Pressure washers built with Honda engines and CAT pumps have proven to be very reliable, durable, and preferred by contractors and do-it-yourself enthusiasts. Below, in this article, after researching, I thought I would add a helpful curated list of pressure washers built with a Honda engine and CAT pump conveniently available online.
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How to Use a Pressure Washer With Honda Engine and CAT Pump
Check the CAT Pump Oil Level
Visually check the oil sight glass on the pump. The oil should be clean and clear, with the level right in the middle. If the pump needs oil, remove the particular red plug that most CAT pumps have located on the top of the pump and add oil as needed.
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Check the Honda Engine Oil Level
Remove the dipstick by turning it counterclockwise, cleaning it, and rechecking the oil to ensure proper level. Make sure the oil level is in the center of the dipstick, and be sure to reposition the dipstick clockwise.
Connect Hoses
Start connecting the garden hose that threads onto the pump and turn it clockwise. You will see another connection next to it with a quick-connect design for the high-pressure hose. Pull back on the quick-connect, push in the high-pressure hose, and release the quick-connect. (Do not open the water yet)
Check Fuel Level
Before you start the engine, ensure to check the fuel level. If the fuel tank is empty, always use a funnel to fill the tank to prevent fuel from spilling on the engine.
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Connect High Pressure Accessories
Connect the high-pressure accessory to be used to the high-pressure hose by pulling back the quick coupling and pushing the accessory at the same time.
Turn the Water On
First, remove the tip of the accessory and turn the water on. After turning the water on, release the air from the system by squeezing and holding the trigger on the accessory until you see water constantly coming out. Once you see water constantly coming out, re-insert the tip back into the accessory.
Start the Engine
- Turn the red engine switch to the on position.
- Turn the fuel valve to the ignition position.
- Engine throttle in ignition position
- Choke in the closed position for a cold start.
- Squeeze and hold the accessory trigger and start the engine simultaneously.
- With the machine running, continue to squeeze and hold the accessory trigger until the engine can withstand the pressure.
- Then switch the choke to the open position when the engine warms up.
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How to Protect a CAT Pump in a Pressure Washer
The CAT pump manufacturer strongly recommends using its pressure washer pump guard for ideal long-term protection. (Below) you can follow these ten simple steps to use the CAT pump guard for storage and protection.
- Shut down the engine.
- Disconnect all hoses.
- Unscrew the blue valve from the CAT formula bottle and remove the white inner seal.
- After removing the white inner seal, threaten to replace the blue valve on the bottle.
- Remove the black protective cap from the formula bottle to expose the male garden hose threads.
- Screw the CAT formula bottle onto the garden hose fitting on the pump inlet.
- Squeeze the formula bottle to inject the pump protection fluid into the pump.
- Pull the starter cord for gas pressure washers until the pump protection fluid enters the pump outlet. (Do not start the engine)
- For electric pressure washers: Turn the pressure washer on briefly until the protective liquid in the pump discharges from the pump outlet, then turn the pressure washer off.
- Remove the empty protective bottle from the garden hose connection and store or dispose of the bottle correctly.
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How to Start a Pressure Washer (With CAT Pump Easy-Start Valve)
The easy-start valve is a device used on some motor-driven pressure washers. This valve relieves pressure buildup by bypassing a small amount of water to the pump inlet when the starter motor is pulled. It makes it easier to start the pressure washer, especially when the motor does not start the first time. Pressure washers without this feature are often challenging to start and require opening the accessory trigger to relieve the pressure buildup to start the machine, as I mentioned above.
How Does a CAT Pump Easy Start Valve Works
The CAT pump easy start valve usually has a round brass body with a hose barb located on the high-pressure side of the pump downstream of the adjustable valve and motor or at an accessory discharge port. It will also have a small hose attached to the inlet side of the pump to return bypass water. Here’s how it works.
The CAT easy start valve has an internal check valve that opens the passage and diverts the water to the pump inlet during start-up. It will also relieve the pressure surge caused by pump rotation when starting the pressure washer engine. Once the system is in operation and the pump reaches full speed and flow, the internal passage closes, allowing water to flow unrestricted through the discharge hose at full pressure.
Over time, the easy-start valve can become stuck in the open position, which can cause an unexpected intermittent or permanent loss of pressure. This can be caused by unfiltered debris or slight corrosion of the internal parts, causing them to jam.
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How to Troubleshoot a CAT Pump Easy Start Valve
There are a few simple steps to identify and troubleshoot the cause and remedy for a sticky, easy start valve. Once you have located the easy-start valve, tap the valve with a hammer or other instrument. This can loosen the internal check valve and allow it to move freely. Try starting the engine. If pressure problems persist, the next thing to do is to check the internal parts of the easy-start valve by following these ten helpful steps (below).
- Start by removing the bypass hose and then the valve.
- Prepare a clean work surface and disassemble the two-piece body.
- Clean and inspect the internal parts and reassemble the valve.
- Attempt to restart the pressure washer.
- If you suspect that the easy start valve is still not working, remove it from the pump along with the bypass hose and hose nipple.
- Install a high-pressure plug, usually 3/8″ npt, in the high-pressure discharge port where the easy start valve was located.
- Next, install a low-pressure plug, usually 1/4″ npt, in the port where you connected the bypass hose to the pump inlet.
- Attempt to start the engine again.
- Suppose the motor does not start on the first pull. In that case, you may need to pull and hold the accessory trigger or adjust the unloader counterclockwise to reduce the built-up pressure.
- If you continue to experience low pressure, there may be another problem causing the problem, and you may need to take your pressure washer in for service.
As I mentioned earlier, to reduce the possibility of the easy start valve sticking, always apply the CAT pump protection formula to lubricate the internal parts and prevent corrosion during prolonged storage.
