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Pressure washers

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I've decided I need one but don't have a clue what to buy. I've looked at a few consumer sites for info and opinions but I figure folks on this forum probably have more experience using them the way I expect to.

Examples of my uses:

- Cleaning an engine compartment, probably with the engine out

- Cleaning a fiberglass boat

- Cleaning parts too large for a parts washer

- General household - deck cleaning etc.

I'd like to get a light duty unit, preferably electric. I'm looking at about 1400psi output. I'll probably use Simple Green for a cleaning agent. It'll be used on a well, so I don't have unlimited water.

I need one that can be adjusted for low pressure output (my one experience with these was having a friend destroy some perfectly good babbitted bearings with high pressure).

Any suggestions as to brands and output capacity?

(If this has been discussed here before and someone remembers when & where, let me know. I couldn't find a previous thread).

Thanks.
 
Its my understanding that as well as PSI, GPM output is very important (more is better). Also seeing that you live some where that old man winter does also, is is VERY important you keep it some where that the pump will not freeze in the winter. Close internal tolerances dont deal well with ice at all, and they are not really made to be repaired.
 
John, I'll second Steve's comment about freezing. I had a friend that left his in the un-heated storage shed all winter. Woops! He had to replace the pump in the spring.
And, the ones I have used have had replaceable nozzles, or an adjustable wand that allows you to use a fan spray that is much more component friendly than the more concentrated streams.
Nial has mentioned that he has a K'archer, 1200 psi unit, so maybe he can jump in here with some specific recommendations.
Jeff
 
We have one of these at work......it's fine.

https://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=39033

I have a similar Karcher I bought about 6 years ago. The nozzle wore out after a while, but I horsed around with it and got it working again. I did leave it out in an unheated shed one Winter. Probably not a good idea, but it did survive (once again proving the corollary that "God smiles on fools and small children").

I have a well too (200' deep). I stop every few minutes to let the well-pump "catch it's breath". I'm not sure I really have to, but it seems like a good idea. If you're worried about overcooking your well, you can slowly fill a garbage can and use that as your water source...these thing don't need a pressurized source: they'll suck right out of a gabage can using a short piece of hose.
 
Ooooooh, another potential toy, and one that can be used around the house.......I need a compressor too. Let's see now, er, honey? Ouch! Was that neccessary? A simple "no way" would suffice!
 
But Steve, you could use the compressor to blow the leaves out of the gutters in the fall, to purge the underground sprinkler system prior to freezing weather, and use it for all kinds of handy things around the house! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Jeff
 
I use a higher pressure style (2500psi) with what is called a dirt buster nozzle. It has a pinpoint stream but it spins thus giving a tremendous amount of impact. It is almost like sandblasting but not quite.

One thing to remember is that pressure washers will force water into every nook and crannie and some areas where you may not want water.
 
[ QUOTE ]
But Steve, you could use the compressor to blow the leaves out of the gutters in the fall, to purge the underground sprinkler system prior to freezing weather, and use it for all kinds of handy things around the house! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Jeff

[/ QUOTE ]

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gifYou're good, man! I'll remember those, with the exception of the sprinkler system, don't have one of those. But I could, because with a compressor, I could purge it before winter comes. Wow!
 
I dont know much about the pressure washers on the market, my families was built out of an old lawnmower engine, and a pump we got from a car wash. Works like a champ, but doesnt have a clutch so you will stall the motor if you let off the trigger on the gun lol.


As for getting a new air compressor... use this trick

Tell your wife that you are going to build one, all that you need is a water heater, engine, and a pump. Explain you are doing this because you REALLY need it for all the reasons above, plus using airtools on your car, and that will let you work faster and spend less time in the garage. (modify this line of BS depending on how bright your lady friend is lol) And the end of this, just casually mention that you need to pressure test the tank too and make sure it wont explode on you like a giant pipe bomb.

The exploding part usually makes them cave /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif
 
I'm in process of looking into them right now...it'll be my next purchase....looking at a Craftsman that has different nozzles for different uses...anybody got one?
 
I have and use the Craftsman 2,500 PSI unit and I love it. It is just under $300. with everything, including a rotary wash head. It is gas powered (vro-o-om) highly portable, light and powerful, just add water.
 
Nice thread! I had an electric one that I felt was too weak to do much with, so I sprung for a 2500 PSI gas model. (I also hated having and electrical cord trailing behind around all that water. Advantages are that the gas one moves around easily anywhere (but you still need to trail a garden hose behind you) and it is awesome powerful! Careful if you put on the needle nozzle though. LOTS of pressure. My wife was using it on the deck and put a cut on her ankle just from the water... and it will remove some auto paint of you rev it too high with the wrong nozzle...All in all, I'd do it again..It is two years old and stores easy and save lots of effort, especially when doing the sidewalks and driveway! Have had no trouble and before I put it away I always clean it up (by using it on itself! HA!)
 
My friend has one that heats up the water as you use it. So you have two methods of cleaning, high pressure and hot water with or without soap. One of the soaps that came with his took the paint right off his tractor. The brand was Hotsee or something like that.
 
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