Pump Question - Power Wash Network "The Power Wash Contractors Forum"

Burtco · #1 (**permalink**) 04-27-03

Hello everyone,

I have a 15 hp Kohler engine on my washer. It is a 4000psi, 4 gpm, and 3400 psi. The pump is a an Annovi Raverberi (model) RKV4g40.

About 2 weeks ago the pressure release valva released while I was washing a deck and after that I had no pressure. I brought it home and changed the oil and the oil had water in it. I ran fresh oil through twice and then filled it up again. It has worked fine for since then until yesterday when I started loosing pressure again. I changed the oil again and their were traces of water. I filled it up again and it still has only about 50% pressure. I am in my first season so cash flow is very tight. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Are there any other tests or tricks for prolonging the life of the pump or maybe a rebuild kit? If the only answer is replacing the pump what are your recommendations, keeping price and quality in mind.

Thanks for you help!!

the_GUNN_man · #2 (**permalink**) 04-27-03

What you have is a direct drive pump. The RKV4G40 costs about $210. It is really simple to replace on a direct drive unit. Are you sure it was your pressure relief valve that released and not your thermo relief valve? I have a feeling that you let the pump run in bypass too long and it opened the thermo relief valve. What happened is that the recirculating water became too hot after being left in bypass too long. It probably ruined your packings and seals. How long do you leave your pump running without pulling the trigger. I have heard you can let it go anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes. I think once over 2 to 3 minutes damage is starting to occur. Most of us here have our bypass line running to our water tanks. This keeps the pump cool by sucking in fresh water. I am not sure how much water is in the bypass line and pump at one time. Maybe a quart. A quart can heat up very fast. I can carry 500 gallons in my tanks. I almost always have at least 200 gallons in my tanks. So my pump gets to draw off that much more water then yours to cool down. You can try to replace the packing and seals but it might just be worth it to buy a new pump. What kind of oil did you put in your pump? The only tip I can give you is to not let your pump run in bypass for more then 2 minutes. If you can get a rebuild kit I would do that along with getting another pump. It is always nice to have a spare pump handy.

Mark · #3 (**permalink**) 04-27-03

Check out the link listed below, if you keep getting water in your crankcase, you are probably leaking water from your packing , and past your oil seals, usually changing packing will resolve the problem.

Let me know if you need a packing kit.AR NORTH AMERICA: TROUBLESHOOTING