Pressure washer on an "A"

MrTube

MrTube

Well-known member
I recently bought a pressure washer and am curious if its safe to use on an "A", or any car for that matter.

Rated 2600PSI @ 3.0GPM. 6.5HP Honda GX200 engine.

I have I think 5 nozzles though I don't remember most of the angles but I think one is 0 degree, 30 deg, 40deg, 60deg and I think there is one with a large hole labeled "chemical".
 
Depends on what part. I've used them for getting the dirt/grease/mud junk off old cars undersides. I wouldn't hit the paint or topside with it.
 
I use the pressure washers at a local "car wash" all the time without worry. Doubt that they have that much pressure and wonder what pressure is actually used? Anyone? Gar Williams
 
Aerocraft said:
I use the pressure washers at a local "car wash" all the time without worry. Doubt that they have that much pressure and wonder what pressure is actually used? Anyone? Gar Williams
Click to expand...


Thank you for the responses.

Aerocraft, I wonder the same thing?

What pressure is safe to use on paint?
 
My friend bought a 42 Harley, the previous owner used a pressure washer on it to wash it, now we are finding every moving joint and bearing (shift linkage, wheel bearings, steering, forks,etc--- has water intrusion damage---never been in the rain though.

You will find how good your paint bond is

much depends on how you grease it and if you drive it enough to heat it all to operating temp to evaporate any water inside.

If it is something you are going to take apart that day----have at it
 
To me that,s to much pressure, If your not carefull you could damage the top,
the running board covers, any weak paint area, just to many places that could leak on an "A".
[Pressure washers are for dirty bulldozers and tractors etc.]
Washing the old fashion way, "buy hand" is a part of owning a classic car. JMHO;).
 
A pressure washer is great for cleaning out the inside of a engine block, if you have it out of the car and hanging up.
MIKE :)
 
Depends on what tip you use, the lower pressure tips should be fine. I use a pressure washer on all my cars.

A friend used the 0* tip and stripped the Jeep decal off my Wrangler though.
 
The pressure on my water hose is about 80 PSI and I usually turn it down when washing the paint on my car. The last time I used 2600 PSI I was removing flaking paint from a cement block wall. If I stayed in the same place too long it would erode the cement. 2600 might be good to degrease and remove mud from a chassis but I would sure disassemble everything afterwords.

Charlie Stephens
 
use the 60 degree nozzle, and stand back a bit to get used to it..

I use one just like yours all the time.. never had a problem if you stick with the larger bore nozzles.. The small nozzles will peel the paint off a battleship if you get too close.. Also, do not pressure wash cedar (lol) Don;t ask me how I know that one

- Dave
 
I have two pressure washers and, while I will use them on the boat the dock and the house deck, fences, and such, they will never get close to the Model A.
I can't imagine anything but parts that I would use a PW on. A hose, hot soapy water, and a regular nozzle will take off anything my A experiences, to include rides on muddy roads.
 
Most Carwashes run LESS than 1000psi. The reasons they work without doing too much damage is: high volume, soap injection, hot water. 2600 psi will peel paint if you get too close. However, to remove the old grease on the undercarriage, it will work. Make sure to grease it afterwords and spray WD40 into places that you want to get the water out of but aren't greasable.
 
Do you want to find out on the Boss's model A ?

I would be reluctant to try it on an assembled, nice antique.

I've peeled paint with car-wash stuff, especially under-hood and under chassis, where paint has been exposed to grease / oil.

I'd experiment on a beater first...

Just my thoughts... P-W a Caterpillar dozer is one thing; an antique car is quite another.

I won't even chance my rattle-can coupe at the car-wash; just do it at home with the garden hose and bucket.

Good luck !



SC Frank
 
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