Love it. No boring stories. Just straight-up information. So refreshing!

My Karcher has an odd issue - with 2 attachments it works fine - the patio cleaner and one other (rated at 130bar max), but with 2 other attachments (rated at 120 and 150 bar max), it pulses in use, i.e. it turns on and just about as soon as the water coming out hits full pressure, the motor cuts out briefly and then it repeats. Both the attachments it works with come from my old, smaller karcher. It's not an issue with the attachments as I've borrowed other identical ones to test. There is no issue with water pressure from the tap - using a 1m length of hoselock hose connected to a mains pressure tap. With the non-pulsing attachments, it works absolutely fine and there are no leaks.

Great video, thanks for guidance. Had pressure washer 6 months and water leaking out from inside.

Cool. I like the way you give advice that can help people without spending any money as well, not just trying to get us to buy stuff. To me it makes your company more credible and when I do want spares I will use you. Thanks

Glad I watched this vid. What I thought was a £150 replacement was just a blocked filter. Thanks 😁

Great stuff-- my 5 month old Karcher started pulsing & has no real pressure--this is what I need to fix it myself ---A+++

Hi, I have a Karcher K5 and it’s fine apart from one issue. When I pull the trigger the pressure is very low. In order for it to return I have to remove the lance (vario or dirtblaster, doesn’t matter) pull the trigger and let the water run through in the wide spray flow, reattach the lance and off it goes perfectly. If I let go of the trigger for even a few seconds I have to go through this process again and it’s quite annoying. Any idea what’s causing this problem?

Straight to the point, best video I've seen in a long time. Thanks.

This is very helpful video. My karcher K2is leaking from inside only when I turn it on. I guess it is the cylinder head then? How much is it?

Hi I have a K5 premium that won’t switch off when switched off at the unit. Checked the switch box and seems good and moves as it should. But there is a leak coming from the unit that appear to be either coming out of the pressure piston stem area or possibly between the two aluminium housings (cylinder/control head) I have taken the valve out and green seal looks ok Had any similar issues?

Thx for the video. I'm not quite sure if I need to change the whole cylinder head or not. When I run water after opening the unit...it's leaking from the cylinder head. I took a video. I have a k5.65 qc.

I have a K1900 electric pressure washer. The motor will not cut off when the spray gun trigger is released but instead runs slower. Prior to the motor running constantly, the unit was pulsating when using the spray gun and cycling on and off when not using the spray gun. No leaks found.

great video man! I have a karcher 3.68M 1.601-742. it's for low pressure and the machine turns on when I turn the switch. is it supposed to be running without the trigger being pulled? when I pull the trigger, I get the same flow as when the machine is turned off . I appreciate any feedback. thanks JB

You explain more how to fix it than how to diagnose what actually is the item to fix. Other than that, good video.

My K2 karcher has a leak from the body. I have seen your video and am ready to take the cover off. It has tamper-proof screws and I need a special tool. Can you please identify the special tool.

