How To Clean A Pressure Switch Valve | Ryobi 1700 PSI

Follow along as I try to repair a broken Ryobi 1700 PSI pressure washer. One area that needed attention was the pressure value that controls a switch to turn off the motor when pressure has built up.
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DakotaBusy is a channel created by makers and doers. We decided to document some of our passions and hobbies in hopes of inspiring others to be doers.

[@mainer1755]

Thank you. It's always great when someone has gone before me through something a manufacturer doesn't want to admit or acknowledge. Much appreciated.

[@damanwithdaplan1369]

Just fixed my greenworks with this. I was very close to suplexing this machine off the top rope because the repetitive on off sound was so annoying. Thank you again for saving my ears and mental health 👍

[@ScrungoScrubs]

THIS IS EXACTLY WHATS WRONG WITH MINE WAS NOT SURE FROM THE FIRST 40 SECONDS IF THIS FIX WOULD WORK IM SO HAPPY (Got a $650 active 2.3 in my cart im still buying tho LOL)

[@michaelbetsy606]

I've gone through several of these over the years when the "died" from these exact symptoms. When it happened again I figured it had to be something I could do. This worked INSTANTLY. I can't thank you enough !

[@jaysonweingartner7209]

My pressure switch itself was stuck not the valve! I was bummed when cleaning the valve didnt work so i opened up the switch and actuated it a few times with a flathead to make sure it worked while plugged in. It worked as it should so i put it back together and to my surprise everything functioned as it should. Thanks for your help

[@jester9118]

Great video! Superb sound, camera angles and lighting. Zero wasted time with intros and whatnot. Really appreciate the knowledge you shared and the hard work it takes to make a good video like this! Now off to fix my RY1900...

[@DakotaBusy]

Thanks for the kind words! Best of luck on your repair!

[@jester9118]

@@DakotaBusy Just finished! Cleaned off a wee bit of crud, sprayed on some o-ring safe silicone spray and bam, good as new! I bought a few of these sold as store-returns to resell thinking it was just the notorious faulty wands that would be a problem (I replace them with some nice ones from the Zon). This has been the only one that wouldn't run, and was worried it might be seized. Owe you one!

[@strummergr]

Thanks for this video! It saved me a bunch of $$ by not (yet!) having to send my Ryobi 1600 PSI to a repair depot. It had just stopped working, and after having tested the power supply all to way to that pressure switch, that was the problem. But when I took it apart, it was pristine, no deposits, no debris, clean. And the switch appeared to be working exactly as it should have. After two full disassemblies and re-assemblies of that pressure detection mechanism, it somehow decided to work again, and seems to be OK now. Why, I may never know. Your video showed me the way, and I'm very grateful for that!

[@waynethomas1684]

Thank you for your excellent video. I've looked in the manual for the solution and the manual gave no clue. Checked factory web--nothing. Emailed them--"go see a dealer". Nothing! You've done a great service for us!

[@DONphantasmo]

I'm going through this repair right now. Great video, by the way. Thanks for not trying to be cute or funny, you just showed the DIY repair. Straight forward and to the point. Great job, and again, thank you!!!

[@thescout4313]

I thought he was cute 😏

[@goprobe_a_harmel6875]

Just got done watching all of your Ryobi pressure washer videos. I appreciate you posting these. I think I can solve my cycling issue now. Thanks

[@fmag956]

Thanks for posting this video. I just did this procedure and now my pressure washer is back in service again!

[@stevemanos2505]

Well done on the DIY video! I wish every video of this type provided the same balanced level of detail so that I can do it by memory when I head out to the garage. Thanks again!

[@thescout4313]

You're a genius, this worked for mine. It didn't stop working but it would cycle when it is on but not spraying...like it would loose pressure. I cleaned what you mentioned and SUCCESS 🙌 thank you

[@leopdion5976]

Thank you for your comment. I’m having the same issue with mine

[@jamesjanota985]

This also works for the 2kpsi model. Thanks for the video and giving me the confidence to do the repair.

[@-rudy-]

This might explain why my electric Ryobi runs for 10 minutes, then won't turn back on for another 10-15 minutes. I thought it might be some sort of thermal protection on the motor, but even while blowing a powerful fan on the unit, it would still cut out. I have since replaced it with a gas pressure washer but I would like to keep this one going for smaller jobs, so I am going to check this pressure switch. We have very hard water here, so chances are the switch is gunked up and needs cleaning. Thanks for the tip!

[@315adog]

Awesome video, appreciate the close ups, fixed my on and off Ryobi pressure washer!

[@Jokey1234100]

Ditto on all the previous comments. Great video, no nonsense and it solved my problem. Thank you.

[@DanQuinnBand]

This was great thank you! Exactly what I needed to fix my pressure washer and convince my wife that I’m slightly handy

[@DakotaBusy]

Nice work! Careful you don’t set the expectations too high!

[@eulahbailey2516]

I am a 73 yr old women thanks for helping me fix my pressure washer

[@bjsharplin1]

great video and camera work. I' really appreciate you for putting this online.

[@MrGirishnv]

Great video! My pressure washer was acting up. I removed the pressure switch and found a small back plastic piece lodged near the white rod thingy... cleaned it put it back and it worked great again.

[@Medeirosautodetailing]

Thanks for the video. I just did this to my 2000 psi model and its working again. Now i don't have to take it to a warranty repair shop and wait weeks for them to fix it.

