Repairing Guides

how to repair pump on pressure washer

by Prof. Rickie Rau DVM Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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A Systematic Guide for Learning How to Rebuild a Pressure Washer Pump

  • Step 1: Troubleshooting Before You Start. The very first thing you’ll need to do is figure out what the problem may be,...
  • Step 2: Siphoning the Oil. With the help of a siphon, you must get rid of all the oil in the pressure washer and as...
  • Step 3: Prime the Pressure Washer. Using the primer on the...

Part of a video titled How to Fix a Pressure Washer (Part 1 of 2) - YouTube
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I just simply pull it straight off of the machine. Sometimes that shaft will get very rusty andMoreI just simply pull it straight off of the machine. Sometimes that shaft will get very rusty and corroded. And you'll have kind of a hard time pulling it off you may need a couple pullers.

Full Answer

How to properly Plumb a pressure washer pump?

Tools and Materials

  • Pressure washer pump schematics
  • Pump service manual
  • Replacement parts
  • Hammer
  • Screwdriver
  • Valve pliers
  • Silicone grease

How to repair noisy water pump?

  • Make sure the pump is not the highest point in your loop so that air collects in the radiator instead of in the pump.
  • Gently tilt the PC system forward and backwards to help work the bubbles through the cooler.
  • Set the pump performance mode to “Extreme” and let it run for an hour to clear out the air bubbles from the pump chamber.

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How to change the oil in a pressure washer pump?

You can jump to each section here:

  • Why a pump needs oil
  • Pump oil vs. engine oil
  • Pump oil brands and types
  • How to know when to change it out
  • Tools & equipment you need
  • Steps how to change it
  • Where to get rid of the old stuff

How to use pump saver on pressure washer?

  • First identify the pump inlet and outlet to your pressure washer.
  • Flip the top off of the can of pump saver.
  • Place your finger on the top of the pump saver bottle.
  • Hook up the end of the pump saver tube nozzle to the pump inlet.
  • Hold down the pump saver button to dispense the lubricant

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Can you fix a pressure washer pump?

You can't replace your pump with any pump you wish, because they just won't fit. Determine if your pressure washer uses an axial or triplex pump. Axial cam pumps are less expensive and produce enough PSI to tackle most homeowner jobs, but they don't last as long.

What causes a pressure washer pump to fail?

The two most common reasons behind the pressure washer pump going bad are a faulty unloader valve and a clogged carburetor (in the case of gas-powered washers).

How do you fix a leaky pressure washer pump?

0:554:42Leaking Pressure Washer Repair | Clean Pro Exteriors - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you just pull the o-ring out and if you have if you're having leaks. Most of the time you'll seeMoreAnd you just pull the o-ring out and if you have if you're having leaks. Most of the time you'll see somewhere on the o-ring where the it's been worn out.

How long does a pressure washer pump last?

How long will a pressure washer pump last? I general, a good, properly used pressure washer pump should last for 5 to 10 years. Some cheap pumps can last significantly shorter. To get the best from your pump, be careful with overheating, cavitation, and using it with the wrong unloader valve settings.

What wears out on pressure washer pump?

Oil leaks between the pumping section and the crankcase The piston rod seals of the pressure washer may be worn out. The O shaped rings on the plunger retainer may be worn out too. The best one can do is to replace these parts with new ones.

What is the most common problem with pressure washers?

Like all machines, pressure washers sometimes break down. These malfunctions take several forms, but in general, they fall into two categories: engine issues and pump or wand issues.

Does a pressure washer pump need oil?

Pressure washer water pumps need relatively low oil recommended by the manufacturer, as specified in the owner's manual. (Purchase pre-measured bottles of pump oil for water pumps without dipsticks.) Never use special oil additives or detergents, unless specified in the owner's manual.

How do you troubleshoot a pressure washer?

0:332:05How to troubleshoot a pressure washer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor you hook your water to the inlet. If the water comes out the outlet. Then you know that you'veMoreFor you hook your water to the inlet. If the water comes out the outlet. Then you know that you've got water cycling through here start the engine up and see if you got.

How do I change the O rings on my pressure washer?

0:523:25Replacing o-ring in quick disconnect fitting for pressure wash hoseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut you can use a dental pick or anything and you get those dental picks. Actually a full set ofMoreBut you can use a dental pick or anything and you get those dental picks. Actually a full set of them. At pressure tech comm it's spelled tek.

How do I test a pressure washer pump?

1:213:04How to tell if your pump is bad on your pressure washer. (Pressure Gauge)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPressure you can see it's bad just by looking at your gauge. Factory nozzle get air out of the line.MorePressure you can see it's bad just by looking at your gauge. Factory nozzle get air out of the line. Right now this should have already spiked. Because the line is pressurized.

Do pressure washers need maintenance?

Regular maintenance will ensure the safety and dependability of the pressure washer. Follow these steps before and after each use to ensure the unit is in proper working order.

How do you know if your pressure washer pump is bad?

1:153:04How to tell if your pump is bad on your pressure washer. (Pressure Gauge)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe know that the sun joe pump is bad because it started kicking out really poor foam and i measuredMoreWe know that the sun joe pump is bad because it started kicking out really poor foam and i measured it last week when we used it. And even with the factory nozzles that the sun joe comes with it wasn'

How do I stop my pressure washer pump from overheating?

Like with lawnmowers, gas-pressure washers typically require the fuel valve to be set in the open position. If it isn't open all the way, not enough gas will get to the engine. This could cause the unit to overheat. To prevent this, ensure that the valve isn't stuck halfway between open and closed.

