Anybody here good with pressure washers???

[turfman]

Re: Anybody here good with pressure washers???

One thing about the less expensive power washers is that the pumps are horrible and finding parts a couple years down the road is frustrating also. With the karchers you should be able to obtain parts I'd think. That company has been around for a long time and sells some good products.
I had a couple Craftsman power washers about 15yrs ago but knew I had to upgrade. I bought a steamer from Northern Hydraulics 7 years ago; runs off diesel or kerosene, has a kat pump. The pump is totally rebuildable and is easily done. Been going strong for 7 years now.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Anybody here good with pressure washers???

Mine's not a Karcher, forget the brand but it has an 11HP Honda on it (kicks some aqua-butt), occasionally I get no power at first, but if I hold the wand open for a bit or give several quick pulls of the trigger it clears up and works fine the rest of the day.​

 

[dannyboy7]

Re: Anybody here good with pressure washers???

I have the same problem and the only way to get pressure is to take off the nozzle and pump water through the end until it pressures up. I took it appart and replaced the hose gaskets, but it was not resolved. It has to be the enternal valve that sticks. I am sure it is due to lack of use.....I will never buy another one!

 

[JustJason]

Re: Anybody here good with pressure washers???

I don't suppose anybody has a parts diagram or schematic for a karcher pump

 

[gss036]

Re: Anybody here good with pressure washers???

DannyBoy, try pumping vinegar through the sop suction line and let it sit for a while to soak and then repeat several times.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Anybody here good with pressure washers???

Never run one dry, just like your boat engine you never run one dry. If you do, the "O"rings become brittle from overheating. Just like an impeller. It is always important to have your supply water turned on and connected to the PW. Before starting, you should always pull the trigger and let the stream of water flow until all air is out. Taking the tip off the wand makes this step faster. I have my guys hold the trigger of the wand on while starting the engine. This reduces the immediate pressure build up on the engine and makes cranking easier. Once started, let off the trigger and put the tip back on. Now your ready to go.

I have 14 pressure washers that I maintain for our stores. The above steps is what I tell the the new guys that would be using them. I left out the boat part of course

When a unit is dry and has been apart, I coat all moving parts with a vasiline type lube during install. Then I pour about a table spoon of liquid dish soap into the intake hose. Pull the rope or hit the starter with the spark plug unhooked. After getting a good coating inside the pump, I hook up the water and start using the procedure above. Of course this is after the pump has been taken apart and new Orings put in.

Good Luck.........SS

 

[eaglejim]

Re: Anybody here good with pressure washers???

If you don't use a pressure washer at least once a week you are better off to rent when you need one like stated in other post to many seals can dry up if not used often enough.If it came from a retail store, well lets just say easy come easy go,they are not known for using the best parts.What really matters on the pressure washer are the water pumps not the engine.When looking to buy a pressure washer look at the water pump{not the brand}a Comet or a Annovi are the best{there will a silver tag on the pump}. Hope that helped. Jim