New Pressure Washer for Xmas; Need Advice on Foam Cannons

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OzzieMike

Member
My wife bought me an AR 390 SS electric pressure washer for Christmas, and I`m looking for advice on foam cannons (and soap) compatible with it. I`ve done a bit of looking, but it appears most foam cannons want at least 1.8 GPM, and from what I can find out about this new pressure washer, it`s flow rate is 1.4 GPM. The pressure is more than enough at 2000...it`s just the flow rate that worries me. I`m also hoping that I don`t need any adaptors for the foam cannon, but I don`t see the specs for the AR`s fittings, so I`ve no idea on this.

Any and all advice is welcome!
 
OzzieMike said:
My wife bought me an AR 390 SS electric pressure washer for Christmas, and I`m looking for advice on foam cannons (and soap) compatible with it. I`ve done a bit of looking, but it appears most foam cannons want at least 1.8 GPM, and from what I can find out about this new pressure washer, it`s flow rate is 1.4 GPM. The pressure is more than enough at 2000...it`s just the flow rate that worries me. I`m also hoping that I don`t need any adaptors for the foam cannon, but I don`t see the specs for the AR`s fittings, so I`ve no idea on this.

Any and all advice is welcome!
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MTM Hydro Foam Canon of your choice:
1) I know that there are some people on here that have experience with the *Chinese supplier* version of them and say that they can`t see any visible differences, but that`s up to you.
2) You can find the MTM`s here, AG, or prime. It just depends on your desire for shipping.

In order to take advantage of your pressure washer, you`ll need to source a 1.1mm orifice for the canon or buy the low volume version of the MTM. I just got my orifice a yesterday, haven`t had a chance to try it out, but I here that it is the bee`s knee`s.

Hoses: 50 ft are forum favorites, doesn`t matter the supplier, as long as it has good reviews and is the same fittings as your PW.

As far as soaps go, PB SSFoam is a good one, I personally use Purple Powers` Heavy Duty Vehicle and Boat PW Concentrate because it cleans very well (at the expense of LSP life) and is dirt cheap, BF`s Foam Booster does a good job of making foam foamier. BUT the biggest contributor of your foam will be your FC orifice and water quality.
 
I have this pressure washer. It has standard pressure washer fittings - not proprietary like Karcher. I have the original MTM cannon & it works fine. I’m not really concerned about orifices & what not - cause it isn’t going to make any difference regarding the final result of how the car gets clean. I’ve been working on a gallon of Chemical Guys Honeydew for a few years. It’s the older version, but still works very well. Also use Bilt Hamber snow Foam from time to time.

The benefit of foaming is dubious. I wouldn’t get too caught up in it
 
You can get the MTM PF22. Seems to be the better canon. But AR sells the adapter needed for using their gun or the foam canon with the adapter already on it. You can technically use any soap with it.
 
The Guz said:
You can get the MTM PF22. Seems to be the better canon. But AR sells the adapter needed for using their gun or the foam canon with the adapter already on it. You can technically use any soap with it.
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This pressure washer uses standard fittings - no adapters required
 
Swanicyouth said:
I have this pressure washer. It has standard pressure washer fittings - not proprietary like Karcher. I have the original MTM cannon & it works fine. (1)I’m not really concerned about orifices & what not - cause it isn’t going to make any difference regarding the final result of how the car gets clean. I’ve been working on a gallon of Chemical Guys Honeydew for a few years. It’s the older version, but still works very well. Also use Bilt Hamber snow Foam from time to time.

(2)The benefit of foaming is dubious. I wouldn’t get too caught up in it
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1) Orifice size is more for the efficient use of foaming products, orifice restriction is to maximize foaming.
2) Foaming is only handy on cars with visible dirt on the paint, otherwise a rinse will do.
 
The funny thing about detailing is - it’s not a science - everyone has their own opinions. But, I have yet to see any proof that foaming (act of applying foam with a foam cannon) does anything to remove any dirt from a car whatsoever compared to just pressure washing with water.

On the other hand, you can visibly see pressure washing (with plain water) remove a ton of dirt from a panel - compared to a conventional hose. In fact, I’m prepared to say - nobody can prove foaming does anything more substantial than just dumping soapy water on a panel.

On the other hand, I will foam occasionally mainly cuz I hope it does *something*? But who knows? So, that’s why I was kinda suggesting the OP not get caught up too much in seeking the perfect foam cannon - since it’s benefits are questionable to begin with.
 
Just happened to be looking at Cannons
You have a nice machine, w/ a 1/4 " Quick connect at the tip of the wand.
So you need a 1/4" male plug on the Cannon, like the one on the nozzles.
No matter if it`s cheaper or top of the line, watch for the plug for your connection. Or get it and DIY.
The PF22 top o the line. Full adjustments, spray width, Vert. or Horz. dial,
-- or + marked soap mixing knob, upgraded bottle & tube.
Have to say it... This CGs knockoff has an added widemouth bottle feature.
(By the way I`m going with a cheapy for the time being)
My PW is 1.2 GPM. so what I`ve learned from my research is to add more soap, like 3-4ozs. :)
Good Luck and I hope this helps
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Many thanks for all the replies. Doesn`t seem I need an adaptor. I`ve ordered CG Honeydew and the MTM22 foam cannon.

LOL....now just need warmer weather!
 
I foam prior to every traditional wash. I think of it as a good step to do before prerinsing the vehicle. A good coat of foam followed by a good rinse should get all the loose dirt off.

Sometimes I do this prior to a rinseless wash. I foam and rinse outside and then bring my van inside for the rinseless.
 
MTM Hydro, Purple Power Heavy Duty Boat and RV PW Concentrate @ 2oz:15oz. LSP Stripping but it`s worth the cleaning power, car wasn`t washed for two weeks.

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Saved it to my Image gallery.
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Amazon runs the DUSICHIN-SFL-001 for under $13 every once in a while. It works as well as my Italian one, yes I have both.
 
imstew said:
Amazon runs the DUSICHIN-SFL-001 for under $13 every once in a while. It works as well as my Italian one, yes I have both.
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It`s great to have extra foamers and/or bottles on hand in case you need more than one. What would you bet that the business part of the Dusichin (the injector) is made from the same factory that produces them for MTM? I have three MTM foamers — the regular one from six years ago, the low-pressure version, and the new PF22. They all perform about the same. The big difference is how clean the filter is inside the injector assembly. A new or clean filter results in the best foam.

I just used the new Griot`s pneumatic foamer for the first time and I could spray just one side of my van with a bottle. Until I get more bottles, I`m going to premix a gallon of foam solution and have it ready to refill the bottle.

(The pneumatic foamer produces foam that`s a little too dry for the foam/pre-rinse task, but it`d be near perfect for soaping as you go.)
 
Perhaps I`m the oddball with this, however I don`t see what all the hype is about. Other than smelling like melons and covering the car/truck with foamy soap, I don`t see the benefit of dragging out the power washer and hoses, etc. Not to mention it get`s all over the place and is tough to fully remove. I`ve used mine only a few times, then the novelty wore off. To me, there are other very effective ways to wash a car easier than this. Just my 02..
 
For me, if the car is filthy, after a HP rinse, I do foam prior to taking a mitt. Any extra liquid as part of my mechanical agitation is a bonus.
I don`t flood as I wipe/wash a panel technique

For the comment re: no difference in the guns. The PF22 foams better than the original one. I can`t recall the spray pattern between each, as I`m generally around the narrow side for both old or new.
 
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