity feed cup to the
material inlet.

Note

Protective coating and rust inhibi­tors have been used to keep the
gun in good condition prior to ship­ment. Before using the gun, flush it
with solvents so that these materi­als will be removed from fluid pas­sages.

OPERATION

Mix, prepare and strain the material to be
sprayed according to the paint
manufacturer's instructions.

Strain material through a 60 or 90 mesh
screen.

1. Fill the gravity feed cup with the ma­terial. Do not overfill. Make sure that
the cup lid vent hole is clear.

2. Turn on the air at the source of supply.
Adjust the atomization air pressure to
35 psi.

3. Open the spreader adjustment valve
(19) (Fan) by turning the valve stem
counter-clockwise.

4. Close the fluid needle adjusting screw
(25) by turning clockwise.

5. Spray a test area by turning the fluid
needle adjusting screw (25) counter­clockwise until a full coat is obtained.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

To clean air cap and fluid tip, brush exterior
with a stiff bristle brush. If necessary to
clean cap holes, use a broom straw or
toothpick. Never use a wire or hard instru-
ment. This may scratch or burr holes caus­ing a distorted spray pattern.

To clean fluid passages, remove excess
material from cup, then flush with a suitable
solvent. Wipe gun exterior with a solvent
dampened cloth. Never completely immerse
in solvent as this is detrimental to the
lubricants and packings.

Note

When replacing the fluid tip or fluid
needle, replace both at the same
time. Using worn parts can cause
fluid leakage. Tip and needle sets
are available. See Chart 2. Also,
replace the needle packing at this
time. Lightly lubricate the threads
of the fluid tip before reassembling.
Torque to 12-15 ft. lbs. Do not over­tighten the fluid tip.

To prevent damage to the fluid tip (2)
or fluid needle (2), be sure to either 1)
pull the trigger and hold while tight­ening or loosening the fluid tip or 2)
remove fluid needle adjusting screw
(25) to relieve spring pressure against
needle collar.

INSTALLATION

1. Attach the air supply line to the air inlet
(18). An air transformer installed as
close as possible to the gun will provide
filtered and regulated air.

Note

When larger diameter air hoses are
used, it is advisable to use an 8' or
10' "whip end" or a smaller diam­eter hose at the gun for greater
flexibility or movement.

If the finish is too sandy and dry, the
material flow may be too low for the atomi­zation air pressure being used.

If the finish sags, there is too much material
flowing for the atomization air pressure
being used.

Both of the above can be corrected by
increasing or decreasing the atomization air
pressure or the material flow. Pattern width
can be altered by turning the spreader
adjustment valve (19), either clockwise to
decrease the width or counter-clockwise to
increase the width.

SPRAY GUN LUBRICATION

Daily, apply a drop of SSL-10* spray gun
lube at trigger bearing stud (15) and the
stem of the air valve (10) where it enters the
air valve assembly (13). The shank of the
fluid needle (2) where it enters the packing
nut (6) should also be oiled. The fluid needle
packing (5) should be lubricated periodi­cally. Make sure the baffle (4) and retaining
ring (1) threads are clean and free of for­eign matter. Before assembling retaining
ring to baffle, clean the threads thoroughly,
then add two drops of SSL-10 spray gun
lube to threads. The fluid needle spring (22)
and air valve spring (11) should be coated

(Continued on page 3)

Page 2 SB-2-179-F

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

This manual contains information that is important for you to know and understand. This information relates to USER SAFETY and
PREVENTING EQUIPMENT PROBLEMS. To help you recognize this information, we use the following symbols. Please pay particular attention
to these sections.

NOTE

Important information that tells how to

Important safety information - A hazard
that may cause serious injury or loss of
life.

The following hazards may occur during the normal use of this equipment.

Please read the following chart before using this equipment.

HAZARD CAUSE SAFEGUARDS

Fire

Solvent Spray

Inhaling Toxic Substances

Solvent and coatings can be highly
flammable or combustible especially when
sprayed.

During use and while cleaning and flushing,
solvents can be forcefully expelled from
fluid and air passages. Some solvents
can cause eye injury.

