Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 31 December 2024, 11:42:42
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My electric pressure washer drives me crazy.
Hose and electric leads inevitably get tangled together.
Surely petrol power would make life more easy.
Not sure if a petrol washer can provide good PSI though.
Any thoughts?
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Be more careful with the hose and lead :)
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Be more careful with the hose and lead :)
I've tried, I really have. :-*
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You don't think a small petrol engine can drive a pump as well as a DC electric motor powered off an extension lead that's plugged into a 13amp socket? 3HP is about the limit for that electric setup; it's easy for an engine.
If your current pressure is a <£500 DIY thing, you're going to find using a petrol one to be more faffing about. Once you step up to a permanently wired/plumbed/fixed to the wall thing you have to consider the actual use to decide whether a petrol one is better.
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IMO I think you're likely to have the opposite issue. Finding a petrol one small enough that it doesn't flay the paint straight off your car ;D
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I don't want to spend too much.
3100PSI....but is this likely to remove the paint from the car as suggested by Jimmy?
https://www.parkerbrand.co.uk/petrol-pressure-jet-washer-6-5hp-engine-3100-psi (https://www.parkerbrand.co.uk/petrol-pressure-jet-washer-6-5hp-engine-3100-psi)
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You don't think a small petrol engine can drive a pump as well as a DC electric motor powered off an extension lead that's plugged into a 13amp socket? 3HP is about the limit for that electric setup; it's easy for an engine.
If your current pressure is a <£500 DIY thing, you're going to find using a petrol one to be more faffing about. Once you step up to a permanently wired/plumbed/fixed to the wall thing you have to consider the actual use to decide whether a petrol one is better. [/size]
I hope to pay much less than this..... :)
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What do you currently have?
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What do you currently have?
A crappy Nilfisk C110 which is about 15 years old.
Not sure how much PSI it can can dish out but it rarely gets all the dirt off.
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I don't want to spend too much.
3100PSI....but is this likely to remove the paint from the car as suggested by Jimmy?
https://www.parkerbrand.co.uk/petrol-pressure-jet-washer-6-5hp-engine-3100-psi (https://www.parkerbrand.co.uk/petrol-pressure-jet-washer-6-5hp-engine-3100-psi)
Pressure isn't the only thing you need to consider - water supply is important too.
This is just like the £10 tyre inflators that petrol stations sell, which are advertised as producing 100psi. They do, but there's a good chance it won't actually inflate a flat tyre before it melts. 100psi from a 300l tank inflated by a massive compressor will do the same job in seconds.
That is likely to do a good job of cleaning cars, but like any sub £200 tool its durability probably isn't up to much.
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Not sure what make our pressure washer is but it did a fantastic job on our patio slabs earlier this year, bought it years ago & its hardly been used but looking at the state of the Range Rover it will be called into use this week, because it's been driven over my pals farm every day since before Christmas walking the dogs as our usual walks are being used by dimwits on Christmas holidays who have no idea how to control their dogs.
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I don't want to spend too much.
3100PSI....but is this likely to remove the paint from the car as suggested by Jimmy?
https://www.parkerbrand.co.uk/petrol-pressure-jet-washer-6-5hp-engine-3100-psi (https://www.parkerbrand.co.uk/petrol-pressure-jet-washer-6-5hp-engine-3100-psi)
Pressure isn't the only thing you need to consider - water supply is important too.
This is just like the £10 tyre inflators that petrol stations sell, which are advertised as producing 100psi. They do, but there's a good chance it won't actually inflate a flat tyre before it melts. 100psi from a 300l tank inflated by a massive compressor will do the same job in seconds.
That is likely to do a good job of cleaning cars, but like any sub £200 tool its durability probably isn't up to much.
Spot on, Nick.
I only get roughly 7 litre/min from the outside tap after doing a bucket test.
The pressure washer I sent a link to pumps 11 litres/min.....so I guess the pump would be on and off 'hunting' as it searches for more water.
My Nilfisk pumps at only 5.2litres/min.
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https://youtu.be/Di7VHmoUSfI?feature=shared (https://youtu.be/Di7VHmoUSfI?feature=shared)
This man explains.
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For what it’s worth, it’s not recommended to use a pressure washer with any more than 1500 PSI for cleaning a car, hence why a Karcher K4 at 130Bar is more than adequate. Definitely don’t use one with more than 2000 PSI max. You could end up damaging the paint and seals if you go for a far more powerful one.
I have two, a Karcher K4 and a K6.91 but I’m guessing that the coiling of the water hose getting caught on the mains lead is the bit annoying you. You could try straightening the water hose and when you’ve finished with it, hang it straight on your garage wall. It’s wrapping the hose around the machine that’s gives them a ‘coiled’ memory. If mine can get hooked on something it will. It could be that it gets hooked on the wash bucket, the pressure washer itself, a flower pot or a wheel, so I sympathise with your anger and annoyance at this happening. :y
As Nick has said, it needs to be on the mains water supply. If connected to an outside tap from a gravity fed toilet pipe it won’t keep up and will be constantly trying to regain pressure.
