Pressure Washer Engine Speed

Hi All,

I have a North Star (Northern Tool) pressure washer that has a Honda engine and Comet BXD 2530 pump. It's about 4 years old and every time I used it in the past, the engine would idle down (as if under a load) when the the trigger is pressed. One day it stopped idling down and the engine ran at the higher rpm. The pressure is good, just that the engine seems to run at the same speed. When using the detergent nozzle (or no nozzle at all) it does idle down. I decided the problem was the unloader valve so I removed and cleaned the valve but still had the problem. I then ordered a replacement unloader ($89! Ouch) but still the same. One more thing, it goes through gas very quickly. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Grassnut

 

It shouldn't be "idling down" when you use it, it should be running at a different rpm because it is loaded down with the load of the pump. When the unloader kicks in, it comes back up to normal rpm (when you release the trigger). If it isn't bogging under a load, either pump pump isn't loading the engine as much as it used to, or the governor is working better than it used to (something adjusted, or?) and compensating for the load more.

 

Hi Cheese,

Thanks for your reply. Other than using more gas, does it hurt to run at the higher RPM? The pressure is good and it only does this while using the high pressure nozzle. The chemical nozzle works as it did before (RPM drops when trigger is pulled).
Thanks,
Grassnut

 

Without seeing what's happening, it's hard to say for sure, but I doubt it's hurting anything. If the pressure is fine, the engine isn't running at over-revved speed, and there are no funny noises, I'd keep using it. Might want to check the oil in the pump too.