LPH400 Air Cap Change

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PostPosted: Sun May 07, 2023 8:06 am
Hello, I've been reading posts here for some time (very informative), and decided it's time to post an inquiry hoping for answers to a seemingly elusive question. I've recently added a used LPH400 to my collection in hopes of lower overspray for my conditions when spraying clear coat. The gun was a little rough, but nothing a good cleaning and polishing couldn't clear up. It appears to operate fine except I'm currently awaiting parts to replace the air cap seals for a more thorough test.

The issue I'm having is trying to identify the air cap as the writing on it has worn off. After doing some searching at numerous sites including Iwata, I still can not find any info pertaining to the real world air inlet requirements & performance differences of what appears to be a LPH-400-J2 and LV4 HVLP air cap. The LPH-400-J2(which my air cap resembles) has 4 holes on the face near the tip while the LV4 has only 2. I'm assuming the 4 hole one is discontinued? I'm not sure how to post images on here using a mobile phone, but hopefully somone will know what I'm referring to.

Thanks,

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PostPosted: Sun May 07, 2023 6:09 pm
You can click this link: https://anestiwata.com/product/lph400-lv/

Then select the Spare Parts link for more detailed information.

I use the Silver Cap with a 1.4 tip set for epoxy primer, base coat and clear.
1968 Coronet R/T


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PostPosted: Mon May 08, 2023 5:11 am
I've tried several times to open that file, but it doesn't open. I've also looked within their discontued list archives and found nothing but links to updated versions, no links to a LPH-400-J2 model.

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PostPosted: Mon May 08, 2023 6:00 am
Bayboy wrote:I've tried several times to open that file, but it doesn't open.


It's a .pdf file but my browser, with fairly stringent settings, flags it as a security risk and won't download. You may need to adjust your security settings to allow the download.
Chris



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PostPosted: Mon May 08, 2023 9:49 am
NFT5 wrote:
Bayboy wrote:I've tried several times to open that file, but it doesn't open.


It's a .pdf file but my browser, with fairly stringent settings, flags it as a security risk and won't download. You may need to adjust your security settings to allow the download.



Thanks. That worked, but the J2 air cap isn't listed. I suppose it's so old it was superceded and erased. I posted a pic in a FB group where a member recognized it and said it is over 20 years old. The picture of the cap I found on ebay states 31 psi inlet. With today's HVLP standards, I'm not surprised that Iwata changed it. As an experiment, I taped up the two outer jets and sprayed some solvent . I was able to turn the pressure way down to 13-15lbs and noticed the fan developed a more tulip shape closer to the tip. Not a perfect experiment, but an obvious clue of what the LV4 must be like. I guess I could keep the cap for some use, and try to find a good deal on a LV4 cap . The gun was only $220, so nothing to lose I suppose.

Thank you all for your help



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PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2023 3:34 am
As a follow up for the mildly interested, it turned out to be the LVX cap. The owner peiced together the ring and cap which threw me off, but apparently gave me the "better" cap. Ironically, it appears Iwata "repurposed" air caps through the years.

That said, after a quick trial using it on unreduced MS clear, as that's what I bought the gun for, I'm not too sure I like it in that application. Turning the pressure down to 16-20 psi for my makeshift booth setting, it atomizes well, but the fan width really isn't all that impressive. The the tulip doesnt really develop as near to the gun.. perhaps it's the viscosity as I want to avoid reducing already thin clear. Turning the pressure up a bit and it starts to create more overspray than desired though it does put out the paint ok. There seems to be a fine line for my likings, so I'm wondering if the silver cap actually would be more suitable for a small booth.



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PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2023 1:38 pm
16-20 lbs sounds a bit low to me for clear?

What spraying distance are you spraying at?
Dennis B.
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PostPosted: Sat May 20, 2023 9:26 am
Not sure of the exact distance but much closer than when I use the FLG5 or Kiwami. I've since acquired a LV4 air cap. I've yet to spray a panel with it yet as i want to strip one and start from scratch,.



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PostPosted: Sat Jun 03, 2023 7:08 am
As an update... the LV4 silver air cap is perfect for my needs! Sprays medium solids clear nicely with the ability to lay it flat or with slightl orange peel to copy factory paint. I accidentally sprayed base (picked up the wrong gun in haste) and just rolled with it. Getting the base wet without running it was easier than I thought. I did have one oops where I found out the Lematec diaphragm regulators I invested in are junk. They choke the guns of at least 7lbs psi when trying to apply about 21psi. This was remedied with a wall regulator and straight hose to the gun. I use a temporary gauge manifold to double check pressure into the gun to set the pressure at the wall, then remove. All guns perform as intended now.

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PostPosted: Sat Jun 03, 2023 9:07 am
The Silver Cap is what I use.
Sounds like you'll be an expert on these guns soon.
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