Karcher K4 compact pressure washer - problem

[Tigerrrr.......]

Bought a new pressure washer last weekend.


Using it to clean my path and monoblock, but now on my third dirtblaster lance.


The first two have failed after ten minutes. They started producing a weak, narrow single jet of water with lots of vibration. The other lance for washing the car works perfectly.


Anyone have any problems with their dirtblaster lance, or are there known problems?


Any advice appreciated.

[Teejayexc]

You sure it's getting an adequate water supply?

[Tigerrrr.......]

Yes, it's connected to the mains so no problems there. You can use it connected to a water butt with no pressure.


Very frustrating.


Have looked at a Vax in the Argos catalogue which scores on wattage, flow rate, pressure and price, so perhaps I'll take the Karcher back.

[Tomor]

Have a look at nilfisk. Heard lots of good things about them.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

[Ninthbike]

I had two Karchers and a Halfords pressure washer fail on me. The Karchers fail because they have a plastic pump (unless you pay over £200 for one) so they just don't last. The Halfords one just burnt out the motor. I bought a (well-researched) Nilfisk which has been absolutely superb for almost three years and still going strong. Also has a 8m pressure hose which makes it much easier to get all the way around the car without moving the washer itself. Thoroughly recommended.:thumright:

[tactcom7]

Is this the one with the cone shaped attachment at the bottom?

[Ninthbike]

Bought a new pressure washer last weekend.


Using it to clean my path and monoblock, but now on my third dirtblaster lance.


The first two have failed after ten minutes. They started producing a weak, narrow single jet of water with lots of vibration. The other lance for washing the car works perfectly.


Anyone have any problems with their dirtblaster lance, or are there known problems?


Any advice appreciated.

I think I still have the dirtblaster lance from one of my old Karcher's if you want it. I don't think it has ever been used so if you fancy it, I'll try to find it for you.

[Tomor]

May be of interest. (http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/7420432.htm?cmpid=COJUN&catalogId=10001&_%24ja=tsid%3A11674%7Cprd%3A3086088&storeId=10151&referredURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.argos.co.uk%2Fstatic% 2FProduct%2FpartNumber%2F7420432.htm&referrer=COJUN)

[Tigerrrr.......]

I think I still have the dirtblaster lance from one of my old Karcher's if you want it. I don't think it has ever been used so if you fancy it, I'll try to find it for you.

That would be great. Thank you.

It's the one with the cone at the end.

[Mark_h]

The dirtblaster has a ball bearing in the end of it I think. If that gets gummed up it'll just squirt out at a jaunty angle. Mine has been working perfectly for years but I always, always, always empty all the water out of the lance before I put it away. When you've done washing then disconnect the high pressure line from the washer, lift the lance up and press the trigger. This makes sure it all goes away dry.

My neighbour just uses his and puts it away full of water and has had no end of problems.

Does it work OK with the other lances?

[Ninthbike]

That would be great. Thank you.

It's the one with the cone at the end.

No probs. I'll try to find it and PM you when I do.

[Tigerrrr.......]

The dirtblaster has a ball bearing in the end of it I think. If that gets gummed up it'll just squirt out at a jaunty angle. Mine has been working perfectly for years but I always, always, always empty all the water out of the lance before I put it away. When you've done washing then disconnect the high pressure line from the washer, lift the lance up and press the trigger. This makes sure it all goes away dry.

My neighbour just uses his and puts it away full of water and has had no end of problems.

Does it work OK with the other lances?

Yes, it works OK with the other lance which you use to wash the car.

[Ninthbike]

Hi mate. I do have the lance, found it in the shed yesterday. Not sure how to get it to you though. Any ideas?

[Tigerrrr.......]

Fantastic. If you pm me I can arrange a paypal payment to cover postage and the cost of the lance. Thanks very much.

[Ninthbike]

Sorry mate, I completely forgot about this until today. I now have the lance and will get it wrapped and posted. Cheers.

[otaylor38]

Yes, it's connected to the mains so no problems there. You can use it connected to a water butt with no pressure.


Very frustrating.


Have looked at a Vax in the Argos catalogue which scores on wattage, flow rate, pressure and price, so perhaps I'll take the Karcher back.

I was thinking about this mate. Being a plumber n'all.

You know, you can have lots of pressure and a low flow rate.

A water butt has no pressure, but could provide plenty of flow.

Have you tested your mains flow rate? You can get a flow cup if you start to wonder if this is the problem.

[Tigerrrr.......]

I was thinking about this mate. Being a plumber n'all.

You know, you can have lots of pressure and a low flow rate.

A water butt has no pressure, but could provide plenty of flow.

Have you tested your mains flow rate? You can get a flow cup if you start to wonder if this is the problem.

Yes, had the man from the water board out. He said all is well!

[otaylor38]

Thats alreet then :)