Pressure washers

A bit confused here; does the missing ball check valve vent to air?

FWIW there's a Youtube channel called "Mustie1" with at least a few pressure washer salvage videos, along with many more.

bob prohaska

Yes , it vents to air . Near as I can tell it's purpose is to vent pressure as the motor comes up to speed . My other gas powered washer doesn't have that feature and you must hold the wand trigger down to start it . I'm pretty sure plugging the hole will result in having to hold the trigger down to start this one too .

I haven't watched any videos , but I did download the repair manual and the parts diagram . The diagram shows a ball and spring under the vent nipple , it's missing on this unit . Inspecting the nipple shows a bright ring where that ball has seated on a machined shoulder . I can think of no reason to have this feature but to relieve pressure at startup . The nipple will be going to town with me this morning to see if I can find suitable replacements . If I can't , I'll plug the hole and see what happens . And if I can't get this thing to run , I'm only out about 25 bucks for parts and I'll have a 6.5 Hp B&S OHV motor that can be used for other things .

This Ebay search finds items that may be similar:

Replace the spring and ball with a manual valve - open to start, shut to run

Or install that extra unloader you ordered for your high compression Harley.

Replace the spring and ball with a manual valve - open to start, shut to run.

----------------------- Good idea, it frees both hands. Hardware store pipe fittings may not be rated for the working pressure.

I made a cam handle replacement for a pull-ring pressure relief valve on my portable air compressor to reduce the starting current so it could run from a 3KW generator. Open valve to start, close to build pressure. During storm power outages is when I most need air to clean out the carburetors of rarely used equipment.

I picked up a ball and spring at the hardware store - and a plug . I couldn't get the ball to seal so installed the plug . Holding the trigger open lets it start , but the carb has decided to be wonky now . No problem , there's a brand new in the box carb sittin' on the bench . Because these things almost always need carb work after sitting for a year or 4 and a kit costs as much as a new unit . I'm into this project less than 30 bucks so far , and if nothing else I've learned at least that much .