
When it comes to small to medium line striping projects the Titan Powrliner 850 is a workhorse. But its performance significantly depends on the integrity of its fluid section and how clean the components are. When the machine is not working properly it is not just a mechanical failure but you will also lose time and revenue.
In the article below, we are going to provide you with an in-depth look at the mechanical theory and the common failure points and we will also let you know some strategies for maintenance that will help you keep your Powrliner 850 in the best condition.
Let’s get into the details without any further delay.
One of the most common issues that people face is that the motor is running but the paint is not moving through the fluid section. This is a check ball issue almost always.
The Cause
The most common cause of this issue is that within the inlet and outlet housing, there are small metal balls that act as the one-way valves. If the paint is drying these balls stick to their seats and end up breaking the vacuum.
Quick Fix
To get rid of this issue you will have to remove the suction set and use a screwdriver to depress the inlet ball. If it is stuck really badly you will have to unscrew the inlet housing and thoroughly clean the assembly with a mineral spirit.
When the spray pattern has heavy edges you see the tailing issue. This shows that the paint is not properly being atomized.
The Cause
When this is happening you should know there is either a worn spray tip or a restricted flow. When the tip wears the orifice becomes larger and a little more circular which means it requires more pressure than the pump can provide.
Quick Fix
You should always check the gun filters first. The PowrLiner 850 uses a 60 or 100-mesh filter within the handle. If it is 50% clogged the pressure will automatically drop. Secondly, you can also replace the tip if you do not see any significant result even after cleaning it.
If you feel like the lines are looking fuzzy, then you should know that you are dealing with atomization issues.
Quick Fix
The quick fix for it is to lower the pressure. Mostly, the operators use it at maximum pressure, which can end up in problems. You should always just use enough pressure for a clean fan pattern. Using high-pressure can cause turbulence, which can end up causing particles to bounce off and create a foggy look.
Below, we are going to talk about a proper maintenance schedule that you should follow if you do not want your sprayer to stop working in the middle of the job site. If you follow this schedule, PowrLiner 850 troubleshooting will automatically get easier.
Daily Maintenance
When it comes to daily maintenance, you should keep checking the gun filters and also inspect the suction nut. Clean gun filters will always prevent pressure drops. Inspecting the suction nut every day will ensure there is no air leakage that can prevent the pump from priming.
Weekly
You should check the front caster every week to ensure there are smooth and straight lines.
Monthly
You should also always check the belt tension at least once a month because a loose belt can cause RPM loss.
Yearly
You must also replace the diaphragm every year because the diaphragms eventually lose their elasticity, which will further reduce the GPM.
When you follow these timelines, you will be directly preventing your sprayer from breaking down mid-work.
If you want to achieve the perfect lines, there is a tip that you can follow. This will help you get striping excellence without having to do a lot.
If your line is fading, know that the cable tension is really loose. You should locate the barrel adjuster and then tighten it so that the trigger engages as soon as you pull the lever. There should not be any dead space in the handle for accuracy. This will help you get perfect striping without putting in excessive energy.
If you have been using a sprayer for a long while, you should know there are specific cold-weather considerations that you should take seriously. The paint becomes viscous in low temperatures, and so you have to follow the instructions to get accurate results.
What you can do is switch to larger tip sizes so the thicker paint passes without any sort of clogging. You can also use a paint heater if it is available. If your manufacturer's sheet does not allow thinning the paint, you should not do it because it can ruin the results for you.
The Titan PowrLiner 850 is a precision device, and most of the mechanical failures are because of the maintenance failures. If you understand the relationship between the components of the sprayer, you can easily troubleshoot 90% of the issues that occur on the job site.
Consistency is the only way to go for a professional striper, and so you should ensure that you are keeping your machine clean and the filters clear to get the perfect lines while you’re working on the job site.