Discussion:
Pressure washers
(too old to reply)
Snag
2024-05-22 01:04:45 UTC
Permalink
I was given a Troy Bilt a couple of weeks ago because it "wouldn't
build pressure" and I think I figured out why . There is a ball check
vent valve on the HP outlet . The spring holds the ball off the seat
under normal hose pressure but as soon as the pump builds pressure the
ball is supposed to seal the outlet . Except the ball and spring are
missing ... Soooooo , the question is , if I can't find the ball and
spring can I just plug the hole ? I think the only difference it will
make is that I'll have to hold the wand trigger down while starting the
unit . I just replaced the bypass valve because it had a crack on the
piston head . I think the missing ball and spring are venting enough
pressure that the bypass valve never opens . I'd like to get this unit
running , it has higher pressure and flow rate than the last one I got
for free .
--
Snag
"They may take our lives but
they'll never take our freedom."
William Wallace
b***@www.zefox.net
2024-05-22 02:24:45 UTC
Permalink
Post by Snag
I was given a Troy Bilt a couple of weeks ago because it "wouldn't
build pressure" and I think I figured out why . There is a ball check
vent valve on the HP outlet . The spring holds the ball off the seat
under normal hose pressure but as soon as the pump builds pressure the
ball is supposed to seal the outlet . Except the ball and spring are
missing ... Soooooo , the question is , if I can't find the ball and
spring can I just plug the hole ? I think the only difference it will
make is that I'll have to hold the wand trigger down while starting the
unit . I just replaced the bypass valve because it had a crack on the
piston head . I think the missing ball and spring are venting enough
pressure that the bypass valve never opens . I'd like to get this unit
running , it has higher pressure and flow rate than the last one I got
for free .
A bit confused here; does the missing ball check valve vent to air?

FWIW there's a Youtube channel called "Mustie1" with at least a few
pressure washer salvage videos, along with many more.

bob prohaska
Snag
2024-05-22 12:16:09 UTC
Permalink
Post by b***@www.zefox.net
Post by Snag
I was given a Troy Bilt a couple of weeks ago because it "wouldn't
build pressure" and I think I figured out why . There is a ball check
vent valve on the HP outlet . The spring holds the ball off the seat
under normal hose pressure but as soon as the pump builds pressure the
ball is supposed to seal the outlet . Except the ball and spring are
missing ... Soooooo , the question is , if I can't find the ball and
spring can I just plug the hole ? I think the only difference it will
make is that I'll have to hold the wand trigger down while starting the
unit . I just replaced the bypass valve because it had a crack on the
piston head . I think the missing ball and spring are venting enough
pressure that the bypass valve never opens . I'd like to get this unit
running , it has higher pressure and flow rate than the last one I got
for free .
A bit confused here; does the missing ball check valve vent to air?
Yes , it vents to air . Near as I can tell it's purpose is to vent
pressure as the motor comes up to speed . My other gas powered washer
doesn't have that feature and you must hold the wand trigger down to
start it . I'm pretty sure plugging the hole will result in having to
hold the trigger down to start this one too .
Post by b***@www.zefox.net
FWIW there's a Youtube channel called "Mustie1" with at least a few
pressure washer salvage videos, along with many more.
bob prohaska
I haven't watched any videos , but I did download the repair manual
and the parts diagram . The diagram shows a ball and spring under the
vent nipple , it's missing on this unit . Inspecting the nipple shows a
bright ring where that ball has seated on a machined shoulder . I can
think of no reason to have this feature but to relieve pressure at
startup . The nipple will be going to town with me this morning to see
if I can find suitable replacements . If I can't , I'll plug the hole
and see what happens . And if I can't get this thing to run , I'm only
out about 25 bucks for parts and I'll have a 6.5 Hp B&S OHV motor that
can be used for other things .
--
Snag
"They may take our lives but
they'll never take our freedom."
William Wallace
Leon Fisk
2024-05-22 12:51:56 UTC
Permalink
On Wed, 22 May 2024 07:16:09 -0500
Snag <***@msn.com> wrote:

<snip>
Post by Snag
Yes , it vents to air . Near as I can tell it's purpose is to vent
pressure as the motor comes up to speed . My other gas powered washer
doesn't have that feature and you must hold the wand trigger down to
start it . I'm pretty sure plugging the hole will result in having to
hold the trigger down to start this one too .