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Also have a K4 and it will chip off loose laquer if you get too close, but equally it's man enough to get the patios cleaned :y
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I only get roughly 7 litre/min from the outside tap after doing a bucket test.
The pressure washer I sent a link to pumps 11 litres/min.....so I guess the pump would be on and off 'hunting' as it searches for more water.
My Nilfisk pumps at only 5.2litres/min.
Create a water feed from a plastic 45 gallon water butt, put a shut off valve in and a secure lid on it water supply becomes constant then. :y
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You could try a diesel one that should shift the dirt, and the car. ;D ;D
https://bruceatfield.co.uk/product/12-inch-water-pump-with-lister-engine/
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I only get roughly 7 litre/min from the outside tap after doing a bucket test.
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I recently did a bucket test for flow rate with a view to purchasing a fully pressurised water cylinder system. My flow rate was at least 16 litres per minute, which is more than double yours.
Do you know where the outside tap is fed from, mains or gravity.
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I only get roughly 7 litre/min from the outside tap after doing a bucket test.
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I recently did a bucket test for flow rate with a view to purchasing a fully pressurised water cylinder system. My flow rate was at least 16 litres per minute, which is more than double yours.
Do you know where the outside tap is fed from, mains or gravity.
It's his age. You're flow rate decreases as you get older.
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Most Household pressure washers won't deliver the psi stated due to low tap pressure,, Way to make them efficient is 1000L ibc up as high as possible, filled up connect to pressure washer.
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Also have a K4 and it will chip off loose laquer if you get too close, but equally it's man enough to get the patios cleaned :y
I have a K5 and it lifted the paint off TBE's bonnet with the dirt blaster attachment....
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I have a K5 and it lifted the paint off TBE's bonnet with the dirt blaster attachment....
Mine did the same to the rear bumper of SWMBO's 428i. She was less than absolutely impressed... :-X
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Use a bucket and sponge you lazy sods. >:D
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Use a bucket and sponge you lazy sods. >:D
Romanians seem pretty proficient with jet washers.
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Also have a K4 and it will chip off loose laquer if you get too close, but equally it's man enough to get the patios cleaned :y
I have a K5 and it lifted the paint off TBE's bonnet with the dirt blaster attachment....
K5 is 145bar if I remember correctly, so just over 2100PSI, around 200PSI more than the K4. That’s fine if used sensibly, from a suitable distance and at a suitable angle, but never full on.
Obviously pressure washers are not intended to be a one shot cleaner on a vehicle, their purpose is to get the bulk of the big dirt off and loosen other dirt prior to washing with a bucket of soapy water and then rinsing off again with the pressure washer. :y
Even the Romanians use a cloth or mitt between washes, with the addition of snow foam after the initial blast over to loosen the heavy dirt areas.
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Use two buckets and microfibre mitt, then dry with microfibre towels you lazy sods. >:D
Fixed that for you. :y :)
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Also have a K4 and it will chip off loose laquer if you get too close, but equally it's man enough to get the patios cleaned :y
I have a K5 and it lifted the paint off TBE's bonnet with the dirt blaster attachment....
K5 is 145bar if I remember correctly, so just over 2100PSI, around 200PSI more than the K4. That’s fine if used sensibly, from a suitable distance and at a suitable angle, but never full on.
Obviously pressure washers are not intended to be a one shot cleaner on a vehicle, their purpose is to get the bulk of the big dirt off and loosen other dirt prior to washing with a bucket of soapy water and then rinsing off again with the pressure washer. :y
Even the Romanians use a cloth or mitt between washes, with the addition of snow foam after the initial blast over to loosen the heavy dirt areas.
For £9, the Romanians in our local wash are great. They do a really good wash, using mitts and snow foam as mentioned, then take a good 10 minutes crawling all over it with drying cloths, cleaning the door shuts and glass. Waste of time this weather, but it looks great for 15 minutes or so.
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Does it really matter what the PSI is rated at?
1000 PSI or 3000 PSI just stand further back when using it. ::)
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Does it really matter what the PSI is rated at?
1000 PSI or 3000 PSI just stand further back when using it. ::)
True to a certain degree. The pressure is at its maximum as it leaves the lance and gets less as it gets further away from the lance. You can use a 3100PSI pressure washer on a car by standing further back but it somewhat defeats the object if the car is just getting sprayed, and not pressure washed. You can get different angled nozzles for some pressure washers, which change the spray pattern, but these are used more by detailers than your everyday person.
