Ferrex (aldi) Pressure Washer

[Skyedriver]

Had it about 4 years, used for two patios a year.
It has started to die? cuts out after about 5 minutes, needs about 10 minutes rest then get another 5 minutes.
Any cure or a trip to the tip?
Thanks

[Ste-EVo]

Hows your water pressure from the tap? When we first moved in our pressure.was quite low and my jet.wash used to cut out.

Could be that??

[langy]

check the filters

[Belle427]

As above, check the water flow going in is not restricted in any way.

[Sford]

Some pressure washers are sensitive to hoselock stop style connectors as they restrict the flow. May also be the unit is getting clogged. My Bosch never liked the hose that had one on both ends so swapped them out to normal connectors.

[Danns]

Sford said:

Some pressure washers are sensitive to hoselock stop style connectors as they restrict the flow. May also be the unit is getting clogged. My Bosch never liked the hose that had one on both ends so swapped them out to normal connectors.

I think its more than that... they need the hose as a dump /sink for the pressure when the pump stops.

Broke a 2 day old Stihl pressure washer by having an aqua stop connector on the pressure washer end, leaked like a sieve from somewhere inside following that.

Sounds wrong and something that shouldn't happen, but watch how much the supply hose twitches when you let go of the trigger.

Edited by Danns on Thursday 9th April 09:47

[Skyedriver]

Thanks for the replies
I use a 30m Hozelock hose, one of those that extends by about 100% when you turn on the tap.
It has worked like that on the odd occasion I've actually used it; until a few days ago.
Tried turning the pressure from the tap up and down without any success.
Didn't know there was a filter.... can't imagine there's much to filter from the mains though.
Does seem more as it it's heating up (although there's no obvious heat) and cutting out until it cools off?

[Skyedriver]

Update (well more a breakdown).
Dragged it out this morning after having checked and removed the little inline filter. Connected it all up, managed 2 minutes and about 10 sq inches before it cut out. Tap was on full so water pressure should have been OK.

Out with the screwdrivers and split the casing.

Tried to run it dry on the bench and away it went, probably more than 2 mins before I switched it off as a) the noise was deafening and b) the pump was getting hot. I assume (never assume!) the water rushing through it keeps it cool. Sounds OK when running apart from the db, but there is a bit of a screechy bearing noise when it's switched off.

Photos of pump attached, what is the cream "L" shaped item attached to the outlet? It's electrical and rotates about 5°, I'm guessing some sort of cut off BUT whichever position the motor still runs.

Thanks for any suggestions (preferably sensible)

[outnumbered]

That looks very like my cheapo Nilfisk C110 pressure washer on the inside, in particular the pressure switch assembly. That's quite easy to change if you look for a helpful video on YT.

[Skyedriver]

outnumbered said:

That looks very like my cheapo Nilfisk C110 pressure washer on the inside, in particular the pressure switch assembly. That's quite easy to change if you look for a helpful video on YT.

Could that be the fault? Could I temporarily by pass it to test do you think?

[JoshSm]

Sounds more like it's overworking and overheating. Bad pressure switch would make it either not start or run after the trigger was released? Motor is on top inside the shroud and usually air cooled, thermal cutout will be in there somewhere.

Could be something in the pump is sticky and making it work much harder than it should? Bearing or maybe the pump pistons are vs the water side seals.

Main part of the pump is usually a swash plate in an oil bath (usually a nice glittery oil bath!) so unlikely to be sticking.

[BigRickus]

I don’t think the hoses that expand when turned on are suitable for pressure washers. Maybe try with a standard hose?

[blueg33]

BigRickus said:

I don t think the hoses that expand when turned on are suitable for pressure washers. Maybe try with a standard hose?

I think it’s this. Most pressure washer instructions I have seen say this.

[Skyedriver]

Interesting thought but I've used it with that hose since Day 1. It's only just started cutting out.

[Skyedriver]

Bringing the thread up to date:
I stripped the washer down, couldn't find anything obvious, ran it up on the bench (dry) and it was fine.
Back out on the patio, 2 mins and it stopped.
I had borrowed the washer my late FiL had so swopped everything over - 2 mins and stopped!!
Hhmmm
Different extension lead - everything tickety boo!!
Turns out that the extension lead has a "thermal and current cut out", been using it for years, used it today with an angle grinder never given any trouble.
Thanks for all advice.