n00balici0us
New member
Hi everyone. Long time lurker and first time posting here. I'm having an issue with my pressure washer and was hoping you mechanic savvy guys can help me out here.
Here's the story:
Several years ago, I bought a Ridgid pressure washer (model RD80702) from Home Depot when they were on clearance due to discontinuation of manufacturing. Mine is a 3300psi/3gpm unit with a Subaru/Robin EX21 electronic fuel injection (EFI) engine. It's also got a CAT 3GXT30 pump. My serial number indicates that the unit was produced in 2009. But when I got it, it was brand new. I don't use it often (probably 3-4 times a year). I store the unit in a clean warm basement. I perform the usual maintenance such as oil change, spark plug, pump oil, check filter, etc. annually. The EFI model is different than the Carb model (RD80706). My EFI unit does not have a choke lever, primer bulb, and the throttle is locked on full speed. I can't adjust the speed.
The starting procedure is as follows.
1. When unit is off, turn on water supply, flush out air in pump.
2. Leave power switch OFF, pull starter cord four times to prime.
3. Turn switch ON, pull starter cord to start unit.
Here's the issue I'm having:
Everytime I want to use this washer, I follow the instructions above. During the priming process, the pump is already building up pressure. By the time I'm at my 3rd or 4th pull while the engine is OFF, the pump is already fully pressurized, making the starting cord extremely tight and hard to pull. Felt like I'm ripping my arm out. So what I had to hold the trigger on the want to release pressure. and while still holding on the trigger, I turn the engine switch ON and pull the starter cord until unit starts. I have to do this every single time I want to use this washer. I consulted my friend who's got a Carb version of the same pressure washer. He experienced no such issue when starting his unit. I don't think it should be this hard to start.
I contacted Subaru/Robin to see if they heard of this issue before and straight up they told me that it might be a pump issue. I then called Ridgid and ask them the same, they have no clue and told me to bring my pressure washer to a service center. I dont really want to bring it to a service center and racking up hundreds of dollar in repairs for something that's not really broken.
The unit works very good once it started, it's just getting it to start is a nightmare.
If anyone out there know what might cause the starting problem, please let me know how to troubleshoot it. Thank you!
Here's the story:
Several years ago, I bought a Ridgid pressure washer (model RD80702) from Home Depot when they were on clearance due to discontinuation of manufacturing. Mine is a 3300psi/3gpm unit with a Subaru/Robin EX21 electronic fuel injection (EFI) engine. It's also got a CAT 3GXT30 pump. My serial number indicates that the unit was produced in 2009. But when I got it, it was brand new. I don't use it often (probably 3-4 times a year). I store the unit in a clean warm basement. I perform the usual maintenance such as oil change, spark plug, pump oil, check filter, etc. annually. The EFI model is different than the Carb model (RD80706). My EFI unit does not have a choke lever, primer bulb, and the throttle is locked on full speed. I can't adjust the speed.
The starting procedure is as follows.
1. When unit is off, turn on water supply, flush out air in pump.
2. Leave power switch OFF, pull starter cord four times to prime.
3. Turn switch ON, pull starter cord to start unit.
Here's the issue I'm having:
Everytime I want to use this washer, I follow the instructions above. During the priming process, the pump is already building up pressure. By the time I'm at my 3rd or 4th pull while the engine is OFF, the pump is already fully pressurized, making the starting cord extremely tight and hard to pull. Felt like I'm ripping my arm out. So what I had to hold the trigger on the want to release pressure. and while still holding on the trigger, I turn the engine switch ON and pull the starter cord until unit starts. I have to do this every single time I want to use this washer. I consulted my friend who's got a Carb version of the same pressure washer. He experienced no such issue when starting his unit. I don't think it should be this hard to start.
I contacted Subaru/Robin to see if they heard of this issue before and straight up they told me that it might be a pump issue. I then called Ridgid and ask them the same, they have no clue and told me to bring my pressure washer to a service center. I dont really want to bring it to a service center and racking up hundreds of dollar in repairs for something that's not really broken.
The unit works very good once it started, it's just getting it to start is a nightmare.
If anyone out there know what might cause the starting problem, please let me know how to troubleshoot it. Thank you!