Proper Pressure Washer set up with Foam Cannon

[ExpressDetail]

Ok so I have seen a few guys having questions with the power washer set up. This can bit a bit confusing. I will try and make this as simple as well as informative as possible. I will also explain why this particular washer was chosen.

What you will need.

Power Washer (Home Depot)
Foam Cannon (AutoGeek)
5 extra fittings from (Home Depot)
Extra Hose from (Home Depot)

First I will start off with the pressure washer and why I choose this washer.

Cleanforce 1,800 psi 1.5 GPM Axial Cam Heavy-Duty Electric Pressure Washer

http://www.expressautodetailing.com/autogeek/pw

I choose this washer for a few reasons. I understand some other have these features but I found this one to have the most that a usable by us detailers.



It can both lay down and sit upright. Make it easier to lay on its back and can still roll if need be.
It can hold your pressure tips and wand
The powercord and hose both are on a reel.
The hose fittings and wand fittings are made of that of a higher end gas washer. This means no more plastic specific fittings.
The power ban is around the right pressure combined with the proper tip which is included.



http://www.expressautodetailing.com/autogeek/pw32



Next here are the fittings you will need.

this is 3 of the 5 total needed

http://www.expressautodetailing.com/autogeek/pw3

this is the final 2 of the 5. first one on left being a step down fitting into a quick disconnect.

http://www.expressautodetailing.com/autogeek/pw6

The next thing will be the hose and I will also explain why this hose as well as why do you need hose.



This hose has quick connect fittings. Less likely of cross threading and less hassle.
More hose is easier to deal with and less likely to hit car. If you are fighting with limited hose while doing a car it can be both frustrating and dangerous.
Also as you can see the hose is labeled GAS. We all know that gas fittings are more durable and available.



http://www.expressautodetailing.com/autogeek/pw01


http://www.expressautodetailing.com/autogeek/pw02



Now we will move into piecing it all together.

Step One the WAND

Grab the wand end where your connections such as tips and foam gun will attach it should look like this

http://www.expressautodetailing.com/autogeek/pw5


Now grab your 2 fittings that you put together from your step down to quick disconnect. Should look like this.

http://www.expressautodetailing.com/autogeek/pw7

Now this is going to screw into your front of the wand like this.

http://www.expressautodetailing.com/autogeek/pw9

Now this should look like this.

http://www.expressautodetailing.com/autogeek/pw11

Allowing you to connect all standard Pressure Washer utilities like this

http://www.expressautodetailing.com/autogeek/pw17

http://www.expressautodetailing.com/autogeek/pw19





Now for the quick connect on the back of the wand where your hose connects this two should look like this.

http://www.expressautodetailing.com/autogeek/pw13

When They are connected should look like this

http://www.expressautodetailing.com/autogeek/pw14



Now for your last 2 fittings they should look like this

http://www.expressautodetailing.com/autogeek/pw22

Connect them to look like this

http://www.expressautodetailing.com/autogeek/pw23



Now go to your pressure washer and grab the end of the hose.

http://www.expressautodetailing.com/autogeek/pw21

Now connect your fitting like this

http://www.expressautodetailing.com/autogeek/pw24


http://www.expressautodetailing.com/autogeek/pw25





Now you should be ready to go with all simple , safe and most of all easy quick connects and disconnects.


Now your extra hose should connect like this

http://www.expressautodetailing.com/autogeek/pw26


Your wand should connect like this

http://www.expressautodetailing.com/autogeek/pw15




And you should be washing like this Im the MANEnjoy.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5Zu9EG5jDg&feature=g-upl]Express Auto Detailing C-Quartz Finest - YouTube[/video]

[rider9195]

Thanks for the help! Have been thinking about picking up a foam cannon for too long now.

[Driwash]

Thanks for the help! Have been thinking about picking up a foam cannon for too long now.

I bought one about 7 months ago, i love washing the vett with it, get with Nick he will set you up with best one for your needs.


Oh, and it make washing the car fun.


Tom

[CEE DOG]

Excellent writeup Brandon! Thanks for taking your precious time to help others my friend! :props:

Hi Tom! How you been?

[Bunky]

The process works well for a two person team plus you had someone with a camera.

