I got a new pressure washer. Sears brand, B&S US made 4 cycle engine, 2200psi, pretty nice. Currently using M1 5W30 in the crankcase and non-ethanol fuel with Sta-bil and Techron mixed in. Any tips for a new user here?
Pressure washer tips?
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Rubber boots are worthwhile if you like dry feet.
I would forget the Techron (great stuff) in a new engine.
Remember do not run the engine more than 1-2 minutes with trigger not pulled. It recycles water in the pump to control pressure and it heats up quickly. It will damage the pump. No lunch & beer break with engine running.
Either use antifreeze in the pump or in the basement.
Blue Stabil is best.
Remember do not run the engine more than 1-2 minutes with trigger not pulled. It recycles water in the pump to control pressure and it heats up quickly. It will damage the pump. No lunch & beer break with engine running.
Either use antifreeze in the pump or in the basement.
Blue Stabil is best.
Originally Posted By: wirelessF
I got a new pressure washer. ... Any tips for a new user here?
If you are cleaning the sidewalk or driveway during the summer, and you are wearing water saddles with open toes, do NOT use the pressure washer to clean off your feet when you are finished.
I got a new pressure washer. ... Any tips for a new user here?
If you are cleaning the sidewalk or driveway during the summer, and you are wearing water saddles with open toes, do NOT use the pressure washer to clean off your feet when you are finished.
I'll probably invest in some boots, lol.
Anyone used one to wash a car? I was wondering if I can do something like a touchless car wash after off-roading to get off all the mud?
Anyone used one to wash a car? I was wondering if I can do something like a touchless car wash after off-roading to get off all the mud?
I use non detergent 30 grade oil in my 11 HP Honda powered Pressure Washer pump, and any good synthetic 5w30 in the sump. I have an hour meter and change the oil every 30 hours, and always at the end of the season when I fog it and store it. I use MMO and Stabil in the gas and store it fogged with a full tank of fuel. I have this machine well over 20 years and it hasn't let me down.
I make sure I draw anti-freeze into the pump at the end of the season so it doesn't freeze up. I fasten a cut off piece of garden hose going to where the water inlet on the pump is. After the engine is fogged, with the engine in the off position I slowly pull the starter cord while pouring AF into it. When the AF starts coming out the pump exit I fold the hose over itself and clamp it so the AF doesn't run out. That method works very well for me.
I make sure I draw anti-freeze into the pump at the end of the season so it doesn't freeze up. I fasten a cut off piece of garden hose going to where the water inlet on the pump is. After the engine is fogged, with the engine in the off position I slowly pull the starter cord while pouring AF into it. When the AF starts coming out the pump exit I fold the hose over itself and clamp it so the AF doesn't run out. That method works very well for me.
Quote:
Anyone used one to wash a car?
Great for blowing paint and plastic trim held with double sided tape off. High pressure anything is not something you want to use on a cars paint or bodywork, its bad news!
Anyone used one to wash a car?
Great for blowing paint and plastic trim held with double sided tape off. High pressure anything is not something you want to use on a cars paint or bodywork, its bad news!
Originally Posted By: Trav
Quote:
Anyone used one to wash a car?
Great for blowing paint and plastic trim held with double sided tape off. High pressure anything is not something you want to use on a cars paint or bodywork, its bad news!
If you use a small electric you should not have a problem. My $25 used Cambell Hausfield does fine. What do you think the pressure is at a self service car wash? The chemical injector tip sprays at a reduced pressure. So does the fan tip.
Quote:
Anyone used one to wash a car?
Great for blowing paint and plastic trim held with double sided tape off. High pressure anything is not something you want to use on a cars paint or bodywork, its bad news!
If you use a small electric you should not have a problem. My $25 used Cambell Hausfield does fine. What do you think the pressure is at a self service car wash? The chemical injector tip sprays at a reduced pressure. So does the fan tip.
I don't use a pressure washer on any vehicle. The seals on headlights, tail lights, body panels, etc age and are easily damaged.
I see water damage from pressure washers often, corroded ABS connectors, lights full of water, damaged bearing seals, suspension bushings, all sorts of stuff where water was forced into the parts through the seals under high pressure where it wouldn't normally be bothered by normal rain or splash.
All i can say is if someone wants to use one of the car wash types or a low power unit keep it at a good distance and don't try to clean something off by hitting it close.
A converted shower head or lawn sprinkler works great on the underbody.
The op has a Sears brand, B&S US made 4 cycle engine, 2200psi, this can wipe seals out and remove paint quick!
I see water damage from pressure washers often, corroded ABS connectors, lights full of water, damaged bearing seals, suspension bushings, all sorts of stuff where water was forced into the parts through the seals under high pressure where it wouldn't normally be bothered by normal rain or splash.
All i can say is if someone wants to use one of the car wash types or a low power unit keep it at a good distance and don't try to clean something off by hitting it close.
A converted shower head or lawn sprinkler works great on the underbody.
The op has a Sears brand, B&S US made 4 cycle engine, 2200psi, this can wipe seals out and remove paint quick!
We wash all our vehicles with HOT water at under 1000 psi.
High pressures can definitely expose issues, I've had friends dive in on a bug on the front end and peel the paint right off with a big pressure washer.
