Water pressure problems

[justin]

Well I've tried numerous things to try to get my pressure washer to work with my tank. I have a 65 gallon tank with less than 2 feet of hose running to my pressure washer. I tried to gravity feed it, but it didn't get enough pressure. I recently went out and bought a sump pump and dropped it in the tank, still not getting any water out of the pressure washer. The pressure washer works when using the house spigot, but not out of the tank.

The pressure washer is a 2500PSI Excell (model# VR2522). Has a Honda 5.5hp engine (GC160) with an IC2 (Devilbiss) pump. The only thing I can think to do is get another pump. I really want a CAT pump, but do not think any are available (7/8" hollow shaft for vertical gas engine). (After doing a little research, websites say the pump that comes with it does not last after a couple of uses, and should be replaced with a specific one for $189.) However, it has never worked trying to use it with the tank. Would it be a better idea to get a completely different pressure washer or should I just replace the pump? I don't want to shell out another $200 for something that will not work. I've been slowly working on this setup for a year now and want to get it up and running. I keep putting it off. Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.

[dr_detail]

This particular model of pump needs to have a constant flow of pressure on the inlet side of no less than 5 gallons per minute at 20 PSI to work properly. It is not designed to "suck" water in.

Here are two things to try though before giving up all hope....

First, shut off the valve for your inlet hose. Disconect the inlet hose from the pump. With the inlet hose detached, turn the valve on and let the water flow freely -- connect the hose to the pump with the valve on this will elimanate any air in the line (clavatation). Once this is completed, try starting the pump.

If this doesn't work, try the same method using your sump pump. Connect water source to pump inlet with the water flowing. Once again, note that the inlet pressure must provide a minimum of 5 gallons per minute at 20 PSI.

If neither of these methods work, spend the extra dollars and go with a piston type pump.

[rayoto]

Originally Posted by justin

Well I've tried numerous things to try to get my pressure washer to work with my tank. I have a 65 gallon tank with less than 2 feet of hose running to my pressure washer. I tried to gravity feed it, but it didn't get enough pressure. I recently went out and bought a sump pump and dropped it in the tank, still not getting any water out of the pressure washer. The pressure washer works when using the house spigot, but not out of the tank.

The pressure washer is a 2500PSI Excell (model# VR2522). Has a Honda 5.5hp engine (GC160) with an IC2 (Devilbiss) pump. The only thing I can think to do is get another pump. I really want a CAT pump, but do not think any are available (7/8" hollow shaft for vertical gas engine). (After doing a little research, websites say the pump that comes with it does not last after a couple of uses, and should be replaced with a specific one for $189.) However, it has never worked trying to use it with the tank. Would it be a better idea to get a completely different pressure washer or should I just replace the pump? I don't want to shell out another $200 for something that will not work. I've been slowly working on this setup for a year now and want to get it up and running. I keep putting it off. Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.

I just went through the same issue. I finally p/u one of these Little Giant Pump Company off Ebay and haven't had any issue. But, like Dr. Detail said if you can afford it go with the piston style washer.