Pressure washer won't unload/bypass

BarnyardEngineering · Nov 4, 2016

I've got a cheap old Briggs & Stratton pressure washer 2050PSI, 1.9GPM, vertical shaft.

I went to use it the other day and it wouldn't make pressure. So I pulled it apart cleaned it out. There was one check valve in the pump with a weak spring that I replaced, and the unloader valve was all gunked up with lime scale.

I cleaned up the unloader valve and made sure the plunger was free as well as the check ball in the manifold. Lubed everything back up and put it back together.

Now it makes pressure but won't bypass when I let go of the trigger.

I think there's still something wrong with the unloader valve, and plan on replacing it with a cheap new one from Ebay. Any ideas on what else might be a problem?

timcasbolt · Nov 4, 2016

I had the same thing with an entry-level Karcher. First time I cleaned it, it worked pretty good for a couple years. Second time it still wouldn't unload, so I bought a new replacement pump on ebay for $100, and it's been working for another couple years. I'm told this is the most common problem with pressure washers.

jeffcat · Nov 4, 2016

Those little springs are VERY presise. It is a balance act for
pressure. Same deal with the pilot valve on an air compressor. Just
replace it.

Pressure washer won't unload/bypass

BarnyardEngineering

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timcasbolt

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jeffcat

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