On Gas Pressure Washers. . .

[M3Cosmos]

I'm looking to ad a pressure washer to my mobile detailing arsenal. Obviously I don't need 5000psi concrete breaking power, so I've been looking around in the gas powered entry level washers.

These two are the ones in mind as of now (in the range of $199 to 299):

HUSKY 2600 PSI
Powered By Honda® GCV 160 Engine


NorthStar 2000 PSI 2GPM
Briggs & Stratton Engine

I'm thinking the Husky mostly because of the Honda engine but the $100 I would save on the NorthStar would be nice as well.

Now on to attachments. I've heard things about certain brands not being compatible with 'universal' attachments. I know I will want a foam cannon and a quality adjustable spray gun. In terms of spray guns, I don't really know what to look for. I know about the spray angle and such (0° is bad), but what else should I be looking for in a good car-wash-worthy sprayer?

I have read a whole lot about electric PWs here after searching but didn't really find a definitive guide to buying a gas powered one + accessories.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

TIA

-Josh

[jesselyons2002]

I wouldn't spend $200 on the northstar when you can get a 1800 psi husky electric pressure washer for $100.

[M3Cosmos]

Originally Posted by jesselyons2002

I wouldn't spend $200 on the northstar when you can get a 1800 psi husky electric pressure washer for $100.

I need a gas powered washer for mobility.
Unless I could find a good generator for under $100 and then use an electric PW, I need to stick with gas.

[randyz71]

I have a 2750 PSI Honda powered washer. If the washer is going to see a fair amount of use, spend the extra $100 to get the Honda engine. The guys at the local farm/home/garden supply store tell me they are going exclusively to Honda engines on all their power equipment because of problems with Briggs powered equipment. I personally have never had an issue with a Briggs engine though. The extra PSI will come in handy if you ever want to clean anything other than a vehicle.

As long as the washer has a quick connect system similiar to an air compressor, the accessories should be somewhat universal.

HTH

Randy

[sal329]

Biglots has a 2600 psi gas pressure washer with a Honda engine for $288.

[Bruce B]

Pick up a can or two of "pumpsaver" if you are not going to use the PW for an extended period of time. Letting them sit for months at a time wreaks havoc with the pump seals the next time you use it. I would also go with the Honda engine.

[budman3]

Gas PW will last much longer than an electric PW. I can't comment on how much PSI you need or want but you can't beat Honda small engines, very reliable.

[Dropkick Detail]

Honda all the way. The extra dough is worth it. We have two wash trucks, and both have 2000psi Honda engines. Been bullet proof thus far.

[PAD]

I agree with both getting a gas powered pressure washer and the Honda motors. I have a Karcher with a honda motor, it's 2400 psi, 2.5 gallons per minute flow. I picked it up at Costco for around $300. I've had it for over 4 years now with no problems.

[MadOzodi]

Originally Posted by sal329

Biglots has a 2600 psi gas pressure washer with a Honda engine for $288.

That's where I got mine. It's a remanufactured unit, but I assembled it, put the gas in and she started right up!

Now I'm just waiting for my Foam Cannon, w00t!