Does the pressure washer have adjustable pressure or just rely on the tip selection to create the mist?

I assume all the rinsing was to prevent it from water spotting. I wonder why you did not just rinse, foam down the entire car, wash while rinsing mitt as you go, then rinse.

[ExpressDetail]

The process works well for a two person team plus you had someone with a camera.

Does the pressure washer have adjustable pressure or just rely on the tip selection to create the mist?

I assume all the rinsing was to prevent it from water spotting. I wonder why you did not just rinse, foam down the entire car, wash while rinsing mitt as you go, then rinse.

The guy with the camera was the owners son. I am not sure what this has to do with anything relevant to the car washing or process of the car being washed.

The tips that come with this washer are great. They the strongest one is still very mild. So yes I rely on the tips for pressure.

I am not always a 2 man team, this still works perfect. Yes the rinsing it to prevent from spot thus keeping the car cool. The reason I have this method is this is one of the safest methods I have discovered over the last 10 years. Here it is ussaly around 98 degrees with 80% humidity and a car will dry faster than you can even think. If you where to rinse , soap , sit , rinse than soap than wash. You would have a disaster. Not to mention the proper lubrication would not be maintained. also while rinsing out the sponge would slow the process down. Which us a huge key and would even add more probability to water spots.

[Kristopher1129]

I have this very same pressure washer. I recently bought it after my Stanley pooped out on me (as expected). I bought it for all the same reasons you did. But, have not upgraded it like this...but have wanted to since I got it.

Thanks, cause this will make my transition a piece of cake now! :dblthumb2:

[Bunky]

The guy with the camera was the owners son. I am not sure what this has to do with anything relevant to the car washing or process of the car being washed.


For many detailers, documenting the work is part of the marketing process and can take time.

[Ohio Detailing]

This just in:

YOU DA' MAN

[Ohio Detailing]

PLEASE... if you're thinking of buying a Foam Cannon, be it from MTM Hydro or Auto Geek - you will REALLY want to review my thread: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/51247-how-do-i-make-work-eventual-product-review-pressure-washer-foam-cannon-3.html

Do yourself a huge favor, and buy the pressure washer Express Detail has pictured at the very beginning of this thread, by/from Home Depot!

[Grifftech]

I love my Troy-Bilt gas 3k Pressure washer with the Honda engine. It rocks and I didn't need a single extra adapter to make the MTM work, with the quick release end it comes with the MTM just snapped in place and away I went foaming!!

[Ohio Detailing]

I love my Troy-Bilt gas 3k Pressure washer with the Honda engine. It rocks and I didn't need a single extra adapter to make the MTM work, with the quick release end it comes with the MTM just snapped in place and away I went foaming!!

FINALLY... I believe there's an ultra-easy and cheap way with just TWO small adapters/parts to make the AR Blue 383 work with the MTM Hydro Foam Cannon flawlessly! Going to try it today!

Check out the solution here: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/51247-how-do-i-make-work-eventual-product-review-pressure-washer-foam-cannon-4.html#post694614

[rmagnus]

The tips that come with this washer are great. They the strongest one is still very mild. So yes I rely on the tips for pressure.

ExpressDetail thank you for such a detailed first post. I see the merits of the foam cannon but am undecided about the pressure washer. Not the brand but if one is really necessary. I see many detailers just using a garden hose attached to the foam cannon. I'm guessing it can save time. Can you provide me some insight? Thanks.

[david11g35]

The one that connects to the water hose is different thats a foam gun. It makes suds not not foam
Autogeek Quart Foamaster Foam Gun FREE BONUS (http://www.autogeek.net/auqufofogun.html)

The foam cannon needs a pressure washer. This one makes more foam you can get it as thick as shaving cream with the right soaps and adjustments.
Autogeek Pressure Washer Foam Cannon HP, foam lance, foam wash gun, pressure washer foamer (http://www.autogeek.net/autogeek-foam-cannon-hp.html)

Both of them are good

[washnwax]

I've played with various amounts of DP xtreme foam wash and settled on an amount that produces a "sticking foam" that hangs on the vehicle for a while. IMO , the lambo foam was thin and watery. Maybe I'm using too much product????