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The engine on a pressure washer needs enough clean air to run properly, so replace the air filter if it’s dirty. The engine bogs down when it struggles to run the pump. Try this test to see if a bad unloader is causing the engine to lose power. Stop the engine and remove the nozzle from the tip of the wand.
Why does my pressure washer stall out when I pull the trigger?
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 know if your unloader valve is bad?
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. The engine load will quickly increase, and the pump will run hot. And over time, it can even damage the pump.
Can you adjust an unloader valve?
Now while the gun is engaged you can adjust the pressure by turning the adjusting knob between the two nuts and the nylock on top. If you adjust the unloader without the gun engaged, when you do engage the trigger parts in the unloader move rather violently and could damage the unloader.
Can you run pressure washer without unloader valve?
In a pressure washer, water is pumped in faster than it’s let out. 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.
How do you unstick a unloader valve?
How to Remove the Pressure Washer Unloader Valve Install a high-pressure tip on the pressure washer. Locate the nut located on the top of the unloader valve. Turn the pressure adjusting knob in a counterclockwise direction until it is completely removed.
How do I know if my pressure washer wand is bad?
Several indicators will show a faulty pressure washer pump. The most common is a leak, pulsating output pressure, and low output pressure. Leaks are often caused by a worn or damaged pump seal. A pulsating pressure indicates that there is not enough water in the pump.
Why is my pressure washer surging?
Why is my pressure washer surging? Water flow may be restricted to the pressure washer. Check that all hoses are free of kinks, leaks, or blockage. If the nozzle has even a little bit of dirt in the tip, it may cause enough obstruction for the pressure washer to pulsate.
Why does my gas pressure washer keep cutting out?
A clogged carburetor is most often the culprit if your pressure washer shuts off after a few minutes (source). As such, checking the carburetor should be the first thing you do. According to this Repair Clinic, when you leave fuel inside the tank of your pressure washer, some parts of it evaporate (source).
What is a trapped pressure unloader?
A trapped pressure unloader is a simple valve with a spring mechanism mounted in a Brass body. There is A channel within the body that gives water access to the back of a piston. When the trigger is released the pressure against the piston increases and pushes the spring open to allow the water to pass into the bypass.
What does an unloader do on a pressure washer?
The unloader diverts the flow of water from the outlet side of the pump back to the inlet side, causing water to flow in a loop back to the pump under virtually no pressure rather than to the nozzle under operating pressure.
How long can a pressure washer run without pulling the trigger?
You should not run a pressure washer (except professional equipment) for more than five minutes. While the duration may vary from model to model, it should be between 3 and 5 minutes. Leaving your pressure washer running for more than five minutes can result in overheating.
What is unloader valve?
An air compressor unloader valve is a device used by air compressors to release the trapped air inside the compression chamber and tank discharge line when the motor stops. Extracting the air by the unloader valve is essential for the compressor motor to start again without any effort.
How does a pressure washer trigger work?
The trigger gun is opened when the operator depresses the trigger. The force of the water and spring is overcome and the ball is pushed away from the seat. When the unloader senses the demand for water, it sends the water to the gun and bypasses only a small amount.
What do check valves do in a pressure washer?
Pressure washer check valves let enough water flow through the pump and manifold to pressurize the water at the nozzle. If the pressure washer check valves are damaged, the pump won’t build pressure. Air in the inlet water supply can damage the pressure washer check valves, as can chemical residue left in the pump.
Do electric pressure washers have unloader valves?
Your electric pressure washer’s unloader valve is the mechanism that can divert the flow of the water in your pump system into a loop as soon as you let go of the pressure washer’s trigger.
How do you fix a pulsing pressure washer?
Simply turn off your pressure washer and disconnect the hose. Keep your garden hose attached and allow water to run through it for 20-30 seconds. Turn off your garden hose and reassemble. Try using your pressure washer as normal and see if that fixes the pulsing.
