Repairing Guides

how to repair pressure washer unloader valve

by Marcelle Wilderman IV Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Instructions

  1. Disconnect the spark plug. Pull the spark plug wire off the spark plug on the pressure washer engine.
  2. Remove the unloader valve. Use an open-end wrench to turn the unloader valve counter-clockwise to remove. PHOTO: Loosen the unloader valve.
  3. Install the new unloader valve. Install the O-ring from the kit on the new unloader valve. Lubricate the O-ring on the new unloader valve with silicone lubricant.
  4. Reconnect the spark plug. Reconnect the spark plug wire to the engine.
  5. Check pressure washer operation. Start the pressure washer and check for water leaks at the new unloader valve. Make sure that the new unloader valve works properly.

Part of a video titled Fix Pressure Washer Unloader Valve in 2 Minutes - YouTube
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This is the unloader slip your screwdriver behind one of the last springs here and slowly pry it outMoreThis is the unloader slip your screwdriver behind one of the last springs here and slowly pry it out. It should pop out again fairly easily there you go that's your unloader valve.

Full Answer

What does an unloader valve do on a pressure washer?

Pressure Washer Unloader / Regulator Valves. An unloader valve is the component of a pressure washer that allows the pump to bypass the flow of water back to the pump while the spray gun is not being used. Most unloader valves also act as a pressure regulator for the output pressure of the pump.

How to troubleshoot a pressure washer?

Troubleshooting Your Pressure Washer

  • Nozzle and Spray-gun Troubleshooting. ...
  • Your Engine Won’t Start or is Lacking Power. ...
  • If You Find a Leak…. ...
  • Low Pressure Won’t Help You Clean. ...
  • Unloader Valve. ...
  • In Conclusion: Pressure washers are a great cleaning tool, if you keep them working properly. ...

How to diagnose pressure washer electrical problems?

Pressure washers are a great addition to any home but can develop common problems. If your machine leaks, pulses when not used or has low pressure this article will help you diagnose the problem. Safety first: Always unplug an appliance before carrying out any work . Pressure washers can also develop electrical problems but you can see me ...

Why does my pressure washer have no pressure?

Why does my Karcher pressure washer have no pressure?

  • Run water through pressure washer until all air is removed from the hose.
  • Check your air filter. Clean if dirty and replace if damaged.
  • Check oil level. Change if needed.
  • Top off fuel in tank.
  • Make sure your spark plug is connected to the wire.
  • If your engine was smoking:

How to tell if you need to replace a pressure washer unloader valve?

Why does my pressure washer pump die?

Why does my water pump run for 5 minutes?

Can air in the water supply damage check valves?

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How do you unstick a unloader valve?

1:252:32How to remove a stubborn pressure washer unloader valve ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI take a is the 5/8 inch socket. Put it in there on top of the washer tap it with a mallet. Put itMoreI take a is the 5/8 inch socket. Put it in there on top of the washer tap it with a mallet. Put it in then I'll tap it in and then you can tap the pin in from the side.

How do I know if my pressure washer unloader valve is bad?

When the unloader valve of the pressure washer fails, certain signs can be seen. One of the most apparent problems with the unloader valve is less output pressure and a lower water flow. If the valve does not work correctly, the pressure washer pump will get hot, and more power is asked from the engine.

Can you run pressure washer without unloader valve?

In a pressure washer, water is pumped in faster than it's let out. This creates the high-pressure water we use to blast surfaces clean. However, if the pressure washer gun is disengaged, and there is no unloader valve to redirect the pressurized water, the pressure would continue to build.

Where is the unloader valve located on a pressure washer?

0:5912:36Pressure Washer Unloader Valve - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe unloader valve is located on the outlet end of the pressure washer where the high pressure hoseMoreThe unloader valve is located on the outlet end of the pressure washer where the high pressure hose hooks to the pressure washer also identifiable by its black knob.

How do you diagnose a bad unloader?

