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Articles  Why doesn't my pressure washer reach full pressure?  Updated 10/19/09 For Gas and Electric Machines A loss of pressure can be caused by a number of things. Here are the things you should check first: - Make sure your garden hose and high pressure hose are not kinked, leaking, or blocked in  Why is my pressure washer surging?  Water flow may be restricted to the pressure washer. Check that all hoses are free of kinks, leaks, or blockage. Make certain all hoses and fittings are connected properly. Make sure to open the faucet/spigot to full force. Set the spray wand to high  What is the general dilution ratio for detergent in Kärcher pressure washers?  Although there is some variation from model to model, the general dilution ratio of detergent to water is 18:1. That is to say that the detergent is drawn and dispensed at a rate of 1 unit for every 18 units of water. Roughly 1 gallon of detergent will be  What are some solutions when my engine will not start or is hard to start?  Gas pressure washer: > No gasoline present in the fuel tank or carburetor > Low amount of oil in the engine > Water in gasoline or old fuel > Dirty air filter > Worn spark plug. Make sure it is the correct type > Release water pressure by squ  How do I check the oil level in the pump?  To find the exact pump oil guidelines for your pressure washer, go to: http://www.karcherresidential.com/en/pump_guide/master_list.php  Why does the pressure fluctuate on my pressure washer?  > Water flow may be restricted to the pressure washer. > Check that all hoses are free of kinks, leaks, or blockage. Make certain all hoses and fittings are connected properly. Make sure to open the faucet/spigot to full force. Set the spray wand to h  What causes the pressure to be irregular or fluctuate?  The pressure could be irregular because the nozzle is clogged. There could be dirt in the inlet/outlet valve or a kink in the garden hose. To correct these problems, clean nozzles and valve fittings regularly. Whenever you move the pressure washer, always  Why does water come out of my pump?  A leak of up to 3 drops per minute is normal for all pressure washers. If you run gas pressure washer for several minutes without spraying the wand, the pump will automatically purge water to protect it from overheating. This is called the automatic  How do I clean clogged nozzles?  To clean clogged nozzles: > Always disconnect your spray wand from the gun before cleaning your nozzles! > Clear the nozzle with a small rigid piece of wire such as a paper clip. > Flush the nozzle backwards with water. > Reconnect the wand to t  Does my pump have a thermal relief valve?  Gas pressure washers are equipped with this feature. The valve will open when the water reaches a temperature of 140°F. The valve will close once the cold water contacts the thermal relief valve. DO NOT the let the pump run longer than 5 minutes in th  Why is the pressure on my machine surging or fluctuating?  Water flow may be restricted to the pressure washer. Check that all hoses are free of kinks, leaks, or blockage. Make certain all hoses and fittings are connected properly. Make sure to open the faucet/spigot to full force. Set the spray wand to high  Why does my engine keep shutting down?  Some gas engines are equipped with a low oil sensor. If the oil level is too low the engine will automatically shut-down. We recommend filling the pressure washer to the proper level as indicated in the engine owner’s manual. Tipping or rocking the pres  Why do my quick connect nozzles not perform properly?  The nozzle could also be clogged with debris. You can clean them with a warm water/vinegar solution and a needle or paper clip. Over time, depending on the type of water used, the orifice can also become washed out. In which case, you would have to r  Why can't I pull the cord on my engine?  Squeeze the trigger gun to release any pressure built up inside of the pump. Try starting the engine. If the problem continues: > If you have transported the pressure washer on its side or laid it down somehow, this will cause the valves to close, mak  Why is the pump noisy or running rough?  The pump may become noisy if the pump is drawing in air. To correct this, ensure all fittings and connectors are tight. There may be a low water supply. Make sure the water faucet/spigot is fully turned on. Check for any kinks in the garden hose. The pump  What is the best way to find the information I need?  The best way to find the answer to your question is to use the "Search" function on this page. Enter a keyword(s) related to your question. Click the "Search" button. The search engine will find all of the related FAQ's. If after searching the FAQ'  How much oil should I put into my pump?  Visit: http://www.karcherresidential.com/en/pump_guide/master_list.php and click on your pressure washer model for all information relating to pump oil.  Do I have to check the oil in my pump?  Visit: http://www.karcherresidential.com/en/pump_guide/master_list.php and click on your pressure washer model for all information relating to pump oil.  How do I check the pump oil on my electric unit?  Kärcher electric pressure washers are Maintenance Free. The oil is completely sealed inside the pump. There is no need to check or change the oil.  How do I clear debris from the water screen?  Remove the screen and backflush impurities from it. Replace immediately. Do not operate the pressure washer without the screen in place. Debris can enter the pressure washer and damage the pump.  Why does my engine misfire or lack power?  This problem can be caused by the choke being set too high. Simply turn the choke down. By turning the choke down you are allowing less air to enter the engine. Also, check spark plugs for carbon deposits, lose connections, and air filter.  Can I change the screw connectors on my garden hose to a quick connect?  Yes! Quick connect fittings for garden hoses can be found at any home center.  How often should I check the oil in my engine?  The oil should be checked every time gas is added. This type of maintenance will help prevent running low on oil and damaging the engine.  How long can hoses be extended?  Gas Pressure Washers: The maximum recommended length for your garden hose is 100 feet. The maximum recommended length for your High Pressure Hose is 100 feet. The pressure washer may operate at lengths beyond this, but performance will suffer,  Why does my engine leak oil?  The leak may be possible due to overfilling the oil reservoir. Overfilling the reservoir will cause oil leakage and poor engine performance. Please refer to the engine owner’s manual for proper filling instructions.  What is the detergent to water ratio?  The ratio that the detergent is diluted varies slightly from unit to unit. The most common ratio is 18:1.  Can I replace my detergent siphon tube?  Any 3/8 plastic tubing will work as a temporary replacement. Visit www.BuyKarcher.com to order a permanent replacement.  Can I change my Bayonet style lance to Quick Connect?  No! Bayonets are designed to work with a specific PSI and GPM setting and cannot be interchanged.