Pressure washer issue

Thought this topic would be suited here in the detailing section.

I have an issue with my BE1515 electric pressure washer. Have owned it about a dozen years and has always worked great. But now It won't spray high pressure. Took pump completely apart and cleaned everything in ultrasonic cleaner with CLR to remove calcium deposits and mild corrosion. All the check valves, pistons, seals, etc are good. No water in the oil. The motor is fine too. Even disassembled the spray wand that has a twist-type head for different patterns. All good there too. Unit will work on the low pressure setting, which is about what comes out of wall spigot.

The pump and unloader assembly castings are some type of aluminum alloy. The unloader valve itself is brass, and is good. But the housing was really crusted up. It's design is such whereby both the hose inlet and the pressure output are connected in a bypass arrangement. I can see inside several tiny passages that are inaccessible, and I think may be plugged up.

Before I sink $150 into a new assembly, I want to try cleaning again with something more aggressive, but not corrosive to the aluminum.

My question is, what should I use?

 

I'd try CLR.

Are you sure the inlet filter is not plugged?

 

Inlet is all clear. The CLR did decent job getting majority of deposits out. But have doubts about the tiny passages.

 

Problem solved.

Managed to get the brass fitting out the pressure hose connects to. Had to use a propane torch to heat the aluminum housing, then wrench it out. All done very carefully as not to damage the aluminum casting. The assembly was severely gunked up, really hindering a spring loaded plunger. Thoroughly cleaned and reassembled.

Then things started working, but not perfectly. On reexamining the nozzle, a very tiny hole on the high pressure detent was partially clogged with a grain of calcium. Popped it out with small gauge drill bit and this little gem came back to life.

It lives to spray another day.

 

Awesome!

I swear 90% of all my mechanical issues are solved with a good cleaning.

With that said, I've made a lot of money buying non functional equipment that I returned to service after a good cleaning.

Be aware. If people find out you can fix things, you will be very busy.