I was out giving my house a much needed bath, when I notice a considerable quantity of smoke coming from the electric pressure washer. Not something you would expect, so I shut it down quickly. Let it set for about an hour to cool off.
I knew there was a problem from the smoke, but still hoped it was only heat related. Plugged it back in, flipped the switch, but only got a hum until it popped the breaker. So, figured I was done cleaning for the day, removed the hoses drained everything.
Started taking it a part to see how much damage, but the outer casing was being a _____. So went online and found the owners manual (Husky 1650), found all the hidden screws, and replaced the ones that didn't need removing... Noticed right off the start capacitor was bad, the gray cancer growing out of the side, was fused to the outer case (bummer they don't blow up anymore). Anyway, the manual showed me an easy way to check to see if the motor and pump turned freely, without taking it a part further, hex-head screw on the fan end of the motor, so kind. Motor turns freely, and hums, so figure all is good.
The start capacitor is a ***** though. It's 80 uF/360 VAC. Much larger then anything I've got. Looked around town, but no luck. Folsom Electric might, but have to wait until monday. Not much selection surplus online, and Husky wants $20, didn't bother checking shipping (canadian company, I think).
I hooked a 15 uf / 330 VAC cap up, motor almost turned. Took a shot... Happen to have quite a few of those 15uF caps, thinking 5 in parallel should be close enough. Not sure if there is enough room inside the case, which isn't waterproof or sealed in any way, more for deflecting water I'd suspect.
The line has GFI built in, but my house is old, and no telling how effective that is. The old capacitor was also used as a plug to seal the hole that gives access to the power switch and sensors. Anyway, the plan for tomorrow is to plug the hole with the old capacitor, and hopefully cram 5 capacitors under the case.
My concerns are how well will the capactors hold up. They are from the 1980's. The voltage rating is slightly less, but should be fine. Unit runs off 110 VAC, needs 15 Amps availiable. Also a little worried about water and all those capacitor leads. If the don't fit, will need to hang them on the outside some how. Pretty sure I can keep everything reasonably dry, always took that precaution, but my little brother doesn't listen to my warnings, and borrows my tools often...
I knew there was a problem from the smoke, but still hoped it was only heat related. Plugged it back in, flipped the switch, but only got a hum until it popped the breaker. So, figured I was done cleaning for the day, removed the hoses drained everything.
Started taking it a part to see how much damage, but the outer casing was being a _____. So went online and found the owners manual (Husky 1650), found all the hidden screws, and replaced the ones that didn't need removing... Noticed right off the start capacitor was bad, the gray cancer growing out of the side, was fused to the outer case (bummer they don't blow up anymore). Anyway, the manual showed me an easy way to check to see if the motor and pump turned freely, without taking it a part further, hex-head screw on the fan end of the motor, so kind. Motor turns freely, and hums, so figure all is good.
The start capacitor is a ***** though. It's 80 uF/360 VAC. Much larger then anything I've got. Looked around town, but no luck. Folsom Electric might, but have to wait until monday. Not much selection surplus online, and Husky wants $20, didn't bother checking shipping (canadian company, I think).
I hooked a 15 uf / 330 VAC cap up, motor almost turned. Took a shot... Happen to have quite a few of those 15uF caps, thinking 5 in parallel should be close enough. Not sure if there is enough room inside the case, which isn't waterproof or sealed in any way, more for deflecting water I'd suspect.
The line has GFI built in, but my house is old, and no telling how effective that is. The old capacitor was also used as a plug to seal the hole that gives access to the power switch and sensors. Anyway, the plan for tomorrow is to plug the hole with the old capacitor, and hopefully cram 5 capacitors under the case.
My concerns are how well will the capactors hold up. They are from the 1980's. The voltage rating is slightly less, but should be fine. Unit runs off 110 VAC, needs 15 Amps availiable. Also a little worried about water and all those capacitor leads. If the don't fit, will need to hang them on the outside some how. Pretty sure I can keep everything reasonably dry, always took that precaution, but my little brother doesn't listen to my warnings, and borrows my tools often...