[CleanClear]

I have two small petrol power washers. A clarke tiger 2500, and the Ebay 2200Psi 5.5HP one that you all hate !! 
 Now i don't use them for general power washing, i use them to clean trucks. Once a fortnight and the engine goes all day. Only use one at a time, i keep one as a spare. I've changed the engine oil regularly and suprisingly i havn't had a problem yet. (two years old BTW).

[1] I'm under the impression you cannot leave the engine running and go off and do another chore, as if you do and its been running a while then this will cause a surge of cold water into the churning pump which will be hot and cause your pump to crack.
 Is this correct, if so how long you can let it idle at a guess ?

[2] If, or rather when one of my pumps go i can the the identical replacement from ebay for about £50. I've also seen Anovi Reverberi pumps, for a few quid extra. Are these Anovi pumps any good , anyone had any experience with them? And do they suffer with the can't leave them running problem or do they have a bypass ?

[3] How often should you change the pump oil, and could you recommend an oil ?

[BDCS]

1 No you should not leave it running because you have an internal by pass which means the water takes a very short loop and heats up quickly. Its the heat that kills the seals and pistons.

2 yes you can buy a new pump and just bolt it on which takes about 5 minutes - I have an AR pump on a 5hp Honda and its been good but I only use the machine to wash the  crosser.

3 I use Silkolene light gear oil or comp gear in my pumps but anything will do really so long as its low foam. The older fossils swear by a mono grade engine oil or some other antique slop - humour them. Search the old posts for the many threads about pump and engine oils.

[CleanClear]

Many thanks BDCS. How often to change the pump oil, 6 monthly, yearly ?

[BDCS]

I do mine yearly. I buy semi synthetic engine oil from costco and do all my plant engines oils and filters - I also change the unloader on Wallace at the same time.

[CleanClear]

Ok thanks.