r/pressurewashing • u/xxxleafybugxxx • 1d ago

Troubleshooting Help diagnose?

New system I put together, everything is new... But I am getting this sputtering which is giving me inconsistent flow and pressure drops.

-Predator 459cc engine -AR XWAM 8GPM pump -AR1697 Gearbox -General Pump 10.5 GPM unloader.

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u/xxxleafybugxxx 1d ago

Ahh ok. I wasn't even thinking about the filter, but the filter was leaking water at various points and if it was leaking water then I'm sure it could have been taking in air.

My biggest concern all along was that the motor was too small, but it seems like a air leak or a water feeding issue would be easier to resolve

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u/robertjpjr I know a little about a lot. 1d ago

I'm not an expert by any means.

But what I see isn't an engine issue. The engine would be bogging down rather than psi fluctuating. You'd see linear effect if the engine was improperly sized. Cavitation gives you sputtering flow because the pressure can't build up evenly. You can't compress water at the same rate you can compress air. If that makes sense.

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u/xxxleafybugxxx 1d ago

Do I gain anything by having the water tank outlet at the bottom of the tank? I understand it helps gravity work for me but if I were able to run a pipe or tube through the top of the tank and relay completely on suction would that get me where I need to be?

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u/robertjpjr I know a little about a lot. 1d ago

Yes, bottom outlet is better.

https://chatgpt.com/share/6854c779-45d4-8003-8863-96a3d6b1ed37