Certain materials may be harmful if inhaled,
or if there is contact with the skin.

prevent damage to equipment, or how
to avoid a situation that may cause mi­nor injury.

Adequate exhaust must be provided to keep air free of
accumulations of flammable vapors.

Smoking must never be allowed in the spray area.

Fire extinguishing equipment must be present in the spray
area.

Wear eye protection.

Follow the requirements of the Material Safety Data Sheet
supplied by your coating material manufacturer.

Information that you should pay
special attention to.

Explosion Hazard ­Incompatible Materials

General Safety

Halogenated hydrocarbon solvents - for
example; methylene chloride and 1,1,1,

- Trichloroethane are not chemically
compatible with the aluminum that might
be used in many system components.
The chemical reaction caused by these
solvents reacting with aluminum can
become violent and lead to an equipment
explosion.

Improper operation or maintenance of
equipment.

Adequate exhaust must be provided to keep the air free of
accumulations of toxic materials.

Use a mask or respirator whenever there is a chance of
inhaling sprayed materials. The mask must be compatible
with the material being sprayed and its concentration. Equip­ment must be as prescribed by an industrial hygienst or
safety expert, and be NIOSH approved.

Guns with stainless steel internal passageways may be used
with these solvents. However, aluminum is widely used in
other spray application equipment - such as material pumps,
regulators, valves, and cups. Check all equipment items
before use and make sure they can also be used safely with
these solvents. Read the label or data sheet for the material
you intend to spray. If in doubt as to whether or not a coating
or cleaning material is compatible, contact your material
supplier.

Operators should be given adequate training in the safe use
and maintenance of the equipment (in accordance with the
requirements of NFPA-33, Chapter 15). Users must comply
with all local and national codes of practice and insurance
company requirements governing ventilation, fire
precautions, operation, maintenance, and housekeeping.
These are OSHA Sections 1910.94 and 1910.107 and NFPA-

33. Risk is reduced by avoiding or lessening factors 1-7.

HAZARD CAUSE SAFEGUARDS

SB-2-179-F Page 3

Cumulative Trauma
Disorders ("CTD's")

CTD's, or musculoskeletal
disorders, involve damage
to the hands, wrists,
elbows, shoulders, neck,
and back. Carpal tunnel
syndrome and tendonitis
(such as tennis elbow or
rotator cuff syndrome) are
examples of CTD's.

with a very light grease, making sure that
any excess grease will not clog the air pas­sages. For best results, lubricate the points
indicated, daily.

*Not for air tools or high RPM equipment.

A. Trigger Points
B. Packing
C. Adjusting Valves
D. Baffle Threads
E. Air Valve Cartridge

Use of hand tools may casue cumulative
trauma disorders ("CTD's").

CTD's, when using hand tools, tend to
affect the upper extremities. Factors which
may increase the risk of developing a CTD
include:

1. High frequency of the activity.

2. Excessive force, such as gripping,
pinching, or pressing with the hands
and fingers.

3. Extreme or awkward finger, wrist, or
arm positions.

4. Excessive duration of the activity.

5. Tool vibration.

6. Repeated pressure on a body part.

7. Working in cold temperatures.

CTD's can also be caused by such activities
as sewing, golf, tennis, and bowling, to
name a few.

Pain, tingling, or numbness in the shoulder, forearm, wrist,
hands, or fingers, especially during the night, may be early
symptoms of a CTD. Do not ignore them. Should you
experience any such symptoms, see a physician
immediately. Other early symptoms may include vague
discomfort in the hand, loss of manual dexterity, and
nonspecific pain in the arm. Ignoring early symptoms and
continued repetitive use of the arm, wrist, and hand can
lead to serious disability.

PARTS REPLACEMENT

Replacement Instructions for O-ring on
Spreader Adjustment Valve

1. Remove retaining ring (20) on spreader
adjustment.

2. Remove valve stem and PTFE® O-ring
(21) from valve body.

3. Insert new PTFE® O-ring (21) in valve
body. Make sure it is pushed past the
threads.

4. Insert valve stem.

5. Reinstall retaining ring (20).

CHART 1

Air Caps

If This No. On Ref. No. 1 Air Cap
Cap, Order with Retaining Ring

No. 9000 AV-440-9000
No. 80 MB-4039-80

GTI-33 Baffle Seal Replacement (3)

1. Remove fluid tip (2).

2. Remove baffle (4).

3. Remove seal (3) from baffle.

4. Assemble seal to baffle with angled

side up as shown at right.

