Pressure washer questions (How much is too much?)

B

BlinkSaw182

New member
Hi, I'm new to the forum and have detailed on and off for a couple years. I pretty much get back into it when summer comes. I'm thinking of getting into it at least part time and am getting my materials together. I have the opportunity to get a pressure washer in exchange for a couple of details so I was wondering if this particular p/w will do the job I need it to do.



It's a Karcher G 3050 OH gas p/w. I know people have problems with the Karcher electric units but how about the gas ones? It is a 3000 PSI 2.5 GPM washer and I'm wondering if the pressure is too high? Should I exclusively use the wide (45 and 65 degree) nozzles and stand farther away when I use it?



Also, if people use the detergent feature, what do you use it on and does it work well?



Thanks in advance for the help. :bigups
 
Things to look for in a gas pressure washer:



Honda makes the best engine



A triple piston pump (you'll know one when you see it) is better than a centrifugal pump



2.5+ Gallons per minute is what you want



3,000 psi max is all you need



stick with the 40 degree and wider attachments



I've never used the soap pickup tube, but a foam cannon is great.
 
Thanks for the reply. The Karcher satisfies all that criteria! I want a foam cannon, but I'll get a few details under my belt before getting it.
 
Superbee pretty much summed it up. The only thing I would add is use caution when using a 3000 psi PW. if there's any rock chips or rust bubbles or any flaking in the paint you'll blow the paint right off the car. Use the wider angle tips (there should never be any reason to use a zero degree tip on a car) and you should be fine. I have a 1400 psi Landa Heated powerwasher as my work horse and then a Karcher 2500 psi gas PW as my back up or mobile unit. Both work great.
 
I would make sure you spend your money wisely on a pressure washer. High PSI doesn't really help when detailing a car, but you do want a fairly high gpm. Also make sure you buy a unit that uses universal parts for the pressure washer wand, hoses, etc.
 
To clarify, my dad owns a plumbing supply shop but people ask for non-plumbing stuff all the time. One time he got a pressure washer for a customer who ended up not buying it. So it's going to sit on the shelf forever and I figured I could put it to use. I am mainly detailing several of his vehicles because I like to and because I want to time myself and gauge my skill level and experience before I decide (if I ever decide) to start detailing cars for others. I could buy one, but it's either this or one that costs me $250+ which I may not have money for for a while. It seems the consensus is that it will do the job as long as I am careful and use wider nozzles. I will not use anything besides the 45 and 65 degree nozzles, maybe slightly smaller if I am doing the wheel wells. Thanks for all the help, guys!
 
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