How to reset reloader correctly

jerryb

New member
I have a dilemna. I was advised by the people who sold me my pressure washer to adjust the pressure by adjusting the unloader. I did that to lower my pressure in order to wash a fence. I have a 13 hp Honda with a comet pump that I have been informed by the seller should be a 3500 psi 4 gpm set-up. To set the unloader back to what it should be I purchased a guage to measure my pressure so that I could reset it. With a 40 degree #4 tip I adjusted the unloader with the gun open until the guage registered 3500 psi. I assumed that everything should be back to normal and that I could now adjust my pressure by changing tips as recommended by the pros. When I let go of the trigger the guage moves up toward 4000 psi. While testing my chemical injector's reported 5 to 1 ratio I shot water into a 5 gallon container with a soap nozzle for 1 minute to read my machines gpm and to see if the mixing ratio was correct. I was surprised, however, to find that the output into the container actually was 5 gpm. Does the 4 gpm machine add the extra gallon coming through the injector to the actual flow to create the 5 gpm result I experience? Now I'm wondering if some further adjustment is needed. I have purchased tips for a 3500 gpm 4 gpm. Am I missing something - should I expect 5 gpm when using a soap tip? Is there a suggested procedure that I should follow to get my equipment to its proper operating pressure?
 
Last edited:
Jerry

Not really sure why you measured 5/gpm. When checking use 100' of hose or less ( a 50' is the most accurate), install the gauge just before your gun with a new nozzle that is rated for the spec. of your machine. If a downstream injector is installed it will reduce your pressure about 200 psi, so set it where the gauge is reading 3300 psi. One of my chemical customers was told the same as you about the unloader except it was a HOTSY dealer, I disagree. Change the tips. I have a nozzle chart at www.rowlettpressure.com. A #8 nozzle will give you 1000 psi and that is what I recommend to doing deck work. The flow is more important than the psi. That is why so many people damage things. When you turn down the unloader you reduce the flow, that is why I never do that. My main machine has a K7 unloader on it and I never adjust it. This is the only type I will ever purchase in the future.
 
Back
Top