power washer blues

[mx547]

i fired up my power washer today to wash my bike. it ran for about a minute then locked up tight. my justification for buying it was that it would pay for itself within two years. it had a one year warranty---i bought it september, 2000.:(

 

[BSWIFT]

Bummer.

Was it the pump or the motor? I know a guy who rebuilds the pumps in Tulsa.

 

[redrider4]

What kind of power washers does everyone use?
I use an electric 1300 psi one that I run warm water through and it works great!
I don't think it's a good idea to use one of those high pressure power washers on bikes! (not saying you were mx)
What do you guys think?

 

[BigBore]

I don't really care for power washers. I get my bike cleaner just using a hose and a bucket of BH38.

 

[Senior KX Rider]

I have a Generac 2400 psi but it is not for cleaning bikes. I use a bucket and brush for that. :cool: :cool:

 

[awilson40]

A cheapy

Some little 110v 1200PSI model that was locked up (a guy gave it to me) I tore it down and repaired it and now I have the best washer... Free!!

 

[yota]

I'm on my 2nd Karcher pressure washer and now its leaking and tripping breakers. never again.

 

[mx547]

Originally posted by redrider4
I don't think it's a good idea to use one of those high pressure power washers on bikes! (not saying you were mx)

yes, i was. 2000 psi.

 

[Zoomer]

MX547,
sorry to here about your PW. If I where you, I would get a hold of the manufacture and do some complaining. Most will do an adjustment of the warranty on a one on one bases. (providing you did not run the engine low on oil or something that has to do with "maintenance". If the pump ran low on oil, they are usually Maintenance free, as in not having to add oil. I would bitch about that ( although they will say if you saw and oil leak, why didn't you take it in then?) If it is a Generac give me an e-mail at
[email protected] and I'll see what I can do for you!:D If its brand x, can't help, but call them (technical support or customer service) and do a little "friendly bitching". ( you know the old saying, you get more flys with honey then you do with vinegar);) Good luck

 

[mx547]

Originally posted by Zoomer
If I where you, I would get a hold of the manufacture and do some complaining

will do. certainly can't hurt.

 

[smprider0783]

i use a honda pressure washer 6.5 hp 2500psi and i havnt had any problems accept for washing off stickers, i use simple green and mr. clean with great results, when i use it i leave the nozzle so it has a wide spray instead of a straight jet that way there is less pressure

 

[Zoomer]

FYI

Another little trick that I use when using my P/W to clean my bike is to lthrottle down the engine. When I'm doing the tires or frame parts more throttle, when I'm at decal areas, engine parts, etc throttle way back to an idle;)

 

[Pit_Monkey]

im confused about this throttle thing that you speak of. what are you talking about. all i do when i wash my bike is use half power witht he washer to get the dirt off then spray the really dirty areas with simple green and then wait like 5 min. then i scrub it with a tooth brush and a golf cleat brush to get all the grime out. then i spray on half power again. then i go to it with the shiny stuff. i repolish the swingarm and use pledge on the plastics to get them to that shine again. then i start the bike and ride it around a while up and downt he driveway to get all the water out of the hidden areas so it doesnt sit on the metal. then i put it on the stand and look at it adoringly!:)

 

[mx547]

Originally posted by Zoomer
Most will do an adjustment of the warranty on a one on one bases.

called them today, no adjustment. warranty expired sept. 28, power washer expired nov. 11. i bet i only used it about fifteen times. i'll try writing a letter, see if that does any good. for the record, it's a craftsman with a 5.5 hp tecumseh.

 

[Firemedic530]

Zoomer, its a Craftsman................Generac............:p :p Tim