Pressure washer for Jeep

[bad_idea]

I typically borrow my father in law's pressure washer when it is time to wash the house. I recently bought a Jeep and I am tired of paying $5-10 to wash it after I take it out, waiting to get fussed at by the car wash about mud. I'd like to find a pressure washer on Craigslist, cheap. Something someone forgot to drain the gas last year and is clueless on how to fix it. I've done some small engine repair, I've rebuilt large hydraulic pumps. Never messed with pressure washers though. I assume the big brands offer rebuild kits for their pumps. Brands to avoid? Suggested pressure and flow rate? Price I should expect to pay for a inop unit? Price for good working unit? Buying a new unit is out of my budget. Again, planned use is hosing the Jeep off after getting it muddy and the annual house washing. Thanks all.

 

[TheSasquatch]

I recommend picking up a decent electric one, thats what I use. It was cheap, never have to worry about gas, quiet, and really convenient to just get it out use it for 10 min then put it up.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

 

[fatfillup]

Most cheap washers have pumps that are not necessarily repairable. Yeah, you might be able to buy the parts but the chance of the pump staying fixed is slim. I won't even let you unload a cheap washer for repair at my shop.

The motor should be fairly easy to get running if you can find one as you described.

 

[MarlynOC]

The better brands of pumps offer rebuild kits but usually for the pumps sold through dealers not the big box stores. Those pumps are off size and usually do not have kits available. A CAT pump of 3000 from a dealer will have the kit but if you bought a pump from box store it might be a 2800 and there is not a listing for that pump.

 

[MrBreeze]

As a fellow wheeler, I'd recommend finding a self service car wash that doesn't have a fit when you wash some mud off. You can buy a lot of car washes for the cost of a decent pressure washer, plus, you don't have the mess to clean up in your driveway...

 

[theoldwizard1]

Never messed with pressure washers though. I assume the big brands offer rebuild kits for their pumps.

Not always, but you can buy a new pump for $125-$175.

Suggested pressure and flow rate?

Pressure is not that important. You want >2.0 GPM

Price I should expect to pay for a inop unit?

If it comes with hose and gun and nozzles $50-$150. Skip any that use a vertical shaft "lawn mower" engine. Those pumps are typically NOT rebuildable.

I paid around $50 for mine, but I also had to buy a hose and a gun. I got the pump to work with just a new gasket but it still only lasted 2-3 years. New pump last year.

 

[Dwayne93702]

I bought a Husky electric pressure washer and it has been going strong since 2007. It's a little less than 2000psi. I too have a 2016 JK and prefer to wash it myself.