1. Product Overview
The Graco 288048 AL Automatic Airless Auto Gun is engineered for high-speed production environments, offering a lightweight and compact design. Constructed from durable stainless steel, it is built to handle the toughest materials, ensuring reliability and a long service life. Its design minimizes the number of parts, contributing to a lower overall cost of repair. This gun is compatible with a wide range of tips, allowing for versatility across various applications.
Key Features:
- Small and lightweight rounded gun profile
- Durable and reliable design
- Capable of high speed productions
- Made in USA

Figure 1.1: Front view of the Graco 288048 AL Automatic Airless Auto Gun, showcasing its compact and robust design.
2. Important Safety Information
Always read and understand all safety warnings and instructions before operating the Graco 288048 AL Automatic Airless Auto Gun. Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious bodily injury, fire, or explosion.
General Safety Precautions:
- High Pressure Fluid: This equipment operates at extremely high pressure. Fluid injection into the skin can cause severe injury. Never point the gun at yourself or others. Always engage the trigger lock when not spraying.
- Fire and Explosion Hazard: Many coatings and solvents are flammable. Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent the accumulation of flammable vapors. Do not spray near open flames, pilot lights, or other ignition sources.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, and a respirator, to protect against chemical exposure and overspray.
- Grounding: Ensure all equipment is properly grounded to prevent static electricity discharge, which can ignite flammable vapors.
- Pressure Relief: Always relieve pressure in the system before cleaning, checking, or servicing any part of the equipment.

Figure 2.1: The automatic airless gun showing critical warning labels regarding fluid injection and fire/explosion hazards.
3. Setup Instructions
Proper setup is crucial for safe and efficient operation of your Graco 288048 AL Automatic Airless Auto Gun.
3.1 Unpacking and Inspection:
- Carefully remove all components from the packaging.
- Inspect the gun for any signs of damage that may have occurred during shipping. Do not use if damaged.
- Verify all components listed in the packing list are present.
3.2 Connecting to Airless Sprayer System:
- Ensure the airless sprayer pump is turned off and pressure is relieved.
- Connect the high-pressure fluid hose from your airless sprayer to the inlet fitting on the gun. Ensure connections are tight to prevent leaks.
- If applicable, connect the air supply line to the air inlet port for automatic operation.
3.3 Nozzle and Tip Installation:
- Select the appropriate spray tip for your material and application.
- Insert the tip into the tip guard and then thread the tip guard onto the gun. Hand-tighten securely.
- Ensure the tip is oriented correctly for the desired spray pattern.

Figure 3.1: Schematic diagram of the Graco 288048 AL Automatic Airless Auto Gun, illustrating key components and connection points.
4. Operating Procedures
Follow these steps for safe and effective operation of your automatic airless gun.
4.1 Priming the System:
- With the gun connected and the tip removed, place the gun over a waste container.
- Turn on the airless sprayer pump to a low-pressure setting.
- Engage the trigger (or activate the automatic trigger mechanism) to allow fluid to flow through the gun until all air is purged and a steady stream of fluid emerges.
- Release the trigger and turn off the pump. Reinstall the spray tip.
4.2 Spraying Technique:
- Set the airless sprayer pressure to the recommended setting for your material and tip.
- Maintain a consistent distance (typically 10-12 inches) from the surface being sprayed.
- Move the gun in smooth, even passes, overlapping each pass by approximately 50%.
- For automatic operation, ensure the automation system is correctly configured to trigger the gun at the desired intervals and durations.
4.3 Shutting Down:
- Turn off the airless sprayer pump.
- Relieve all pressure in the system by engaging the gun trigger into a waste container until fluid flow stops.
- Engage the trigger lock.
5. Maintenance and Care
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your Graco 288048 AL Automatic Airless Auto Gun.
5.1 Cleaning After Use:
- Always relieve pressure before cleaning.
- Flush the system with an appropriate cleaning solvent (e.g., water for latex, mineral spirits for oil-based paints) until the fluid runs clear.
- Remove the spray tip and tip guard. Clean them thoroughly with a brush and solvent.
- Clean the exterior of the gun with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the gun in liquid.
5.2 Tip Maintenance:
- Inspect spray tips regularly for wear. A worn tip will produce a poor spray pattern and waste material.
- Replace tips as needed to maintain optimal performance.
5.3 Storage:
- Store the gun in a clean, dry place, away from extreme temperatures.
- Ensure all fluid is purged from the gun before long-term storage.
6. Troubleshooting Guide
This section provides solutions to common issues you may encounter.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No spray or weak spray | Clogged tip; Insufficient pressure; Air in system | Clean or replace tip; Increase pump pressure; Prime the system to remove air |
| Inconsistent spray pattern | Worn tip; Material too thick; Incorrect pressure | Replace tip; Thin material as per manufacturer's instructions; Adjust pressure |
| Leaks from gun | Loose fittings; Damaged seals/O-rings | Tighten all connections; Inspect and replace worn seals/O-rings |
| Gun not triggering automatically | No air supply; Air pressure too low; Automation system malfunction | Check air supply and connections; Increase air pressure; Consult automation system manual or Graco support |
If the problem persists after attempting these solutions, contact Graco customer support or a qualified service technician.
7. Technical Specifications
Detailed specifications for the Graco 288048 AL Automatic Airless Auto Gun.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Graco |
| Brand | Graco |
| Item Model Number | 288048 |
| Item Weight | 1.45 pounds |
| Package Dimensions | 7.1 x 5.5 x 4.2 inches |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Style | Compact |
| Special Features | Airless, Lightweight |
| UPC | 633955193185 |
| Date First Available | April 10, 2016 |
8. Warranty and Support
For detailed warranty information and customer support, please refer to the official Graco website or contact Graco customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
- Graco Official Website: www.graco.com
- Customer Support: Refer to the contact section on the official Graco website for phone numbers and email support.





