Pressure washer - repair or replace?

[Nick67GT]

So my trusty Wickes pressure washer (about 15 yrs old) start to act a little strangely this afternoon, like a 4 cylinder engine running on 3 if you know what I mean. Still seems to deliver a decent amount of flow, but the pressure is noticeably reduced and it appears to be pulsing.

Is it worth tearing down and sourcing spares (if it’s an easy fix) or should I consider a machine with similar performanc?

 

[RWD3M]

Have you checked the supply pressure? Sounds like it might not be getting enough flow.

 

[armalites]

I guess it will all depend on there being spares available. It's good news that it shows Made In Italy. I've just replaced the piston seals on my Karcher HDS601 because it was leaking and not making pressure. You may find that the parts cost makes it not worthwhile, it's then easy to end up in the cheap washer cycle where you end up buying a new one every couple of years.

Is that a flow stop connector(doesn't look like it as they normally have red on them)? I know some pressure washer companies recommend that they aren't used. I've had one of those restrict flow once it was a little worn.

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

Wicks units used to be Draper re badged.

Spares are hit n miss.

Worse is sticky pistons in the pump.
Least blow o rings.

But the cost of spares may be a killer.

There used to be a hidden under the top black rectangle bit of plastic

 

[armalites]

Wicks units used to be Draper re badged.

Before that their power tools were rebadged Kress which are a decent brand.

I did chuckle when my FIL was talking about Wickes power tools being Draper like it was a good thing, ironic really that anyone would want to re badge something that was already re badged to start with.

 

[Nick67GT]

I guess it will all depend on there being spares available. It's good news that it shows Made In Italy. I've just replaced the piston seals on my Karcher HDS601 because it was leaking and not making pressure. You may find that the parts cost makes it not worthwhile, it's then easy to end up in the cheap washer cycle where you end up buying a new one every couple of years.

Is that a flow stop connector(doesn't look like it as they normally have red on them)? I know some pressure washer companies recommend that they aren't used. I've had one of those restrict flow once it was a little worn.

The connector for the water supply isn’t the flow stop type, but the reduction in performance was so distinct the possibility of reduced inlet flow is reasonable. I’ll check it out again tomorrow.

Good point about about getting into the cheap pressure washer replacement every few years though…….

 

[brightspark]

mine pulses if there is a shortage of full pressure water

 

[carbon]

like a 4 cylinder engine running on 3 if you know what I mean.

If the pressure is approx half of what is usually is without any problems with water supply(blocked inlet filter) it is usually one of the valves held open with some debris. This means stripping the pump. Depending on the pump it could also be a piston return spring broken. If it’s an axial pump make sure the pump is uppermost when dismantling, it usually stops the oil escaping all over the place

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

when dismantling, it usually stops the oil escaping all over the place

Oh that stuff will spread and spread.

 

[Screwdriver]

Probably 3 or four pistons on a wobble plate (swash plate?). I have the exact same model which still runs despite all efforts to kill it. Had to repair is a couple of times for ice damage but it still goes. So it could be that it is literally running on 3. If you strip be aware the damned thing is actually full of oil!

 

[rtcosic]

Probably 3 or four pistons on a wobble plate (swash plate?). ...

I have always known that as a Nutating Disc, but I have heard Swash Plate too.
Citroën hydraulic pumps worked like that.

 

[Nick67GT]

**UPDATE**

Checked the inlet for any crud which might be starving the inlet - all clear.

Checked supply for any restrictions or low flow - no problems.

Looks like it’s a pump performance issue .

 

[Nick67GT]

*Further update*

Doing the weekly shop in Aldi this morning and saw these in the middle isle:

https://www.aldi.co.uk/ferrex-pressure-washer/p/813011599233600?gclid=CjwKCAjw9LSSBhBsEiwAKtf0n4Tzvpwo144I4DLKWYq99tCqdanki7UmttlcU1qjSwJR8_eDF-gsSBoCrioQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

With 3 years warranty at £110 what’s not to like?

 

[Ruffian]

Only just saw this but "mucoff" have just started doing a pressure washer.

Done a bundle deal at the moment.
I have one on route.

Muc-Off Pressure Washer Bundle | FREE UK DELIVERY | Flexible Ways To Pay | M&P

www.mandp.co.uk