Importance of Piston Rod on a Graco Paint Sprayer

The Piston Rod is a crucial component of Graco pumps. It connects to the motor via a connecting rod and moves up and down with the action of the motor, transferring the motor’s power and motion to the pump by moving the internal components of the pump. The Piston Rod is responsible for displacing fluid out of the pump during both the upstroke and downstroke. In the upstroke, it creates a vacuum or suction that draws in the fluid or paint from the suction hose and the same time it is displacing fluid out of the pump. The down stroke serves as opportunity to allow already drawn in paint to get to the fluid displacement chamber. This results in continuous flow of paint or liquid being pumped.

Do Graco Piston or Displacement Rods Wear?

Piston Rod also called Displacement Rod is so vital in Graco Pump that there will be no Graco Piston Pump without the Piston Rod. Piston Pods wear out as they get used. It is very important to make sure your Piston Rod is not worn, as a worn Piston or Displacement Rod will result in non-working or inefficient pump and resulting in a non-working paint sprayer. While inspecting your Piston also check your Piston Valve, Repacking kits, Intake and Outlet Balls, Carbides, and Cylinder for wear. Together they make a good functional pump.

How can you tell a worn Graco Piston Rod?

A good Piston Rod should be smooth and have no deep grooved marks. It should not be abrasive or rough. Most Piston Rods should be Chromex plated, and the plating should not be broken or chipped. The internal threads should be in good thread able state and not cross threaded.  There should be no trash or residue insides the piston rod as it could get the outlet ball stuck resulting in Pump failure.