Pressure Washers

I've been thinking about purchasing a pressure washer under the assumption that it conserves more water than the normal hose and fireman's nozzle. I've been looking at several Karcher models and the Cam Spray that Phil sells at DD. I understand there's an extremely large price difference and some specification differences but what particular specifications should I be looking for?

I plan on running the pressure washer after the CRSpotless DIC-20 that I will be purchasing as well. The CRSpotless will be run from the water softener here at my home and if it's a mobile job, I was contemplating on running an inline filter to extend the resin life of the CRSpotless.

If all else fails, maybe I'll just stick to ONR washes. :shead:

 

I seem to remember Al or someone else mentioning it's an bad idea to run pre-softened water through the CRSpotless resins. If I find the post I'll link to it, but I think it was over on Autopia.

At any rate, I've been thinking about the same thing. I think the "safe" compromise is going to be a triple-plunger gas powered unit from home depot, it's a Husky brand PW with a Honda engine.

Husky 2600 PSI Pressure Washer - HU80722 at The Home Depot

If you don't want to lunk around a gas powered PW I can't help you there. Do remember that the Cam Spray specs says it wants a 20A circuit to run off, and your clients may not be able to provide that so you are stuck with another electric unit or a gas powered unit.

 

The thing to remember with pressure washers is that gpm(gallons per minute) is more important than psi as far as cleaning power is concerned. If you are working on cars most of the time then a Karcher or Husky unit will be fine. Typically they will flow 1.7 -2.5 gpm but I would still buy the most gpm I can afford. I had a custom unit built because where I live I get alot of dirty SUVs. Mine is a 11hp Honda with a General pump that flows 4.5 gpm but I am only running it at 1200psi. They do have electric powered units at Home Depot but keep in mind that with an electric unit, you cant let it run for more than a minute or two without having water running through it as it will boil off the sitting water and fry the pump. With a gas model, you can install a bypass that lets the water flow through the pump and back into your tank thus keeping the pump cool without having to constantly turn the machine on and off. As far as the cam spray unit, in the USA, household circuits are typically 20A whereas here in Canada, they are 15A. Hope all this helps.

 

I'm not sure about that. I a few members on here were interested in the units until they checked their circuit breaker for the garage. 15A. Being that it's not so consistent as we'd like using the Camspray as a portable device might not be the safest bet since one home will be entirely different from another.


:bla2:

 

Why the pro detailer uses camspray over Karcher is for longevity not more psi or gpm numbers.
For weekend warrior electric Krache is fine (mine is 7 year old and still going strong). especially if you run CRSpotless to filter mineral out of the water. I only wash 1 car a week the most.

Both Phil and Phil uses Camspray cause they detail 4-5 cars a week typically (maybe more)so only ceramic triplex plunger pump will do here(which what camspray has). Also the triplex plunger type pump can easily rebuilt while Karcher pump when toasted need to be replaced entirely(might as well buy a new unit altogether). At the end it's cheaper for the pro to buy a good pump that last.

 

Are there any high flow (gpm) units you can recommend? (i.e. from big box stores)

Thanks

 

My gas Honda powered Karcher is thirsty. I've actually used it more to clean the house/yard as opposed to washing cars. If u r gonna use it just for cars and don't have a car a day to wash, go with a Karcher electric and save some $$$.

 

I stand corrected. I was looking into a piece of equipment one time and the US version was different and I was told that was why. My apologies for the confusion.:doh:

 

A very good point. What is your detailing status, Shiny? Are you doing this as a hobby or a full time detailer. If part time is it, then anything around 2-2.5 gpm will do it for you,gas or electric. Like I said, I have a high gpm machine because of what I work on. I've tried lower gpm machines and for me they don't cut it. Price wise as well, my unit was $1500 almost ten years ago but its worked everyday with no issues. If I was doing cars all day, I would have a smaller machine for sure. My Honda is fairly thirsty as well but in the big picture, its irrelevant. It will go through $15-$20 a week in fuel but a normal week for me in the summer is $2000 - $2400. I personally like Phils little Camspray unit. Totally portable. If you are just starting out, I would pick one of the electric Husky units Home Depot. They will get the job done and if you decide not to pursue detailing full time, you'll have a great little Pwasher to do your own stuff.

 

I came sooo close to buying a Karcher at harbor frieght yeterday for 109.99 but I just couldn't pull the trigger.

 

Well, this thread is definitely off to a great start. I was into thinking that as long as the unit I'm looking at is powered by a Honda engine I should be ok. I do enjoy the Cam Spray for its compactness and portability but it's a large price difference (for me for now) than what can be had OTC.

I'm not even close to doing detailing full time as I'm still in school finishing my studies. At this point in time, the most I could do would probably be every weekend during the school year and during summer, winter, and spring break. I guess OTC is the way to go but I still desire to learn more about critical specifications to look out for when purchasing a pressure washer.

Is there anything else that hasn't already been mentioned?

 

I'm sure if Superbee were around to discuss this we could learn quite a bit more. Lets hope he chimes in when he has time.

:graduation:

 

on my karcher it shuts off when your not on the trigger? will it still burn it up?

 

As long as the unit is off it won't be a problem. The water running through the pump is what cools it so as long as the unit is not running, it should be ok. Thats a great feature on your Karcher.

 

Thanks for the info. This is just a hobby and I have a gas powered with a Briggs engine that works well. I was thinking a little extra volume (of water) would be really nice but I guess it probably isn't worth it for the price.

Last year I replaced my electric pressure washer with a gas one (the electric broke) but if I had to do it again, I'd probably stick with electric as it is easier to just leave the unit in the garage. :thumb:

 

Regarding Karcher and from first-hand experience, get the brand new tip/wand from Ebay if you can(cheap under $40 most of the time). For some reason it makes a big difference in cleaning power. I was surprise when I had to replace the hose and ebay seller has the whole new kit for hose + gun + wand and it bring the pump like new again. Not sure if the brass tip inside wears out over time creating bigger opening and lost of pressure. Intially I thought the pump itself is getting weaker but no.

I use Karcher in winter to wash salt/de-icer from under the car so pressure is important at times.

 

was there a certain seller on ebay? HPIA4v2

 

No, I bought it from a private seller.
I don't see alot of Karcher gun+wand for sale on Ebay right Now:shead:

I see that as a fun Ebay shopping, you never know what you'll find :giggle:

 

LOL, you know me too well, Fluxy, I just can't keep my mouth shut!

You guys have it really well covered, though.... the cam spray electric rocks, but make sure you run it on a 20 amp circuit (most US circuits to standard electrical outlets are 15 amp.)

The triple piston pumps are the best. Especially the ones that have their own seperate oiling system.

Honda engines rock.

GPM is king over pressure.

Cam Spray foam cannons require an adaptor to work with twist on fittings.

Don't run pre-softened water into a CR Spotless (unless it's from an RO system).

Buy low, sell high.

 

Any OTC suggestions Supe? I was thinking of going with a cheaper pressure washer for the meantime.