An unloader valve plays a critical role in restarting the motor by releasing trapped air inside the tank.
Thus, a malfunctioning unloader valve should be tackled at the earliest to get your machine up and running. However, to conduct the procedure properly, you should be able to identify the valve and determine whether it has gone bust.
And to help you with that, I’ve curated this short and informative guide on “How To Tell If Unloader Valve Is Bad.”
How To Tell If Unloader Valve Is Bad
The first step is to check the output pressure of the unloader valve. If you notice inconsistent and sudden changes in pressure, the valve is most likely to have malfunctioned.
Alternatively, the pressure washer pump may turn hot, or the engine may run on excessive load in case of a faulty unloader valve. Basically, if the valve does not function correctly, the pressure washer pump requires more power from the engine and gets hot.
Moreover, you may notice less output pressure and a low water flow rate.
Testing An Unloader Valve
Testing the pressure washer unloader valve is not as challenging as it may sound. Thus, I’ve listed the steps below, but I also recommend watching a tutorial video online for better clarity…
Step 1
The simplest way to test the unloader valve is by adjusting its spring. Do not forget to mark the setting beforehand, so you can set it back to the original adjustment after changing it.
Step 2
While moving the spring, ensure that you can see the changes in the output pressure of the washer. If you’re able to increase and decrease the settings, the unloader valve is functioning properly.
How To Replace A Faulty Unloader Valve
Now that you know how to tell if an unloader valve is bad, it’s time to fix the issue! Although the process is no rocket science and takes just 15 minutes, I recommend being cautious as you’ll be working with some tools and fixtures.
Step 1
Start by wearing a pair of work gloves to ensure your safety. Then disconnect the spark plug by pulling the wire off it on the pressure washer engine.
Step 2
Loosen the unloader valve with the help of an open-end wrench. Here, you’ll have to rotate the valve counter-clockwise until it is completely removed.
Step 3
For installation, start by fitting the O-ring on the new unloader valve. Top it off with a silicone lubricant before threading the new unloader valve into the pump. Thereafter, tighten the new valve, preferably with a torque wrench.
Step 4
Lastly, reconnect the spark plug wire and start the pressure washer. If you do not notice any water leaks, you’re good to go!
Conclusion
That’s all you need to know about identifying and fixing a malfunctioning unloader valve. But before I close this guide, I’d like to reiterate the importance of maintaining safety while undertaking repairs.
Make sure you use proper tools and follow the required safety measures to prevent mishaps. And if you’re not confident about any of the steps, do not hesitate to call a professional to get the job done.