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How to Replace Packings on a Graco 390 / 395 Airless Sprayer
June 03, 2026 • 6 min read
Quick Answer
To replace packings on a Graco 390 or 395, you need the 18B260 packing kit (for 390/395 PC contractor sprayers) or 17V781 (Magnum homeowner series). Depressurise the machine, remove the displacement rod, swap out the upper PTFE and lower leather packings using a packing wrench, fill the throat with TSL, and reassemble. Total time: approximately 45 minutes.
1. Signs Your Graco 390/395 Packings Need Replacing
Packings are the most commonly replaced wear part on any Graco airless sprayer. When they wear out, you'll notice one or more of these symptoms:
Pressure loss: Machine struggles to reach or maintain working pressure
Pump cycling at rest: If the pump kicks on more than once every 15 seconds with the gun trigger released and no leaks visible, packings are worn
Oil leaking from throat: TSL or paint leaking down the displacement rod means the throat seal is gone
Spitting or uneven spray: Inconsistent paint delivery often traces back to packing failure
The 15-Second Test: With the sprayer primed and at working pressure, release the gun trigger and watch the pump. If it cycles more frequently than every 15 seconds, your packings or valves need attention.
2. Parts & Tools You'll Need
Item
Part Number
Notes
Packing Kit — Graco 390/395 PC (contractor)
18B260
Supersedes old 244194
Packing Kit — Graco Magnum X5/X7/ProX17
17V781
Homeowner series
Throat Seal Liquid
TSL
Essential — do not skip
Inlet Valve Seat (replace every service)
239922
Mandatory on 390/395 family
Packing Wrench
218203
Required tool
3/4" Combination Wrench
—
For pump housing bolts
Needle-nose Pliers
—
For o-ring removal
Important: On the Graco 390 and 395 family, always replace the 239922 inlet valve seat at every packing service. It's inexpensive and failure to replace it is the #1 cause of repeat pressure loss after a packing job.
3. Safety First
Never service a pressurised sprayer. Airless sprayers operate at up to 3,300 PSI — enough to inject fluid through skin, causing serious injury. Always fully depressurise before any service work. Engage the trigger lock, disconnect power, and confirm zero pressure before disassembly.
4. Step-by-Step Packing Replacement
1
Depressurise the System
Turn the prime/spray valve to PRIME. Trigger the gun into a waste container until all pressure is released. Turn the sprayer OFF. Engage the trigger safety lock. Disconnect the power cord.
⏱ ~3 minutes
2
Flush and Drain the Pump
Place suction tube in compatible solvent. Run the pump until clean solvent comes through. Drain completely and remove the suction tube and gun from the system.
⏱ ~5 minutes
3
Remove the Displacement Rod
Locate the two housing bolts on the pump section (3/4" wrench). Unscrew both and carefully pull the displacement rod straight downward out of the housing. Place on a clean lint-free surface.
⏱ ~8 minutes
4
Remove the Old Packings
Using the packing wrench (218203), unscrew the packing nut from the throat bore. Carefully pull out the upper PTFE packings, then the lower leather packing. Inspect the bore for scoring or damage.
⏱ ~8 minutes
5
Replace the Inlet Valve Seat
Remove the inlet valve seat (part 239922) and discard. Install the new seat — this is mandatory on every service of the 390/395 family. A worn seat is the single biggest cause of repeat packing failure.
⏱ ~5 minutes
6
Install New Packings
Install the lower leather packing first (flat side down). Then stack the upper PTFE packings flat-side up as shown in the kit diagram. Tighten the packing nut with the packing wrench — snug, not overtightened. Fill the throat with Throat Seal Liquid (TSL).
⏱ ~10 minutes
7
Reassemble and Test
Reinstall the displacement rod and tighten housing bolts to 18 ft-lbs. Reconnect everything. Set pressure to minimum. Prime the sprayer — full pressure should return within 2–3 pump strokes. Perform the 15-second cycling test to confirm.
⏱ ~6 minutes
5. Pro Tips from Our Technicians
Use TSL, not Pump Armor: TSL is for contractor machines like the 390/395 that are used frequently. Pump Armor is for Magnum homeowner machines stored for long periods. Using Pump Armor in a contractor machine can damage packings.
Never overtighten the packing nut: Overtightening causes premature packing wear. Snug is enough.
Always replace the 239922 seat: It costs $8. A new packing kit costs $45. Skipping the seat replacement and having to redo the job two weeks later costs you double.
Inspect the rod for scoring: Run your fingernail along the displacement rod. If you feel grooves, the rod needs replacing before new packings will seal properly.
Need the Right Packing Kit for Your Graco?
We stock 18B260, 17V781, the 239922 inlet seat, and TSL — all in stock, ships today.
For the Graco 390 PC, 390 Hi-Boy, 390 Stand, 395 PC, and related contractor sprayers, use the 18B260 packing kit (this supersedes the old 244194 kit number). For the Graco Magnum X5, X7, and ProX17 homeowner series, use 17V781. If you're unsure, call us at 713-931-4102 and we'll confirm the right kit for your serial number.
On a heavily used contractor machine, inspect packings every 6 months or whenever you notice pressure loss or cycling. On a residential machine used occasionally, packings may last 2–3 years. The 15-second cycling test is the easiest diagnostic — if the pump cycles more frequently than every 15 seconds at rest, service is due.
Yes — always. TSL (Throat Seal Liquid) lubricates and seals the packing area, prevents drying, and dramatically extends packing life. Fill the throat before and after installing new packings. Never run a contractor sprayer dry in the throat area.
Technically possible but not recommended. The packing wrench (218203) is designed to access the packing nut without damaging the bore or surrounding components. Using improvised tools risks scoring the throat bore, which would require a full pump replacement.
The most common cause is a worn inlet valve seat (239922) that was not replaced. Other causes include a scored displacement rod, worn outlet valve balls, or a failed pressure control transducer. Call our technicians at 713-931-4102 — we can diagnose over the phone before you order parts.
Pro tip: Always replace packing kits as a complete set. Mixing old and new seals causes uneven wear and will shorten the life of your new parts significantly.
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