What's the "safest" amount of pressure you can use on your car with a pressure washer

[lyonsd]

I've got an electric pressure washer that is rated at 1400psi. I've used it on the car and had no bad experiences with it.

Due to other needs, I'm contemplating getting a bigger one with a gas motor and 2400psi or so.

Will 2400psi damage the paint? I suppose, too, that I could just not hold the nozzle very close to the surface.

Finally, what's a good pressure washer to get? At Sam's there was a Delta one with a 5.5 or 6.5hp engine that made 2400psi or something like that for around $350. I also found (by searching on the 'Net) a Karcher G2301LT for $300 with a 6.5hp engine and 2300psi.

Anybody got any other alternatives for that price range?

 

[Rollin]

I use 2400lbs to clean my cars, if you have some chips do not put the nozzle in or around them or you'll see factory primer. Worked great on the engine bay while the motor was out though, looks like it just came from the factory. I use a Honda pressure washer, its quiet and starts on the first pull everytime.

 

[lyonsd]

The Delta has a Honda engine. It's $360 and 2400psi. 5.5hp too.

Troy Built has one with a 6.5hp engine, 2350psi and $300.

 

[1000MileStylez]

rollin be carefull with that honda, i used to work on those, the crankcase is nothing like a briggs or tacumseh. the crankcase is cut in a slant , and has a timing chain . you cant mess up the timing at all! if u ever do need a new crankshaft, its a nice machine but becarefull.

 

[bishir]

I have the exact same washer purchased from Sams. I bought it because of the Honda engine. So far, I've had to take one back but I've been very pleased with the performance. The last one was faulty from the start. I believe it was the pump so I just took it back to Sams about a month later. They could have cared less and they offered me a refund or a trade for another. Caution though... if you use 2400psi on your paint with a fine stream or you will lose it! I tried to get some sap of my wife's car and I went too far and the paint chipped off. Good thing is wasn't my car You can turn up the pressure (pump speed) full and fan out the water and you'll be okay. It's nice to have a pressure washer around that can put out at least 2400psi. It's great for cleaning your house and driveway too. I wrote my name in the driveway!

James

 

[AsphaltAnihil8r]

The safest plyable pressure that single stage paint can handle is 2480psig,so make you your voltage is within the 10% that is alowed by UL