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washing with a bucket of soapy water
Can't beat a bucket and sponge, and fairy liquid. Drives the Jaguar forum polishing brigade mental....
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washing with a bucket of soapy water
Can't beat a bucket and sponge, and fairy liquid . Drives the Jaguar forum polishing brigade mental....
Oh lord, You’ve just brought tears of horror to anyone passionate about cleaning their car properly. :o ;D
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washing with a bucket of soapy water
Can't beat a bucket and sponge, and fairy liquid . Drives the Jaguar forum polishing brigade mental....
Oh lord, You’ve just brought tears of horror to anyone passionate about cleaning their car properly. :o ;D
Why? What's the difference between a plate or a pan and a car? Soapy water does the job. If you want to protect it afterwards, wax it. The car, not the pan ;D
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washing with a bucket of soapy water
Can't beat a bucket and sponge, and fairy liquid . Drives the Jaguar forum polishing brigade mental....
Oh lord, You’ve just brought tears of horror to anyone passionate about cleaning their car properly. :o ;D
Why? What's the difference between a plate or a pan and a car? Soapy water does the job. If you want to protect it afterwards, wax it. The car, not the pan ;D
That’s exactly right, it strips the wax off. :y
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I just put my ML through the IMO car wash every now & then through the winter months ..... far easier! :)
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washing with a bucket of soapy water
Can't beat a bucket and sponge, and fairy liquid . Drives the Jaguar forum polishing brigade mental....
Oh lord, You’ve just brought tears of horror to anyone passionate about cleaning their car properly. :o ;D
Why? What's the difference between a plate or a pan and a car? Soapy water does the job. If you want to protect it afterwards, wax it. The car, not the pan ;D
That’s exactly right, it strips the wax off. :y
Best way to wash a car before applying the polish,, wash with Fairy Liquid, rinse off with Rainwater, dry with microfiber, then apply polish..
I don't use the Romanian any more after seeing them drop the mitt on the floor and proceeded to was a car...
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I just put my ML through the IMO car wash every now & then through the winter months ..... far easier! :)
I am still looking for a Bikini Car Wash like the one Jimbob used. Plus in this cold weather I would be happy to pay double and give a good tip. ::) ::) :y
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https://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=144834.msg1901427#msg1901427
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I just put my ML through the IMO car wash every now & then through the winter months ..... far easier! :)
I am still looking for a Bikini Car Wash like the one Jimbob used. Plus in this cold weather I would be happy to pay double and give a good tip. ::) ::) :y
;D ;D ;D
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I just put my ML through the IMO car wash every now & then through the winter months ..... far easier! :)
I am still looking for a Bikini Car Wash like the one Jimbob used. Plus in this cold weather I would be happy to pay double and give a good tip. ::) ::) :y
;D ;D ;D
I'm sure his Lord'ness Opti could muster a few young Wenches from the estate and organize a topless carwash for Members of the parish :y
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If she ran a Bikini car wash the que would be longer than the first days of opening of Clarksons farm shop. ::) ::)
(https://i.postimg.cc/25MT2CX2/BIKINI-CAR-WASH-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2qd45NYZ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/MpZsGPQb/BIKINI-CAR-WASH-1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zVMwtkpV)
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At least she hasn't had her lips done :-X
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washing with a bucket of soapy water
Can't beat a bucket and sponge, and fairy liquid . Drives the Jaguar forum polishing brigade mental....
Oh lord, You’ve just brought tears of horror to anyone passionate about cleaning their car properly. :o ;D
Why? What's the difference between a plate or a pan and a car? Soapy water does the job. If you want to protect it afterwards, wax it. The car, not the pan ;D
That’s exactly right, it strips the wax off. :y
Which is better than the K5 stripping the paint off ;D
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Obviously, YZ250, if you need to demonstrate how to repair the error of my ways, I'll drop the car off ;D
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Obviously, YZ250, if you need to demonstrate how to repair the error of my ways, I'll drop the car off ;D
Have to wait until the weather warms up, it’s a bit parky out there at this time of year. :y ;D
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washing with a bucket of soapy water
Can't beat a bucket and sponge, and fairy liquid . Drives the Jaguar forum polishing brigade mental....
Oh lord, You’ve just brought tears of horror to anyone passionate about cleaning their car properly. :o ;D
Properly depends on whether you want a clean car before doing important stuff, or a new lifestyle that involves spending all your spare time and cash on equipment, stupidly named potions, complex techniques and endless arguments how what you're doing is just wrong. For the cleaning equivalent of a tyre thread, just ask if you clean from the bottom up, or the top down? ;D
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washing with a bucket of soapy water
Can't beat a bucket and sponge, and fairy liquid . Drives the Jaguar forum polishing brigade mental....