Another good video, but sadly doesn't address my issue. My machine started to pulse years ago and advice from Karcher was to replace the pressure lance! Hopeless advice, nothing to do with it, and no, I did *not* buy a new lance! I'd asked then about a possible faulty pressure release value ... but clearly 'a pressure release' was indeed occurring, but not via a pressure release value, but through the start of a pump leak. Recently the leak got worse and so I went investigating. The leak is from the triangular seal at the top of the cylinder head (Part number 9.081-422.0 or ES538518 in eSpares money). The problem now is a fundamental design fault on the pump; The triangular seal *should* be designed to sit in a retaining channel to keep it in place. Sadly, instead it sits free on a ledge, and when compressed by the top of the cylinder block being assembled on top of it, tends to be 'squeezed out' at some point around its circumference, meaning the pump leaks. And quite clearly, this happens even after successful assembly and was the cause of my fault. It would seem the seal moved (or 'walked') during use, no doubt due to motor vibration, and so started to leak, as the seal was not found damaged on disassembly, just not sitting in place all the way around the cylinder head. It had 'walked' out of the jam between the body ledge and cylinder head and so started leaking. It's a dreadful piece of design by Karcher. I cannot understand how any sane engineer would expect anything but what happens to occur. The seal should be retained, otherwise the inevitable will and does happen. It's all made worse as the cylinder body and head are all assembled in one go with the bolts retaining the pump to the motor and with the electrical switch thrown into the assembling mix as well. The result is each time you fit a new seal, it moves and doesn't give a proper seal. Each time you get differing degrees of leakage depending on how much of the seal has been squeezed out of place. It all makes me wonder how Karcher actually build these things without a high pump leak failure rate as leaks are just inherent in the design. It seems I can send the machine off for repair, but at £135+parts it's as much as buying a new washer. So I seem to have a designed-in fault and the only option is to buy another machine each time, as repair is equivalent to buying new. This has all destroyed my confidence in Karacher. It is beyond me how such poor design can have been permitted as leaks are just inevitable. Do you have any advice on replacing these triangular cylinder head seals, specifically keeping them in place during assembly? I've even tried superglue to keep them in place, but to no avail. Always some degree of leakage :-( And one last 'easy' question. You mention the o-ring on the hose (6.363-198.0). I had looked to replace that, but it seems this is a Karacher special size, and slightly smaller than the usual garden hose o-rings in use by Gardena, Hozelock and others. Is this correct? You need a special Kararcher o-ring as theirs are a *slightly* different size? Thanks for any advice!

Brilliant video but please can you explain how I remove the inlet filter as I have no water coming through the gun but washer is pulsing continuously.

Thanx for the video fixed a blocked filter

I've got Kärcher SE 4001 machine. The water jet doesn't come out at all. No water leaks. When I press the spray gun, nothing happens. Any suggestion to fix that problem?

RE MrNorsewise: (cannot post on your comment, check your settings?) Thanks for the comments JB. We have known the motor drive to shear as it joins the pump, this results in the motor running but no pressure or pumping. Looks like you might have to dismantle the pump to check this.

thanks, great, straight videos! Helpful...🙏🏼

Hi, I have a K4 compact that has recently developed a fault. As soon as it is plugged in to mains power, the pump starts, even if its switched off on the PW itself, water does not come out until the trigger on the lance is opened. There doesn't appear to be as high a pressure either. I can't see any water leaks from anywhere.

Just asking...should a pressure washer pulsate at all? Ours does it when you stop washing just twice, then just the motor running as normal. Is this normal?

Great video! I have a Karcher K2900M. It's an older model. When it turns on, it stays running at high RPM like you have a full trigger pull on the wand, (but the trigger's not actually being pulled), with no pressure at the wand. But it leaks badly from the bottom of the unit. So I opened the unit to inspect and it doesn't leak until you turn the unit on. When you do, it leaks badly at high pressure from the valve housing and manifold. This unit has the one piece manifold. The seals all look fine. No visual evidence of cracking or wear. Can the seals be bad without showing it? Or is something else going on? Thanks!

Thanks for the video, My karcher pressure washer seems to be working fine, but after I let got of the trigger handle for a few second, the trigger handle doesn't trigger until I wait like 5 to 10 min. I might have used the wrong detergent..Can you suggest what to do. thanks

I have the Karcher K2 Compact and it seems to have given up on me. When I turn it on I hear a very light humming noise. When I use the gun I get a very light thin spray of water. No power at all. I don't see any form of leak so I'm wondering what the issue might be. Can you help? Thanks.

I have found an electric k2 1500 psi on sale cheap. Seller thinks pump needs replaced says works on low pressure and needs pump to work properly. If runs and sprays on low that wouldnt b the pump itself would it? Im thinking something else but unsure and would like to know b4 i purchase and end up spending more than its worth to fix. Seller says electrical wand and hoses good so what could it b? Please let me know what u think asap thanks

Hi I have a K4.650 it stops and starts and has lost pressure, its spraying water from what looks to be the cylinder head or manifold. I'm not to sure as i cant inspect properly due to the clamping plate ( cant see any cracks when removed ) It wont leak when not running (powered ). just not sure what parts to get ? I cant seem to find a complete cylinder hear with valves and seals or complete manifold ?

