Lets Talk about power washers

[chrispyny]

Can't say how hot it should run. What kind of pump is it?

Also, as far as oil is concerned, on my General Pumps TS2021 (which from what i understand is the standard by which others are judged) the manual says when changing the oil, to fill to the half way point on the sight glass and STOP.

When running, oil is splashing around, so the sight glass WILL show less oil. But as long as you are at the half way point while off, you are good.

Same with a car engine, you check it's oil with the engine shut down and stopped for at least 5 minutes so as to let all the oil drain off parts and back into the pan, not while running.
If it makes you happy, add just a tad more oil so its just BARELY above the half way point.
This is my experience only.

 

[csonni]

That's what I was thinking of doing- if I had access to 15W40 ND oil, of which Simpson calls for on the General pump. All we have here is 30W ND oil. I heard that Simpson says to only use 15W40. I probably shouldn't mix the two for sure, but I could change the oil. Any advice?

 

[chrispyny]

I would not mix oil weights. If you have the manual, and see that it in fact calls for 40w ND, then thats what you use, nothing else.
Those pumps are expensive. Order the oil if you have to.

 

[csonni]

Did some searching. There are a number of PW pump oils that aren't listing what weight it is. That's pretty lame. Not easy to find by any means- especially non detergent.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0012VZZSS/?tag=atomicindus04-20

 

[redmondjp]

Just wondering how hot to the touch a PW water pump should get when in operation. I notice it does get quite warm even when water is flowing. I have the sight glass for checking the oil level. When not running, the oil is at the half way point right on the center dot, but, when running, it drops below. I saw one video where the guy says that if it drops below you should add more oil. To me, that would be overfilling it. I know you shouldn't leave the PW running for very long without water flowing. So, what is considered too hot by the touch?

I'm assuming that you are using cold water input? The warmth is normal - what you don't want to do is to leave the unit running for a long time in bypass (gun off), as the same water gets recirculated and gets hotter and hotter. Some higher-end pressure washers have a temperature-regulating valve that will dump the hot water out when it reaches a certain temperature (letting cold water in) if somebody leaves it in bypass for too long. I wouldn't worry about it - just shut the unit off if you are not going to use the gun for longer than 30 seconds or so.

Now on the oil level, that guy in the video is wrong! It's perfectly normal for the oil level in the sight glass to drop during operation, as a lot of it is being splashed around inside and is on the operating parts.

 

[csonni]

Yes, it's cold water only. Thanks for that input. Still on the hunt for 15W40.

 

[bandaidmd]

I think the same unit is currently on $30 rebate at Costco. $299 - $30 = $269. Or buy online and they tack on $110 for delivery. Not the greatest unit out there, for certain, but an amazing value at $270, especially with Costco's warranty policy.

-Lombie

amazon is where i got my simpson like yours ,its a prime shipping item and was the best price anywhere i looked. Tractor supply also sells this unit

 

[csonni]

I see Cat Pump Oil rated at ISO 68. I guess this is hydraulic oil rating. I wonder if that's comparable to 15W40. Not sure why some don't even label what weight it is.

 

[csonni]

I went directly to CAT Pumps and they said 30W ND Pump Oil is fine as this is what they use in all CAT pumps. If Simpson took up warranty issue, they said they would contest it. So, I think 30W will do for me.

I just called Simpson and they said that if CAT Pumps says 30W is fine, that's okay.
All I can get here is BE oil. I assume that is a well known brand as I see lots of PW parts produced by them.

 

[Whiskeymike]

Anyone able to recommend an extension gun capable to washing the second story windows without a ladder? Does it have to replace the whole gun or does a longer tube work?

 

[csonni]

I just ordered a 3 foot lance extension. The run up to 7 feet. You can get them in aluminum (insulated or uninsulated) or stainless steel. You can attach the Quick Connect fittings so you don't need to purchase an additional gun. I would get the double-shouldered fittings which strengthen your lance extensions.

 

[csonni]

So how hot should the water pump on a pressure washer get? After washing a car or two yesterday. my pump was hot enough to where I couldn't leave my hand resting on it more than two seconds.

 

[NKlamerus]

So how hot should the water pump on a pressure washer get? After washing a car or two yesterday. my pump was hot enough to where I couldn't leave my hand resting on it more than two seconds.

Seems normal, we can't touch our OneWash pump either. We are almost always running at max volume and our water from the source is warm as well.

On top of that a black system on black asphalt in the Florida sun.

 

[nehog]

...
Same with a car engine, you check it's oil with the engine shut down and stopped for at least 5 minutes so as to let all the oil drain off parts and back into the pan, not while running. ...