NOTE

The seal should be a tight fit
on the baffle. If it is a loose fit
on the baffle, assure that it is
assembled with the angled
side up.

5. Install baffle on gun.

6. Install fluid tip (2) and tighten to 12-15
ft-lbs.

The seal is designed to be a tight fit
on the baffle. The seal should be
able to be removed using your
fingers. If you are unable to re­move the seal using your fingers,
insert a small screwdriver be­tween the outer lip and the back of
the baffle and pry the seal off.

CHART 2

Fluid Tips and Needles

GFG-517 Ref. #2

Tip Fluid Tip Size If This No. On Tip and
Size I.D. Dimensions Tip, Order Needle Sets

EX 0.070" 1.75 mm AV-2115-EX JGA-4040-EX
FW 0.063" 1.6 mm AV-2115-FW JGA-4040-FW
FF 0.055" 1.4 mm AV-2115-FF JGA-4040-FF

ANGLED SIDE

SEAL

NOTE

Pry here if
necessary

THICK SIDE

BAFFLE

Page 4 SB-2-179-F

See GTI-33 Baffle Seal
Replacement instructions
on page 3.

4

27

20

21

19

(Accessory)

2

25

24

12

23

22

26

2

3

Torque to

12-15 ft. lbs.

1

6

5

12

11

10

9

8

7

13

PARTS LIST

Ref. Individual
No. Part No. Description Parts Req.

1 See Chart 1 Air Cap & Retaining Ring 1
2 See Chart 2 Lapped Fluid Tip and Needle 1

• 3 GTI-33-K5 Seal Kit (Kit of 5) 1
4 GTI-425 Baffle Assembly 1

•+ 5 JGV-463-K3 Fluid Needle Packing (Kit of 3) 1
6 34411-122-K10 Fluid Needle Packing Gland 1

(Kit of 10)

• 7 —— Snap Ring 1

• 8 —— Washer 1

•+ 9 —— U Cup 1

• 10 —— Air Valve 1

• 11 —— Spring 1

•+12 JGS-72-K10 Gasket (Kit of 10) (PTFE®) 2
13 JGS-449-1 Air Valve Assembly 1

• 14 —— Screw 1
15 —— Trigger Bearing Stud 1

16 JGS-478 Stud and Screw Kit 1

(Kit includes 3 studs & 5 screws)

19 (Spreader

20

Adjustment)

21

28

*Apply Loctite #242
(Blue) to threads and
torque to 15 ft. lbs.

18 (1/4 NPS(M)

Detail Ref. No. 5 - Two piece packing

15

16

14

Ref. Individual
No. Part No. Description Parts Req.

17 JGS-477-1 Trigger, Stud and Screw Kit 1

18 P-MB-51 Air Inlet Connector 1/4" NPS(M) 1

19 GFG-413-2 Spreader Adjustment Valve 1

• 20 —— Retaining Ring 1

•+21 —— O-ring (PTFE®) 1

• 22 MBD-19-K10 Fluid Needle Spring (Kit of 10) 1

• 23 —— Spring Pad (Included with #22) 1
24 —— Gun Body Bushing 1

25 GTI-414 Fluid Needle Adjusting Screw 1
26 JGA-4041 Bushing, Spring & Knob Kit 1
27 6000-12 Plug 1
28 GFG-6 Gun Hook 1

• KK-5025 Gun Repair Kit includes a quantity of necessary parts
and should be kept on hand for service convenience.

+ KK-5036 Soft Gun Repair Kit includes a quantity of necessary

parts.

Suffixes - K5, K10 designate kits of multiple parts.

(Example) GTI-33-K5 is a kit of 5 seals.

covered by U.S. Patent No. 5,209,501.

+ Tapered edge faces out towards packing

nut.

Fluid Packing Nut

+Inner PTFE

17

Piece

Outer

U.H.M.W.

