Pressure Washer Familiarization and Troubleshooting Guide Section 1 • Operation
PRESSURE WASHER OPERATION Operation of a pressure washer system may be briefly described as follows. Please refer to Figure 1.1 for visual component identification:
2. Rotary motion of the motor crankshaft is converted to reciprocating motion of the pump’s pistons using an axial cam.
1. An inlet hose delivers water to the motor-driven, pistontype pump. An inlet strainer (item 6) protects the pump (item 5) against damage from solid impurities. The motor driving the pump (item 9) may be gas or electric.
On a piston’s ‘suction’ stroke, an inlet valve opens and water is drawn into the piston chamber. On the piston’s ‘pressure’ stroke, that piston’s inlet check valve closes and its outlet check valve is forced open so pressurized water can leave the chamber. There is one inlet check valve and one outlet check valve for each piston.
Figure 1.1 — Example Pressure Washer System
Item 1 2 3 4 5
Name Spray nozzle Hi-Lo nozzle collar Spray gun extension wand Spray gun with locking trigger Pump, including optional thermal relief and/or easy start valve
Item 6 7 8 9 10
5
Name Inlet strainer Unloader/pressure regulator valve Chemical inject fitting (optional) Engine on cart High pressure hose
