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      08-20-2013, 08:25 PM   #1
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Power Washer Recommendations

Didn't find any dedicated threads to power washer reviews and how-to-use.

I figure a power washer is a great way to spray off the rocks, dirt and contaminants prior to washing them around and potentially scratching your coat. I saw a Honda 3000 psi power washer at Costco for $300 I was thinking of picking up.

Thing is, it's only use is rinsing, also I'd still have to towel dry since I can't find one that has a spot free rinse capability. I was hoping to have a container to put cleaning agents in the power washer too so I can add Jet Dry for spot free rinse. I was hoping to be able to avoid hand drying. I have a squeegee I used to get the major water off which was great, except the few times a small stone got stuck in the rubber and I put some nice lines in my paint.

Any suggestions on power washer use and if it's worth it?
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      08-20-2013, 11:09 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flea333 View Post
Didn't find any dedicated threads to power washer reviews and how-to-use.

I figure a power washer is a great way to spray off the rocks, dirt and contaminants prior to washing them around and potentially scratching your coat. I saw a Honda 3000 psi power washer at Costco for $300 I was thinking of picking up.

Thing is, it's only use is rinsing, also I'd still have to towel dry since I can't find one that has a spot free rinse capability. I was hoping to have a container to put cleaning agents in the power washer too so I can add Jet Dry for spot free rinse. I was hoping to be able to avoid hand drying. I have a squeegee I used to get the major water off which was great, except the few times a small stone got stuck in the rubber and I put some nice lines in my paint.

Any suggestions on power washer use and if it's worth it?
I've been considering same thing. I rented a new gas unit for $70/day today and they said I could buy it and apply towards cost of purchase ($470). After combing detailing articles online though, don't think this is the way for me. Main reasons are possibility of damaging the paint and seems like although combining w/ foam cannon would be great, overall process would be sig slower and more cumbersome. I have an electric one I never use because too many steps involved.

Btw, if you are looking at this model at costco, it got bunch of negative reviews:
http://www.amazon.com/Simpson-MSV302...RankDescending
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      08-21-2013, 12:31 AM   #3
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Don't waste time with the gas ones. Just pick up an electric one from karcher. Alot of people like karcher and it's easy to attach to the mtm foam cannon if you choose to go that route. Check this thread out for a relatively cheap way to get spot free rinse.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=849694
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      08-21-2013, 05:10 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by skins333 View Post
I've been considering same thing. I rented a new gas unit for $70/day today and they said I could buy it and apply towards cost of purchase ($470). After combing detailing articles online though, don't think this is the way for me. Main reasons are possibility of damaging the paint and seems like although combining w/ foam cannon would be great, overall process would be sig slower and more cumbersome. I have an electric one I never use because too many steps involved.

Btw, if you are looking at this model at costco, it got bunch of negative reviews:
http://www.amazon.com/Simpson-MSV302...RankDescending
looks like a lot of parts and reliability problems... that's where 1 yr costco return policy saves the day
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      08-21-2013, 09:58 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rjd598 View Post
Don't waste time with the gas ones. Just pick up an electric one from karcher. Alot of people like karcher and it's easy to attach to the mtm foam cannon if you choose to go that route. Check this thread out for a relatively cheap way to get spot free rinse.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=849694
+1. And I got the hose extension too so that I can walk all the way around the car. It was like $170 total from Walmart.

Super useful to wash the wheels.
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      08-21-2013, 10:07 AM   #6
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a gas one is not that much more expensive than an electric (decent) one. You may find some gas ones on sale at lowes/HD for 200 bucks

I bought a homelite branded, HONDA powered gas for 250 w/2700psi on sale at HD during the spring w/military discount
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      08-21-2013, 10:29 AM   #7
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regardless of what route you decided to go with I suggest using a foam cannon. many detailing websites sell them and they really are awesome at getting the dirt off.
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      08-21-2013, 10:59 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WingZeroX5 View Post
a gas one is not that much more expensive than an electric (decent) one. You may find some gas ones on sale at lowes/HD for 200 bucks

I bought a homelite branded, HONDA powered gas for 250 w/2700psi on sale at HD during the spring w/military discount
I too bought a Honda powered one and love it. The only downside is that it is so loud, I cannot use it too early in the morning or else I will wake up the neighborhood. I have the foam cannon and it works great and rinsing off the car is so much quicker.
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      08-21-2013, 11:26 AM   #9
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I too bought a Honda powered one and love it. The only downside is that it is so loud, I cannot use it too early in the morning or else I will wake up the neighborhood. I have the foam cannon and it works great and rinsing off the car is so much quicker.
haha i use mine usually around 10, when the neighborhood kids are outside