I have K5.650 when you turn the motor on just humms no pressure to the lance

Pulsing the only prob?- switch off, disconnect lance, clean filter, run water through for about a minute to clear airlocks, reconnect -bingo.!

This video is 8 years old. I pray they have designed better pressure washers. Good grief, this sounds like you need to take a washer to a proper mechanic. Imma get me rags and buckets, thank you very much. 😅

Hi, I'm having problems with a snow foam cannon on a karcher k4, when using the cannon the jet wash will pulse on and off but with the adjustable lance it's fine, do you know what could cause this? Thanks Shaun

Hi, I have a K6.85 that wasn't working properly but have just changed the capacitor and now works fine apart from water flowing into the detergent bottle and spraying out of the lid of the detergent tank. Could you advise an where the problem could be please?

I’ve got a problem with the washer not taking in soap. It never has and wondered if there’s a video explaining that

Do you only help on the Mitshumi or also other brands? Mine turns on for a short period of time and the turns off itself how do I repair it myself or do I need to go to the company I bought it

Hi, I have a Karcher 4.130 works but is leaking a lot from the cylinder head area , so does not have the usual power. It is not pulsing. I have stripped down and had a good look, but no obvious cracks or splits. I have replaced the triangular washer , Can you suggest what next to try?

Hiya buddy I was using my kew hobby 80-1 this morning it was working ok and I turned it off then back on after 10 minutes and it started pulsing and I removed the inlet filter out and tried it without the filter and it's still pulsing can you give me any advice on this please

Hi, I had a leak and found a crack in the soap chamber of the cylinder head so replaced the whole cylinder head, this has stopped the leak but I now have very low pressure, the motor runs constantly and doesn't change when I squeeze the trigger. Any ideas? Thanks,

I have a karcher k6.85, and cannot loosen Vario Lance from spray gun to put extension on.... Any ideas

I have the k2 compact and on the water inlet (on the back) it leaks, but I've have also noticed the water that's leaking out is multi colored like if there's an oil leak. Any idea where the oil could be comimg from or the cause of it

My engine is fine, I have no water leaks, but I do not get up any pressure when the water is on! I have suspected the capacitor, but Kärcher specialists says that if the capacitor is broken, the engine do not run at all! What do you think? I have a K5 Premium

My Karcher PW not working, my wife said that it fell down the steps and after that It will not work, any idea of what could have happened during the fall? I would like to try fixing it, but I would like to have an idea of what could have happened to it. At the moment I connect the water supply, spray gun and power, turn it on and nothing happens, not even a hum or anything it is completely silent when I turn the know to ON. Cheers

Hi Matt I have a karcher 5.55m pressure washer that has pulse problems , i have replaced the Pressure Washer Cylinder Head and i cleaned all the valves , i've checked the pressure and i do not have any leak anywhere. Before i purchase any more parts from you can you please help me in suggesting what else could be wrong? Many thanks

Mine started pulsing every few mins but worked fine. Today when I turned it on the motor pressurises once as normal but when I pulled the trigger it won't run at all. Act's completely dead, won't even turn on until you hear a click inside the machine about 15 mins later. Whats causing this? Is there some sort of thermal cut off? If I try again, the process repeats and dead again. There are no leaks.

hi mate I have to turn my pressure washer on with the trigger pulled to make it work. soon has I stop pulling trigger I have to flick the switch off and on with the trigger pulled

I have a karcher and it started pulsing evey few secs now it's every second but there are no leaks and the pressure has dropped. Could it be a blocked inlet? Thanks

Hi,I have a Karcher K6.85M Pressure Washer which has always been appropriately stored (never below 0°C) and drained following its largely infrequent use.Recently when using the pressure washer the motor abruptly cut out. At the time I presumed that this was due to some sort of overheat protection as the machine had been in use for just over an hour (though not continuously) and so this curtailed any further use.The following day I attempted to complete the previous day's task only to find that as before that when switched on the motor buzzed as usual but on depressing the trigger only a small amount of water was coming through the lance (just tap water pressure?) and the indicator needle was showing no pressure. No leaks are evident either.I have changed the lance, checked all of the hose connections and verified that the filter is not blocked. Do these symptoms suggest an electrical issue (capacitor?), stuck bypass valve? or point to an entirely different cause.Are the replacement spare components readily available from eSpares?Thanks for your advice

My Karcher spray on low pressure like a cheap water pistol. What steps do you advise?

