Karcher
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Hi and welcome to FixYa, I am Kelly
The seals do have a tendancy to harden / dry out or… corrosion prevents the unloader bypass valve from moving / operating properly. I recommend you put a little oil (2 oz maybe…) through the unit on purpose via the inlet water connection. Then connect your water hose and force the oil though the unit with the air in the water supply hose while it purges. DO NOT turn the unit on until your sure the water supply hose has purged out all air. Then turn on the unit making sure that you cycle the wand trigger rapidly for a few minutes by cycling the trigger until the high pressure hose is not so rigid then let the high presure hose charge fully again. Cycle trigger wait, cycle trigger wait. 1 second bursts until you get full pressure. Then use normally. This usually wakes up pressure washers that have been resting 🙂
The seals do have a tendancy to harden / dry out or… corrosion prevents the unloader bypass valve from moving / operating properly. I recommend you put a little oil (2 oz maybe…) through the unit on purpose via the inlet water connection. Then connect your water hose and force the oil though the unit with the air in the water supply hose while it purges. DO NOT turn the unit on until your sure the water supply hose has purged out all air. Then turn on the unit making sure that you cycle the wand trigger rapidly for a few minutes by cycling the trigger until the high pressure hose is not so rigid then let the high presure hose charge fully again. Cycle trigger wait, cycle trigger wait. 1 second bursts until you get full pressure. Then use normally. This usually wakes up pressure washers that have been resting 🙂
Thanks for choosing FixYa,
Kelly
How to Identify and Fix Common Gardening Problems ?
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Pressure washers operate under pressure, and that pressure needs to be released by pulling the trigger. If you let the machine run for two minutes or longer without spraying water, then you could damage the pump.
Overtime the intense water pressure can cause the nozzle to become worn out, plugged or misshapen. This causes more water to flow through the nozzle, diminishing the pressure.
It depends on the pressure washing equipment you purchase. New pressure washers will be rated with a number of hours they should last. For example, if it is rated 500 hours and you use it fewer than 50 hours throughout the year then it will last you more than ten years as long as you keep it well maintained.
Machine Type: Gas pressure washers can typically run for about 30 minutes before they need a break. Electric models can usually go for an hour or more. If you`re using a hot water pressure washer, you`ll need to give it breaks more frequently – about every 15 minutes.
The simple answer is yes, pressure washers can overheat. This is not unique to pressure washing machines – anything with a motor or power source can overheat in the right (or perhaps, wrong) circumstances.
You may need to rebuild or replace the pump. If the pump is more than a few years old, and you use the pressure washer fairly often, replace the pump. If the pump is relatively new, and you don`t use the pressure washer often, either rebuild the pump or replace the pump seals.
Moreover, the longevity of a pressure washer is significantly increased by our regular maintenance service. It is a cost-effective method of keeping Karcher repairs to a minimum.
It Can Harm The Unit
Without water to cool and lubricate it, the pump will work harder than it should, causing it to wear down quickly. This can happen even with just a few seconds of running the pressure washer without the water being turned on. However, the pump is not the only part that takes damage.
No matter how powerful your pressure washer might be, it`s never a good idea to leave your machine running for too long because doing so will increase the risk that it will overheat. Instead, most professionals suggest using a pressure washer in intervals of three to five minutes.
With regular use and ongoing maintenance, a washing machine will last about 10 to 15 years before it shows signs it needs to be replaced. Though, it should be mentioned that during this time, the washing machine may also require minor repairs to keep it working.
No matter how powerful your pressure washer might be, it`s never a good idea to leave your machine running for too long because doing so will increase the risk that it will overheat. Instead, most professionals suggest using a pressure washer in intervals of three to five minutes.
For this reason you should not let your pressure washer idle, not spraying water for more than a few minutes. Without cooling the pump head the temperature will begin to climb to 200+ degrees. When it gets that hot, water seals and o-rings soften and wear quickly. Valves can be distorted and warp.
If you start your pressure washer dry, its other inner components will also wear down. The motor, in particular, will overheat as it tries to turn the pump, which is under a lot of friction. When the motor overheats, it can lock up or even break down entirely.
