As a car enthusiast, I live for that freshly detailed look. Nothing beats the satisfaction of blasting away grime and admiring the gleam of a perfectly clean car. Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot about foam cannons and their ability to take car washing to the next level. Naturally, I had to try one out myself. While foam cannons are incredible tools, they can sometimes be a bit finicky, especially when paired with certain pressure washers. One common issue is pressure washer surging, a frustrating experience that can turn your detailing session into a frustrating battle.
Understanding the Foam Cannon – Pressure Washer Tango
Imagine this: you’re excited to try out your new foam cannon. You hook it up to your friend’s pressure washer, pull the trigger, and…surge! The pressure fluctuates wildly, and the foam comes out unevenly. What’s going on?
This frustrating phenomenon often boils down to a mismatch between your foam cannon and the pressure washer’s valving system. You see, pressure washers are designed to work within a specific range of flow rates and pressures. When you attach a foam cannon, you’re essentially introducing a restriction into the system. This restriction can disrupt the delicate balance, causing the pressure to fluctuate as the pressure washer struggles to compensate.
“Think of it like a garden hose,” explains John Davis, a seasoned mechanic with over 20 years of experience. “When you put your thumb over the opening, you restrict the flow of water, increasing the pressure. A foam cannon has a similar effect on your pressure washer.”
Decoding the Surging Mystery: Why Does it Happen?
The surging you’re experiencing is likely due to a feedback loop triggered by the pressure changes:
- Trigger Pull & Pressure Drop: When you pull the trigger, water rushes out, causing a momentary pressure drop.
- Pump Activation: The pressure washer senses this drop and activates the pump to compensate, sending water rushing to the hose.
- Pressure Build-Up: However, the foam cannon’s restriction causes pressure to build up gradually.
- “No Load” State: This pressure buildup eventually reaches a point where the pressure washer interprets it as a “no load” situation, similar to when the trigger isn’t being pulled.
- Recirculation Mode: The pressure washer then switches back to recirculation mode, reducing the flow and pressure.
- The Cycle Repeats: This drop in pressure triggers the cycle to start again, resulting in the surging you’re experiencing.
Taming the Surge: Tips for a Smoother Foam Party
Thankfully, there are ways to address this issue and achieve a consistent, satisfying foam blast:
1. Adjust the Foam Cannon Nozzle
The simplest solution is to check if your foam cannon has an adjustable nozzle. Increasing the flow rate through the cannon by opening up the nozzle can help alleviate the pressure buildup, minimizing or even eliminating the surging.
2. Upgrade Your Foam Cannon
If adjusting the nozzle doesn’t do the trick, or if your foam cannon lacks adjustability, it might be time for an upgrade. Opt for a higher-volume foam cannon, specifically designed to handle the flow rate of your pressure washer.
3. Double the Fun (and Flow)
“Believe it or not, running two foam cannons simultaneously can actually help,” reveals Davis. “By doubling the flow, you’re reducing the overall resistance and preventing the pressure from building up to the point of triggering the surge.”
4. Consult Your Pressure Washer Manual
Every pressure washer is different. Your pressure washer’s manual is a treasure trove of information, offering insights into its specific flow rate limitations and recommended attachments.
Enjoy a Surge-Free Foam Party!
Dealing with pressure washer surging can be frustrating, but understanding the underlying cause and implementing these tips can help you regain control and achieve that coveted foam-covered car wash experience. So go ahead, unleash the power of foam, and enjoy a surge-free detailing session!