Russ T.
Supportive Member
It's just a filter, but it's plug 'n play.
I'm about to replace the CAT pump, and I'm not even scared.
That's saying a lot for me.
What took me so long?
How easy can Butler make it?
- Thread starter Russ T.
- Start date
It's just a filter, but it's plug 'n play.
I'm about to replace the CAT pump, and I'm not even scared.
That's saying a lot for me.
What took me so long?
Steve Lawrence
Member
What's wrong with your Cat pump? How many hours? Just be sure the pump is the problem before replacing it. Pumps last a long time--unloaders, not so much--and can give the mistaken impression the the pump is funky.
(Your filter and fittings look so clean, almost new, so it's making me think your pump isn't that old.)
(Your filter and fittings look so clean, almost new, so it's making me think your pump isn't that old.)
Russ T.
Supportive Member
Thanks Steve.
This is a 15 year old Butler that SAT for 15 years, averaging @ 53 hours of use per year.
It's got 794 original hours on it right now.
Previous owner said it was "ready to clean".
It wasn't.
The solution line and pressure jumps up and down pretty wildly, until pressure is increased to about 600 psi. Pressure smooths out there. BUT I lose chem injection at that point...kinda weird.
I've replaced the chem line that was caked with dried up product, the chem meter and the chem valve.
I drove her up to see Saiger. He helped me install a chem pump rebuild kit, replaced each of the 5 belts, cleaned out and lubed the blower, did a proper descale, and I can't think of what else but we tinkered with it for several hours before he sent me packing with several CASES of chems and a barely used Seal a Door!
The pressure issue is keeping me from being able to clean with it still, however.
I honestly don't know what else to do. If a CAT pump rebuild doesn't do it, I might cry.
I'm either going to send my pump to Butler to have them do it or I can try to get it to Dultmier in Omaha. Both companies seem friendly and eager to help...but they are far away.
This is why I wanted a Butler, honestly. I need to get more comfortable and capable with the equipment I'm running.
My closest supplier is Interlink out of Omaha. I never go there because it's 3 hours away. That's 6 hours both ways and I'm not Marty.
Kansas City is similar distance.
There's a huge hole in central IA, that a good independent supplier could do really well in.
Can anyone think of anything to check before I pull the pump out?
I'll send it out to Butler or get it to Omaha this week.
I know it's going to be great once I get this thing smoothed out.
Cleanworks
Moderator
Just what Steve says, take your unloader apart and check your seals and o rings. The little piston inside might be worn out. If everything looks good, pack it with grease and try again before replacing the pump. If you do replace the pump, have the old one rebuilt as a spare.
Old Coastie
Supportive Member
Mike +1. The pump pistons may be ceramic. If it has ever frozen, one or more could be cracked. It will run, but will permit bleed-by. It will also eat the cylinders eventually. Popping a pressure pump open is simple. So is replacing the plungers (and seals). If you have a local pressure washer repair shop, I'd suggest taking it there.
Mikey P
Administrator
Those damn plungers cost more than a house in Iowa.
Russ T.
Supportive Member
We didn't take the pump apart. I pressed him a little for time, because I didn't get there until after noon.
Russ T.
Supportive Member
ronbeatty
Member
My SS will do that if it's not getting enough water or a small leak in a brass fitting(air getting in lines). Nothing leaking?
Desk Jockey
Member
Call these guys they are just 30 minutes from you. Their website says they sell the best but work on the rest. Maybe you can drop the pump to them to rebuild. If the pump turns out fine, maybbe they can sell you an unloader valve if it is the culprit.
The is a rug salon just around the corner.
The is a rug salon just around the corner.
Russ T.
Supportive Member
hogjowl
Idiot™
Ignore all these idiots and carry on as if you hadn't posted this DAT
Desk Jockey
Member
Sorry what a dumbass...Marty is. 
Iowa Pressure Washers - Parts | Washer Systems of Iowa
http://washersystems.com/
Yes those guys. Call them and drop it to them to inspect.
Iowa Pressure Washers - Parts | Washer Systems of Iowa
http://washersystems.com/
Yes those guys. Call them and drop it to them to inspect.
Russ T.
Supportive Member
Bob Pruitt
Member
Bob Pruitt
Member
Dumb a$$ thread. It's a Marty thing.
hogjowl
Idiot™
DAP
Lee Stockwell
FOJL
DA Post
Bob Pruitt
Member
Russ, I have a slow leak of the plunger seals. My mechanic is one of the best. He knows I'd rather spend money on the safe bet to be up and running. That was to get a new cat pump and get a refund for returning the old cat pump. From what he said, its cheaper to simply replace the leaking seals but the tear down is time consuming and doesn't always fix the problem meaning you "could" end up digging a hole. The cat pump costs considerably more than seals and gaskets but the time and labor is nothing. Especially given the age and limited use of yours I think it would be best to replace the cat pump.
BradFenstermaker
Member
Try the pressure washer shop first.
Drive the truck over with pump installed.
They may want to bypass unloader for flow check.
Unloader is around $100 and easy swap too. The shop if it's worth anything will have a unloader on the shelf.
I use a local pressure washer shop and several other cleaners.
Allen wrench will get the block off to check plunger condition.
Just don't force it back on crooked.
Seals and valves are under the big brass nuts
Drive the truck over with pump installed.
They may want to bypass unloader for flow check.
Unloader is around $100 and easy swap too. The shop if it's worth anything will have a unloader on the shelf.
I use a local pressure washer shop and several other cleaners.
Allen wrench will get the block off to check plunger condition.
Just don't force it back on crooked.
Seals and valves are under the big brass nuts
Nate The Great
Member
Im somewhat mechanically inclined, but I'd just buy new to know it's new... Then you have a back-up or other to test... Just get the TM up and running, the fook around with it later when you have time...
F
FB7777
Guest
If you have checked all other plumbing issues, I would return the CAT to Butler and have them send new
They will credit you the rebuild cost of the one you return
I've done it , it's not cheap but like Nate said , you'll be good to go
They last a long time especially under proper use and care
This guy clearly neglected his equipment
You got an awesome deal... of it cost you a couple grand to get in top condition so what?
Russ T.
Supportive Member
Mark Saiger
Mr Happy!
I think as you and I have discussed @Russ T. this will be the best option.
We did try a number of things when Russ arrived, even pulled parts from my new Butler and put on his to test.
I think something more happened inside the pump and most times talking to others who have tried to have rebuilds done somewhere else....
It was always better just to call Butler for an exchange and get it done right.
And you know...you call me when you have questions buddy
We did try a number of things when Russ arrived, even pulled parts from my new Butler and put on his to test.
I think something more happened inside the pump and most times talking to others who have tried to have rebuilds done somewhere else....
It was always better just to call Butler for an exchange and get it done right.
And you know...you call me when you have questions buddy
