[Denzil]

Well, this thread is definitely off to a great start. I was into thinking that as long as the unit I'm looking at is powered by a Honda engine I should be ok. I do enjoy the Cam Spray for its compactness and portability but it's a large price difference (for me for now) than what can be had OTC.

I'm not even close to doing detailing full time as I'm still in school finishing my studies. At this point in time, the most I could do would probably be every weekend during the school year and during summer, winter, and spring break. I guess OTC is the way to go but I still desire to learn more about critical specifications to look out for when purchasing a pressure washer.

Is there anything else that hasn't already been mentioned?

[Mindflux]

Originally Posted by Denzil

Is there anything else that hasn't already been mentioned?

I'm sure if Superbee were around to discuss this we could learn quite a bit more. Lets hope he chimes in when he has time.

[MrPolished&Waxed]

Originally Posted by 911Fanatic

They do have electric powered units at Home Depot but keep in mind that with an electric unit, you cant let it run for more than a minute or two without having water running through it as it will boil off the sitting water and fry the pump. With a gas model, you can install a bypass that lets the water flow through the pump and back into your tank thus keeping the pump cool without having to constantly turn the machine on and off.

on my karcher it shuts off when your not on the trigger? will it still burn it up?

[911Fanatic]

Originally Posted by MrPolished&Waxed

on my karcher it shuts off when your not on the trigger? will it still burn it up?

As long as the unit is off it won't be a problem. The water running through the pump is what cools it so as long as the unit is not running, it should be ok. Thats a great feature on your Karcher.

[shiny]

Originally Posted by 911Fanatic

A very good point. What is your detailing status, Shiny? Are you doing this as a hobby or a full time detailer. If part time is it, then anything around 2-2.5 gpm will do it for you,gas or electric. Like I said, I have a high gpm machine because of what I work on. I've tried lower gpm machines and for me they don't cut it. Price wise as well, my unit was $1500 almost ten years ago but its worked everyday with no issues. If I was doing cars all day, I would have a smaller machine for sure. My Honda is fairly thirsty as well but in the big picture, its irrelevant. It will go through $15-$20 a week in fuel but a normal week for me in the summer is $2000 - $2400. I personally like Phils little Camspray unit. Totally portable. If you are just starting out, I would pick one of the electric Husky units Home Depot. They will get the job done and if you decide not to pursue detailing full time, you'll have a great little Pwasher to do your own stuff.

Thanks for the info. This is just a hobby and I have a gas powered with a Briggs engine that works well. I was thinking a little extra volume (of water) would be really nice but I guess it probably isn't worth it for the price.

Last year I replaced my electric pressure washer with a gas one (the electric broke) but if I had to do it again, I'd probably stick with electric as it is easier to just leave the unit in the garage.

[HPIA4v2]

Regarding Karcher and from first-hand experience, get the brand new tip/wand from Ebay if you can(cheap under $40 most of the time). For some reason it makes a big difference in cleaning power. I was surprise when I had to replace the hose and ebay seller has the whole new kit for hose + gun + wand and it bring the pump like new again. Not sure if the brass tip inside wears out over time creating bigger opening and lost of pressure. Intially I thought the pump itself is getting weaker but no.

I use Karcher in winter to wash salt/de-icer from under the car so pressure is important at times.

[MrPolished&Waxed]

was there a certain seller on ebay? HPIA4v2

[HPIA4v2]

Originally Posted by MrPolished&Waxed

was there a certain seller on ebay? HPIA4v2

No, I bought it from a private seller.
I don't see alot of Karcher gun+wand for sale on Ebay right Now

I see that as a fun Ebay shopping, you never know what you'll find

[SuperBee364]

Originally Posted by Mindflux

I'm sure if Superbee were around to discuss this we could learn quite a bit more. Lets hope he chimes in when he has time.

LOL, you know me too well, Fluxy, I just can't keep my mouth shut!

You guys have it really well covered, though.... the cam spray electric rocks, but make sure you run it on a 20 amp circuit (most US circuits to standard electrical outlets are 15 amp.)

The triple piston pumps are the best. Especially the ones that have their own seperate oiling system.

Honda engines rock.

GPM is king over pressure.

Cam Spray foam cannons require an adaptor to work with twist on fittings.

Don't run pre-softened water into a CR Spotless (unless it's from an RO system).

Buy low, sell high.

[Denzil]

Any OTC suggestions Supe? I was thinking of going with a cheaper pressure washer for the meantime.