Pressure Washer pump suggestions.

[Todd.Brock]

Hey all -

I have a 10 year old Sam’s club pressure washer. It has a Honda GCV 160 that runs great. I think it’s 2800 psi and 2.3 GPM. The pump is about to go and I have a massive PW project coming up so I’m looking to replace the pump.

A few years ago someone recommended a CAT or similar commercial pump that was rebuildable and would fit a consumer grade washer.
does anyone have any suggestions on what pump to use? Everything else runs fine on it, so I’d like to keep what I have and just upgrade the pump. Thanks!


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[MarlynOC]

Look for Cat, General, A/R or Comet to replace with. Sometimes you cannot get a psi as the dealerships order specific sizes that are not on the mfgr websites Most are 2500 or 3000 not the oddball 2800. BTW more gpm is better for cleaning. Ours use 4+ gpm.

 

[Parrothead]

Why are you upgrading?

The stock replacement pumps are all over Amazon for less than $100. The first pump made it 10 years. The next one will likely do the same. If you have to do the pump every 10 years, it’s $10 a season. That’s not worth the modifying headache, and more importantly cost to do so. Well, at least not to me.

 

[Bigblockyeti]

I'd also replace it with what it came with. If not available, I'd look for an AR or Comet. A Cat would be great but could quickly exceed the cost of an entire new pressure washer.

 

[mcj115]

I am guessing the PW was consumer grade when you bought it, so putting on a commercial pump doesn't make sense. Either replace the pump with a cheapi or get a new consumer grade package (which you can get on end of season clearance at some stores now). I would not put a lot of money into your current setup.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I can see the argument to replace with what is there. No real reason to upgrade other than the pump is rebuildable. Oddly- I remember that thread being “Don’t replace **** with ****. Upgrade.. lol

I suppose I can buy one to put on the shelf, run the old pump until it’s just done for. It takes a while for it to put out pressure. If motor is running and squeeze trigger, it won’t always build pressure until you squeeze the handle for 5-10 min and futz with it. Eventually it does put out pressure.


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[Parrothead]

I can see the argument to replace with what is there. No real reason to upgrade other than the pump is rebuildable. Oddly- I remember that thread being “Don’t replace **** with ****. Upgrade.. lol

I suppose I can buy one to put on the shelf, run the old pump until it’s just done for.

I’ve got a Homelite with the Honda GCV 160 too, and that’s exactly my plan. Mine is about 8 years old now with no issues. The engine will run forever with how I use it. My house, a rental and a bit at the neighbors.

I’d buy one pump now to have as a spare, then when you put the new one on order another to sit on the shelf.

 

[Bigblockyeti]

It takes a while for it to put out pressure. If motor is running and squeeze trigger, it won’t always build pressure until you squeeze the handle for 5-10 min and futz with it. Eventually it does put out pressure.

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You might have an unloader problem instead of a pump problem.

 

[Rory Bellows]

I have gx200 honda motor and bought this pump two years ago. I highly recommend it.


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IIVJBEY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Parrothead]

I have gx200 honda motor and bought this pump two years ago. I highly recommend it.


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IIVJBEY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The GX series is different than the GCV and I don’t thing it will fit because of the shaft differences

 

[nmantas]

My father-in-law had a n old pressure washer where the pump went. I put on one of the cheap $60 Chinease knockoff's that fit the hp rating Briggs. Wow, it was amazing increase in power over the Italian OEM pump that was archaic (believe it went from 1100 to 1800 psi). So far it is still works fine.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I'd also replace it with what it came with. If not available, I'd look for an AR or Comet. A Cat would be great but could quickly exceed the cost of an entire new pressure washer.

Any thoughts on how to go about troubleshooting? Is there anything on these pumps that are serviceable?


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[volaredon]

I just replaced a "General" brand pump with a CAT pump this spring, so far so good/ not a huge Honda fan but it's what I had.... I also had the 160 (cant remember if it is a GV or GC series..... it's the "better grade" of Honda, horizontal shaft).
paid $2xx-something for the pump, 3300 PSI/2.7 GPM. to buy a new unit with that engine and pump would have been over $750, so it seems I'm money ahead... engine still runs, not a lot of hours, I already had that so I consider that part "free".... many power washers out there with few hours on a good engine with dead pumps available// no sense buying a whole new unit..... Ive known people to get 2-3 pumps worth of life from 1 engine. worth buying better grade of pump, as long as youre not gonna let it freeze over winter.

 

[Bigblockyeti]

Any thoughts on how to go about troubleshooting? Is there anything on these pumps that are serviceable?


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The cheaper the pump, the less likely you can service any part of it. Some unloaders can be pulled apart and some can't, I'd see if some sort of manual might be available, even an exploded parts list could be helpful.

 

[tarmy]

I have gx200 honda motor and bought this pump two years ago. I highly recommend it.


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IIVJBEY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This right here. That Honda engine is bullit proof. Starts first time...year after year. Wore out my factory pump and put the exact same pump on mine...works great...

OP...whatever route you go...get that Honda Gx 200 motor...you will not regret it.

 

[Todd.Brock]

Thanks for the suggestions all. I ll look to repair the unloader, If serviceable, and then get a back up pump.

The engine still fires right up, so no plans to upgrade the power plant at this time


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