Northern Industrial Tools M1578112A User Manual

TM

Engine is shipped without oil.

- Before starting engine, fill engine oil.

- See engine manual for engine oil requirements.

Pump is shipped with oil.

- Remove shipping plug and install vented fill cap. (Comet Pumps)

- Remove shipping tape from pump oil fill cap. (Cat Pumps)

- See pump oil cap section of this manual.

Closely inspect all components.

-If you have damaged components then: Contact the freight company that
delivered the unit and file a claim.

-If you have missing components then: Contact Customer Service at
1-800-270-0810.

Read this manual.

Serious injury or death can result if safety instructions are not followed.

WARNING

ITEM NUMBERS: 1578112, 1578172

1578182, 1578152,
1578202, 1578203,
1578173, 1577543,
1577544

M1578112M.1

Owner’s Manual

Pressure Washer: Machine that cleans dirty

surfaces with high pressure water.

Any Questions, Comments, Problems or Parts Orders

Call NorthStar Product Support 1-800-270-0810

Hazard Signal Word Definitions

2

Table of Contents

3

Important Safety Rules ......................................….

4,5

Warning Label Locations ...................................….

6

Assembly Instructions…………………………………...

7-9

Machine Component Identification…………………….

10

Pump Oil Cap and Pump Component Identification…

11

Operation Instructions ........................................…

12-16

Water Supply……………….…………………………….

12

Start-Up/Shut-Down Instructions……………………….

13

Spray Gun Safety Lock and Attaching the Lance…….

14

Installing Nozzles and Quick Connect hoses…………

15

Applying Chemicals..…………………………………….

16

Maintenance and Storage..................................….

17-19

Maintenance Mode and Maintenance Schedule….

17

Pump Oil Change….…………………………………

18

Long Term Storage…………………………………..

19

Winter Storage………………………………………..

19

Troubleshooting ...................................……...........….

20

Specifications .....................….................................…

21

Parts Exploded View ..................................................

22,23

Pump Exploded Views…………………………………..

24,25

Pump Breakdowns………………………………………

26-38

Important Safety Rules

4

1.) Read owner's manual completely.

Serious injury or death can result if safety instructions are not followed. You must be
16 or older to operate this machine. Keep untrained people away.

2.) Skin puncture hazard.

High pressure fluid can inject under skin resulting in serious injury including
amputation. Do not direct spray at people or animals.

-If skin injection happens, seek IMMEDIATE surgical treatment.

-Do not check for leaks with hand. Instead, use a piece of cardboard to check for
leaks.

-Do not use unit if exterior hose damage is evident. Make sure all fittings are tight
before starting. Relieve system pressure before servicing.

-Know how to stop engine and bleed pressures quickly. Be thoroughly familiar with
the controls.

-Make sure accessories meet the unit's temperature and pressure limits.

-Stop engine, bleed pressure, and engage spray gun safety lock before leaving unit

unattended.

3.) Risk of fire and explosion.

Hot exhaust fumes from engine can cause fire. Gasoline is highly flammable and
explosive. You can be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel.

-Position muffler at least 7 feet from combustible objects.

-Before adding fuel, stop the engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame away. Do not

add fuel when engine is running or still hot. No smoking near engine.

-Do not pump fuel directly into engine at gas station. Static charge can build and

ignite fuel. Use a UL approved fuel container to transfer gas to the engine. Wipe up

fuel spills immediately.

-Only store and handle fuel outdoors. Gasoline vapors can ignite if they collect

inside an enclosure. Explosion can result.

-Do not change or add to exhaust system. Fire can result.

-Do not change or add fuel tanks or fuel lines. Fire can result.

-Before each use, check fuel tank and fuel lines for leaks. Any fuel leak is a fire

hazard. Fix any fuel leaks before starting engine.

-During transportation take precautions to make sure pressure washer will not tip

over and cause a fuel leak fire hazard.

4.) Poisonous gas.

This machine gives off carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can kill you. You

CANNOT smell it, see it, or taste it.

-ONLY run machine outdoors and away from air intakes.

-NEVER run machine inside homes, garages, sheds, or other semi-enclosed spaces.
These spaces can trap poisonous gases, EVEN IF you run a fan or open doors and
windows.

If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using this machine, shut it off and get to

fresh air RIGHT AWAY. See a doctor. You may have carbon monoxide poisoning.

WARNING

Save These Instructions

Important Safety Rules

5

5.) Risk of exposure to dangerous chemicals.

Serious injury or death can result if chemical manufacturer instructions are not
followed.

-Wear protective gloves when handling and cleaning with chemicals.

-Understand all safety hazards and first aid for all chemicals being used.

-When cleaning filters, check if chemicals have been used and take any
precautions that are recommended by the chemical manufacturer.

-Different chemicals may interact dangerously with each other, always follow
chemical manufacturer directions before switching chemicals.

-Calculate the correct amount of chemical to mix, dispose of excess chemical
per the manufacturer instructions.

-Never spray flammable liquids.

6.) Risk of electrocution.

Electricity can kill you. Keep water away from electrical outlets and electrical
devices.

7.) Flying objects.

Small particles may fly out while spraying. Wear safety glasses. Serious eye
injury can occur.
Make sure nozzle is secure before squeezing trigger. If nozzle is not secure it
will become a projectile.

8.) Fall hazard.