Poly. Piece

(Kit includes 1 each)

Fluid Needle

TROUBLESHOOTING

CONDITION CAUSE CORRECTION

Heavy top or
bottom pattern

Horn holes plugged.
Obstruction on top or bottom of fluid tip.
Cap and/or tip seat dirty.

Clean. Ream with non-metallic point.
Clean.
Clean.

SB-2-179-F Page 5

Heavy right or left
side pattern

Heavy center pattern

Split spray pattern

Jerky or fluttering spray

Unable to get round spray

Will not spray

Paint bubbles in cup

Fluid leaking or dripping from
cup lid

Starved spray pattern

Excessive overspray

Excessive fog

Dry spray

Fluid leaking from packing nut

Fluid leaking or dripping from
front of gun

*Most common problem.

Left or right side horn holes plugged.
Dirt on left or right side of fluid tip.

Remedies for the top-heavy, bottom-heavy, right-heavy, and left-heavy patterns:

1. Determine if the obstruction is on the air cap or the fluid tip. Do this by making a test spray
pattern. Then, rotate the cap one-half turn and spray another pattern. If the defect is inverted,
obstruction is on the air cap. Clean the air cap as previously instructed.

2. If the defect is not inverted, it is on the fluid tip. Check for a fine burr on the edge of the fluid
tip. Remove with #600 wet or dry sand paper.

3. Check for dried paint just inside the opening; remove by washing with solvent.

Fluid flow too high for atomization air.

Material flow exceeds air cap's capacity.
Spreader adjustment valve set too low.
Atomizing pressure too low.
Material too thick.

Atomization air pressure too high.
Fluid flow too low.
Spreader adjusting valve set too high.

*Loose or damaged fluid tip/seat.
Material level too low.
Container tipped too far.
Obstruction in fluid passage.
Dry or loose fluid needle packing nut.

Spreader adjustment screw not seating
properly.
Air cap retaining ring loose.

No air pressure at gun.

Fluid needle adjusting screw not open enough.
Fluid too heavy for gravity feed.

Fluid tip not tight.

Cup lid loose.
Dirty threads on cup or lid.
Cracked cup or lid.

Inadequate material flow.

Low atomization air pressure.

Too much atomization air pressure.
Gun too far from work surface.
Improper stroking (arcing, gun motion too
fast).

Too much or too fast-drying thinner.
Too much atomization air pressure.

Air pressure too high.
Gun tip too far from work surface.
Gun motion too fast.
Gun out of adjustment.

Packing nut loose.
Packing worn or dry.

Packing nut too tight.
Dry packing.
Fluid tip or needle worn or damaged.
Foreign matter in tip.
Fluid needle spring broken.
Wrong size needle or tip.

Clean. Ream with non-metallic point.
Clean.

Balance air pressure and fluid flow. Increase
spray pattern width with spreader adjustment
valve.
Thin or lower fluid flow.
Adjust.
Increase pressure.
Thin to proper consistency.

Reduce at transformer or gun.
Increase fluid flow (increases gun handling speed).
Adjust.

Tighten or replace.
Refill.
Hold more upright.
Backflush with solvent.
Lubricate or tighten.

Clean or replace.

Tighten.

Check air supply and air lines, blow out gun air
passages.
Open fluid needle adjusting screw.
Thin material and/or change to larger tip size.

Tighten tip to 20-25 ft-lbs.

Tight lid.
Clean.
Replace cup and lid.

Back fluid adjusting screw out to first thread,
or change to larger tip size.
Increase air pressure and rebalance gun.

Reduce pressure.
Adjust to proper distance.
Move at moderate pace, parallel to work
surface.

Remix properly.
Reduce pressure.

Reduce air pressure.
Adjust to proper distance.
Slow down.
Adjust.

Tighten, do not bind needle.
Replace or lubricate.

Adjust.
Lubricate.
Replace tip and needle with lapped sets.
Clean.
Replace.
Replace.

