Pressure washer pump

[dean_wales]

Hi guys,

Saw a beefy looking Hozelock pressure washer on a skip. Brought it home to see of I could get it going. No luck - it kept starting for a split second when plugged in but after a few attempt nothing.

I carefully ripped the innards out hoping that I could get the pump working with your help for use in cleaning my rig with a spray ball etc.

As you can see from photos, there is a big heavy pump, a little control box with switch and a big capacitor (? Thought this may be the fault ?) All joined together.

Any ideas on how I can try to resuscitate her?

Do I need to be careful around that capacitor? Does it hold charge etc.

Dean.

[lord groan]

Yes be careful with the capacitor, it could give you a nasty bite. I'd pull the spade connectors off and set it to one side while you work on the pump. I've seen people use a screwdriver blade to short circuit the terminals and discharge capacitors before but I've never been able to work out if it is going to damage the capacitor. You can get a cracking spark though! Or a voltmeter put across the terminals on a high voltage DC setting should tell if theres any residual charge left, it may even discharge it safely too.
As for the pump - I'd check the carbon brushes first, they tend to wear out on pressure washers, could be a worn one making intermittent contact that's the problem, if so usually pretty easy to replace.
Although if it is a brushless induction motor that won't be the problem!
hth