Discover Relevant Questions and Answers for Your Specific Issue
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
I have used the McCulloch (FH180A) three times over the course of two years. On my fourth use the pressure washer just surged on and off and I would get a tiny spray from the gun each time it surged. In other words it would do nothing. Please help… very frustrated. Thanks
ANSWER : Sounds like the problem could be low input water flow or pressure. There could be crud on the intake where you hook up the garden hose, there could be some other sort of blockage. Try hooking it up to the hose and pull the trigger (with the power switched off) and wait to see if water comes out the tip. Also look at the tip(s) themselves. sometimes a piece of crud gets into the hose and then clogs the tip.
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Bad i bought the 1800 psi washer 2 years ago the head on the hose blew off you sent me a new hose it did the same thing. you sent me anouther hose and it blew off too. finaliy you sent me a hole new washer because of a recall. i didnt get to use the first one all year and now i was going to use the new one the other day 3-28-09 and it is the same washer i had and the head blew off so now i have two washers with no hose, that i can not use. so what do i do now ?
ANSWER :
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Mdb7749sawq not changing program when using controls
ANSWER : Wrong category
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Need help in getting Honda engine on NorthStar pressure washer to run.
ANSWER : Could be low water pressure I have found.Also, I purchased a can of “stuff” at Lowes today which allows you to circulate a liquid substance which lubricates the pressure pump….the pump could be frozen up…I have a rotating nozzle which I bought…and it had frozen up…this stuff works
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I have a mi-t-m pressure washer in the ca-series.The problem is the motor shuts down at times with out any reason. The first time I used it was on a house with a well supplied water. It worked fine,brought it home where I used it with no problem. It was used twice that first year. I then winterized it.The second year brought it out to the same house,I was using it for about a half hour when it just shut off with out any notice. I noticed there was back pressure in the engine when I tried to restart it. Once that was released it would almost start. I waited about 5 minutes then it restarted lasting only about 10 minutes. I then brought it back to the store where I brought it. They checked it out, They ran it for about 45 minutes saying they couldn’t find anything wrong. I then winterized it. This year I did my house first.I ran it for an hour and a half with no problems. I went to another house to help him with the power washer. I ran it for about a half hour and the same problem happened as before when I was at the other house. It would run for only 5-10 minutes at a time before just shutting off. Oil level is good. what could it be?
ANSWER : Mi-t-m pressure washers have a Low Oil shutdown feature that turns off the motor, this is often causing similar problems on this kind of appliance.Have oil checked, if oil is fine , then the sensor that controls oil pressure and activate the shut down should be replaced.Electronic problems , such as a bad soldering joint for example, can also cause shutdown.Sometimes a faulty pressure pump can also shut down erratically.If I was in your shoes, as the machine had already been inspected by a technician, I would call Mi T M, and ask the warraty to be validated. There is 7 years warranty on Mi T M pressure washers.Mi T M can be contacted calling toll free at 1-800-553-9053 or using the online form. Call them , telling that the machine had already be inspected by an authorized technician, and discuss terms for an eventual repair or replacement of the unit.If my comment had been helpful, please do not forget to accept my solution.Thanks.G.
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My Honda 2600 psi power washer will not pull to start. It was running great then I allowed the neighbor to borrow it. He ran the washer till it was out of gas and proceeded to refuel and at this point it would no longer start. The pull cord is out about 4-6 inches out and I am concerned about taking the casing off myself.
Fearing that it may throw more off on the unit. If i take the casing off are there any spring loaded parts that will dismount?
What should I do? Spark Plug? Turn wrenches?
Please let me know
ANSWER : You should be fine to take the recoil off, there shouldn’t be anything that shoots out at you. You might want to check the oil level on the engine, many of the Honda engines won’t start unless there is enough oil in them. If your oil level is fine, check to make sure that your motor is getting spark.
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I have a alto pressure washer i have problem with the trigger
ANSWER : GO TOO WAL MART AND SEE IF THEY HAVE A COMPARABLE TRIGGER AND NOZZLE ASSY. REPLACE THE THING WITH SOMETHING DIFFERENT. WHAT YOU HAVE IS JUNK AND WON’T NEVER WORK FOR LONG.
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Cant get any pressure build up… acts like a hose to water flowers Unit is a Husky 2200 psi 3 nozzle pwr washer , about two years old with about 20 hours of use
ANSWER : Looks like you will have to get the diaphragm seals in the pump replaced
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