I have an older Alkota hot water pressure washer and it does not get used a lot. When you first turn it on and pull the trigger, it has pressure for a split second, then looses pressure, sounds like it maybe cavitatates (growls)for a few seconds, let off the trigger, growling stops,will have pressure for a few more seconds, then cavitate (more growling), let off, then pressure longer than the first time until it has pressure and runs fine. Tonight I was trying to use it and the damn thing did not want to play nice, I was going though the pull trigger then wait song and dance and it never kept up the pressure. Wondering if there is an air leak or a "priming" issue. I had it serviced about 2 maybe 3 years ago and they installed a new pump at the time, but it did this same nonsense before the pump replacement. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
its not getting enough water
The small on board water tank with the float shut off is constantly full. Maybe a restriction in the line to the pump?
Unloader valve might be shot they have a hard time with air when they get weak and get stuck open solved the problem on my steam cleaner last year I think it's about 150 bucks The only other thing could be if there is a lift pump between the tank and pump and it's not working
Yep the unloader valve sticks when its not used often. I had to take mine apart and clean it and grease it up.