This Ebay search finds items that may be similar:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=pressure+washer+starting+valve&_sacat=0
--
Leon Fisk
Grand Rapids MI
Clare Snyder
2024-05-22 20:52:53 UTC
Permalink
Post by Snag
Post by b***@www.zefox.net
Post by Snag
I was given a Troy Bilt a couple of weeks ago because it "wouldn't
build pressure" and I think I figured out why . There is a ball check
vent valve on the HP outlet . The spring holds the ball off the seat
under normal hose pressure but as soon as the pump builds pressure the
ball is supposed to seal the outlet . Except the ball and spring are
missing ... Soooooo , the question is , if I can't find the ball and
spring can I just plug the hole ? I think the only difference it will
make is that I'll have to hold the wand trigger down while starting the
unit . I just replaced the bypass valve because it had a crack on the
piston head . I think the missing ball and spring are venting enough
pressure that the bypass valve never opens . I'd like to get this unit
running , it has higher pressure and flow rate than the last one I got
for free .
A bit confused here; does the missing ball check valve vent to air?
Yes , it vents to air . Near as I can tell it's purpose is to vent
pressure as the motor comes up to speed . My other gas powered washer
doesn't have that feature and you must hold the wand trigger down to
start it . I'm pretty sure plugging the hole will result in having to
hold the trigger down to start this one too .
Post by b***@www.zefox.net
FWIW there's a Youtube channel called "Mustie1" with at least a few
pressure washer salvage videos, along with many more.
bob prohaska
I haven't watched any videos , but I did download the repair manual
and the parts diagram . The diagram shows a ball and spring under the
vent nipple , it's missing on this unit . Inspecting the nipple shows a
bright ring where that ball has seated on a machined shoulder . I can
think of no reason to have this feature but to relieve pressure at
startup . The nipple will be going to town with me this morning to see
if I can find suitable replacements . If I can't , I'll plug the hole
and see what happens . And if I can't get this thing to run , I'm only
out about 25 bucks for parts and I'll have a 6.5 Hp B&S OHV motor that
can be used for other things .
Replace the spring and ball with a manual valve - open to start,
shut to run
Bob La Londe
2024-05-22 21:27:01 UTC
Permalink
Post by Clare Snyder
Post by Snag
Post by b***@www.zefox.net
Post by Snag
I was given a Troy Bilt a couple of weeks ago because it "wouldn't
build pressure" and I think I figured out why . There is a ball check
vent valve on the HP outlet . The spring holds the ball off the seat
under normal hose pressure but as soon as the pump builds pressure the
ball is supposed to seal the outlet . Except the ball and spring are
missing ... Soooooo , the question is , if I can't find the ball and
spring can I just plug the hole ? I think the only difference it will
make is that I'll have to hold the wand trigger down while starting the
unit . I just replaced the bypass valve because it had a crack on the
piston head . I think the missing ball and spring are venting enough
pressure that the bypass valve never opens . I'd like to get this unit
running , it has higher pressure and flow rate than the last one I got
for free .
A bit confused here; does the missing ball check valve vent to air?
Yes , it vents to air . Near as I can tell it's purpose is to vent
pressure as the motor comes up to speed . My other gas powered washer
doesn't have that feature and you must hold the wand trigger down to
start it . I'm pretty sure plugging the hole will result in having to
hold the trigger down to start this one too .
Post by b***@www.zefox.net
FWIW there's a Youtube channel called "Mustie1" with at least a few
pressure washer salvage videos, along with many more.
bob prohaska
I haven't watched any videos , but I did download the repair manual
and the parts diagram . The diagram shows a ball and spring under the
vent nipple , it's missing on this unit . Inspecting the nipple shows a
bright ring where that ball has seated on a machined shoulder . I can
think of no reason to have this feature but to relieve pressure at
startup . The nipple will be going to town with me this morning to see
if I can find suitable replacements . If I can't , I'll plug the hole
and see what happens . And if I can't get this thing to run , I'm only
out about 25 bucks for parts and I'll have a 6.5 Hp B&S OHV motor that
can be used for other things .
Replace the spring and ball with a manual valve - open to start,
shut to run
Or install that extra unloader you ordered for your high compression
Harley.
--
Bob La Londe
CNC Molds N Stuff
--
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG antivirus software.
www.avg.com
Snag
2024-05-22 21:47:48 UTC
Permalink
Post by Bob La Londe
Post by b***@www.zefox.net
    I was given a Troy Bilt a couple of weeks ago because it "wouldn't
build pressure" and I think I figured out why . There is a ball check
vent valve on the HP outlet . The spring holds the ball off the seat
under normal hose pressure but as soon as the pump builds pressure the
ball is supposed to seal the outlet . Except the ball and spring are
missing ... Soooooo , the question is , if I can't find the ball and
spring can I just plug the hole ? I think the only difference it will
make is that I'll have to hold the wand trigger down while starting the
unit . I just replaced the bypass valve because it had a crack on the
piston head . I think the missing ball and spring are venting enough
pressure that the bypass valve never opens . I'd like to get this unit
running , it has higher pressure and flow rate than the last one I got
for free .
A bit confused here; does the missing ball check valve vent to air?