Yeah the foam cannon is freaking amazing!!!!
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      08-21-2013, 05:15 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rjd598 View Post
Don't waste time with the gas ones. Just pick up an electric one from karcher. Alot of people like karcher and it's easy to attach to the mtm foam cannon if you choose to go that route. Check this thread out for a relatively cheap way to get spot free rinse.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=849694
my problem is I live in a condo development with no freakin plugs hanging around. At least they have hoses though! From my house to where I was is like 150 ft. I could buy two 18AWG extension cords I suppose to keep the loss down -- what's your amperage rating on that thing?
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      08-21-2013, 06:13 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flea333 View Post
my problem is I live in a condo development with no freakin plugs hanging around. At least they have hoses though! From my house to where I was is like 150 ft. I could buy two 18AWG extension cords I suppose to keep the loss down -- what's your amperage rating on that thing?
On what a karcher unit? I don't have a karcher I have an Ar blue clean unit model 118 to be specific. Plenty of power for me
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      08-21-2013, 07:35 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by Phanto///M View Post
regardless of what route you decided to go with I suggest using a foam cannon. many detailing websites sell them and they really are awesome at getting the dirt off.
any one in particular? seems like they range in price from $60-$100.

http://www.amazon.com/Professional-F.../dp/B004GNZYY4
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      08-21-2013, 07:52 PM   #13
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Anybody have experience with the Sun Joe?
It has two different detergent tanks which is pretty sweet, but I guess moot if I want the foam attachment - except it will be great for doing spot free rinse with Jet Dry.

http://www.snowjoe.com/products.asp?...mpaign=SPX3000
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      08-21-2013, 08:27 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flea333 View Post
any one in particular? seems like they range in price from $60-$100.

http://www.amazon.com/Professional-F.../dp/B004GNZYY4
that's the one you want
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      08-21-2013, 08:45 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rjd598
Quote:
Originally Posted by flea333 View Post
any one in particular? seems like they range in price from $60-$100.

http://www.amazon.com/Professional-F.../dp/B004GNZYY4
that's the one you want
Same one i have. The thing works amazing.
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      08-22-2013, 01:57 AM   #16
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sweet guys... thanks..

now what about the pressure sprayer.. does it matter much?
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      09-05-2013, 04:16 AM   #17
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Any thoughts between these two guys:

http://www.amazon.com/AR-AR383-Elect...I1IK2YMHQ95R0U

http://www.amazon.com/Snow-Joe-SPX30...I2C0XRTE2TVXNR

I like how the Sun Joe is higher power and has a metal hose, that was a complaint for AR Blue on a pressure washer review site, they also said the AR has leaking problems at the hose.
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      09-05-2013, 07:14 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flea333
Any thoughts between these two guys:

http://www.amazon.com/AR-AR383-Elect...I1IK2YMHQ95R0U

http://www.amazon.com/Snow-Joe-SPX30...I2C0XRTE2TVXNR

I like how the Sun Joe is higher power and has a metal hose, that was a complaint for AR Blue on a pressure washer review site, they also said the AR has leaking problems at the hose.
I just bought an AR 383 and the MTM Hydro lance. So far so good, loads of thick foam, good rinsing power, no complaints. Just have to remember to call AR and buy the plastic/copper adapter so you can attach the foam cannon. It's not sold on Amazon.
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      09-05-2013, 07:33 PM   #19
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I bought GREENWORKS power washer 1700 PSI, and 1.4 GPM. I love it thus far. I purchased it from LOWE's with extended warranty for $24.
http://greenworkstools.com/product-d...eWasher-1.4GPM
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      09-05-2013, 09:08 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nullrouted View Post
I just bought an AR 383 and the MTM Hydro lance. So far so good, loads of thick foam, good rinsing power, no complaints. Just have to remember to call AR and buy the plastic/copper adapter so you can attach the foam cannon. It's not sold on Amazon.
This might be a good reason to stick with the Sun Joe...it's already got the metal sprayer hose.

I already have the MTM lance on hand ready to use! Can't wait!
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      09-06-2013, 10:45 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flea333 View Post
Any suggestions on power washer use and if it's worth it?
I recommend this unit. Reliable, inexpensive and perfect flow rates for the job.

Couple that with the MTM foam cannon referenced in this thread and any of the CR units and you have yourself a great kit.
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      09-07-2013, 12:53 AM   #22
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Quote:
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I recommend this unit. Reliable, inexpensive and perfect flow rates for the job.

Couple that with the MTM foam cannon referenced in this thread and any of the CR units and you have yourself a great kit.
This looks compact and decent. Do you have to do gas/oil mixture? How loud is it? I already bought big ass extension cord, liked the idea of electric.
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