Pressure Washer: No pressure

I bought a used Troy-Bilt pressure washer earlier this summer (2600 PSI, 2.3 GPM, Model 020344). The high pressure hose leaked (the offload valve appeared to leak, as well), but a small bit of water pressure came from the wand when I ran it for the first time. Assuming it'd be a quick, final fix, I purchased a new high pressure hose and offload valve. I replaced both (original wand), but then had no pressure.

The high pressure hose replacement was simple, but the offload valve was not. The new valve would not tighten all the way down against the pump body. I inspected the port it screwed into on the side of the pump and found a metal ring that appeared to be crooked or busted. After removing it, I was able to screw the new offload valve all the way into its port. I ran the pump again, but still no pressure.

Next, I inspected the wand and noticed the bearings around the quick-connect nozzle were gummed up. So, I disassembled the quick-connect attachment, cleaned the bearings, replaced the o-ring and reassembled it. Still no pressure.

The water pressure from the nozzle flows exactly the same if the engine is running or shut off. Also, the engine seems to be surging, but I can't say how severely or if this is normal. No water is leaking anywhere. I suspect I purchased the wrong offload valve or I toyed with it so much that it's configured incorrectly. I suspect this b/c I tried adjusting the offload valve a couple few times (with the motor running and wand trigger depressed), but wasn't sure if I was supposed to adjust the lower nut, the nut above that, or the hex screw. Also, I'm not sure if CW or CCW is supposed to increase or decrease the amount of pressure permitted from the pump before being redirected by the valve.

I feel like I'm close....any help is appreciated!

 

I'm not sure how this thread got overlooked Surfwax, sorry about that. Are you still looking to resolve this problem? I'd say that you might look at the check valves in the pump and inspect for broken springs or pieces of debris caught in one. All it takes is a hunk of o-ring to stop all pressure buildup.

 

Hi, often times people don't flush the pump out after using chemicals and that can create problems in the pump.
Geo