I have a pressure washer with a faip 3 piston pump. the other day i was using it and it stopped unloading. i cleaned the unloader and it didn't help. I bought a new one and it still won't work. I e-mailed Ryobi and they will not respond. There were no instructions on installing and adjusting the unloader. Could you give me an idea how to install and set up the new unloader. Any help would be most appreciated.

Hubert, The unloader valve is like a by pass for the water and regulates/controls water pressure and redirects water when gun trigger is released. Check the attached links,instruction and guides to learn more about Pumps/unloader, Good luck
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Pressure Washer Unloader Valve
How to replace an unloader valve on your pressure washer pump
All About Unloader Valves ePowerWash
How to Replace an Unloader Valve on Pressure Washer Repair Guide Help...

Are you talking about the electric switch that shuts off the motor when the trigger is released?
If so, there is an arm that comes out of the high pressure side of the manifold and is connected to a spring loaded piston. The piston extends under high pressure (spray trigger released) and retracts when spraying. At the opposite end of the arm is an allen screw and locknut. The allen screw bears on the microswitch arm to control the electric motor. When properly adjusted, the motor should turn off when the trigger is released. If it doesn't, loosen the locknut and adjust the allen screw slightly outwards toward the switch. Pull the trigger a few times and verify the motor starts up and shuts down when you release it. Tighten locknut.
Hope that helps.

According to epowerwash.com:
"The unloader valve diverts water flow into bypass when the trigger gun valve is closed. Unloaders may be designed to respond to either an increase in pressure or a change in flow. The unloader valve may also be used for variable pressure adjustment."

More information here:
All About Unloader Valves ePowerWash

The unloader on yoru pump is bad.. Pressure washer parts catalog quick links Pressure Washers High Pressure... go here with your model number on your pump and they can guide you to your new unloader. Good luck

Hi Mike
You could have one are two problems with the pressure washer.
1...pump for pressure washer worn and needs washer/seal replacement.
2...Need to adjust the pressure discharge relief valve to the needed pressure.
Please take time to rate me
Bud

hi there rjcomer2

here is web site for parts
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/karcher-2500-11944010-pressure-washer-parts-c-33388_33389_33973.html

sounds like you have a unloader valve problem or a crack in the pressure manifold housing between pressure outlet and unloader valve assy allowing unloader to cycle on/ off

or some dirt trapped in the unloader valve seat , make sure you have good supply of water - ie good flow from tap to pump

try cleaning unloader 1st and fitting in line tap filter

hope it helps

pauly46

The pressure unloader us usually the first part/s that fail. An unloader can fail resulting in no or very low pressure or good pressure, however will not unload when trigger is released and stall the motor. Look at breakdown for your pump and determine if unloader parts are available and reasonable. If too costly to replace these parts then install an ez start valve to help start engine and tie back wand handle to deal with unloader problem (workaround). Ez start valve can be seen here:
http://www.cmcpwe.com/accessorystartvalve.html

When not in use, store washer with oil in pump to displace the water. The oil will help lube internal parts and possibly cause the unloader to begin working (if stuck due to debris/rust). You can find a gizmo to help you feed oil into pump on ebay /other web locations. Good luck with your repair.

This is an indication that the unloader not working properly. When you release the trigger the unloader senses the increase in pressure and bypasses the water into the water inlet. When the unloader is not working and you release the trigger, the water pressure builds quickly and overcomes the power of the engine shutting it down. Here is the manual for your machine, http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/manuals/Simpson_WaterBlaster%20manual_2.pdf

and some information about troubleshooting from the manual.
"Not Unloading. Leak in Gunvalve or Hose. Repair gun leak . Replace leaking or broken hoses. Debris or wear in Check Valve. Remove Check Valve parts and clean. Check O-Ring. Reface with emery cloth, or replace checkvalve. Damaged Piston U-Cup. Rebuild Unloader Valve (Service Center)."
Usually when the unloader fails the pressure regulator will most likely need to be replaced as the unloader is usually incorporated within. For now try lowering the pressure some and just tie the trigger open untill you can service. Good luck.

Piston air compressors have to unload to permit a restart, the two mot common types are an unloader valve or free air unloaders.

with an unloader valve this system uses a check valve mounted in the discharge line as it enters the tank, when the pump stops this check closes and does not permit the tank pressure to return to the pump. a unloader valve also opens to allow air pressure in the discharge line to vent, this valve is either on the pressure switch or on some models is on the pump, and is a centrifugal type.

Free air unloaders or head unloaders are a set of fingers that hold open the intake valves on the cylinders to permit the piston not to pump air against a head load, and once the pump is running the fingers retract to allow the pump to function as normal.