My Powercraft pcpw-135 powerwasher cut out and wont turn back on

Kepler 186f

As the title states I was in the process of using my Powercraft power washer. Stopped for 5 mins to speak to my neighbour, it turned itself off and now won't turn back on. Any idea of the potential problem and fix?

Have a look at this manual, It's the usual stuff, check the fuse then give it to a qualified service person.
There doesn't appear to be a resettable fuse on the unit.

Kepler 186f

Deleted User wrote: »

Have a look at this manual, It's the usual stuff, check the fuse then give it to a qualified service person.
There doesn't appear to be a resettable fuse on the unit.

Thanks for the manual, way more detailed than the one that came with it. I had checked the plug fuse which isn't the problem.
On opening it up the only visible
electric complement is item number 39, a Capacitance. On searching for fixes I came across a few YouTube vids which by replacing the capacitor (presumably the same as capacitance?) fixed the issue. I'll try find a replacement for that and if no success onto a pro

The Red Ace

if it is totally silent its not the capacitor, there will be a humming sound if the cap is duff, if it used to stop when you released the trigger on the lance it is more likely the flow switch

Kepler 186f

The Red Ace wrote: »

if it is totally silent its not the capacitor, there will be a humming sound if the cap is duff, if it used to stop when you released the trigger on the lance it is more likely the flow switch

Cheers for the response, so my DIY brain had it wrong.
As you said it is completely silent as if there's no power at all. Strangest thing it was working, I stopped for few mins and it then turned off completely. So by your reckoning is the flow switch easy to replace? Is is visible on the manual link above (doesn't seem to be referenced) or could you describe where it should be roughly? Or did you mean the main switch (on/ off switch)?

The Red Ace

if the washer switched on and off automatically when you pulled/released the trigger on the lance it has a flow switch. To check it correctly you need to be competent with a meter and check the mains lead via the on /of, flow switch if fitted, and on to the motor. if there is no break in the circuit on both live and neutral until it reaches the motor terminals the problem is within the motor, most likely a thermal overload gone open circuit

Kepler 186f

The Red Ace wrote: »

if the washer switched on and off automatically when you pulled/released the trigger on the lance it has a flow switch. To check it correctly you need to be competent with a meter and check the mains lead via the on /of, flow switch if fitted, and on to the motor. if there is no break in the circuit on both live and neutral until it reaches the motor terminals the problem is within the motor, most likely a thermal overload gone open circuit

Thanks again, I'll have a look into that as suggested

Kepler 186f

image.jpeg
"The Red Ace" Could the white sealed box on the bottom right of the pump (connected from the pump to the motor), be the flow switch that you were speaking of?

The Red Ace

you didn't comment on whether the washer used to cut in/out with the lance but assuming it did that is the most likely position for the flow switch, with water flowing the flow switch should close circuit, if you are not sure a sparks should be able to identify it and check its operation

Kepler 186f

The Red Ace wrote: »

you didn't comment on whether the washer used to cut in/out with the lance but assuming it did that is the most likely position for the flow switch, with water flowing the flow switch should close circuit, if you are not sure a sparks should be able to identify it and check its operation

Yea sorry that was the case, once the lance lever was released the motor would cut out, and then restart once the trigger was pulled again.
I couldn't find any specialized repairers in my area so I appreciate the help