Hot water means tons better cleaning, and I've got the only clear coat cars you'll ever see that do not have scratches! Even flattens orange peel on new cars!
High pressures can definitely expose issues, I've had friends dive in on a bug on the front end and peel the paint right off with a big pressure washer.
Hot water means tons better cleaning, and I've got the only clear coat cars you'll ever see that do not have scratches! Even flattens orange peel on new cars!
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
I use non detergent 30 grade oil in my 11 HP Honda powered Pressure Washer pump, and any good synthetic 5w30 in the sump. I have an hour meter and change the oil every 30 hours, and always at the end of the season when I fog it and store it. I use MMO and Stabil in the gas and store it fogged with a full tank of fuel. I have this machine well over 20 years and it hasn't let me down.
I make sure I draw anti-freeze into the pump at the end of the season so it doesn't freeze up. I fasten a cut off piece of garden hose going to where the water inlet on the pump is. After the engine is fogged, with the engine in the off position I slowly pull the starter cord while pouring AF into it. When the AF starts coming out the pump exit I fold the hose over itself and clamp it so the AF doesn't run out. That method works very well for me.
I like this, when i do replace my pump i will start doing this.. great idea/tip..
I use non detergent 30 grade oil in my 11 HP Honda powered Pressure Washer pump, and any good synthetic 5w30 in the sump. I have an hour meter and change the oil every 30 hours, and always at the end of the season when I fog it and store it. I use MMO and Stabil in the gas and store it fogged with a full tank of fuel. I have this machine well over 20 years and it hasn't let me down.
I make sure I draw anti-freeze into the pump at the end of the season so it doesn't freeze up. I fasten a cut off piece of garden hose going to where the water inlet on the pump is. After the engine is fogged, with the engine in the off position I slowly pull the starter cord while pouring AF into it. When the AF starts coming out the pump exit I fold the hose over itself and clamp it so the AF doesn't run out. That method works very well for me.
I like this, when i do replace my pump i will start doing this.. great idea/tip..
Originally Posted By: OtisBlkR1
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
I use non detergent 30 grade oil in my 11 HP Honda powered Pressure Washer pump, and any good synthetic 5w30 in the sump. I have an hour meter and change the oil every 30 hours, and always at the end of the season when I fog it and store it. I use MMO and Stabil in the gas and store it fogged with a full tank of fuel. I have this machine well over 20 years and it hasn't let me down.
I make sure I draw anti-freeze into the pump at the end of the season so it doesn't freeze up. I fasten a cut off piece of garden hose going to where the water inlet on the pump is. After the engine is fogged, with the engine in the off position I slowly pull the starter cord while pouring AF into it. When the AF starts coming out the pump exit I fold the hose over itself and clamp it so the AF doesn't run out. That method works very well for me.
I like this, when i do replace my pump i will start doing this.. great idea/tip..
You need to do something if it freezes where you live. I prefer my basement. I also prefer the basement as my cat stays down there a lot so my dogs do not chase him. Thus few mice get past Billy. Had a lot of mice damage in other years. Very frustrating dealing with mice chewed fuel lines when you want to spend your time using your OPE, not fixing it.
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
I use non detergent 30 grade oil in my 11 HP Honda powered Pressure Washer pump, and any good synthetic 5w30 in the sump. I have an hour meter and change the oil every 30 hours, and always at the end of the season when I fog it and store it. I use MMO and Stabil in the gas and store it fogged with a full tank of fuel. I have this machine well over 20 years and it hasn't let me down.
I make sure I draw anti-freeze into the pump at the end of the season so it doesn't freeze up. I fasten a cut off piece of garden hose going to where the water inlet on the pump is. After the engine is fogged, with the engine in the off position I slowly pull the starter cord while pouring AF into it. When the AF starts coming out the pump exit I fold the hose over itself and clamp it so the AF doesn't run out. That method works very well for me.
I like this, when i do replace my pump i will start doing this.. great idea/tip..
You need to do something if it freezes where you live. I prefer my basement. I also prefer the basement as my cat stays down there a lot so my dogs do not chase him. Thus few mice get past Billy. Had a lot of mice damage in other years. Very frustrating dealing with mice chewed fuel lines when you want to spend your time using your OPE, not fixing it.
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Sears sells a pressure can of anti freeze and lube that has a hose end hookup. After I get done using mine I hook the spray can up and shoot a little in the pump. I had to replace a pump on mine after the first winter and have been using the stuff ever since. Seems to blow the water out of pump so it doesn't rust.
Originally Posted By: White 03
Sears sells a pressure can of anti freeze and lube that has a hose end hookup. After I get done using mine I hook the spray can up and shoot a little in the pump. I had to replace a pump on mine after the first winter and have been using the stuff ever since. Seems to blow the water out of pump so it doesn't rust.
Basement, no freezing and no mice.
Sears sells a pressure can of anti freeze and lube that has a hose end hookup. After I get done using mine I hook the spray can up and shoot a little in the pump. I had to replace a pump on mine after the first winter and have been using the stuff ever since. Seems to blow the water out of pump so it doesn't rust.
Basement, no freezing and no mice.
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