Purchasing Pressure Washer - Have A Few Questions

1 pump does not equal one ounce of product from the pump I got from AG. Be careful if you use this as a infallible rule.

Also, soaps differ in their thickness and how much will flow through a single pump action. Also, if you don't allow the pump a full return after pumping, you don't get as much product on subsequent pumps.

Get a cheap bar jigger from the dollar store and measure out how many pumps it takes to get to one ounce, and check again when you change brands of soap, or you're not really making a fair comparison of your products.

Alternatively, you can measure out one or two ounces, pour it into the container of your use (like the reservoir of your foam cannon if you're using one) and mark the product line with a sharpie. Then you can use the container and pump directly into it willy-nilly until you hit the line and not worry about how much product flows with each push of the pump nozzle.
 
aim4squirrels said:
1 pump does not equal one ounce of product from the pump I got from AG. Be careful if you use this as a infallible rule.

Also, soaps differ in their thickness and how much will flow through a single pump action. Also, if you don't allow the pump a full return after pumping, you don't get as much product on subsequent pumps.

Get a cheap bar jigger from the dollar store and measure out how many pumps it takes to get to one ounce, and check again when you change brands of soap, or you're not really making a fair comparison of your products.

Alternatively, you can measure out one or two ounces, pour it into the container of your use (like the reservoir of your foam cannon if you're using one) and mark the product line with a sharpie. Then you can use the container and pump directly into it willy-nilly until you hit the line and not worry about how much product flows with each push of the pump nozzle.
Click to expand...


good point!
 
Not familiar with that particular PW, but if Kevin says it works.... I'd take that to the bank. :dblthumb2: I'd also say you really don't need a gas pressure washer for your vehicles. I've got one of those big monsters, 13HP Honda that'll peel the chrome off a trailer hitch. That thing is WAAAAAAAAAY too much trouble (and noise) to deal with washing cars.

I've got a little Craftsman 1700psi electric (with a separate steam cleaner built in) that provides all you'll need for a foam cannon. Not only is the lower pressure safer, but the lower volume means you'll save water when washing. (You can always disconnect the hose for flooding type rinsing.)

The adapter for the cannon should come with it. (At least the ones like BF, WG, DP etc. from Autogeek do.) Just get your PW first and figure out which one you need, then order that one with your cannon. Now if you need *another* one then that one will cost you extra.

Do keep in mind that you need your PW in hand BEFORE ordering your cannon. Not just because of the fitting, but because you need to know the gpm. You can get a cannon with a different orifice in it depending on how your "gpm" is on your pressure washer.

Shampoo;
Literally the only thing from CG I keep around is Honeydew and Mr. Pink, and always will.:xyxthumbs:
Duragloss 901 is an excellent shampoo (both with and without the cannon). That one is a must have, no matter what.
And if you want super thick & sticky foam... get some Megs Hyper-Wash. Shampoo-Plus isn't in the same league when it comes to suds density. It cleans well, as good as anything else, just doesn't have that super thick, super sticky, long lasting suds.

Mix Hyper-Wash with anything else and you've got a foam party. By itself, and on full 'thick' setting from the cannon it honestly might be TOO MUCH foam.

On measuring the liquid.... I just pour a little of this, and a little of that (always mix at least 2, usually one CG and either the DG or the Megs) into the cannon bottle. And when it's cold out I'll mix in a little warm water so it'll draw better through the tube. I never use it all, so after the wash that goes back into a used Megs shampoo container (some over the counter 64oz container). Next time I might make another mix from the gallons, or I might just grab that 64oz (blend) and pour a bit from it.

I never want for foam, that's for sure.
Come to think of it... I still have a (Gilmour) foam gun (for the hose) that I've not used in months and months and months. I bet Hyper-Wash would put out a really nice foam from that Gilmour.
 
Thanks for all the replies guys! I'm going to pick it up tonight and already ordered the AR Foam Canon & CG Honeydew with Amazon Prime. Ready to use it this weekend if it's nice!

What I've found is that AR didn't use to have their own foam canon and people were hacking stuff up to DIY an MTM foam cannon onto their AR machine. Well, now that AR has made their own foam cannon...that is no longer an issue. They sell a separate piece that you have to buy IF you want to use the MTM, but that's pointless. Everything I've read has said that their foam cannon is basically the same thing, both made in Italy, etc. Much cheaper too!

As much as I'd like a more powerful pressure washer, I'm sure this will do just fine for routine maintenance. Should make cleaner our cars a breeze :D

I almost have too many detailing products that are too similar now. Glad I have a good soap, but I have DG's Rinseless w/ Aquawax AND UWW+. Don't need 'em both anymore. Also have 303 Fabric Guard that I never used. I've got leather interior now...Anyone want to buy some stuff?!! :D
 
I forgot to ask...

We have pretty hard water here in OKC and I was wondering if anyone knew of a good in-line water filter that would help this. Obviously it won't be as great as a whole home, reverse osmosis filtration system....but it should help with water spots and other things. Didn't know if they made something like this.
 
That DG and UWW+ are a decent enough overlap to where you can still use them both. And that 303 fabric guard.... that'll be great on the carpet floor mats. :)

Me thinks over buying and under using is the norm around here. Why else would AG have a sale three times a week and twice on Sundays? :laughing: I bought ALL the Griot's compounds many moons ago just because I liked their bottles with the rounded pop-up/non clog caps. :rolleyes:

Just took a look at my 'portable' Autogeek detailing bag for instance. It has 12 different compounds and polishes and no less than 8 different sealants/spray waxes within it's small, easy to carry frame. :laughing: With 2 different versions of ONR, as well as 3 more versions of panel wipe spray, including straight alcohol. OMG.... I've got it BAD!:buffing:
 
Hey Ousooner2, how are you liking your AR112 and AR foam cannon so far?

With Kevin's help, I too decided to go with the AR112 instead of a much larger model I was considering.

Should be here Tuesday! :)

I also went ahead and got the AR foam cannon as well to replace my foam gun.

I'll be using Meg's Hyperwash most of the time in my cannon.

Any idea how many ounces I'll need to complete a wash?


With my BF foam gun that I bought from the sister site, I use about 4-5oz of soap per vehicle.

Was hoping it'd be much less product with the cannon?!?!?


.
 
So wait this PW is only $110 and it comes with a foam cannon?

This lite guy is strong enough for you professional retailers?

Would it still be strong enough to do house siding or a boat, sidewalk?

Sent from my KFSOWI using Tapatalk
 
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