Pressure washer creates puddles and slippery surfaces. Keep good footing
and balance. Serious injury can occur.

-Wear footwear cabable of maintaining a good grip on wet surfaces.

-Gun kicks back. Hold with both hands.

-Do not overreach or stand on unstable supports.

-Do not stand on ladders or scaffolding.

-Do not place pressure washer on soft or unstable ground.

CAUTION

1.) Hot muffler.

You can be burned by muffler. Do not touch.

WARNING

Warning Label Locations

6

START-UP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Attach garden hose.

2. Attach pressure hose.

3. Attach gun and lance.

4. Turn water supply ON.

5. Squeeze trigger to
purge air from pump.

6. Insert nozzle.

7. Start engine.

2008 Northern Tool + Equipment 800-270-0810

WARNING

Part No. 38570

1.) Skin puncture hazard. Do
not direct spray at people or
animals. Seek IMMEDIATE
surgical treatment.

2.) Risk of fire and explosion.

Do not add fuel when engine is
running or still hot.

3.) Breathing hazard.

Poisonous fumes from engine
can kill you. Do not operate
indoors even if ventilated.

4.) Risk of electrocution.

Keep water away from electric
outlets and electric devices.

5.) Read owner's manual.

Serious injury or death can
result if safety instructions are
not followed.

SHUT-DOWN INSTRUCTIONS

1. Turn engine OFF.

2. Turn water supply OFF.

3. Squeeze trigger to
relieve system pressure.

4. Remove garden hose.

5. Remove pressure hose.

6. Turn fuel valve OFF
(if equipped).

Call 1-800-270-0810 to order new labels.

Instruction Label: Part No. 781027
Warning Label: Part No. 781026 (includes
hot muffler caution located on engine)

Assembly Instructions

7

Pressure Hose

Hardware Bag

Spray Gun

Handle

Engine/Pump/Base Assembly

Lance

I.) Unpack

Your pressure washer is shipped in two boxes except for models 1577543 and 1577544 which are

shipped in one box. Separate and identify the components found in the box/boxes.

* Depending in model, components may appear differently than illustrated

Any Questions, Comments, Problems or Parts Orders

Call NorthStar Product Support 1-800-270-0810

8

Hose Hook – Qty 1

Part # 779761

Flange Nut – Qty 2

Part # 82019

Carriage Bolt – Qty 2

Part # 82233

Vented fill cap

1578112,

1577543,1577544

Vented dipstick

1578152,

1578173, 1578203

Gun Hook – Qty 1

Part # 38509

T- Handle Knob – Qty 2

Part # 38578

Nozzle – Qty 2 or 5

Varies by model

Grommet – Qty 5

Part # 35198

Nylock Nut – Qty 2

Part # 777495

II.) Hardware Bag

Assembly Instructions

Assembly Instructions

9

Gun Hook

Flange nut

Hose hook

(Position A)

T-handle knob

Carriage bolts

Gun Hook Detail

Flange nut

Nozzles

(Quantities vary

by model)

Grommets

Handle

Hose hook

(Position B)

GC models only
Nylock nut

III.) Handle Assembly

1.) Attach handle to base with two carriage bolts and t-handle knobs.

2.) Spin a flange nut backwards onto the gun hook. (see hook detail)

3.) Mount the hose hook onto the handle and gun hook onto base as shown.

4.) Insert grommets into the holes on the handle nameplate.

5.) Press nozzles into grommets according to the colors indicated on the handle decal.

Machine Component Identification

10

*Note: Components on models vary slightly

1.) Handle. Designed for easy cart
movement.

2.) Hose Hook. Store hose on hook.
(Position depends on model, see
Assembly Instructions section.)

3.) Pressure Hose. Attach quick
couplers to gun and water outlet.

4.) Chemical Hose. Submerge in
cleaning solution.

5.) Water Pump. Inspect for
loose/broken parts prior to each use.

6.) Engine. Honda engine provides
years of reliable use.

7.) Gun Hook. Store gun on hook.

8.) Nozzles. Change nozzles for

different spray patterns

9.) Spray Gun. Always use two hands
for safe operation.

10.) Trigger. Actuate to allow
pressurized water to flow out of
spray gun.

Pump Oil Cap and Pump Component Identification

11

Operation Instructions

12

Model

Time to fill 5 gallon bucket

1577543

100 seconds

1577544

100 seconds

1578112

100 seconds

1578203

72 seconds

1578152

72 seconds

1578172

100 seconds

1578182

84 seconds

1578202

72 seconds

1578173

100 seconds

Water Supply

1.) Make sure the water supply is clean. Debris can cause excess pump wear and reduce
performance.

2.) An insufficient water supply will damage your pump. Make sure the water supply is steady and is
20% over the rated flow of your pump. Use a stopwatch to time how long it takes to fill a 5-gallon
bucket with your garden hose. The bucket must fill faster than the times listed in the table below.

3.) The water supply garden hose must have an inside diameter of at least 5/8”. If the hose is more
than 100 ft. long, the diameter must be at least 3/4”.

4.) Never use a reservoir tank as a water source. Drawing water out of a tank may cause pump
cavitation and damage to your pump. This pressure washer is designed for a pressurized water
source such as a city water faucet. However, the water source pressure must not exceed 115 psi
(8 bar).

5.) Always use a flexible rubber hose for your water supply. Do not use rigid piping.