How to Fix a Pressure Washer (Part 1 of 2)

Watch how to diagnose low pressure issues in a pressure washer as Mark disassembles the washer's pump to find the problem.

Order parts for your pressure washer at this address!:
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/pressure-washer-parts-c-18715_18772.html

Read this video's repair article:
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/article/1983/How_to_Diagnose_Pressure_Washer...

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• diagnose a pressure washer
• clean a pressure washer pump
• replace unloader valve
• pressure washer repair
• low pressure fix

[linked2gether]

Hi Mark I have a question. I have a briggs N Stratton Engine, 11.5 HP with a 3300 PSI max water pump. I want to increase the max PSI. Is it possible to replace the pump with one that has a higher max PSI output without replacing the engine as well? I am hoping that I could just pop it off and put on a new one or just raplace the pump heads. thanks, Mike.

[eReplacementParts]

@linked2gether It is possible but it would require some research. The most obvious issue is the mounting. You will need to make sure that the engine shaft is compatible and you might need to fabricate a mounting plate to mate the pump and engine together. The other issue is if the engine has enough power to run the new pump. The manufacture of the pump usually works closely with the engine manufacture to source an engine that will meet the requirements of the pump.

I hope this helps,

-Mark

[rickylain]

i have a new washer 2600psi that i only used a few times. when i first start the engine, i put it to choke. but when i run the engine lean, the engine dies every time. is it the engine or the water pump assembly causing it? thanks.

[eReplacementParts]

@rickylain It could be a bad unloader valve on the pump. It could also be engine related. My guess without actually seeing the machine would be an issue with the carburetor on the engine. I would clean the carburetor and see if that helps. Take a look at our video titled "How to Clean a 4-Cycle Engine Carburetor".

I hope this helps,

-Mark

[419Dmorrison]

Hey, I love your video but I just can not get that bypass valve out. Could I maybe drill into it so I could putt it out or should I should bite the bullet and take it to the repair shop? Thank you so much for this video!

[eReplacementParts]

@419Dmorrison The key to a stubborn bypass valve is a good pair of pliers. They must have teeth on them that are sharp and not worn. The more aggressive the tooth the better. I use SnapOn pliers with their Talon jaws. They seem to work great. Investing in a very good pair of pliers will still probably cost less than a shop will charge and you will have the pliers for future repairs.

Thanks for watching,

-Mark

[rickylain]

@eReplacementParts Thanks for the advice. I'll check it out.

[tudinerito1]

hi thanks a lot for your reply it helped a lot... this is the pressure washer

Cat Pumps 3800 PSI 3.5 GPM Yamaha Engine Gas Pressure Washer model # CT80020 from homedepot

can you recomend me a pump to put it work with this presure washer from home depot. you said i need a pressurized water source that can provide the pump's specified CFM requirement. which one will you recomend me for that presure washer from homedepot

[eReplacementParts]

@tudinerito Hi, the pressure washer will not pull water from the river on its own. It requires a pressurized water source that can provide the pump's specified CFM requirement. Using water directly from the river will also ruin the pressure washer's pump very quickly. The pump requires clean water, any sand or sediment in the water will wear the pump's components very quickly. Many pro's even filter house water before it enters the pump. I hope this helps and thanks for watching.

-Mark

[tudinerito]

hi there, I got a big question with a presure washer. im about to buy the presure washer the cat pump from homedepot i have a farmer that is surrended by the guarapiche river......the question is if with any pressure washer can i take the water from the river without using a Pump?. just the pressure washer a 50ft hose that goes into the river that´s it. will the pressure washer work? or do i have to buy something else to make it work?