I need a pressure washer

[Rusty67]

Ok, I did a quick search and didn't find anything so I'm going to post a new thread.

I just bought a house with a friend and I now need to move all of the car parts I have stored at my parents place to my new place. Unfortunately, oil/grease has made its way onto the concreate under my spare motor which I didn't realize still had oil in it (forgot to drain it/thought I did). There is also a bit of a stain left over on the side of the house from when I did some service on a car and the trans leaked when I had the car up on jack stands for a while. Then there is the stain left over from the rear end of my 67....

Anyways, you guys get the idea, I've got motor/trans oil and grease that I need to get up off the concreate. I don't expect miracles but I have seen some amazing cleaning results using pressure washers. I need one that will get the job done.

I'm also looking to make a bit of an investment here as I want to be able to use this thing to clean grease off of project cars, maybe even strip paint ? I'd also like to be able to dial it back to wash the house without taking off the stucco or maybe even use it to clean my car if it gets really dirty. I don't know what kind of PSI/GPM combo I would need and something that can do everything I want might be out of my price range right now.

I've looked into it a little and I think that for about 800 bux or so I might be able to get what I need. I definately need a little guidance here though because I really don't know what I'm geting in to.

[rsanter]

start with the orange hand cleaner and scrub it into the spot
then hit it with the blaster

bob

[Snappy]

There's a bunch of threads about pressure washers.
Here's is one that may be helpful:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34721&highlight=pressure+washer
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I have a Dewalt gas model myself , 3100 PSI & 2.8 gpm max
Mine has the cat triplex pump which I'm not sure is available anymore on these. I'm very satisfied with mine so far
I also have the turbo wand that works very well. I've done wood decks,concrete,mower decks,etc with it.

[JD6619A]

for 800 dollars or so i'd be looking into a gas powered pressure washer. I have BE pressure washer with a Honda engine and Comet BXD series pump on it and i'm very happy with it. If I remember correctly it was around 6 or 700 dollars CDN The specs were 6HP GC190 engine 2.5GPM and 2800psi on the pump.


northerntool.com would be a good place to look to get an idea of what you want.

[Rusty67]

I'm definately going to go with a gas pressure washer. I'm just not sure how much I need in terms of PSI/GPM in order to get the grease/oil out of the concreate. I don't I don't want so much that I start to take the concreate off of the concreate.

What flow characteristics should I be looking for for my needs ?

[Vinko]

I've been thinking about a pressure washer too. I've got oil/grease stains in asphalt and oil/grease/water-soluble coolant on concrete as well metal grinding dust "imbedded" in concrete. This is one time I'd like to check out the HF models or maybe rent a good one.

Here's one from Horror Freight. $98.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=99741

[Hiball]

Mine has the cat triplex pump which I'm not sure is available anymore on these. .

Cat pumps are the norm for Quality Pressure washers along with Car washes etc.. You cant go wrong with any pump fitted with one. My pressure washer to date is homemade using a Cat pump that i bought 10 years ago at a auction alone.

[Git]

Take a look at Spraymall.com (http://store.spraymallstore.com/5565hphopowa.html)

I bought their 6.5 hp Honda with the Cat pump last year for $830 and have been very happy with it.

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/spraymall_2074_48294182

It has the commercial grade Honda Engine and the CAT pump - both are generally considered to be the best. I also like their design better - the units are narrower and don't take up as much space.

[Kevin54]

I'm definately going to go with a gas pressure washer. I'm just not sure how much I need in terms of PSI/GPM in order to get the grease/oil out of the concreate. I don't I don't want so much that I start to take the concreate off of the concreate.

What flow characteristics should I be looking for for my needs ?

Get the biggest PSI that you can for the money. The pumps will adjust so you can decrease the pressure. A 3500 PSI will do about everything you want.
To get grease out of concrete, you'll have to use something other than a powerwasher. The grease and oil has soaked in, so you will need to use chemicals to get it to loosen up and come back out. A powerwasher will only get whats on top.
Check with some of the resident floor guys in the Flooring forum 5 floors up. They can recommend products to help get rid of grease and oil.