Oh lord, You’ve just brought tears of horror to anyone passionate about cleaning their car properly. :o ;D
Properly depends on whether you want a clean car before doing important stuff, or a new lifestyle that involves spending all your spare time and cash on equipment, stupidly named potions, complex techniques and endless arguments how what you're doing is just wrong. For the cleaning equivalent of a tyre thread, just ask if you clean from the bottom up, or the top down? ;D
Nothing fancy required to clean a car. Something like Meguiars Wash and Wax in the bucket does a decent job and the bottle will last a good couple of years if used for a monthly wash. Screwfix No Nonsense Wash and Wax is cheap enough at £7.99 for 5 litres so not expensive at all.
It’s the wheel cleaners that I avoid, especially the likes of Wonder Wheels, as it appears to be like diluted patio cleaning acid and will get under the slightest speck of missing lacquer and tarnish the wheel. My car was ceramic coated, I say ‘was’ because it wears off. The car needs to be hologram/swirl free before I can top up the ceramic coat, hence why it does require cleaning properly, which I agree is time consuming.
I only have all of the fancy polishes as my Son used to do dent removal/unbroken paint repair as his job, so I’ve still got the stuff in my garage. He would get rid of high/low spots, swirls, holograms etc and the paint would look like a mirror.
Anyway, Opti has gone quiet on this so I assume he bought the powerful pressure washer and is currently ordering new window rubbers where his new pressure washer has blown chunks out of them.
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washing with a bucket of soapy water
Can't beat a bucket and sponge, and fairy liquid . Drives the Jaguar forum polishing brigade mental....
Oh lord, You’ve just brought tears of horror to anyone passionate about cleaning their car properly. :o ;D
Properly depends on whether you want a clean car before doing important stuff, or a new lifestyle that involves spending all your spare time and cash on equipment, stupidly named potions, complex techniques and endless arguments how what you're doing is just wrong. For the cleaning equivalent of a tyre thread, just ask if you clean from the bottom up, or the top down? ;D
Nothing fancy required to clean a car. Something like Meguiars Wash and Wax in the bucket does a decent job and the bottle will last a good couple of years if used for a monthly wash. Screwfix No Nonsense Wash and Wax is cheap enough at £7.99 for 5 litres so not expensive at all.
It’s the wheel cleaners that I avoid, especially the likes of Wonder Wheels, as it appears to be like diluted patio cleaning acid and will get under the slightest speck of missing lacquer and tarnish the wheel. My car was ceramic coated, I say ‘was’ because it wears off. The car needs to be hologram/swirl free before I can top up the ceramic coat, hence why it does require cleaning properly, which I agree is time ;D consuming.
I only have all of the fancy polishes as my Son used to do dent removal/unbroken paint repair as his job, so I’ve still got the stuff in my garage. He would get rid of high/low spots, swirls, holograms etc and the paint would look like a mirror.
Anyway, Opti has gone quiet on this so I assume he bought the powerful pressure washer and is currently ordering new window rubbers where his new pressure washer has blown chunks out of them.
Nah. The pressure will have blown the old boy backwards and he'll be laid up with a sore coccyx.
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If she ran a Bikini car wash the que would be longer than the first days of opening of Clarksons farm shop. ::) ::)
(https://i.postimg.cc/25MT2CX2/BIKINI-CAR-WASH-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2qd45NYZ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/MpZsGPQb/BIKINI-CAR-WASH-1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zVMwtkpV)
Tits very similar to a certain Canadian teacher. >:D
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Nah. The pressure will have blown the old boy backwards and he'll be laid up with a sore coccyx.
(https://i.ibb.co/YdR2KrK/IMG-2096.jpg)
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Nah. The pressure will have blown the old boy backwards and he'll be laid up with a sore coccyx.
(https://i.ibb.co/YdR2KrK/IMG-2096.jpg)
;D ;D
That fella is far too young and handsome to be Opti, of course :)
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I must confess,, we have a full time wash man at work, Just park on wash, car gets snow foamed, Non caustic ali cleaner on wheels,, then all washed off.
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for a monthly wash
Surely you mean annual?
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for a monthly wash
Surely you mean annual?
Twice a year seems about right.
Washed the M240i last week. First time since June or July.
It might be tempting to sip the 'illegals' a fiver to wash the car both inside and out but the gritty sponge approach puts me off.
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for a monthly wash
Surely you mean annual?
Twice a year seems about right.
Washed the M240i last week. First time since June or July.
It might be tempting to sip the 'illegals' a fiver to wash the car both inside and out but the gritty sponge approach puts me off.
This every time
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I'm an 'up and over' man. :)
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Start at the top and work down, paying attention to all the details... Doesn't matter if it's a car or a fine womanly specimen. :y
The only exceptions are making cheesecake or building work.