1:482:45Troubleshooting a cycling pressure trapped unloader - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut the trigger gun I pretty much deducted that he had a weap weeping trigger gun his true gun wasMoreBut the trigger gun I pretty much deducted that he had a weap weeping trigger gun his true gun was leaking when it was in the closed position a bad trigger gun. So if your machine starts doing this

How do you test an unloader valve?

0:398:38How to Test and Install A Pressure Washer Unloader with Larry HinckleyYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen we determine there's an issue we're going to test it by two different methods one of them beingMoreWhen we determine there's an issue we're going to test it by two different methods one of them being to pinch off this line the bypass line to see if it causes a needle to rise on the gauge.

Why is my pressure washer not building pressure?

In general, the most common reason for a pressure washer not building pressure is that it is not getting enough water. This can be due to a hose problem, leakage, or blockage. Another reason can be air can get trapped inside the pressure washer pump or a problem with the nozzle.

Why does my pressure washer dies when I pull the trigger?

Why Does My Pressure Washer Die When I Pull the Trigger? A pressure washer stalling when the trigger is pulled is mostly due to a faulty unloader valve, O-rings, pressure washer trigger, or a too-high setting of the unloader valve.

Why does my pressure washer dies when trigger released?

If a pressure washer stalls when the trigger is released, this usually indicates a fault in the unloader valve. It is a simple process to remove and replace the unloader.

How do you install a pressure washer unloader valve?

0:081:40How to replace an unloader valve on your pressure washer pumpYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first step is to pry off the pins securing the unloader to the manifold with a flathead.MoreThe first step is to pry off the pins securing the unloader to the manifold with a flathead. Screwdriver. Next you will want to insert the screwdriver in between the coils of the unloader.

How does a power washer unloader valve work?

Essentially, an unloader valve is a safety switch. It sends pressurized water into a by-pass by cycling it from the outlet side of the pump to an inlet or water tank. This process depressurizes the water and prevents pressure from building up while the pressure washer machine is idling.

How do I free up a stuck pressure washer pump?

0:104:57How to Remove a Seized or Rusted Pressure Washer Pump by JN ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI don't see no set screws the next step I want to do is grab some penetrating fluid in there andMoreI don't see no set screws the next step I want to do is grab some penetrating fluid in there and spray it a minute.

Why is my pressure washer spraying without pulling the trigger?

If the seal that stops the flow of water through the wand is broken, water may continuously flow from the nozzle, as the unloader valve will not switch into bypass mode as it should. If you suspect your trigger wand is causing this issue, it should be replaced.

Why does my pressure washer shut off when I pull the trigger?

Why Does My Pressure Washer Die When I Pull the Trigger? A pressure washer stalling when the trigger is pulled is mostly due to a faulty unloader valve, O-rings, pressure washer trigger, or a too-high setting of the unloader valve.

What does unloader valve do on pressure washer?

A pressure washer unloader valve diverts the water flow through the bypass when the trigger on the gun is depressed. The Unloader valve is designed to respond to an increase in pressure or a change in water flow. The unloader valve can also be used for adjusting the pressure of your machine.

What would cause a pressure washer to have no pressure?

In general, the most common reason for a pressure washer not building pressure is that it is not getting enough water. This can be due to a hose problem, leakage, or blockage. Another reason can be air can get trapped inside the pressure washer pump or a problem with the nozzle.

How to tell if you need to replace a pressure washer unloader valve?

Common symptoms that indicate you need to replace the pressure washer unloader valve include: The thermal release valve opens and sprays steam water from the pump.

Why does my pressure washer pump die?

When pressure builds up in the pump because the unloader valve isn't opening as it should, the engine can't continue to turn the pump shaft so the engine dies . If the pressure washer unloader valve isn’t working, replace it using the manufacturer-approved gas pressure washer part.

Why does my water pump run for 5 minutes?

Water sprays out of the pressure relief valve. Main causes: pump running for more than 5 minutes when the spray wand isn't being used, faulty pressure relief valve, bad unloader valve. Read more.

Can air in the water supply damage check valves?

