The best application I've found for a power washer is to degrease an engine. I bought an electric washer for cleaning some parrot cages of an accumulation of bird poo. It worked pretty well for that, no soap or scrubbing needed. But for degreasing engines they are amazing. No chemicals and it does it with cold water. I did a diesel truck engine and it made it look like new. Then I did my trucks engine and it looks like new too. The only draw back was I got water in and around the spark plugs that were deep inside the engine. It didn't run right until I replaced the plugs and dried the plug wires off. The plugs had 176K miles so were on the verge of failing already. Took me a little while to figure out the problem. Its been a few months and the engine still looks much newer.
The thing you need to be aware of with a power washer is to let it rest for for as long as you run it. On mine I can smell the pump heating after about 20 minutes. I let it cool down for about 20 minutes then wash for another 20. Its the same strategy as with an arc welder. They have a limited amount of time they can work so they can cool back down. Over work them and you'll burn them up.
Steve
Thanks, Dale.
I am going to use tried and true hand tools approach. The truth is that I was trying to justify buying a power washer for all kinds of jobs around the house. I've concluded that renting a washer for the jobs where it makes sense is much more reasonable for me.
From: DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com [mailto:DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Dale S
Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2012 3:35 PM
To: DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [DIY] Will Power washer work for cleaning windows
Yes, No and probably not. They will knock very heavy dirt loose, but a brush will need to be used as well to scrub away film and scum, and in the process may also destroy putty and other sealing materials. The windows will almost assuredly dry with spotting unless a squeegee is used as well.
Dale in the Flat Lands:-----Bob Davis wrote:
Can a power washer be used for cleaning windows?
Bob
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