Here I'll say: RTFM! I know of one vehicle where oil is to be checked within one minute of engine shutdown! And another engine (both are diesel BTW) where the oil can be checked either stopped or while running, one side of the dipstick is stopped, and the other is for when running.

 

[dmaita]

Anyone had any experience with this Karcher? Good price through tomorrow.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Karcher-...EC-_-rv_gm_pip_rr-_-206020687-_-206020687-_-N

 

[nbpt100]

Seems normal, we can't touch our OneWash pump either. We are almost always running at max volume and our water from the source is warm as well.

On top of that a black system on black asphalt in the Florida sun.

The longer you run in bypass mode (engine on, trigger off) the hotter the pump will get. Not a good idea to do this for more than 2 minutes or very often. You are better off shutting it down if you need to stop spraying for 2 minutes.

There is thermal protection but it has to get very hot before it will release the pressure.

 

[6PTsocket]

I have a DeVilbiss 2500PSI with a Honda motor on it and had it serviced only once for issues. The repairman told me not to be fooled by Honda motors, as the ones on pressure washers are mostly junk, in his opinion, of course. Don't have anything to compare it to, but it's worked well for me, other than once. He had a hell of a time with the carburetor.

What you are describing sounds like the one I have. The motor is a GX 200 6.5 hp. The Honda GX series is widely used in professional equipment. Generally the cover is red. The one on my pressure washer is no different than any other Honda GX series motor. What is a big step down is the Honda GC series that is often black and found on home owner grade equipment. Just because he is in a repair shop does not mean he knows anything.He could well be the boss' ******* son in law. The pump on mine is a CAT, an American made pump of very high quality, if rather on the small side. Most of the other decent pumps are Italian and have 3 pistons so they are called triplex pumps. The washer brand means little as they just buy the motor and pump and stick them on a cart. If the cart looks sturdy, that is good enough.

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[DCarr2]

I have yet to use a power washer as strong as the one we use to wash houses...

 

[6PTsocket]

HomeDepot has this one on sale, at our place. I think this is a pretty good deal for $379.
Simpson Honda GCV190 MegaShot 3000-PSI 2.4-GPM Gas Pressure Washer

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-...sher-MSV3025-S/203177496?N=5yc1vZbxdjZ1z0zy8v

That GC series is Honda's home owner grade motor (Think Ryobi or Black & Decker). If they used a cheap motor, they probably used a cheap pump, probably Chinese. The good Honda Motors are the GX series, often painted red. The good pumps are usually Italian in the 3 piston triplex style. If you get very lucky, you will find one with a US made CAT pump. Karcher is another home owner grade brand.
Home Depot used to have some nice pressure washers under the DeWalt label. If not in the store, look at HD online. I got my DeVilbis( Honda GX200/CAT pump) on clearance at HD , when they cheaped out the newer model for bigger profits. You have to look at the motor and the pump. Do not be dazzled by rhe Honda name. Most small motor manufacturers make good motors and cheaper ones. In this case GX= good, GC = cheap.

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[BleedingBlue]

That GC series is Honda's home owner grade motor (Think Ryobi or Black & Decker). If they used a cheap motor, they probably used a cheap pump, probably Chinese. The good Honda Motors are the GX series, often painted red. The good pumps are usually Italian in the 3 piston triplex style. If you get very lucky, you will find one with a US made CAT pump. Karcher is another home owner grade brand.
Home Depot used to have some nice pressure washers under the DeWalt label. If not in the store, look at HD online. I got my DeVilbis( Honda GX200/CAT pump) on clearance at HD , when they cheaped out the newer model for bigger profits. You have to look at the motor and the pump. Do not be dazzled by rhe Honda name. Most small motor manufacturers make good motors and cheaper ones. In this case GX= good, GC = cheap.

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I bought this model and it is leaking oil after using it 2-3x with less than 1 hour of run time.


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[bjl95mustang]

Check out the home depot returns/ refurb. They are usually in the garden department. I believe a 30day warranty too.

I got my 2700psi Simpson pressure washer for $125. Retail was $300.

Just the other day they had a dewalt 3400psi for $299. Retail was $600

You can sometimes get a good deal if you watch the prices. I got a ryobi 4 stroke inverter generator for $125. Cover had Sun damage but looked like it was used 1 time.

 

[ard]

FWIW...

I purchased a BE pressure washer 5 years ago, going strong. Probably 200 hrs on it.

4000psi, 4GPM. Honda GX390 motor (approx12HP?) with a Comet pump, belt drive. Dial it down for wheel wells and undercarriage, full force for stucco/concrete prep prior to paint. Will cut wood and trex decks too if not careful. I liked the idea that their componets can be sourced anywhere, and are off the shelf.

