Karcher 601 Hds steam cleaner

[Peter.N.]

Didn't know what category to post this in so it's here.

Can anyone help? My son has the above mentioned cleaner/pressure washer with several faults:

1. It cuts out after 20 seconds as though the water pressure is low. Our water supply does have low pressure but the volume of supply is good, it seemed to work on mains pressure when he bought it.

2. It smokes when running flat out

2. Its maximum temperature rating is 150C but the control knob it locked above 90C.

Thanks

Peter

 

[sircerebus666]

How old is it, might still be in warranty

 

[Burnerman]

The pumps, electrodes and nozzles are very similar to those used in oil burners, Peter....I'd have the oil pressure tested if its sooty.
I'd also test it on a short length of hose with a known mains pressure to see if it keeps running.
John

 

[Peter.N.]

Hi John

I watched a youtube video on cleaning the boiler out, the chap used muriatic acid and the results were amazing, this was american of course and apparently not available over here, what do we use here? Descalite is a name that comes to mind, I think that's formic acid but I doubt it would do the sort of job that the other stuff did.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Peter

 

[Burnerman]

I’ve never heard of those chemicals Peter but some central heating descalers are pretty aggresive.....maybe there’s a possibility with that.
John

 

[Peter.N.]

OK thanks John. Will investigate. Our water is pretty acidic - it eats water tanks anyway, would probably have to run a lot through it though.

Peter

 

[StephenOak]

Muriatic acid is an old name for hydrochloric acid.

From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrochloric_acid#Industrial_market
"In the United States, solutions of between 20% and 32% are sold as muriatic acid. Solutions for household purposes in the US, mostly cleaning, are typically 10% to 12%, with strong recommendations to dilute before use. In the United Kingdom, where it is sold as "Spirits of Salt" for domestic cleaning, the potency is the same as the US industrial grade.[13]"

 

[Peter.N.]

Oh is that what it is, I haven't heard of 'spirits of salt' since I was a kid, didn't think it was anything like hydrochloric acid. Can you buy anything of the sort over here?

Peter

 

[Burnerman]

Do you suspect the heating coil is blocked or scaled, Peter?
If it is, probably a replacement is better than chemicals but maybe the problem stems from poor water pressure?
John

 

[StephenOak]

Can you buy anything of the sort over here?

Yes, Google for it and you will see plenty of people selling it.

John (Burnerman) generally knows what he is talking so I would tend to follow his advice.

If you want to descale it then any descaler should make some impression as they are all acids. The more concentrated the acid the more scale it will take out but, of course, the more chance there is of it damaging something.

 

[Peter.N.]

Yes thanks. I know John is very knowledgeable, I sometimes think he runs this forum single handed. Whatever section you post in he usually replies. He is a very good mechanic.

I did look on ebay but couldn't find much of a selection, I will try harder.

Peter

 

[StephenOak]

First entries I get when I google for 'spirits of salt'.

https://www.homebase.co.uk/max-strength-spirits-of-salt-500ml_p275496
https://www.homecareessentials.co.uk/products/kilrock-spirits-of-salt-500ml/ss500
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kilrock-Spirits-Salt-500ml-liters/dp/B016DQM6XS
https://www.pattersons.co.uk/kilrock-spirits-of-salt-500ml.html

 

[Peter.N.]

Thanks for that, now I know what I'm looking for.

Peter

 

[lostinthelight]

I’ve never heard of those chemicals Peter
John

Youve may have used it in another guise when removing the aluminium transfered from piston to cylinders John..brick cleaning acid

 

[Burnerman]

Ye gods I can't say I have, but it's interesting to know!
John