power washer blues

mx547

Ortho doc's wet dream

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Nov 24, 2000

4,784

103

• Nov 11, 2001

• #1

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

Sponsoring Member

N. Texas SP

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Nov 25, 1999

7,926

43

• Nov 11, 2001

• #2

Bummer.

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

 

R

redrider4

Member

Sep 27, 2001

20

0

• Nov 11, 2001

• #3

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?

 

B

BigBore

Member

Jun 16, 1999

686

0

• Nov 12, 2001

• #4

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

Super Power AssClown

Nov 9, 1999

8,575

0

• Nov 12, 2001

• #5

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

 

A

awilson40

Member

Apr 13, 2001

161

0

• Nov 12, 2001

• #6

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!!

 

Y

yota

Member

Oct 9, 2001

293

0

• Nov 12, 2001

• #7

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

 

mx547

Ortho doc's wet dream

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Nov 24, 2000

4,784

103

• Nov 12, 2001

• Thread starter
• #8

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)

Click to expand...

yes, i was. 2000 psi.

 

Zoomer

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Nov 17, 2000

835

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• Nov 12, 2001

• #9

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
zimmerman.mike@basco.com 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

Ortho doc's wet dream

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Nov 24, 2000

4,784

103

• Nov 12, 2001

• Thread starter
• #10

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

Click to expand...

will do. certainly can't hurt.

 

S

smprider0783

Member

Oct 13, 2000

34

0

• Nov 12, 2001

• #11

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

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Nov 17, 2000

835

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• Nov 13, 2001

• #12

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;)

 

P

Pit_Monkey

Member

May 19, 2001

253

0

• Nov 13, 2001

• #13

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

Ortho doc's wet dream

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Nov 24, 2000

4,784

103

• Nov 13, 2001

• Thread starter
• #14

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

Click to expand...

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.

 

F

Firemedic530

Member

Nov 12, 2000

66

0

• Nov 14, 2001

• #15

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