Looking to buy a power washer

[Grass ala Mowed]

Figured this was as good a place as any to post, since it's not mowing. As posted elsewhere, I had a power washer with the Honda GC160 engine (ex has it now). Based on that machine, I'm looking for one that is easier to start washing with, the Honda was so lean it wouldn't spray until it was fully warmed up. Also I would like one or two built-in detergent tanks. I know you have to flush the injector out with some clear water after use (i,e. can't leave it hooked up), but dragging around and spilling a bottle was a pain. Moving to a country home, so it'll get used, but not everyday (I do put StaBil in my outdoor tool gas). I see washing the house (pollen) once a year, the porch and deck a few times, and changing the dirt on the car and truck when it's above freezing but too cold to stick my hand in a bucket of water. I see a lot of machines around the $300 mark, any of these stand out as better or ones to avoid?

This is an example of what I am looking at: http://www.lowes.com/pd_378396-24212-6022_4294747249+5003701_4294937087_?productId=3558804&Ns=p_product_rating|1&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl_200%2B400_4294747249%2B5003701_4294937087_%3FNs%3Dp_product_rating%7C1&facetInfo=$200 - $400

 

[ILENGINE]

Generac makes a unit with dual soap tanks and might just what you are looking for. The Karcher units seem to be decent units also. Pump parts are available, unlike some of the cheaper units out there, where the pump replacement cost about as much as a new pressure washer. The Brute units are fine for occational use but hard water seems to be hard on the pumps, and few repair parts available. Haven't had very good luck with the sanborn units due to hard to obtain parts. Did a warranty pump replacement last year, new pump lasted 15 minutes before quiting.

If you can stay away from the aluminum headed pumps, hard water kills them quick. the brass head pumps seem to hold up a lot longer with a lot less problems.

Just for your information I am a warranty service center for Briggs and Stratton/Brute, Karcher, Power Washer, Generac, Sanborn, FAIP, and all there various other brand names under those manufacturers.

 

[Grass ala Mowed]

If I understand you correctly, the Generac is a good unit. Thanks for the tip on the brass pumps. I am on a well out there, so that is a consideration.

 

[wickedgoodoutdoors]

I hve a 5 HP Honda Generac 2200psi pressure washer that is about 20 years old.

Barley used.

The motor runs great but I dont get any pressure from the pump.

Pulled the whole wobble ring pump assy apart and rebuilt it and cleaned out ll the ports.

everything seems to opererate correctly, got a bunch of crud out of the brass pump and now it sucks soap just ducky.

still no pressure not more than garden hose.

How do the springs and little brassh washers go into the vale ports? Are there supposed to be and little SS Balls in there to act as check valves?

Anyone have a picture of what it should look like and how it should work?

Capt@WickedGoodOutdoors.com