   Yes , it vents to air . Near as I can tell it's purpose is to vent
pressure as the motor comes up to speed . My other gas powered washer
doesn't have that feature and you must hold the wand trigger down to
start it . I'm pretty sure plugging the hole will result in having to
hold the trigger down to start this one too .
Post by b***@www.zefox.net
FWIW there's a Youtube channel called "Mustie1" with at least a few
pressure washer salvage videos, along with many more.
bob prohaska
   I haven't watched any videos , but I did download the repair manual
and the parts diagram . The diagram shows a ball and spring under the
vent nipple , it's missing on this unit . Inspecting the nipple shows a
bright ring where that ball has seated on a machined shoulder . I can
think of no reason to have this feature but to relieve pressure at
startup . The nipple will be going to town with me this morning to see
if I can find suitable replacements . If I can't , I'll plug the hole
and see what happens . And if I can't get this thing to run , I'm only
out about 25 bucks for parts and I'll have a 6.5 Hp B&S OHV motor that
can be used for other things .
   Replace the spring and ball with a manual valve - open to start,
shut to run
Or install that extra unloader you ordered for your high compression
Harley.
Well 10.5:1 ain't all that high and it's not a big inch motor so ...
but I did install some compression releases for a big inch S&S motor for
Buttplug Smith one time .
--
Snag
"They may take our lives but
they'll never take our freedom."
William Wallace
Bob La Londe
2024-05-22 22:21:49 UTC
Permalink
Post by Bob La Londe
Post by b***@www.zefox.net
    I was given a Troy Bilt a couple of weeks ago because it "wouldn't
build pressure" and I think I figured out why . There is a ball check
vent valve on the HP outlet . The spring holds the ball off the seat
under normal hose pressure but as soon as the pump builds pressure the
ball is supposed to seal the outlet . Except the ball and spring are
missing ... Soooooo , the question is , if I can't find the ball and
spring can I just plug the hole ? I think the only difference it will
make is that I'll have to hold the wand trigger down while starting the
unit . I just replaced the bypass valve because it had a crack on the
piston head . I think the missing ball and spring are venting enough
pressure that the bypass valve never opens . I'd like to get this unit
running , it has higher pressure and flow rate than the last one I got
for free .
A bit confused here; does the missing ball check valve vent to air?
   Yes , it vents to air . Near as I can tell it's purpose is to vent
pressure as the motor comes up to speed . My other gas powered washer
doesn't have that feature and you must hold the wand trigger down to
start it . I'm pretty sure plugging the hole will result in having to
hold the trigger down to start this one too .
Post by b***@www.zefox.net
FWIW there's a Youtube channel called "Mustie1" with at least a few
pressure washer salvage videos, along with many more.
bob prohaska
   I haven't watched any videos , but I did download the repair manual
and the parts diagram . The diagram shows a ball and spring under the
vent nipple , it's missing on this unit . Inspecting the nipple shows a
bright ring where that ball has seated on a machined shoulder . I can
think of no reason to have this feature but to relieve pressure at
startup . The nipple will be going to town with me this morning to see
if I can find suitable replacements . If I can't , I'll plug the hole
and see what happens . And if I can't get this thing to run , I'm only
out about 25 bucks for parts and I'll have a 6.5 Hp B&S OHV motor that
can be used for other things .
   Replace the spring and ball with a manual valve - open to start,
shut to run
Or install that extra unloader you ordered for your high compression
Harley.
  Well 10.5:1 ain't all that high and it's not a big inch motor so ...
but I did install some compression releases for a big inch S&S motor for
Buttplug Smith one time .
I think my Cow is 10.5:1 and the darn thing requires high octane fuel in
order to eliminate ping.
--
Bob La Londe
CNC Molds N Stuff
--
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG antivirus software.
www.avg.com
Snag
2024-05-23 02:42:05 UTC
Permalink
Post by Bob La Londe
Post by Bob La Londe
Post by b***@www.zefox.net
    I was given a Troy Bilt a couple of weeks ago because it "wouldn't
build pressure" and I think I figured out why . There is a ball check
vent valve on the HP outlet . The spring holds the ball off the seat
under normal hose pressure but as soon as the pump builds pressure the
ball is supposed to seal the outlet . Except the ball and spring are
missing ... Soooooo , the question is , if I can't find the ball and
spring can I just plug the hole ? I think the only difference it will
make is that I'll have to hold the wand trigger down while starting the
unit . I just replaced the bypass valve because it had a crack on the
piston head . I think the missing ball and spring are venting enough
pressure that the bypass valve never opens . I'd like to get this unit
running , it has higher pressure and flow rate than the last one I got
for free .
A bit confused here; does the missing ball check valve vent to air?
