Pressure Washer Pumps

[steppinthrax]

Not sure where this falls under, but this is more/less a mechanical question.

I have a 2350 psi pressure washer. It's worked well for a few years. I was looking at getting a new pump for it (online). I've been reading that most of the pumps only last around 5 years or so then they pretty much break. The pump housings are nice (brass bodies and aluminum). Yet the rebuild kits cost as much as the pumps themselves. So you buy a new pump online.

All the pumps seem to be made by a company called Annovi Reverberi. My thinking is the high pump failure rates may be attributed to the average consumer leaving the unit in a shed to freeze and break the seals inside. My unit has been losing pressure a bit. I pulled the pump apart last night and found some seals are more/less o-rings. Then there are these square seals that are for the pistons (3 pistons). The kit is pretty much 70 bucks!!! You're better off replacing the whole pump. I see 3000 psi replacement pumps made by Annovi Reverberi for 70 bucks.

Anyone have any experience in this?

 

[jaha2000]

I did the exact same deal. I replaced with a much higher quality brand though (Comet).
I bought a coleman unit off craigslist for like 50 bucks that didn't work at all. But, it had the good Honda engine on it. I bought the good pump which basically put me in a spot of having 300 bucks into my pressure washer that should have cost 1000..

To your point though, most people don't winterize them. They freeze and they stop working. It literally is 4 bolts to replace the pump, something somebody with no mechanical skill could do.

 

[steppinthrax]

I did the exact same deal. I replaced with a much higher quality brand though (Comet).
I bought a coleman unit off craigslist for like 50 bucks that didn't work at all. But, it had the good Honda engine on it. I bought the good pump which basically put me in a spot of having 300 bucks into my pressure washer that should have cost 1000..

To your point though, most people don't winterize them. They freeze and they stop working. It literally is 4 bolts to replace the pump, something somebody with no mechanical skill could do.

So Comet is a better brand? I see Comet, but not too many with a Vertical Engine mount. I was looking online (craigslist) and noticed several people selling pressure washers with bad pumps for like $50 bucks.

LOL, I even saw a 7 HP Honda engine for 50 bucks with a bad pump (Horizontal shaft). I was thinking of just getting a high HP (7 hp) Horizontal shaft (with a bad pump). Buying a a 4,000 psi pump to go on it.

 

[Beer4Me]

The pumps fail due to poor water quality (some more than others due to excess lime, scale, etc), and they sit unused for so long so the o-rings inside the pump start to break-down. Perfect example, look at the rings inside your average garden hose after a year sitting outside.
You can pro-long the pumps by using a "pump-saver" lubricant to keep the rings (for lack of better word here) moisturized.
Example: http://www.lowes.com/pd_156904-85794-6039___?productId=3241112

 

[steppinthrax]

The pumps fail due to poor water quality (some more than others due to excess lime, scale, etc), and they sit unused for so long so the o-rings inside the pump start to break-down. Perfect example, look at the rings inside your average garden hose after a year sitting outside.
You can pro-long the pumps by using a "pump-saver" lubricant to keep the rings (for lack of better word here) moisturized.
Example: http://www.lowes.com/pd_156904-85794-6039___?productId=3241112

I was looking at that, but I was also thinking just buying some anti-freeze (green stuff) and pulling the cord until it gets into the pump and comes out the other end. That would more/less be find with keeping the seals clean and moisten.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Is your current pump broken? If not, why would you be looking for a replacement?

 

[steppinthrax]

Is your current pump broken? If not, why would you be looking for a replacement?

I'm looking at an upgrade. From 2350 to 3,000 psi pump I found online for dirt cheap (80 buck). The old pump is also leaking oil and water is getting in the oil. I drained the oil after 2 hours of use and it was milky. It still pumps though.

When I pulled the pump apart I could see the seals were kind of abraded.

 

[dud]

FWIW I have a bit of experience with PWs and pumps. I picked up a MTM 13 HP PW off of CL about 10 years ago (used) and it worked fine for about 5 years until the pressure dropped off. As I was trying to diagnose the problem I actually broke off the water inlet connection because it had corroded so badly (it was made of steel vice brass).

The easiest fix was to shell over about $300 for a new pump (4,000 PSI General) that did the trick. If you decide to keep the PW definitely replace the pump. Just remember to be careful when you remove the pump off of the shaft. Don't lose the key.

IMHO the biggest issue with these pumps is (in my case) that they are not used enough. I do not run a cleaning business ... I use the PW it for personal use. I have a lot of concrete to clean but my 13 HP unit can clean it all in less than 3 hours. The unit stands there unused for up to 6 months at a time.

This is not the way these units were meant to be used.

Just my 2 cents ...

 

[steppinthrax]

13 hp for 4000 psi. Seems a little too much engine for that pump. I thought a 7hp would be good enough for a 4000 psi

 

[dud]

13 hp for 4000 psi. Seems a little too much engine for that pump. I thought a 7hp would be good enough for a 4000 psi

Nope. The OEM had originally paired a 3500 PSI pump with it but the replacement pump can do 4000 and was designed to be paired with a 13HP motor. My guess is a 7HP would do 2500PSI. The difference between 3500 and 4000 is almost indestinguishable.

I will add that I purchased a surface cleaner to increase my efficiency and it REALLY helped get the job done faster. I had to build a secong wand with pistol grip for about $30 to use with it but the increase in efficiency is enormous. I can do a square foot of concrete ever few seconds. The surface cleaner (after a discount) only ran about $90 and it is VERY well made of stainless steel:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200644183_200644183

 

[Rubycon]

Pressure is only one part of the equation. Volume (in USA that's gallons/minute). A larger engine can push more GPM at 4000PSI. Or even more water at 2500PSI. Just be sure your potable water supply can supply it!

 

[dud]

Pressure is only one part of the equation. Volume (in USA that's gallons/minute). A larger engine can push more GPM at 4000PSI. Or even more water at 2500PSI. Just be sure your potable water supply can supply it!

Agree withis this. I would prefer more volume to pressure any day.