By Lyle Weischwill. Air in the inlet water supply can damage the check valves. If the pump won’t build up pressure due to damaged check valves, follow these steps to replace the check valves. Repair difficulty.

How Do I Know If My Pressure Washer Unloader is Faulty?

To diagnose a problem in the unloader valve of your pressure washer, you need to check the output pressure of the pressure washer. If it is inconsistent and you see sudden changes in the pressure, it is clear that your unloader valve has a problem. Other signs include your pressure washer pump running hot and excessive load on the engine.

How Do You Test a Pressure Washer Unloader Valve?

You can test the unloader valve of your pressure washer by adjusting the tension spring of the unloader valve. This should lead to an increase or decrease of the output pressure. If you see this, it’s a sign that your unloader valve is working correctly.

How Do You Adjust a Pressure Washer Unloader Valve?

Adjusting the unloader pressure valve is a tricky process. The goal of the unloader valve adjustment is to find the spot where the pressure is maximum. And the pressure spike when you release the trigger is minimal. If you have a gas pressure washer, check the RPMs of the engine. Remove the top, lock the nuts.

How Do You Free a Stuck Unloader Valve?

To free a stuck unloader valve, remove the retaining pin and take out the unloader valve. Ensure that the pin on the valve is moving freely. Clean the pore using a pin and grease the O-rings.

Why do you need an unloader valve on a pressure washer?

Ease of use. These pressure regulators depressurize water and send it into a bypass cycle so that you can safely step away from your machine in case of an emergency.

What happens when you unload a pressure washer?

Without an unloader valve, the water pressure continues to build up in the nozzle , potentially causing a very unsafe situation.

How do I remove air from a pressure washer?

Turn on the outlet valve on the pressure washer. Do not turn it off until only water is flowing out of the house. The main goal is to remove all the air. Tighten the pressure spring, but keep an eye on the pressure gauge assembly. Pull the pressure washer wand trigger until you reach maximum pressure.

How to get pressure washer to work?

Make sure your pressure washer is on a flat surface. Start the engine and keep it at 3700 rpm before load and 3400 rpm under the load. Remove the nylon lock inside the unloader valve. Shut off the pressure adjusting nozzle. Remove the washer and spring from the unloader valve.

How does an unloader valve work?

Depending on the type of unloader valve you have, it’s activated by an increase in pressure or a decrease in flow. When you release the trigger gun, the valve activates its spring and ball-check mechanism, sending the water into by-pass. The spring and ball mechanism diverts the flow of water from the spray nozzle and sends it in ...

Why does my pressure washer pump go over the PSI limit?

The increase in pressure – without an unloader valve to regulate it – could cause the water pressure to go over the PSI limit, potentially damaging your pressure washer’s pump. Using an unloader valve ensures that you’re operating the machine safely and extending its life.

What is the pressure spike on a washer?

The pressure spike should be around 6 to 9 percent. If the pressure is spiking higher than 10 percent then adjust the nuts until you see the pressure spike hit below 10 percent. If you’re still not seeing below 10 percent then you might need to remove the adjustment knob, washer, and spring and adjust those.

How to tell if you need to replace a pressure washer unloader valve?

Common symptoms that indicate you need to replace the pressure washer unloader valve include: The thermal release valve opens and sprays steam water from the pump.

Why does my pressure washer pump die?

When pressure builds up in the pump because the unloader valve isn't opening as it should, the engine can't continue to turn the pump shaft so the engine dies . If the pressure washer unloader valve isn’t working, replace it using the manufacturer-approved gas pressure washer part.

Why does my water pump run for 5 minutes?

Water sprays out of the pressure relief valve. Main causes: pump running for more than 5 minutes when the spray wand isn't being used, faulty pressure relief valve, bad unloader valve. Read more.

Can air in the water supply damage check valves?

By Lyle Weischwill. Air in the inlet water supply can damage the check valves. If the pump won’t build up pressure due to damaged check valves, follow these steps to replace the check valves. Repair difficulty.

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