QuestionQUESTION: I have a 7 yr old pressure washer with a Honda GC160 engine. A problem has recently developed where the engine dies out as soon as I let off the trigger on the sprayer. The first time it happened I tried to restart and it would not. I took it to a Honda shop and they were able to restart it by changing the sparkplug, giving it some fresh gas, and cleaning the carb. Brought it home and it fired right up but the same problem occured when I let off the trigger on the sprayer...the engine dies. Any thoughts? Being a non gear head, it seems like perhaps there is a backflow pressure issue. I appreciate any help you may be able to offer.
ANSWER: Hello Kevin:
This Problem can be Cause by a Couple of Things. 1- The Carburetor Requires a Good Soaking and Cleaning or 2- The Pressure Washers Relief Valve has Stuck and when you Release the Trigger on the Sprayer, there is too Much Pressure for the Engine to Handle when it Tries to Idle. Send me the Model Numbers Off the Unit, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. Also, can you Send me the Rest of the Honda Model Numbers? Example of Engine Model Numbers: GC160 PHA, GC160 PXA, GC160 QBC, ect. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi John,
Thanks for your previous response.
Here is a page called "breakdown" from the DeVilbiss website that has engine and pump ifo.
http://www.devap.com/repair_pdfs//PW/PW_PDFS//exh2425.pdf
The pressure washer is a DeVilbiss EXH2425. It has a Honda GC160QHA engine. The pump is manufactured by DeVilbiss and is the DAPC Axial Cam.
I ran the pressure washer again today for about 30 minutes and had the same outcome. While running the pressure washer and spraying, both the engine and pump seem to be operating normally. Engine was strong as was the pump. As soon as I let off the trigger of the sprayer, the engine dies. Would this lead you to believe the problem is more of a "pump" issue as opposed to an engine issue? Thanks. Kevin
AnswerHello Again Kevin:
My Thinking was the Same as Yours. The Pressure Relief is Stuck or Requires Replacing is My Thought on this Issue. If the Engine is Stopping it Rotation Faster than Normal, then the Issue is Definitely the Relief Valve. The Relief Valve Bypasses the Water Pressure Until you Open the Trigger. Then it Closes and you have Pressure at the Sprayer. I have Read this E-mail and Our Previous Conversations and After Looking the Engine, I am Saying the Pressure Relief is the First Item to Check. This is a DeWalt Product and I Require a Lot of Information to Even Look at the Breakdowns of it. I will Require the Following Information: Model #, Type, Serial #, Date Code, Date Purchased and Where Purchased. You can Start a New Question Thread and Mark it Private if you Wish. I Really Think that the Relief Valve is Stuck or Broken. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
