diesel powered engine on cold-water pressure washer?

[flip houser]

Hey,

Does anyone have any opinions on diesel engines on a cold water pressure washer? It seems common to use diesel to heat the water for hot water rigs, but I've seen a few diesel powered cold water machines for sale and want to know if I should consider them or rule them out.

I've been lurking here for a while, learning what I can before I invest in a unit, but haven't seen much about diesel powered cold water machines.

thanks in advance,

 

[Clean County]

Basically a Diesel Powered engine will last alot longer then a gas powered engine. A diesel engine will also cost alot more then a gas powered engine for that reason. The drawbacks to diesel is that in the winter months especially in your state you may have to keep your trailer warm because diesel can be a bitch to start if its to cold out because the oil in the diesel gets to thick.

Luckely in your state Diesel gas is as cheap as regular gas which is a plus. If you plan on putting a ton of hours on your powerwasher then diesel is a great option.

 

[flip houser]

Thanks, that is good to know! Part of my consideration towards diesel is that I'm also going to be looking into "biodiesel", actually brewing it myself or with some others. I know there is some concern with using biodiesel in certain engines, mostly older engines but also engines that have been using regular diesel, but nothing that can't be over come.

 

[DAFF]

Diesel Is King

If you do allot of washing this is the way to go. You will decrease your fuel costs by 60%, and have loads of power to spare. Had vanguard and honda power plants in the past and was spending more money in fuel in the washers than in the truck. Right now I have an older isusu liquid cooled 3 cyl. direct drived to a general pump. At $1.00 per litre the operational cost on a 8 hr day is about $10.00.

As to cold weather starts just remove a frost plug in the moter and insert a 110v block heater. If its super cold I prestart the system at the shop and leave it running in transit, looping the water back to the tank.

A great power plant comes from older reefer engines. You can usually find affordable engines that have been maintained for $250.00-$1500.00.

Most of all, why listen to that honda scream all day long when there is a quiet, more cost effective soution that wont break the bank to build. It may take some time and effort to create a custom power washer, but the power and cool factor is way worth it.

At this time I am building a hot water steam unit on the tanker truck. Using all the leftover parts from other projects.

 

[flip houser]

Hey Daff, thanks for the insight. I don't think I'll be building my own rig. I'm real close to buying my first one though. It's taken me months but I think I finally can read a nozzle chart, and I'm like ready to ask my last question before buying something. Just in time for winter storage . I think I'll get a little use out of it before winter actually.