I just bought a 4gpm 4000 psi Honda gx390 with a karcher shark pump, and was doing a job with it and it was working great… after a little while the pump gave out and the pressure dropped way down, then it dropped some more. Until it basically wasnt working at all, it was basically as if the machine was off and I pulled the trigger on the wand (like a pee stream lol). All the while my Honda engine never shut down. I powered down the machine and releived any little bit of pressure that was in the pump… I checked the spigot to see if the well was running low, but the well was running strong. I left it running to see if it would die down but it didn’t. So assuming the water pressure from the spigot was fine I let the machine cool down, and then hooked everything back up and tried again. I was getting normal pressure for a few minutes then the same thing happened. The little oil window in the pump showed oil all the way up to the top of the window, so I dknt beleive the oil level on the pump is too low, also the oil level in my Honda engine is perfect. So i dont know what the problem can be. It’s a brand new machine and pump so the troubleshooting guide in the booklet doesn’t really help because i doubt the valves in my pump are worn or that the unloader valve is worn as it’s a spanking new machine. Has anyone ever experienced anything like this before ? Fyi the place I bought the washer from out the oil in and serviced it before I picked it up, so its not like I set the machine up myself and did something I shouldn’t have. I’m completely stumped right now. Attached is a pic of the oil window on the pump, just in case someone notices or knows something I dont like for example if the pump has too much oil in it or something idk.
If that’s milky and I think it might be you have a cracked plunger letting water into the crank case.
Had the same problem at the beginning of this season.
Also, you should probably take a look at your owners guide before you run it. That dot in the middle is where you oil level should be.
You have the pump over full on oil. Why fill it past the full mark?
Hey guys I couldn’t have asked for a better couple dudes to respond, so thanks for that. I didn’t service the machine. I bought it from a place that sells and services these things. When the machine comes in they have to put the oil in the machine and pump and service it and get it ready for you before you pick it up… so it wasnt ne that did it. @Innocentbystander, could that be what’s causing the pump to lose pressure after a short while ? And @squidskc it’s not milky I’m looking at it now and the oil is very transparent and looks pretty clean. That pic is from when the pump was still hot and maybe had oil pressure still… if there is water it probably would sink to the bottom for obvious reasons (oil and water dont mix lol) this is what it looks like now…
The oil might just look overfilled since it was running and sloshing around.
Take it back and tell them to fix it. Is it a new machine? Warranty?
Nope…it’s over filled.
You should probably spend a few months researching before you wash another house. Not sure who filled it be you are responsible for it if you started it the engine without checking the fluids.
Yeah I just picked it up friday. Used it for the first time today.
@Innocentbystander they service it and then hook it up and run it to make sure it works… then they let you take it… why would I need to research anything to take a machine that was serviced and given to me and told it was ready to be used, and use it with the wand and nozzles it came with ? I run these Honda engines every day at the other job so it’s not exactly anything in unfamiliar with. The only thing in new to is this big commercial pump. The dot on the window was suspect to me and that’s why I felt it would be necessary to post the picture. So someone like yourself could see that and say what you did. I thought maybe the line was where the level needed to be but this place is responsible for putting the oil in and getting it ready for you so I didn’t really question anything as far as if it wasnt set up properly.
It’s a good habit to get into to walk around your trailer/truck every morning and check the fluids in the truck and equipment. Also check the tires, make sure equipment is strapped down, etc. It’ll save you a lot of grief in the future. If you take your vehicle to get oil changes I’ve heard of those places not tightening drain plug, filters, etc. Just one example of why it’s a good idea to check everything at the start of each day.
Equipment is your livelihood so definitely learn the ins and outs of maintenance.
I’m not quitting the industry because of something stupid like this. Go somewhere else if your only looking to be a miserable A-wipe… I’m doing just fine and making plenty of money, I know that bothers you but maybe go cry about it instead of harassing me with negativity everytime I post or comment on something. For someone who supposedly is one of the best in the business you certainly seem to have nothing better to do…
Ignore our resident punk.
He has a tunnel vision.
And if he doesnt doit noone should do it.
A one pony trick.
Just from dealing with him for the last month, it’s so obvious hes a keyboard warrior and the best kind of troll. Bet you this punk would NEVER say half the crap he says here to someones face. I’d LOVE to see this guy face to face, guarantee he wouldn’t say SQUAT.
Lol. The trolls come and go.
Why move it?
Let it ride… take it like a man
Comments like his and yours don’t need to be seen by potential customers that stumble on this site.
Act like kids all you like, just keep it in the lounge. Have fun
What you mean is you wouldn’t want YOUR customers to see what a dirt bag you are and they way you treat other people.
Can we please keep this post the way it was intended. And not let him ruin another person’s post ? Trying to be proffesional, And amicable.
