North Star Power Washer problem

[johnnylight]

North Star Pressure Washer problem

I have a North Star power washer model 1578961A it's a 8HP power by Tecumseh with annovi reverbersi pump


My engine runs with no problems.

here's the problem:

no pressure to wand.


What I have tried so far:

Replaced spark plug.

replaced a 3000psi wand with a 4000 psi wand. (it was the only kit I could find at the time worked for awhile before all this started.

checked the unloader valve put it back together and it work until I released the trigger. The pressure would not come back.

I held the adjuster to give her more rpms and she worked this was short lived it will not do this anymore.

while she was working with raised rpms I messed with the unloader adjustment knob to lower psi and that's where it ended.

Based on the suggestions from the other power wash post it looks like my unloader valve is the problem.

where can I buy one?
Is it the wand difference in psi?


What do you think?

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

Is there a chance your pressure washer has a screen on the inlet(where the garden hose hooks) that is pluged. With the engine shut off and the high pressure hose unhooked turn the garden hose on and see if you get flow through the pump. If you do it is a releif problem and if you dont you have a restriction on the supply side.

 

[johnnylight]

Is there a chance your pressure washer has a screen on the inlet(where the garden hose hooks) that is pluged. With the engine shut off and the high pressure hose unhooked turn the garden hose on and see if you get flow through the pump. If you do it is a releif problem and if you dont you have a restriction on the supply side.

Thanks
water is flowing, what kind I do for the relief problem?

 

[CCWKen]

Take the unloader valve apart and clean it then lube with some white grease. They're pretty simple. Most are just spring loaded telescoping slider valves. Mine gets used about once a month or less so the standing water caused some corrosion. I cleaned mine last year and it's good as new.

 

[johnnylight]

Take the unloader valve apart and clean it then lube with some white grease. They're pretty simple. Most are just spring loaded telescoping slider valves. Mine gets used about once a month or less so the standing water caused some corrosion. I cleaned mine last year and it's good as new.

Thanks

When I had the unloader valve apart I noticed dark stains on it.
The knob is hard to turn so the grease sounds like a good idea.

Any suggestions on where to buy a unloader valve or replacement parts if needed?

 

[bob_wood]

Thanks

When I had the unloader valve apart I noticed dark stains on it.
The knob is hard to turn so the grease sounds like a good idea.

Any suggestions on where to buy a unloader valve or replacement parts if needed?

Northern Tool has unloader valves.

Bob

 

[johnnylight]

Northern Tool has unloader valves.

Bob

Thanks Bob,

Glad you were able to get yours up and running.
I clean up the unloader valve grease it up nice the valve turns with ease but still no pressure.

How do you know when the pump is bad?
What should I try next?

 

[Gnash]

If you have a trigger gun with removable tip, take the tip out and try your machine. If you have a good stream of water, clean tip, replace and and all is well. If there is still no flow through the gun, remove the gun itself from the hose and try again. ( You see the pattern here? ) Still nothing? Remove the unloader valve and try it. If after all this,( about 15 minutes ) you still have no flow, you probably have a stuck valve or valves in the pump. Not difficult to fix at all, but try these things first and if need be I'll explain how to do the valves.
Gnash

 

[johnnylight]

If you have a trigger gun with removable tip, take the tip out and try your machine. If you have a good stream of water, clean tip, replace and and all is well. If there is still no flow through the gun, remove the gun itself from the hose and try again. ( You see the pattern here? ) Still nothing? Remove the unloader valve and try it. If after all this,( about 15 minutes ) you still have no flow, you probably have a stuck valve or valves in the pump. Not difficult to fix at all, but try these things first and if need be I'll explain how to do the valves.
Gnash

Gnash (cool idea process of elimination)
Here's what am up to: water runs through steady stream of water same as hose pressure but no pressure from pump.

I removed the valve body allen screws and found 2 valves equal distance but the 3rd valve is out a little further.
Thanks for the help.

 

[johnnylight]

update:

Valves are moving ok - I can move them by pulling crank.

Well I was able to clean up my tractor, I bought a troy built 2550 psi with car kit turbo nozzle, and rotating brush for $50 at a yard sale. (It's never been used)

Obsering the new power washer I can see the unloader valve spring suck in while the trigger is pulled --this is something my northstar is not doing.


I keep you posted am not giving up, just needed a working power washer right away.
thanks for all suggestions including the other power washer post (JJ) about the unloader valve very informative.