Water Cannon has repair parts and kits :

Water Cannon has repair parts and kits to fix your pump.  In so many cases we find or should I say cannot find the label that has the model number on the pump as shown in this picture.  Of course this is critical to ensure we send you the correct parts to fix your pump problem.  A Picture like this is worth a thousand words.  Sometimes we can identify the pump even without the head or manifold removed as shown.  This can be a little like the crime dramas you see on TV.  I call it: PSI.  Pump Scene Investigation.  I can tell by the picture that is a belt drive.  I can see by the crankcase of the pump and shape of the manifold that this is a General Brand Pump.  To identify the pumps actual model number, with the manifold already removed, you can measure the outside diameter of the white ceramic Plunger or piston in millimeters.  That will give us the bore of the pump piston. To measure the stroke or how far back and forth that same piston travels, hold a ruler next to the piston as you turn the crankshaft of the pump and then see how many millimeters in one direction the piston travels.  If the label is missing from your pump, all of this information combined will ensure the correct pump identification.  Call Water Cannon to order the correct parts to get you back up and running, right the first time.

In looking at the pump that we just talked about above, your eagle eye may have picked up the crack running down the length of the piston.  This crack is caused most often by what is known as “Thermal Shock”.  Thermal Shock is what happens to a piston or plunger when it sees a drastic temperature change usually from hot to cold.  The most common example is when a pressure washer is started before the water is turned on.  The friction from the dry plunger against the seals can heat up in seconds.  It may be too late before the operator realizes that there is no water to the pump.  By the time the user gets the water turned on, the plungers are hot.   When the cold water is introduced, this shocks the ceramic and a crack is formed.  This will cause the seals to fail and leak water back into the crankcase.  If left undetected, catastrophic damage can occur such as thrown connecting rods due to poor lubrication.  The moral of the story:  Always have water flowing through the pump before start up.

 

 

Written by Jim Grode

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Spring time startup of your pressure washer

Here are few tips to help get your pressure washer up and running for the cleaning season.

The first thing I would suggest is to inspect your equipment from wheels to spray tip.   Add air to the tires, repair or replace them if needed.  Check for any loose nuts and bolts, tighten or replace as needed.  Check the engine oil, 10W-30 motor oil is what Honda recommends.  For the GX series engines you will need to fill the oil right up to the threads at either side of the crankcase or “Fill to Spill” as they say.  For any Triplex Pump, you will need a straight 30 weight non-detergent oil found at most auto parts stores or WaterCannon.com.  The oil level is usually half way up the sight glass or at the notch in the dipstick.  Axial Pumps like the RMV and RMW series pumps are maintenance free so you do not need to worry about the oil.  Check your garden hose for damage such as cracks, punctures or bulges.  Make sure there is no debris inside before connecting to your pump.  Clean or replace as needed.  Inspect your high pressure discharge hose the same way.  The trigger gun and wand as well.  Remove and inspect the spray tip before connecting to your washer.

Connect the garden hose to the pump at the garden hose fitting making sure the filter/washer is clean and clear.  Turn on the water supply making sure the water flows freely out of the pump without the high pressure hose attached.  If you stored your machine with pumpsaver or antifreeze mix last year before putting it away for the season, water should come right through.  If not, you may need to allow for the water to purge the air from the valves before adding your high pressure hose gun and wand.  Check for and repair any leaks you may have found from the garden hose to where the nozzle attaches to the spray wand.  Sometimes the orings at the connection points can break or go missing.   Finally, attach your spray nozzle, ensuring the oring inside the nozzle holder is intact.  Make sure the spring loaded collar fully engages the nozzle before final operation.  Always wear protective safety gear.

Written by Jim Grode March 2016
1800.226.2646
www.watercannon.com