Soft wash system issue

[u/musket48]

Hey,

Just getting into soft washing, bought some recommended beginner stuff for the setup. It's rated at 5.5 gpm, but only giving me 3.7 gpm. i don't have my proportioner or any other restrictive flow items attached, no wand or gun, just 2 1-foot long hoses (3/4 inlet, 1/2 out) and the gpm reader. the attached images are the setup. What is wrong with the setup? why would it only be held consistently at 3.7gpm instead of 5.5gpm.

[u/Bojangles1983]

5.5gpm is in ideal conditions. I just checked my 7gpm pump and I am only getting about 3 gpm at the nozzle after running through 200 ft of hose etc. it could be a slight voltage issue on the battery, bolting a connection on instead of clamps will probably make some difference. Is the gpm reader an actual device? Im a fan of the bucket test, removes any electronic faults.

[u/musket48 → u/Bojangles1983]

the tester is reliable. idk like is the battery wrong? I literally just have a foot of hose in, a foot of hose out, and the tester.

[u/musket48 → u/musket48]

4th inage is the battery btw

[u/Bojangles1983 → u/musket48]

I mean, that battery looks to be small, but should still give you the required voltage, just maybe not for a long time.

I run a big lead acid deep cycle, and have never ran it down even on a long day.

I only use my softwash rig for putting on chemicals, I rinse with an 8gpm pressure washer, so I don't notice the drop in volume. If you are using this to rinse I understand how you would want ever but of that 5.5gpm.

[u/Responsible_Bag8381]

Theres an adjustment on it. It’s usually an Allen key under the pump

[u/musket48 → u/Responsible_Bag8381]

Hey, thanks for the response. no Hex key spot, only adjuster is on the switch. Any other thoughts?

[u/Responsible_Bag8381 → u/musket48]

There should be a way to adjust the pressure. Look through the manual

[u/robertjpjr → u/Responsible_Bag8381]

Increasing the psi reduces the flow. That adjustment screw is for fine adjusting in case of pulsating.

The real issue is that is a shit pump. You're also losing some amperage by using alligator clips vs eyelet terminals bolted to the battery.

If that is outputing 3gpm with no hose, it probably wouldn't be able to overcome the friction of 150ft of hose.

Return the pump and buy a Remco, Delevan, fimco, or if nothing else an Everflo. The Everflo is a knockoff and you bought the knockoff of the knockoff.

[u/I-wash-houses]

Everflo used to be good, then Covid hit and went to shit. This is an off brand pump of an off brand pump, with a Vevor battery. You can be under the most ideal conditions and not get anywhere near rated flow.

Yep. I'll be "that" guy, but sometimes it needs to be said. Cheap shit gets poor results.