Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Steve H on May 17, 2024, 07:59:29 pm
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For those guys that use pressure washers, any ideas on what the problem could be?
When using the pressure washer its fine, power is there as normal. As soon as i release the trigger on the lance or fsc, the machine is juddering like mad, almost like its got an air block. I then have to open the release valve quickly, to stop the juddering.
Ive tried the usual methods to unblock the air, but its still doing it. (only happened yesterday and then again today)
Could it be the unloader valve that needs replacing? any ideas appreciated.
Thanks in advance guys
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To also add to that - its a Honda GX390 petrol engine
Can you buy just the parts for the unloader valve, or is it best to buy and replace the whole thing?
Many thanks
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Sounds like something is stuck. What happens when the revs are down to idle?
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normally with an unloader you just lose pressure (VRT) I cant remember far enough back for the K1 or 9 type
when you let go of the trigger are you recycling the water or going back to the buffer tank?
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA7uAfXE8Tk
This guy was saying the same and it was to do with build up of debris in the pump.
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I will put my money on the front shuttle being stuck...simple fix ;)
https://youtu.be/Lnc3EKldQv8?si=eDiffAaODQPkwaQg
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Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated.
I have an inline filter, so dont think its muck in the pump.
When the engine is idling (nothing in use) it ticks over fine, with the release valve open and the water circling around the pump and back to the water tank. (i dont leave it idling for long, as i was told the water could overheat and cause damage to the pump?)
I then close the release valve and it can start to judder straight away, or sometimes when im using a fsc or lance (its all working fine), i then let go of the trigger, and the machine will judder around, when i then try to open the release valve, the valve will feel stuck and under pressure like there is air in the system?
Anyway, i will have a look at some of the things mentioned, see how i get on - many thanks
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When I get any problems I call Ben at Rutland Pumps who usually knows the problem. That's the reason I like using them, great aftersales.
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Used my new un for only the 3rd time today and its leaking oil ffs. Not sure what to do with it
Shoulda stuck to windows ;D
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Used my new un for only the 3rd time today and its leaking oil ffs. Not sure what to do with it
Shoulda stuck to windows ;D
That’s not normal nor common, something isn’t right there mate!
Where’s the oil coming from?
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Who did you get it from - your nuts just need a tightening 😆
Juddering - sounds like grit in the pump valve
BTW - if you are returning to tank it won’t overheat only those that recirculate around the unloaded that ( smaller mains fed p/w)
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Used my new un for only the 3rd time today and its leaking oil ffs. Not sure what to do with it
Shoulda stuck to windows ;D
That’s not normal nor common, something isn’t right there mate!
Where’s the oil coming from?
I got it from Jetmac, spoke to him and he reckons its the gearbox oil seal. Apparently a know issue with the gearbox. Hes sending me an oil seal to replace it myself. He did say i could take it somewhere near leicester but its a 200 mile round trip.
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Hopefully that will do it
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hope so i must admit i did think should have got a honda... bloody loncins ;D
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My washer began leaking hydraulic oil. It was coming from the plastic sight to view oil level. Bought a few aluminium ones and changed them, happy days.
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Hydraulic oil?
Which p/w have you got
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hope so i must admit i did think should have got a honda... bloody loncins ;D
How much was it?
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hope so i must admit i did think should have got a honda... bloody loncins ;D
I always get belt drive - no such issues ;D less heat transfer to pump as well. I’ve never, in over a decade has one single issue with a Loncin belt drive washer. Had three so far (only sell them when I fancy a new one)
Engine isn’t at fault here, if it’s the gearbox, then a Honda engine won’t have made any difference!
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hope so i must admit i did think should have got a honda... bloody loncins ;D
How much was it?
£1300 delivered
Cheapest I could find basically.
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hope so i must admit i did think should have got a honda... bloody loncins ;D
I always get belt drive - no such issues ;D
Engine isn’t at fault here, if it’s the gearbox, then a Honda engine won’t have made any difference!
I know that now but not at the time I was fearing it was the engine luckily I had pretty much finished when I saw it leaking.
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Hydraulic oil?
Which p/w have you got
Vanguard
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hope so i must admit i did think should have got a honda... bloody loncins ;D
I always get belt drive - no such issues ;D
Engine isn’t at fault here, if it’s the gearbox, then a Honda engine won’t have made any difference!
I know that now but not at the time I was fearing it was the engine luckily I had pretty much finished when I saw it leaking.
