Karcher crap-out

The other day I was using my Karcher electric pressure washer and the motor/compressor started acting funny. It would turn on and cut out less than a second later and then repeat the process. It still sprayed fine, but of course the constant on/off noise was annoying. After 30 min or so, the thing died all together.
This is the model that Costco was selling about 1-2 years ago.

Has anyone else with this type of PW had a similar issue? What might be the cause and is it a DIY fix?

Thanks!:doh:

 

Thats about normal for the inexpensive units. Thats why I bought a camspray 1500A. I couldn't be happier.

 

Just happened to me too. Mine was still under warranty, I think the relay or something went out. I got mine from Wal-Mart...they take everything back so it wasn't a problem to exchange it for a new one.

 

Dang- doubt mine is still under warranty but might be worth at least a call to Costco.

Anybody else actually attempt a fix on theirs?

 

You have a lifetime return policy at Costco for this. Just take it back and exchange for a new model. That's one of the perks of buying these from there.

 

My Karcher 3.67 M started surging on for half a second every 15 seconds.... it's obviously some pressure loss somewhere, but the unit is still working fine, save for some loss in pressure here and there. Posted about it on Detailing World and overwhelming responses were that it is the pump control head and that it just goes bad after a while and needs to be replaced (~$30 to replace the part). They told me to replace it but I haven't bothered with that as I recently picked up a 5.85M with full aluminum pump as its replacement.

I will update on whether I can get my 3.67 M working again as the pressure is not what it used to be, but I may not even bother since I've already been using my new unit. I figure purchasing a $170 machine and using it 1-2 times per week for 15 months, it has definitely served its value.

 

Booya Grandma that's what I'm talking about!
Will definitely give them a call

 

Good info, thanks!
If Costco won't replace it for me, I will look into pulling it apart and looking into that pump control head.

How do you like the 5.85 vs. 3.67?

 

Same thing happened to me... motor would pulsate

I fixed it by buying the camspray:deal:

 

when we were mobile and we were running karchers we finally gave up when we blew through 7 machines in less than 4 months.

I called them up and asked why...they said your a pro detailer get a professional grade machine....hence the cam spray.

 

OK, OK, definitely hearing the message about pro grade units.
I do appreciate the input, unfortunately those types of units are out of my price range.

 

think about how many karchers you will buy in the next couple of years.

we bought 7 in about 6 months ....that equals to the same amount of our cam spray.

cam spray = over 4 years now and I haven't even changed the oil lol.

 

Right, I understand that logic.
At this point the smart play for me is to see what Costco will do, and worst case pick up a new sub $200 replacement. After all, this unit has lasted me 2 years and change.
All that being said, if the replacement unit goes out quickly, I will seriously consider stepping up to a Cam Spray...through DD of course.:thumb:

 

you don't have to go for the cam spray, you can go for a kranzle etc.

Check out everyday pressure washer etc...something like that.

 

Very limited use, but so far it's pretty pimp. My 3.67 M is rated at 1.5GPM and 1750psi, the new unit at 1.5GPM and 1800psi, so nearly identical. But for whatever reason, the 5.85M is SO much more powerful, I don't even go close to the paint when cleaning the vehicle, whereas with my 3.67, I had no hesitation about getting up close and personal. I think a lot of it has to do with the different design of the wand, and the pump sounds a lot different too. It has auto shut-off when not in use, but when I pull the trigger to spray water, there seems to be a one-second delay for the unit to start working...the 3.67 just goes on instantly as soon as I pull the trigger....a little weird but no big deal. I also much appreciate the on-board hose reel and a wrap for the power cord, so it makes setup/storage a lot faster and easier.

It's a good unit so far, but I'm curious about how long it's going to last me. If it dies too quickly, then I will probably just splurge for the Cam Spray from Phil. But paying $180 - $300 every year and a half isn't so bad so far.

 

You can call Karcher or there's a few places that specialize in pw replacement parts. I fixed a few problems on my old one and it kept going just fine. I had the same problem as you and I fixed it in less than 1/2 hour. I don't remember what part it was or how much as it was several years ago. Hope that helps.

 

I used my father in law's Karcher who used it little.

I used it one time and it developed a leak (plastic pipe cracked). I fixed it with a $10 part but if you google karcher you will realize the cheaper models are only designed to last but so many hours. That is ok if they would just rate the life..like 50 / 100 hrs.etc.

I was looking at these again and the only serious Karcher I would consider is the $300 unit that has the commercial pump but it still has plastic connector points which is still a weakness.

 

Here's a couple links I found for you to some sites with good prices.

Pressure Washers Direct - Your Online Pressure Washer Superstore - Power Washer, Power Washers, Karcher Pressure Washers, Karcher Pressure Washer, Karcher Power Washer, Karcher Power Washers, Pressure Cleaner, Pressure Cleaners, Electric Pressure Was

PwMall.com

Pressure Washers - Electric Pressure & Power Washers

 

OMG... I bought my first Karcher from Sears Hardware... Lukily for me, it blew just days before the 12 month manufacturer's warranty ran out. They just kindly exchanged my broken unit for a newer model!

I've had it for a few years now, and it's starting to cut out a bit, but I think that hard, country water doesn't help!

 

I'm in the country too and have some nice, hard water. Didn't think about that before but it probably didn't help my karcher any!