Reference:
http://www.bepressure.com/index.php..._order&cntnt01productid=13&cntnt01returnid=59

 

[Jeepster04]

That GC series is Honda's home owner grade motor (Think Ryobi or Black & Decker). If they used a cheap motor, they probably used a cheap pump, probably Chinese. The good Honda Motors are the GX series, often painted red. The good pumps are usually Italian in the 3 piston triplex style. If you get very lucky, you will find one with a US made CAT pump. Karcher is another home owner grade brand.
Home Depot used to have some nice pressure washers under the DeWalt label. If not in the store, look at HD online. I got my DeVilbis( Honda GX200/CAT pump) on clearance at HD , when they cheaped out the newer model for bigger profits. You have to look at the motor and the pump. Do not be dazzled by rhe Honda name. Most small motor manufacturers make good motors and cheaper ones. In this case GX= good, GC = cheap.

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No idea what honda engine I have but my parents bought me a troy built pressure washer from lowes around 15 years ago. It looks almost identical to the one in that photo and its always ran great. A plastic plug did pop out of the pump which allowed it to leak oil but I epoxied it back in. The threads where the pressure washer hose screws on corroded off so I had to epoxy a quick disconnect on also... Other than that, it works and sounds much better than the pressure washers that my dad has. His are newer troy built units with brigs engines. Very loud and high pitched where as my honda has a nice tone to it and isnt near as loud.

 

[thool]

I have the 3300pai 3gpm ridgid...I think it is a Subaru motor with a cat pump...it's worked pretty well for about 3 years now

I have a similar one, but the 3000 psi unit, RD80901 IIRC. Very good engine and pump, plenty of power. Mine is about 7 years old.

 

[sberry]

How much power is the 390?

 

[Kaervak]

I'm with the craigslist camp. I got my Briggs based Craftsman from CL for free. It had an oil leak and the "fuel" hose was disconnected. The fuel hose was the detergent tank hose and the oil leak was fixed by tightening the cylinder head bolts. I replaced the air filter and the missing spray nozzles for $20 total and it works great. It's only a 2.3 GPM 2550 PSI model, but it's plenty fine for what I use it for.

 

[ard]

How much power is the 390?

I just looked it up. The Honda GX390, 389cc displacement is 11.7HP

http://engines.honda.com/models/model-detail/gx390

 

[sberry]

I thought it had quite a bit of poop. That is a pretty respectable machine. I missed the power in another post, somehow it slid by me.

4000psi, 4GPM. Honda GX390 motor (approx12HP?) with a Comet pump, belt drive. Dial it down for wheel wells and undercarriage, full force for stucco/concrete prep prior to paint. Will cut wood and trex decks too if not careful. I liked the idea that their componets can be sourced anywhere, and are off the shelf.

 

[ard]

I thought it had quite a bit of poop. That is a pretty respectable machine. I missed the power in another post, somehow it slid by me.

I got curious, so searched my emails.... I was surprised...paid $1429 shipped in 2008.

Its $1800 now
http://www.pressureparts.com/eb4040hg

As I recall I justified it because I had a decent size building to paint....

 

[Marctrees]

Dj - This is not to be rude, but factual.

Posting this here is great, but you can be WAYY more efficient in info gathering searching this forum, and the Web otherwise.

VERY previously discussed topic, you are not the 1st guy. Marc

 

[sberry]

You couldn't wear it out.

 

[6PTsocket]

How much power is the 390?

The GX390 is 11.7 hp

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[6PTsocket]

I thought it had quite a bit of poop. That is a pretty respectable machine. I missed the power in another post, somehow it slid by me.

That is a pretty powerful machine. They switch from direct to belt drive on the more powerful ones.

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[sberry]

It will really clean dirt and mud. I have one at 4 gpm and one at 5, I can tell the difference. I am used to the 5 and it takes a couple minutes to get used to the smaller one, its really working well, just feels different.
I can really tell washing a muddy car where there are some flats. My Bud has a 5 hp Honda deal, its small, another has a bit bigger one with a Briggs on it and another gallon output, way different. I used a neighbors little portable a while back and it felt like a toy.

 

[nbpt100]

Re: Lets Talk about pressure washers

Been wanting to get one for some odd reason above the other items I've wanted for the house. Been looking at this from Northeren Tool. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200594734_200594734?isSearch=15775440

It has a good motor (honda) and from what I've read a pretty good pump (cast iron, brass end) but more importantly it is serviceable.

I would use to clean the house, concrete, cars, bikes, neighbor's cat that keeps walking on my cars.

I have not read this thread for a while and wanted to catch up. This is the OP's 1st post.
That Honda engine is excellent for home use which is what is he is using it for. At 2.5 GPM that is also good for home use too!. Especially if you live in an area with high water bills.