Sell that one and get a belt drive 😜
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hope so i must admit i did think should have got a honda... bloody loncins ;D
I always get belt drive - no such issues ;D
Engine isn’t at fault here, if it’s the gearbox, then a Honda engine won’t have made any difference!
I know that now but not at the time I was fearing it was the engine luckily I had pretty much finished when I saw it leaking.
Sell that one and get a belt drive 😜
Nah I'll definitely upgrade next year tho if I get enough work and enjoy it. So far it beats window cleaning for enjoyment but that could be novelty.
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hope so i must admit i did think should have got a honda... bloody loncins ;D
How much was it?
£1300 delivered
Cheapest I could find basically.
Selling my Honda in a month for about that much. Never missed a beat and never let me down. Been serviced regularly. The only thing that’s broken on it is the starter cord has been replaced twice.
Why buy cheapest?
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Why buy cheapest?
It's a pretty expensive game to enter when one has no experience or knowledge about Pressure Washing.
I just jumped in and was lucky buying the Vanguard then I added a hose reel which was £500 without hose. I now have 3 twin turbo lances at £250 each so when I add it all up I'm over £10k due to two Falch nozzles.
Would only do a £100 job when I have a full day PW so I can do them all together. If you start early then you can fit 3 jobs in and make it worth while.
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Why buy cheapest?
It's a pretty expensive game to enter when one has no experience or knowledge about Pressure Washing.
I just jumped in and was lucky buying the Vanguard then I added a hose reel which was £500 without hose. I now have 3 twin turbo lances at £250 each so when I add it all up I'm over £10k due to two Falch nozzles.
Would only do a £100 job when I have a full day PW so I can do them all together. If you start early then you can fit 3 jobs in and make it worth while.
You still haven't answered the question. Why buy cheapest? It's a mug's game buying cheapest because you'll be buying cheap quality, and Adam has now found that out. If he was relying on this machine to be making a living he wouldn't be putting food on the table right now.
Pressure washing easily will give you £400 a day, you're a mug to buy cheap.
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I’ve had three Jetmac machines, never had a single issue and never changed the oil.
They’re good machines at a good price. I’ve always been happy with mine.
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Why buy the cheapest
Well its not exactly the cheapest is it, its a good entry level machine its just the cheapest 21lpm loncin i could find that had a decent pump.
The loncin engines get a good rep a lot of people have said they are as reliable as honda.
I dont have a problem with the engine, it turns out its just a seal on the gearbox that hasnt been installed properly by the manufacturer, these things happen its no big deal. The same gearbox is used on more expensive gx390 machines
i looked around and for similar mchine they were 400 quid dearer over here.
If i was relying on this for a living i would have a back up machine, it would be madness to do this everyday and not have 2 of everything.
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Why buy cheapest?
It's a pretty expensive game to enter when one has no experience or knowledge about Pressure Washing.
I just jumped in and was lucky buying the Vanguard then I added a hose reel which was £500 without hose. I now have 3 twin turbo lances at £250 each so when I add it all up I'm over £10k due to two Falch nozzles.
Would only do a £100 job when I have a full day PW so I can do them all together. If you start early then you can fit 3 jobs in and make it worth while.
Theres plenty of people starting off spending way less than i did. You see all sorts of cheap machines being used like the hyundai and jcb, clarke, kiam etc. Some people buy second hand, which is fine but no one knows the problems they might have. Im happy with what i bought. Its ok saying buy a gx390 but what does that have to do with anything, some machines costing 3k are using the same gearbox thats on mine.
Not to mention some people may not have the funds, you start where you can. When i started window cleaning i had a 600 quid van, a cobbled together trolley and a harris pole with a tesco floor brush on it! Now i have a brand new van, leccy reels, high mod poles etc. But i guess im just mug anyway so who cares ;D trust me if i get into the pressure washing i will have all the gear in no time thats just what im like.
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The reason we buy cheap stuff is because we are just starting out and have a limited budget. I started with a Makita PW at £400 but it only lasted a season. Then later on I got into it professionally and copied a guy who knew his stuff but I had my lump sum by this point so budget could allow it. When I started window cleaning 6 years ago, I bought a £80 starter kit from Ebay or Amazon as I had the ladders. Best £80 I ever spent and made the money back in less than a month. In the end we all have to start somewhere and then slowly grow and learn by mistakes every successful person will agree.