[sourphish]

Definitely a slippery slope. I was finally able to test out the new pressure washer setup last weekend on my and the wife's car--Still a noob at it and still figuring out my process/flow as I just moved recently as well.

Future plans:
1) Waiting on a backordered cart to mount the kranzle and hose reel. Figured I preferred a portable solution so I can use the pressure washer on other parts of the property.
2) Would like to add a water filter system as well to minimize the water spots.

 

[toosteeley]

Great setup! The Kranzel really is the gold standard for car washing A cart would be a great addition.

2 observations:

• I personally found a 3/8s hose too heavy (and overkill) and ended up switching to the 1/4 uberflex. Honestly made a world of difference. So much lighter and more flexible. I found I was fighting with the 3/8 too much. Personal preference of course.
• Your foam seems a bit thin. Have you tried a 1.1mm orifice in your foam cannon?

 

[petee_c]

I'm new to this whole pressure washer car wash scene despite owning one since the late 90's.

I'm on the fence about the foam, and the amount of soap that ends up in the storm drains. I'm a little concerned about algae in local streams and rivers downstream of us. (Although as an avid sports fisherman, our cottage and most of my fishing is upstream of my driveway, so likely won't affect me personally)

Is 1/2" of foam really needed for the 1/256" of road film we have left on our cars after the initial pressure wash rinse?

In most areas that get rain and road film, some sort of contact wash is needed.

 

[sourphish]

Great setup! The Kranzel really is the gold standard for car washing A cart would be a great addition.

2 observations:

• I personally found a 3/8s hose too heavy (and overkill) and ended up switching to the 1/4 uberflex. Honestly made a world of difference. So much lighter and more flexible. I found I was fighting with the 3/8 too much. Personal preference of course.
• Your foam seems a bit thin. Have you tried a 1.1mm orifice in your foam cannon?

Thanks! It's definitely a great machine. Ultimately decided to go for it so I wouldn't really have to upgrade in the future for a home use machine--keeps the other half happier too. Buy once cry once kind of thing, right?

I'll check out the uberflex in case I feel the same way longer term. For now, the 3/8 has been alright with the quick disconnects

I thought the foam was a bit thin too. Could it be my soap/water mix as I did more of an eyeball approach? Also was using a 1.25mm orifice with Meguiars Gold Class.
Any other suggestions in general or best practices?

 

[toosteeley]

^ The 1.1mm orifice is cheap and easy to swap - I'd try that first.

 

[toosteeley]

Is 1/2" of foam really needed for the 1/256" of road film we have left on our cars after the initial pressure wash rinse?

In most areas that get rain and road film, some sort of contact wash is needed.

Agreed, a contact wash is needed in most cases on top of the foam. The thicker the foam, the longer it will stay on the surface which will A) aid in lubrication and B) have more time to lift the surface dirt.

I believe most car soaps are biodegradable, but I totally understand your concerns if you live close to fresh water.

 

[petee_c]

I believe most car soaps are biodegradable, but I totally understand your concerns if you live close to fresh water.

They biodegrade because they feed algae. My last biology class was over 30 yrs ago, but that's what I think happens.

 

[toosteeley]

Good to know!

 

[Magicrat]

I need a better foam cannon, but they are kinda pricey. Any recommendations for a reasonable costing one? BTW, that Uberflex hose it the way to go!!!!

 

[toosteeley]

^ Try switching to a 1.1mm orifice in the foam cannon before replacing it. That will make all the difference even in a less expensive cannon.

 

[Zeek]

Hope my wife never finds out, but I just went further in on car washing equipment. Hopefully she doesn't notice my new pressure washer. Picked up a Kracher.

Amazon.com : Karcher K1700 Cube 1700 PSI 1.2 GPM TruPressure Electric Pressure Washer - 2125 Max PSI Power Washer with 3 Nozzles for Cleaning Cars, Siding, Driveways, Fencing, & More : Patio, Lawn & Garden

I got it on sale last week for about $100. It's $160now.

Also, picked up this wand and foam cannon kit. I was looking at other less expensive wands/cannons, but they weren't that much cheaper than this kit.

Amazon.com: MTM Hydro 28 Special PF22.2 Foam Cannon Kit, Pressure Washer Car Wash Sprayer Gun with Swivel, High Pressure Foam Power Washer Attachment, Foam Lance for Boat, Roof, Car Washing, Adjustable Nozzle : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Now just waiting for my Flexzilla hose. I'm paying $8 for the action green v. the uberflex. I think they are the same hose though. They have the same patent number.

 

[toosteeley]

Can't go wrong with that Karcher Cube! I've seen some great setup using that as the basis.

You'll also be really happy with that MTM gun/foam cannon. The swivel connection makes all the difference!

 

[Magicrat]

^ Try switching to a 1.1mm orifice in the foam cannon before replacing it. That will make all the difference even in a less expensive cannon.

@toosteeley Funny thing, I looked at my parts for the pressure washer and I have bought the 1.1mm orifice but never installed it, LOL. Next wash I'll change it out and give it a try.

 

[toosteeley]

Post back with your impressions after switching 🙂

 

[petee_c]

Used the pressure washer for the 1st time with the m50. I time lapsed the wash for some good video content for you guys.

just kidding.

I wanted to track the on time for the pressure washer for the wash as I am contemplating MacGyvering a filtered rainwater setup to use this summer to wash vehicles. (Technically we have outdoor water restrictions from mid May to Septemberish). And our water is very hard but the garage can have soft water if I flip a valve in the basement. By using rainwater, it should have a fairly low TDS to start, and less chance of water spots?`

Anyways. I played the timelapse back at 0.25x speed and tallied about 11 seconds of on time with the washer going. each second of playback is 30 seconds of real time. So I used the water for about 5:30 to 6 mins for the wash. at a rate of 1.8GPM that's around 11gallons per minute. I have 100 gallons of rainwater storage beside the garage.

My pressure washer did not like the 1.1mm orifice. Intermittently it was having problems turning the pressure on. Not enough flow? I will go back to the original orifice for the next wash and see if the washer turns on better.

25' hose way too short. "Slow" delivery from Amazon for my 50' Uberflex. Thing still hasn't shipped yet after 5 days.

I'm not going for shaving cream foam anyways.

 

[Zeek]

When washing your car does anyone else find it impossible to get the rear hatch completely dry. I dry the trunk area as best as i can, with it both open and closed. I come back 5 mins later, and there's still water pooling on the bumper area. I assume its the gap between the rear window and the trunk, but it's kind of annoying.

 

[toosteeley]

Try using a leaf blower to get as much water out of the crevasses as possible before towel drying. See if that helps.

 

[Zeek]

Try using a leaf blower to get as much water out of the crevasses as possible before towel drying. See if that helps.

Thought i might need a leaf blower. Just bought a pressure washer and accessories. I'll need to wait before I can make another purchase, lol.

 

[toosteeley]

I just use an inexpensive Ryobi one. Doesn't need to be fancy.

 

[petee_c]

Q

I just use an inexpensive Ryobi one. Doesn't need to be fancy.

If you're going for cordless, check to see if there's one in your battery's ecosystem. I run makita for 18v, and milwaukee for 12v tools.

or you could corded.

My 50' uberflex from Amazon that I paid $71cdn for still hasn't shipped yet....

I also got my TDS meter today.... Tap water here: 518-587ppm TDS; my rain barrels have TDS of 14ppm