I am using karchar k2 compact ,problem is ,it don't turn on automatically at 2nd or third attempt using hand gun.(no problems in motor or pressure)( problem in automatic on off section) .

Hi Mat, I have K2 series with old hose type. When I used it, using standard lance, suddenly pressure dropped, and the machine didn't do auto shut off anymore and I notice that the tip of the lance is gone (the lance now have slightly bigger hole) When I change the lance into dirt blaster, the machine start to pulse when I didn't press the trigger and the water spray seem not too hard compare to the last time I use it. I don't see any leak coming from the machine. Would you please help to advise what could I do to confirm that is it the machine problem or outlet (hose, hand gun, lance) problem ? Thanks.

I have a Karcher K5-85M that surges while in operation. Suggestions, please!

Hi I have a K3.80 the problem is that the detergent isn't mixing can you suggest reason?

These units are absolute JUNK....Ive gone through 2 with warranty replacements...total garbage.

hi I have a karcher k3.575 power washer that won't turn off and is leaking water from the motor capacitor case when I turn the water on it gushes out the hole at the bottom of the capacitor housing

My leak is coming from within the case. This is my first use after Winter, but was working fine for about 10 minutes, then GUSH!

hi matt...got brand new k2...i tried it with no water supply to it just for couple of short bursts...it sounded great.. then when i went to use it with water supply connected ..it barked..(for want of a better word) then stopped...then wouldnt start again...so i unplugged it and plugged into another socket ..again it barked and did nothing... ive tried couple of fuses..but nothing at all.. prezzie for my mom..never squirted a drop of water...any ideas mate?... did i kill it by tryin it without water connected?..

Hello Matt, we have a Karcher 720mx, motor wouldn't run, I have replaced the capacitor, the motor just clicks, still won't run, I can turn it over with the fan ok, there are no leaks, any ideas ???

Hello, i have a problem with the newest model K2, it appears to work occasionally at full power. But 50% of the time, it will just spray a spurt, while holding the trigger. I have to let go of the trigger, and press it again to see if it will fully pressurize the water into a high powered spray, its brand new and this is completely random when it will pressurize the water :( Any advise? Cheers

It's cheaper to buy a new pump than to try to repair. Karcher pumps appear to be more throw away than repair. A replacement cylinder head costs £64.89 hoping this will cure the fault A later K2 model from ARGOS for £84.99

Hi, I have water leaking out the side. I did as you suggested, took it apart and turned on the water but there wasn't any sign of a crack - the water came out the outlet valve. But when you turn the power on (after putting it back together of course) the water is coming fast out the side and very little from the hose. The motor isn't pulsing - it sounds as though it's on constant as though you are applying the water spray (or have the handle pressed) I was going to order the rings but i'm not sure that's the problem. Any ideas?

Sir mine (K2) is acting weird, simply i turn it on, press the trigger button and all goes well. i release the trigger one second, and then press the trigger again...it stops. no pressure, no sound, nothing at all. what could be the reason?

Thanks i think this will help!

Hi there, I have the K2 model. I am finding that when plugged in and water connected only a very small spray comes out of the gun when the trigger is squeezed. No problem with water supply, it goes into the unit fine but nothing seems to be coming out of the other end! Please help, I'm out of ideas. I tried bleeding the unit but only a drip of water comes out of the pipe after I've disconnected the gun hose. Thanks, hope to hear from you very soon.

Hi, I have a new Kärcher washer with built in soap dispenser. K4 full control (I think) it has the spool for lance hose built in. First use and I am unable to get the soap to run through? Is this a common problem with a simple resolution?

hi, I have a K3 97.M that right now does not have any leaks I changed cylinder head checked a capacitor is ok I do not know how to check the switch but the motor does not start by the way do you know which oil to put on the pistons?

