HighTide
New member
My main unit is now 4 years old, a Vanguard 18 hp belt drive with TS-2021 pump (5.6 gpm @3,500). A couple of days ago while cleaning concrete with a surface cleaner, the unit would "cycle" up and down repeatedly between 3,200 psi and 2,000 psi at the surface cleaner with the belts squealing for a second at every cycle. I changed the nozzles to a slightly larger orifice and it worked fine at 2,700 psi for an hour then began doing the same thing. After that, I just used this unit for rinsing the other unit being used to now clean the concrete. Every time I let go of the trigger, the belt would squeal for a second even under low pressure. Finally, one of the belts shredded and I shut it down.
Here's where it get interesting: Replaced belts with two new V-belts (BX-42) and tightened. Replaced spark plugs, air filter and changed oil. Pump was rebuild 2 months ago as the seals needed replacing. Flow type unloader is 6 months old. Checked rpm of engine and it measured right at 3,450 under no load. Did a flow test and 5.6 gallons came through in 60 seconds. With all this done and checked, I can't get my pressure above 2,500 psi without the engine "cycling" up and down on the pressure gauge as it will not allow this unit to use pressure above 2,500. Even with the new belts, this unit still squeals for a second when you let go of the trigger at any psi.
Thinking about buying a new unloader but not sure if this is the problem but the more I think about it maybe it is. Would the unloader cause the belts to squeal when letting go of the trigger under low or high pressure use? Can the unloader prevent the unit from going over 2,500 psi even though using a 5.5 nozzle? I am way confused...is it the unloader or something with the engine (or other)? Thanks for any advice!!
Here's where it get interesting: Replaced belts with two new V-belts (BX-42) and tightened. Replaced spark plugs, air filter and changed oil. Pump was rebuild 2 months ago as the seals needed replacing. Flow type unloader is 6 months old. Checked rpm of engine and it measured right at 3,450 under no load. Did a flow test and 5.6 gallons came through in 60 seconds. With all this done and checked, I can't get my pressure above 2,500 psi without the engine "cycling" up and down on the pressure gauge as it will not allow this unit to use pressure above 2,500. Even with the new belts, this unit still squeals for a second when you let go of the trigger at any psi.
Thinking about buying a new unloader but not sure if this is the problem but the more I think about it maybe it is. Would the unloader cause the belts to squeal when letting go of the trigger under low or high pressure use? Can the unloader prevent the unit from going over 2,500 psi even though using a 5.5 nozzle? I am way confused...is it the unloader or something with the engine (or other)? Thanks for any advice!!
