Gas power washer question

[nepa]

I want a gas power washer but many use more water than my hose can deliver to it. For a unit rated at 3gpm can I lower the rpm of the engine to use less water? The unit is rated at 2600psi and I do not need that much either. If I lower the rpm of the engine can I lower the psi to a still usable 16-1800psi? Thanks.

 

[Roadworthy]

Interesting questions I had never considered. Are you SURE your hose can't deliver the necessary flow? I've never measured my flow but suspect most water systems can provide more than that even at very low pressures. My power washer normally runs at a fast idle but when I'm using it the revolutions increase dramatically to build pressure. Be sure to turn on water before starting the engine to ensure pump is cooled and lubricated.

 

[Username Taken]

Can you use electric? Some are fairly powerful.

I've had a few gas pressure washers and they just sat. Go to start them and it's like an all-day struggle. Then it doesn't even want to run right because chinese carburetors suck.

If I can't use an electric, it don't get pressure-washed. But that's me......

 

[RSKY]

Just make sure you get one with a Honda engine. Starting problems disappear.

 

[dodge man]

Yes you can lower the rpm to reduce the pressure.

 

[Username Taken]

Just make sure you get one with a Honda engine. Starting problems disappear.

Honda is the one I have all the problems with. Briggs isn't as stout an engine but the carbs usually don't plug up overnight like on a lot of the Chinese Hondas

 

[arto98607]

I want a gas power washer but many use more water than my hose can deliver to it. For a unit rated at 3gpm can I lower the rpm of the engine to use less water? The unit is rated at 2600psi and I do not need that much either. If I lower the rpm of the engine can I lower the psi to a still usable 16-1800psi? Thanks.

Yes you can!

I bought a used belt driven Landa 2500 psi / 2.5 gpm with 11 hp Honda GX 340 back around 1995 or so and run it at reduced rpm frequently, not because of lack of water but there are many times when less works better!

The washer has a nice factory "idle down" option where the engine drops to idle speed when you release the trigger, for example need to move around or take a short brake etc.


I have made a couple of changes over the years:

• Installed a high pressure hose reel elevated above the pump.
• Switched to larger (log splitter) wheels, to make it easier to move in a grassy yard area.

It has been an excellent washer and I am sure there are other brands with similar features.

 

[skipmarcy]

My Mi-T-M gas washer is 4.6 gpm with an 11 hp Briggs, belt drive pump. It has a pressure adjustment on the bypass valve but I've never tried running the engine at a lower rpm to see what happens, would have to fool with the governor adjustment to do so. My well can keep up with the washer but it really goes thru the water quickly. I don't use the washer anymore mainly because I don't need that much volume for anything I have.

 

[96snma]

They do make regulators for them too. This is from princess auto, which is basically Canada’s harbour frieght.

https://www.princessauto.com/en/pressure-washer-wand-flow-regulating-valve/product/PA0008601171

 

[Deere Dude]

I want a gas power washer but many use more water than my hose can deliver to it. For a unit rated at 3gpm can I lower the rpm of the engine to use less water? The unit is rated at 2600psi and I do not need that much either. If I lower the rpm of the engine can I lower the psi to a still usable 16-1800psi? Thanks.

I have a 3500 PSI with 3 GPM washer with 10 HP gas motor, or there about. I hook it to whatever 5/8" hose I have laying around hooked to a country 50-60 PSI tap well and a 100' garden hose. Never was starved for water. Let it rip