Karcher 520M has given up... any suggestions or DIY experts?

[Davie]

Appreciate "...buy a new one..." will be the obvious answer but may as well explore the options before I go down that route. Basically, it unit was working fine the last time I used it tand then today, went out and tried it and nothing. The fuse is fine, it gets power but when I switch the power switch 'on' it does nothing unless I push down ont he switch/jam something to hold it on. Whilst this kicks the motor into life, I' still just getting tap pressure through the lance when I pull the trigger plus the motot is running constantly where it should kick on/off when the trigger is pulled.

I don't think it's an issue with the switch, more so the fact it isn't pressurising the water despite the fact the pump is running all be it running constantly.

Any thoughts?

Cheers

[SC7]

Has it been frozen?

[Davie]

SC7 said:

Has it been frozen?

If it has, it would be a couple of years back and it's been used regulary since. I always turn off the water supply, turn off the power then hold the trigger to empty as much water from the machine as possible before putting it away.

As said, the weird thing is that when I turn the power knob to the on position... where as it would always run the motor for a second to build up pressure then cut, now it does nothing however if I push the power knob in, ie put weight on it the motor will fire up and run continuously however there is still no pressure when the trigger is pulled, instead just wayer at tap pressure comes out.

I think they're sealed systems so perhaps once they're gone, they're gone?

[TooLateForAName]

The fact that you have to hold it in - does that suggest that a cut-off is coming into play?

[Davie]

Really not sure what the exact issue was, but I've sorted it. Basically there's a sprung valve system deep in the bowels of the machine built into the pump with a vertical pin which activates the motor when the trigger is pulled (or maybe vice versa) All I did was strip the outer covers, electriocs and the inernal gubbins and then removed the valve, cleaned it up, regreased it and refitted it then built it all back up and it's now working. So, suspect said relief valve thing was sticking and thus not moving the pin > turning the pump on.

I really should have taken pictures but never mind, it's sorted.

Cheers

[GhiaX]

I've had two Karcher's (commerical quality, not household) and both have died on me just outside of warranty. I'd not be buying one again, they are not very well put together in my opinion.

[SC7]

GhiaX said:

I've had two Karcher's (commerical quality, not household) and both have died on me just outside of warranty. I'd not be buying one again, they are not very well put together in my opinion.

I use a household quality Karcher between 5 and 10 times per day, every day. I've had the current one for 18 months with no problems whatsoever.

[Davie]

SC7 said:

I use a household quality Karcher between 5 and 10 times per day, every day. I've had the current one for 18 months with no problems whatsoever.

Whilst I haven't used mine as often as that, I've had it for about 5yrs and in that time it's been left outside, chucked in and out of cars, left unused for months and this is the first issue I've had. Plus, it was down to a sticky relief valve so really, can't complain at that.

Bit like any mechnical object, it's your luck at the end of the day.

Cheers