   Yes , it vents to air . Near as I can tell it's purpose is to vent
pressure as the motor comes up to speed . My other gas powered washer
doesn't have that feature and you must hold the wand trigger down to
start it . I'm pretty sure plugging the hole will result in having to
hold the trigger down to start this one too .
Post by b***@www.zefox.net
FWIW there's a Youtube channel called "Mustie1" with at least a few
pressure washer salvage videos, along with many more.
bob prohaska
   I haven't watched any videos , but I did download the repair manual
and the parts diagram . The diagram shows a ball and spring under the
vent nipple , it's missing on this unit . Inspecting the nipple shows a
bright ring where that ball has seated on a machined shoulder . I can
think of no reason to have this feature but to relieve pressure at
startup . The nipple will be going to town with me this morning to see
if I can find suitable replacements . If I can't , I'll plug the hole
and see what happens . And if I can't get this thing to run , I'm only
out about 25 bucks for parts and I'll have a 6.5 Hp B&S OHV motor that
can be used for other things .
   Replace the spring and ball with a manual valve - open to start,
shut to run
Or install that extra unloader you ordered for your high compression
Harley.
   Well 10.5:1 ain't all that high and it's not a big inch motor so
... but I did install some compression releases for a big inch S&S
motor for Buttplug Smith one time .
I think my Cow is 10.5:1 and the darn thing requires high octane fuel in
order to eliminate ping.
I run 91 or 92 , non-ethanol when I can get it . Which the last few
years has become a lot of places , we're now a "motorcycle destination
area" . A lot of these guys are very particular about what they put in
the tank . If I paid 35,000 bucks for a bike/trike I'd be particular too .
--
Snag
"They may take our lives but
they'll never take our freedom."
William Wallace
Jim Wilkins
2024-05-22 21:35:09 UTC
Permalink
"Clare Snyder" wrote in message news:***@4ax.com...

Replace the spring and ball with a manual valve - open to start,
shut to run.
-----------------------
Good idea, it frees both hands. Hardware store pipe fittings may not be
rated for the working pressure.

I made a cam handle replacement for a pull-ring pressure relief valve on my
portable air compressor to reduce the starting current so it could run from
a 3KW generator. Open valve to start, close to build pressure. During storm
power outages is when I most need air to clean out the carburetors of rarely
used equipment.
Snag
2024-05-22 21:41:02 UTC
Permalink
Post by Clare Snyder
Post by Snag
Post by b***@www.zefox.net
Post by Snag
I was given a Troy Bilt a couple of weeks ago because it "wouldn't
build pressure" and I think I figured out why . There is a ball check
vent valve on the HP outlet . The spring holds the ball off the seat
under normal hose pressure but as soon as the pump builds pressure the
ball is supposed to seal the outlet . Except the ball and spring are
missing ... Soooooo , the question is , if I can't find the ball and
spring can I just plug the hole ? I think the only difference it will
make is that I'll have to hold the wand trigger down while starting the
unit . I just replaced the bypass valve because it had a crack on the
piston head . I think the missing ball and spring are venting enough
pressure that the bypass valve never opens . I'd like to get this unit
running , it has higher pressure and flow rate than the last one I got
for free .
A bit confused here; does the missing ball check valve vent to air?
Yes , it vents to air . Near as I can tell it's purpose is to vent
pressure as the motor comes up to speed . My other gas powered washer
doesn't have that feature and you must hold the wand trigger down to
start it . I'm pretty sure plugging the hole will result in having to
hold the trigger down to start this one too .
Post by b***@www.zefox.net
FWIW there's a Youtube channel called "Mustie1" with at least a few
pressure washer salvage videos, along with many more.
bob prohaska
I haven't watched any videos , but I did download the repair manual
and the parts diagram . The diagram shows a ball and spring under the
vent nipple , it's missing on this unit . Inspecting the nipple shows a
bright ring where that ball has seated on a machined shoulder . I can
think of no reason to have this feature but to relieve pressure at
startup . The nipple will be going to town with me this morning to see
if I can find suitable replacements . If I can't , I'll plug the hole
and see what happens . And if I can't get this thing to run , I'm only
out about 25 bucks for parts and I'll have a 6.5 Hp B&S OHV motor that
can be used for other things .
Replace the spring and ball with a manual valve - open to start,
shut to run
I picked up a ball and spring at the hardware store - and a plug . I
couldn't get the ball to seal so installed the plug . Holding the
trigger open lets it start , but the carb has decided to be wonky now .
No problem , there's a brand new in the box carb sittin' on the bench .
Because these things almost always need carb work after sitting for a
year or 4 and a kit costs as much as a new unit . I'm into this project
less than 30 bucks so far , and if nothing else I've learned at least
that much .
--
Snag
"They may take our lives but
they'll never take our freedom."
William Wallace
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