Quality Vid mate. Thank You...

Mine is making a sound like it wants to start pumping the water but stops. Any ideas???

I own a Karcher electric power washer that has no pressure when I squeeze the lever on the wand. Mine does not look like yours it has wheels under it with a handle that sticks up. How do I diagnose the problem and get to the piston(s)?

Karchers are garbage, the wheels on mine don't spin and I have to drag it. Their engineers managed to mess up wheels.

Mine makes an annoying squealing sound after the pump slows down and stops on my electric pressure washer. Theres no sound when im using it and the water sprays perfectly fine. Everything works fine but that god awful annoying sound everytime I let go of the trigger and the pump auto stops can someone help thanks in advance!

Got a K5 premium that continually makes a pumping noise, it's litwrally been used maybe 4/5 times since purchase. Strange thing is the on/off dial also seems to do nothing it just stays on! any help for me out there? thanks.

dear sir, i have the small pressure washer in my hand in last two years, no the washer have a problem, after switching on the machine automatically starting and cut off unless the gun switch press, but machine is working normally, water is discharging also with pressure, kindly advise me to correct this issue (k2 basic karcher)

Thanks

Hello. I have a question. I lent my Karcher K4 and when I was going to use it myself, I noticed that it had a leak. Could it be that the person I lent it to had pulled hard on the conection between the pressure washer and the hose that conects wth the spray gun? The machine runs, but not at full pressure.

good one

good

my pressure washer continues to run and doesn't have any pressure. I have checked all the common problems listed in the handbook but none of them are there. I can turn off the machine with the on/off switch but once I switch it to on the the washer continues to run with very low pressure ..... I have checked the water supply and it's getting water, filter not blocked, all the easy problems to look for don't apply .

dude my washer was in the basement after use for a few months and was working fine when i put it down there but when i went to use it again it would not do nothing at all what could that be

My Karcher's pump is running without the gun trigger being on and even with the on/off switch at the off position. Any ideas?

hellow,i have one kärcher 620 M the red light it,s on but not start,what it can be? thanxs

i need more Informationen i by by evry 3 month karcher k2 its workin onlli 3 or 4 manth after that its not work i have more then 7 p s plis help me

My machine is running but no water is coming ,what is the problem ,I hardly used .

What are you doing.we can't see anything.becase the writing on the screen.

does electric washer pressure crack or breaks glass?

replaced the cylinder head on karcher jubilee and now nothing at all....argggghhhh

My k4 used three times, tripped my electric and will now not turn on

Where are you located ?

I'm not happy with the quality of my K3 premium ... the working pressure is not even close to 120 bar, It's still under waranty not even 4 months old ... better invest little bit more money and get a Kranzle pressure washer

how the hell do I remove the unloader valve on my karcher 670m ?? struggling !!

Mine leaked fixed it, shame they put cheap arse parts in to start with.

4 machines I know of, everyone of them split it's pump housing. Karcher are truly rubbish, I stop random people at Bunnings to steer them away from the brand

mine sound burb... eekkkk stop eekkkk stop... why?

bad explanation! When pulses can be 3 parts to be replaced which cost in total much more than a new one! Need to refine it.

I have the Karcher K5.800 1.181-254.0 ecologic and was using it yesterday morning to wash my car. It was working fine until halfway through it just lost significant pressure down to almost nothing. The motor is running and it's trying to pump. I've had the thing for a couple of years and have hardly used it ! I'm so annoyed with Karcher products. How do seals fail when it's had very very limited usage ??? Plain garbage these Karchers are becoming. I paid around $750 for this piece of shit

To many plastic parts and split under pressure. Very bad design.

I removed the case to my K4.6 and the cylinder head....... checked all the washers they seem to be okay, checked all valves they seem to be okay put it all back together again tightly. Then ran the water through without the case and looking at the machine from the front a fine spray is leaking out on the left hand side below the piston heads but can’t seem to work out where the leak would be coming from? Any ideas?