Yeah, there ain't much JD in that pressure washer.
Key to keeping most any washer pump alive is not letting it run in bypass for more then a minute or so. Bypass is motor running and gun shut off. Water going through pump, unloader and back to pump heats up quickly and once it hits 140 degree F, packings get eaten up by cavitation.
Thanks for the info Phil. I don't leave it in bypass for long at all. Since it starts easy I shut it off to relocate to a new spot and move the supply hose. I also make sure it is purged of air when I first start it. My BIL told me buy a Honda powered one with at least 4GPM and 4000psi. This one does everything I need and was less than 1/2 the price of the others at $300.
For 4 gpm at 4000 psi, it would take a Honda GX390 (13 HP) Great engine but it really is overkill for most applications. While I am definitely a Honda GX guy as the motors will out last several pumps, something about 6.5 hp will do most anything you need, be lighter to move, start easier. Might take you a bit longer to get cleaning done, but the trade off of weight and moblilty is worth it for most folks at home.
Everyone worries about pressure but far more important is GPM. Flow is what really speeds up the job. Higher pressure just beats up what ever you are washing and wears out the pump, unloader, hose and triggers faster.
My machine at the house, which gets used sparingly is 2000 psi at 3 gpm. Its 220 volt electric so I don't have to worry about the engine. For front of the house, I have an outlet in the garage and for the back of the house, we pull the dryer vent tube off and run the cord in through the hole. Built the machine out of parts salvaged off trade ins.