Page 6 SB-2-179-F

TROUBLESHOOTING (Continued)

CONDITION CAUSE CORRECTION

Fluid dripping or leaking from
bottom of cup

Runs and sags

Thin, sandy coarse finish drying
before it flows out

Thick, dimpled finish "orange
peel"

ACCESSORIES

GFC-501 (Acetal) 20 Oz. Cup
GFC-502 (Aluminum) 32 Oz. Cup
Gravity Feed Cups

These gravity feed cups are designed
to be used with GFG gravity feed spray
guns.

Cup loose on gun.
Washer worn or missing below cup.
Cup threads dirty.

Too much material flow.
Material too thin.
Gun tilted on an angle, or gun motion too
slow.

Gun too far from surface.
Too much air pressure.
Improper thinner being used.

Gun too close to surface.

Air pressure too low.
Improper thinner being used.
Material not properly mixed.
Surface rough, oily, dirty.

WR-103 Wrench

HAV-500 OR

Adjusting Valve

(HAV-501 SHOWN)

Tighten.
Replace washer.
Clean.

Adjust gun or reduce fluid flow.
Mix properly or apply light coats.
Hold gun at right angle to work and adapt to
proper gun technique.

Check distance. Normally approx. 8".
Reduce air pressure and check spray pattern.
Follow paint manufacturer's mixing instrs.

Check distance. Normally approx. 8".
Too much material coarsely atomized.
Increase air pressure or reduce fluid flow.
Follow paint manufacturer's mixing instrs.
Follow paint manufacturer's mixing instrs.
Properly clean and prepare.

HAV-501

HARG-510

Air Regulator

42884-214-K5 3/8"

42884-215-K10 5/8"

Cleaning Brushes

Spray Gun and Cup Kits

GFG-517 Spray Gun is also sold in the follow­ing Kits: Each Kits includes (1) GFG-517

Spray Gun and (1) GFG-502 Cup:
GFG-618-80FW GFG-618-90FF
GFG-618-90FW

Quick Disconnect Approved For

HVLP Guns (Air)

High Flow Ball and Ring Type.

HC-4419

1/4" NPS(F)

HC-4700

1/4" NPT(F)

JGA-156-K10 Spring Clips

Joins any single piece Devilbiss air cap
with latest version MBC-368 or MSA-1
retaining ring,. Helps prevent parts loss
and provides easier assembly.

1/4" NPT(M)

1/4" NPT(M)

HC-1166

HC-4699

Contains all neces­sary tip, hose, and
nut sizes used on or
with gun.

GH-505 Gun Holder

Gun holders are
made to hold stan­dard paint cups,
gravity feed guns
and cups, and paint
filters.

HAV-500 does not
have pressure gage.
Use to control air
pessure at gun.

GH-407 Gun Holder

(1) Wall mount
bracket included
with GH-407.

OMX-70-K48 PAINT CUP LINER KIT

Allows quick and easy clean-up.

Consists of : 1 - Piercing Tool,

48 - Disposable Liners,
48 - Drain Bushings

Use to maintain
nearly constant out­let pressure despite
changes in inlet
pressure and down­stream flow.

Spray Gun Lube

SSL-10-K12

(2 oz. bottle)

Compatible with all
paint materials; con­tains no silicone or
petroleum distil­lates to contaminate
paint.

HAF-507 Whirlwind™

In-Line Air Filter

Removes water, oil, and
debris from the air line.

29-3100 Scrubs® Hand

Cleaner Towels

These brushes are
helpful in cleaning
threads and
recesses of gun
body.

GFG-413-2 Air

Adjustment Valve

Installs into gun
to enable user to
control and
reduce air
pressure at the
gun. Replaces
6000-12 plug.

Industrial Finishing

DeVilbiss has authorized distributors throughout the world. For
technical assistance or the distributor nearest you, see listing below.

U.S./Canada Technical Service Office:

195 Internationale Blvd., Glendale Heights, IL 60139
Toll-Free Telephone: [phone] (U.S.A. and Canada only)
Toll-Free Fax: [phone]

Scrubs® are a pre-moistened
hand cleaner towel for painters.
No water is needed.

WARRANTY

This product is covered by DeVilbiss' 1 Year Limited Warranty.

DeVilbiss Worldwide Sales and Service Listing:
www.devilbiss.com

6/04 ©2004 Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.