Anyone ever fix a pressure washer pump?

[RickM]

Well my 5hp pressure washer told me to F off yesterday and just wouldn't pump up the pressure.

Seems the AR (Annovi Reverberi) pump is toast. From what I've read it's most likely the unloader valve. After looking at an exploded diagram I'm really thinking of just buying a replacement (upgrade) from one of the dealers on Ebay.

Has anyone attempted the fix? Is it relatively simple or should I not even bother. Replacement will most likely be around $200. I just hate to toss something may be salvagable.

[RoninLB]

is it a multi-stage centrifical pump?

[RickM]

Uhm.....I don't think so.

I believe it's a triplex plunger type. The AR site mentions this type and then goes on to say:

"An important feature of this type of pump is that the volume capacity of pump depends on pump speed. So long as pump is rotating the same volume of liquid that goes in must come out. Unlike a centrifugal pump where restriction or increased head creates reduced flow a piston pump has a very flat flow performance curve no matter how high the pressure goes."

Ever open one up or repair one Ron?

[LeeH]

I glanced at their web site... looks like these things are made to be repairable. Did you see their troubleshooting and servicing pdfs?

http://www.arnorthamerica.com/techservicing.html
http://www.arnorthamerica.com/troubleshooting.html

[RickM]

Lee,

I have. However, my eight year old unit has an unloader that is integrated into the manifold and parts are not available. While this is the most common failure, according to one person I talked to, there are many other possibilities.

The little I disassembled didn't say alot as to how it operates and the PDFs dont show my model.

Looks like I'm going to just go for a new radial pump. After all they're not too expensive.

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by RickM

Ever open one up or repair one Ron?

no Rick, I haven't. I've faked the damage repair of centrifugals with success using epoxys like Marine-Tex.. sorry.

[LeeH]

I always figure that when you get to this point there's not harm in taking it apart... and you never know what you'll find.

My pool pump quit a while back... took it apart and there was a piece of plastic that broke off the pool vac stuck in the impeller.

[RickM]

I hear ya, Lee. I also fixed my pool pump...lasted another 2 years before it totally died. The Pressure washer pump is a different animal though. It's not as intuitive. Additionally, the unloader prevents the pump from exploding because it ....well, "unloads" excess pressure when water is not flowing through the unit. Maybe it's best I don't fool with it. I was hoping someone had experience and could advise on possible simple checks or adjustments.

Anyway, I may put it on Ebay and let someone in-the-know grab it for a couple of bucks. Better than tossing it.

Ron, thanks for trying to help. There'll be no faking this repair. heh heh

[ronin]

I tried to fix the pump on a pressure washer once upon a time. the end result was that 1) it was next to impossible to find the replacement parts. 2) it would still be cheaper (combining parts prices with time spent ) to buy a new unit. most units are built to last only a predetermined number of hours, and judging by the age of yours, I wonder if the parts would still be available

[RickM]

Originally posted by ronin
I wonder if the parts would still be available

Yes for part of it and no for others.... Not a comfy feeling.

[ronin]

mmmm, me smells a shopping trip for new hardware

[RickM]

heh heh, it's well under way.

[ronin]

cool. tell me what you find. I've been thinking of buying a new unit as well. I'm definitely going to stay away from the chain store variety of disposable units. I'd really like my next unit to last

[RickM]

Actually I'm looking to replace just the AR triplex pump and simply reattach to the engine. Literally a 15 minute swap.

Right now I'm trying to decide between an AR high quality, all-in-one, radial pump (SJV series) and a similar unit (XMV series) that is made up of seperate components. The XMV is more expensive but easier and potentially cheaper to fix. Question is the cost difference worth it. Cost between $150 - $250.

So far all the tech people said to stay away from Karcher. Also, while electric models are inexpensive you get what you pay for. Pretty much good for car washing and light duty tasks. According to these guys almost impossible to repair as they're not designed to be disassembled. This doesn't affect me but they all had a limp jones for these machines.

If you look at the components in the system you see what quality you're getting. My Harbor Freight unit consists of a Briggs 5hp IC engine, a $30 cart, AR pump, Goodyear hose and generic wand/gun. Pretty much packaged like the Northern Tool washers and usually cheaper than if you put components together yourself.

Engines: Personally I'd stick with Honda, Briggs (IC or Vanguard), Kohler or some of the higher end engines.

Pressure Pump: Reputable pump manufacturers are AR, CAT, General and Giant. CAT is pricey and caters to the high output, commercial market (out of my league). Match the pump requirements as closely to your engine as possible. There are also quality differences within series with Economy and heavy duty versions. That E in the model number is why it's $20 cheaper! lol

Hose: Another feature you want is Non-marking hose. Mine leaves a blue stain that I have to rinse off every time...a real pain.

Configuration: Go with your typical horizontal set up. The plain jane Tecumseh lawnmower engine on top of the pump config is not common and pumps are harder to find. These are usually lower end washers anyway.

Capacity: It's not all about the pressure! Volume is very important as well. This is shown on the pump as GPM (Gallons Per Minute). Sure that $89 Wally World washer has 3000 PSI, but look at the water throughput. It gonna be real low....OK for very small jobs.

Sorry from rambling but I figure I'd share my experience with others. Hopefully it'll help.

[RickM]

Pressure Washer is now back online.

Spent $125 for a new AR 2750 PSI / 2.5 GPM pump. Bolted-up and back in business. As you can see from the pics, the mounting is on the very common 4 bolt configuration with a 3/4" keyed shaft. This pump is typically used on 5-7 HP pressure washers and is very well regarded by the rebuilders I talked to.

[lendaddy]

Cool, I physically broke my pump last year (don't ask). Where did you buy just the pump?

[RickM]

I'm shooting you a PM.