[jshillin]

http://www.amazon.com/Reconditioned-Karcher-3050-OH-Pressure/dp/B00164TCYY

This is the one I have. If I pull a smaller tip on it, it will start tearing up concrete. Really hard to beat for the price as Karcher makes good pressure washers, especially with Honda engine.

[chadster1]

The pressure washers that Northern Tool sell are very good. When you buy a pressure washer, you are buying a gasoline motor and a pump. I think most people would agree that a Honda gas motor is usually very good. A cat or a comet pump are both good pumps. The Cat is the best but you will pay more for it. Either pump has parts available for them should the need arise.

[gsport]

i bought the harbor freight one and i'm totally pleased with it... 2800 psi. with a 6 hp mitsubishi motor for $299.00 regular price.. it goes on sale quite often for $269.00 and then use the 20% off coupon makes it a great deal

[CamarosRus]

I'd like to speak with someone (on the phone), who can advise me on:

As usual I've been searching around the Intenet and driving myself CRAZY..............

1) purchasing what brand of turbo nozzle (3.0 orifice)

2) What Brand/type of replacement 3/8x50' hose

3) Adapters from KARCHER pump to new hose

OR.......just sell this KARCHER that I bought used and start over

FYI, I bought used (good condition/eng runs fine/pump works) KARCHER G2650OH
Honda 190GC/2650psi......paid $150

I know pump is a time bomb, but figure to replace with COMET down the road.

Home owner use, occasional use..................

Dont want to get carried away with $$ on buying new one........but might could
buy used pro model, but I'm thinking they would have high pro hours, and possible future problems, break downs............

[Major Ramifications]

No pressure washer will take old oil stains that have soaked into the concrete out. They can only clean what is on the surface. There was a good thread on here about oil stain removal from concrete, and everyone said that you have to use something to break down and lift out the oil and it's contaminants. I've always wanted to try this stuff:http://www.pour-n-restore.com/
And then you don't even need a pressure washer.

[Rusty67]

While I understand that a pressure washer wont take the oil stains out without chemicals I also know that everyone I've ever talked to has told me that you can't get the stains out with the chemicals alone. Everyone has said there is a need for a pressure washer along with a cleaning agent.

I'll check out that link.

[FNFS2000]

KRANZLE if you want a premium one :)

[Monte]

KRANZLE if you want a premium one :)

:thumbup: :thumbup:

[fatfillup]

Darn site wouldn't let me post earlier and I had a nice response. Was able to post on another thread so here's a link and then some other thoughts will follow

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=741882#post741882
post 11
Oil stains are a chemical problem as others have stated. Dwell time is critical, the longer the better, and don't skimp on soap or over dilute it. 30 minutes dwell time should be enough and scrubbing will help.

As far as degreasing cars, hot water washers work better, but a good degreaser and 2500 psi or more will work. Stripping paint is a chemical problem. Good paint that is properly adhered won't pressure wash off even at 5000 psi.

Tips for making any washer last longer.

NEVER loan your machine to anyone. They will always come back broken, see it dozens of times every year. If its your best buddy, just go clean it for him.

DO NOT let your machine run in bypass for more than a minute or so. Bypass is with the machine running but the trigger shut off. The pumps heat up quickly in bypass and will destroy the packings.

DO NOT run over the hose, they will spring a leak.

Keep the machine on level ground while running to ensure good lubrication.

DO NOT trigger the gun like a 6 shooter, it wears everything out quicker.

Homeowners can use 2500 psi at 3gpm and get most everything clean. Bigger will get the job done quicker.

Most cleaning is better accomplished with soap and less pressure though most people just want to blast. Less pressure will lessen damage ESPECIALLY on wood decks and fences.

Hope this is helpful

[nate379]

I have one of these I bought about 5 years ago for around $150-200 and it works awesome for the price.

http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/craftsman-clean-n-carry-2150-psi-gas-pressure-washer-w-4.0-hp-briggs-and-stratton-engine

Lot of it comes down to what you really need and what you "want". Sure you can go out and spend $3000 on a high end hot water unit, but if you use the thing 2-3 times a month to clean a couple cars that would be a huge waste of money!

The eletric units are ok, but a PITA dealing with the water house, pressure hose and also an electric cord. Plus have to run a gen set if you aren't near an outlet.