Michael
New member
Just a bit of our experience with 12 volt oil fired pressure washers......
First; use the largest 12 volt automotive battery you can fit into the space available. The battery acts like a baffle to keep voltage spikes under control and save the igniter/transformer.
Second; do NOT use a deep cycle battery. They are not designed for a constant trickle charge but to be fully discharged before being recharged.
Third; NEVER idle down the engine to lower pressure. It is highly recommended you lock the throttle at the wide open position. The batery needs the the full charging capacity of the system which degrades when the engine is at less than full RPM.
Fourth; use a larger tip to lower pressure, do not adjust the unloader. It will wear prematurely and increase maintenance costs. The manufacturer sets the unloader to function optimally.
Fifth; use the old-style bakelite transformers. They are more resistant to heat, vibration and voltage spikes than the solid state units.
Sixth; always ensure the water is turned on before you start the engine. Also, relieve pressure in the line by opening the gun and keeping it open before you turn over the engine.
Seventh; it is suggested that you cool down the unit by running it with the burner off until the metal parts of the gun/hose are touchable. This will lengthen the life of your coil tremendously and will also give a full charge to the battery before you shut down. This will make starting it later a wee bit easier.
Hope this helps? Cheers.
First; use the largest 12 volt automotive battery you can fit into the space available. The battery acts like a baffle to keep voltage spikes under control and save the igniter/transformer.
Second; do NOT use a deep cycle battery. They are not designed for a constant trickle charge but to be fully discharged before being recharged.
Third; NEVER idle down the engine to lower pressure. It is highly recommended you lock the throttle at the wide open position. The batery needs the the full charging capacity of the system which degrades when the engine is at less than full RPM.
Fourth; use a larger tip to lower pressure, do not adjust the unloader. It will wear prematurely and increase maintenance costs. The manufacturer sets the unloader to function optimally.
Fifth; use the old-style bakelite transformers. They are more resistant to heat, vibration and voltage spikes than the solid state units.
Sixth; always ensure the water is turned on before you start the engine. Also, relieve pressure in the line by opening the gun and keeping it open before you turn over the engine.
Seventh; it is suggested that you cool down the unit by running it with the burner off until the metal parts of the gun/hose are touchable. This will lengthen the life of your coil tremendously and will also give a full charge to the battery before you shut down. This will make starting it later a wee bit easier.
Hope this helps? Cheers.
