My new pressure washer is haywire. Helllllp

[Cub gt 2544=best]

I think the pump seized up. Check the oil level in the pump. Also check you engine oil.

 

[hslogger]

 

[hslogger]

 

[hslogger]

Number 9 in the diagram is called a pop off. There is the threaded end and the closed end. Seems if I removed it, or took the end off that would release ANY residual pressure. The closed end has an inserted cap with a hex head. I just don't want any springs or Jesus clips flying round and getting lost

 

[LittleBill21]

if you seriously can't start it, take off the recoil starter, find what size socket fits the flywheel, get and extension and either an air or electric impact wrench, and use that as a poor man electric start.

 

[CADplans]

I have a honda motor on mine ,,,,, I leave water off, release any pressure on the wand,

Pulls over and cranks like a dream, then turn water on real quick!

Did you try this approach?
Seriously,, this method of starting is how I must start mine "sometimes",,,

Leave the water off, get it started, turn on the water,,
The water being on during start is to insure the pump is cooled,, but, the pump can survive for the few seconds it takes to get the water turned on,, especially if the engine is running near idle.

You can see my GX390 powered washer in the background,,

I also have another GX390 powered one that is belt drive,,
That one was used for close to 10 years by me, before I got the one in the pic.
So, both of mine were acquired used.

I think the belt drive one will still work, I got it out 2 years ago, and started the engine.

The belt drive one had the same issue,
sometimes I had to start it with the water turned off,,,

The GX390 is a beast,, I agree it should only be sold with an electric start.
Maybe it is not offered with electric start,, because that hard start that is encountered sometimes would probably rip the teeth out of the starter or flywheel??

I found a pic of the belt drive one,, it is ` O ` L ` D ` !!

 

[RandyT]

cut off the water. Relieve the pressure and try to start it. If you can, turn water back on. 30 seconds with just a bit of water in it is no issue.

I love when people do that. I have even had a few that melted the white plastic seal retainer disc. And 30 seconds running dry is all it takes to damage the seals. Having some water in the pump when starting allows enough lubrication for the seals.

Some pressure washers have an ez start feature that relieves pressure at cranking speed, but has full pressure when running.

 

[fried1765]

I love when people do that. I have even had a few that melted the white plastic seal retainer disc. And 30 seconds running dry is all it takes to damage the seals. Having some water in the pump when starting allows enough lubrication for the seals.

Some pressure washers have an ez start feature that relieves pressure at cranking speed, but has full pressure when running.

I pull start my GX390 with the water on, and while holding the spray nozzle open.
Works for me.

 

[beckmurph]

Rotate the black knob, circled, on your machine to lower the pressure out put.

Hold wand trigger open with left hand and pull starter rope with right hand.

After starting rotate black knob to desired pressure.

My washer has same engine.
This how I start it.

Good luck.

 

[Ford850]

Water on and wand trigger depressed is what works to relieve pressure. I did have an issue with mine this year though, almost exactly as you described. Water was flowing through wand with trigger pulled, but was a small stream. Nearly ripped my arm off. My son tried till his arm gave out. Lots of cursing later, we removed the wand and let the water free flow. I don't know if there was debris in the hose, or an air pocket, or what, but once the water started blasting through the pump and out the open hose, we put the wand back on. It pull started easily after that. This was on a GX200, so smaller than your GX390, but I have a 390 on my BCS tractor and it pull starts nice and smooth.