Hello all

Just wondering if anyone knows anything about Karcher pressure washers ?

Mine has developed a fault. The pump will not go into high pressure when I squeeze the trigger, water comes out at slightly higher pressure than the inlet hose pipe pressure.
Mains water pressure is fine.
No kinks in the hoses.
No leaks from anywhere.

The motor turns on and off with the operation of the trigger, so the switch is working ok, as is the capacitor.
I've just replaced the 'cylinder head' and seals. but it is just the same.
The unit doesn't pulse, which I know can be an issue.
I've stripped, cleaned and greased all the parts in the control head, there was no issue with dirt or blockages ?

Anybody got any ideas ?

Failing that, any recommendations for a new pressure washer please.

Thanks

Rob

i had a problem with mine that when you tryed using full power it would turn off and it was dirt in the end of the lance used a pin in the end to clean it and it was fine after

Don't they offer a 3 year warranty?

Even if it is out of that contact them and see if they can help.

Does it have internal filters which can block?

Karchers have a nasty habit of cracking the plastic high pressure pump. Hair line crack between high and low sides means it looses pressure as it builds up.

Pulsing is a classic sign, spares can be purchased but they aren't always cheap.

I've had several do it. Now I don't bother to buy expensive ones.

Lidl have a nice little pressure washer in atm

[Edited on 2/9/14 by Ben_Copeland]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Doddy, if I was into man love I would kiss you ! Although it wasn't the same fault as yours, your suggestion gave me the idea of trying a different end on the lance - I fitted the dirtbuster end and if fired into high pressure straight away ! I put the variable lance back in and no high pressure, so the fault lies with that attachment. I've stripped it, there are no blockages, I can only assume it's not providing the back pressure to cause high pressure from the pump. Can't believe I didn't try that before, I just assumed it would be the pump.
It became a bit of mission to fix this before resorting to a new one.

Always one looking for a silver lining - there isn't much I don't know about Karcher pressure washers now and mine has just been reconditioned.

Ben - the Lidl one was my fall back plan, I might get one anyway at that price.

Thanks all

Rob

When mine split due to frost I bought the part from e spares.

Not only was it dirt cheap but there was a video on the site showing how to fit it.

I was well impressed.

Paul G