What happens if a power washer spills water?

If the power washer spills water directly from the pump and no visible harm is detected, such as a crack at the pump, the inner piston screens will usually be worn or damaged.

What happens if water freezes in a power washer?

If water is left in there and freezes, the pump on a power washer will crackdown. The freezing water spreads and destroys the pump, jeopardizing its density and water pressure.

How to clean a pressure washer that is not working?

If you are using a chemical strainer, disconnect the hose from the strainer. Next, clean the strainer with water and a small brush after opening it from the bottom. Once it’s cleaned, reattach the strainer with the hose and turn on the washer. If your pressure washer still isn’t working correctly, then it’s time to replace the pump.

Why won't my pressure washer pump work?

If the seals and the O-rings of your pressure washer are worn, the pump won’t work correctly because the air will escape. Service dealers possess the specialized tools to replace the seals and O-rings; therefore, you should take your pressure washer to the service dealer to have the seals checked.

Why does my pump pulse?

The main reason that causes the motor to pulse or restart is an insufficient water supply in the inlet. You can remove the filter on the inlet and clean the blockage to supply sufficient water to the pump. A leak from the cylinder head can also lead the motor to restart or pulse.

Why does my pressure washer pump seal break?

Broken or worn-out seals are one of the more common pressure washer pump issues. Seals can break due to poor maintenance. Or because they are old and have seen a lot of contraction and expansion. Humidity causes the seals to contract and expand. Broken or worn-out seals cause oil and water leakage.

How to fix low oil pressure washer?

How to fix the low level of oil in the pump, some helpful tips: The pump will get hot and eventually even may stop working if the oil level is too low. Check the pump oil level through sight glass on the side of the pressure washer. If the oil level low, fill the pump oil according to the manual.

Why is the pump on a pressure washer important?

The most important part of the pressure washer is its pump. The pump sucks the water from the faucet and squirts it out through a high-pressure jet. The pump gets damaged due to an insufficient water supply, worn-out seals, and several other reasons.

Why is my water pump low pressure?

This problem can be fixed by replacing the worn O-ring. However, if the seal is fine, then low pressure can be a result of dirt blockage. To restore the machine’s pressure, clean the filters and remove all dirt and debris that are preventing the adequate supply of water to the pump.

What type of pump does a pressure washer use?

In most cases, the less expensive your pressure washer is, it likely has an axial cam pump, but if you have an expensive professional-grade one, it likely uses a triplex pump.

What to use to clean a pump before installing?

If you find that there’s an excessive amount of dirt buildup where the old pump was, you can use a soft rug and rubbing alcohol to clean any components before the new installation. Putting in the new pump is relatively simple, as you’re going to do the complete opposite of what you did when you were removing the old one.

Why does my pressure washer make a clattering noise?

A clogged chemical strainer can not only cause your pressure washer to perform poorly, but it can also create a clattering noise that makes it seem like the pump is broken. To clean the chemical strainer, you have to unscrew it from the hose and run water through the strainer, then use a small brush to clean any debris.

How long is a pressure washer warranty?

The vast majority of pressure washer falls under a one or two-year warrant y, which means that you can typically send the unit to the manufacturer for repair or replacement. If you’re unsure, contact the manufacturer’s customer service department and give them the model number to determine if they can repair it free of charge. Low Water Flow. ...

What is the most important part of a pressure washer?

Arguably, the most important part of your pressure washer is its pump, as it regulates water flow and allows the entire unit to work as it should. Without a pump , you’ll mainly have a piece of junk sitting in your garage, which is common amongst homeowners. However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t learn how to rebuild a pressure washer pump on your ...

What does cloudy oil mean in a pressure washer?

With the help of a siphon, you must get rid of all the oil in the pressure washer and as you’re removing it, take a look at its quality since cloudy oil likely means that there is water in it. Once you have removed all the oil, replace it with new oil and remember, pressure washers mostly use an exceptional type of oil.

Is it safer to install a pressure washer pump?

Unless you have experience in engineering and working with fine components, it’s easier to install a new pressure washer pump rather than learning how to rebuild a pressure washer pump, not to mention it’s also safer.

Own a pressure washer that's giving you trouble? Here are six common pressure washer repair problems and how to fix them

Portable pressure washers are fantastic tools, as anyone who owns one will tell you. Used properly, a good pressure washer can drastically reduce the work and time involved in washing decks, cars, siding, farm equipment and more.

Little Or No Water Pressure

If your pressure washer starts and runs fine, but there’s no pressure or no water coming from the pump, it could be a clogged wand, hose or inlet filter.

Water Leaking From Pump

Compressed air must be purged from the pressure washer pump before use. Pump the handle before running the engine until water flows from the wand. If this isn’t done, the unpurged air can damage check valves. On some pressure washers you can replace these individually; on others you need an entire pump replacement.

Water Leaking From Wand

The bottom end of the wand where it attaches to the hose is another common spot for leaks. Leaks there not only cause pressure to drop, they leave your arm and sleeve soaking wet, too.

Strange Noises From Pump and No Water Flowing

If you fire up your pressure washer and it runs fine, but there’s no water flowing and you hear strange noises from the pump, you may have made a critical and common error last season.

Soap Not Dispensing From Reservoir

Some higher end pressure washers come with a built-in reservoir for special pressure washer liquid soap. The idea is that mixing soap with the pressurized water you’re spraying will help clean things better and faster.

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