[@jeremycannon6753]

What was it doing before u fixed it was in not turning on ? Did the test button work but didnt start?

[@taradelhamer7588]

Thanks so much for this. I thought for sure my pressure washer was a goner

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

I disassembled my greenworks 1500 psi valve body this evening and after I began to start to clean I was called inside for dinner - needless to say I'd forgotten what order the spring, washers, o-rings, etc. when back together. I actually "guessed" for re-assembly and tested - the washer works better than it has in the past - I found this video afterwards but wanted to say thank you! Great detail and suggestion about the socket - as I was watch I thought "I wonder if he'll use a socket like I did to get it together" - sure enough. Again, thanks for the detailed video - you saved me from buying a new washer and spending $100 when mine just needed the valve cleaned up...

[@DakotaBusy]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@lsa_ram5756]

Thanks !!!!that fixed my problem my pressure washer was cycling on and off when I wasn’t pressuring the gun now I have zero issues with it

[@RaptorV1USA]

Thank you. Great video I just ordered the replacement GFCI plug for mine and I figured I'd learn a bit more about this lil beast.

[@sresto]

2021 here thank you for this video. I have a Black Max washer with the same problem. Cleaned out the valve, made sure that there was no blockage and once reinstalled everything worked. Thanks again

[@chairmankim9628]

Thanks. You saved me a bunch of money.

[@johnpappas2060]

Bless Got a problem with Ryobi pressure washer & this video will certainly guide me in the right way to fix it. Thanks 😊

[@David-jd3ov]

that saved me $300... thanks!

[@jaybingo2950]

Would this also fix this model of machine from turning off and on constantly, except when using the gun? As soon as I stop using the gun the pump cycles on and off constantly…no leaks visible. ~UPDATE~I tried this fix and replaced the o-rings while I was at it, and was successful. Likely a bad o-ring and gunk build up

[@trcythmpsn]

Thank you for the video. Mine was turning on and off and my valve was all corroded. I cleaned mine out for nothing and saved myself at minimum 120.00 for a new pressure washer. I used a wire wheel on a drill and greased up my orings with some hydraulic oil. It's all I had here. Works perfect.

[@rdman5465]

Your video is right on target. Thank you.

[@mikex1384]

I'm in a market for a pressure washer. I've had Ryobi home products in the past. It's my experience that they're cheaply made to last 3-5 years maximum and then you throw them away. My last pressure washer last several years of just occasional use. By my estimate it had a MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) of about 30 hours. Use for 30 total hours over the course of several years and throw it out.

[@samanthaspinale1304]

Do not buy one. I've bought 3 in the last 6 months and they all stopped working

[@jviews1]

electrics should last longer than gas because people run the gas engine without water flowing through the system. Electrics shut off if you are not using it. Also, remember to drain and lubricate when putting away for more than 1 month. lubrication is critical to seals. yes designed to fail.

[@retromotors383]

Thanks for this video. Good job - filmed and explained very well. I was about to install a new pressure switch, and without your video I probably would have ignored this valve area. Who knows, good chance this could have been my problem all along! Oh well, live and learn .... die and forget it all!

[@DakotaBusy]

Thanks!

[@Tommy-e2y]

YES!!! Thank you for the EXCELLENT video!

[@MrMurauder69]

Thanks for the tutorial! Was able to diagnose and fix ours. Not sure if you've seen it before, but a piece of solder had wedged itself at the bottom of the switch preventing the metal switch from moving! Thanks!

[@carsntrucks782]

I just fixed my ryobi great video 👍

[@jimcongdon6245]

Excellent video. You wouldn't by chance have one of those brass housings hanging around would you?

[@ronathanedwards]

Thank you so much! Same as the other comments. Mine didn't work, watched your video, it worked!! Thanks!!!

[@rickherald1880]

Hey. Thanks for the video. I have a Sunjo power washer. It just stopped running completely used last time fine then nothing. Tried replacing the plug nothing. Tried what you did here and nothing, one thing, when I toolk my switch off the spring did not pop or anything like that. What is frustrating is it makes no noise at all completely silent when plugging in. Any thoughts??

[@PatrickKing123]

Worked beautifully. Thank you!

[@PatCrow]

Sure enough. It was the pressure actuator. Strange little thing to get stuck.Thanks for the video.

[@imjussagrl5195]

So the brass piece was really gunked up, no issues with the spring shooting it up, couldn’t barely get it out and in my attempts to do so, I broke the tip of the white plastic piece that actuates the pressure switch 🥴. I can’t seem to find a replacement online, all the parts guides have everything but these. Do you have any recommendations where to get a replacement?

[@mikef124]

I have a electric pressure washer that keeps stopping and starting with the trigger not pressed what could it be. I checked everything that you mentioned but it still does it, goes on and off. What does the mechanism look like on the high pressure side where the water comes out I'm not sure if I have trouble in there. I can't find any diagrams of exploded view. Any help would be very appreciated.

[@reble_uwu3405]

YOU! DAKOTA FUCKING BUSY. I have to thank you brother.

[@matthewrocker2653]

You are the man. This worked like a charm thank you

[@3Wheels1Block]

Thanks for this video! I have two Ryobi's doing the same thing, I"m going to fix them and post the results.

[@DakotaBusy]

Good luck!

[@BrianMcNeill25]

This pump and switch is exactly like the Craftsman 1900psi washer. I wish I had seen this before I did all the things you said not to do. My spring and assembly went flying. 🤣🤬. Nothing really looked dirty, put back together, and it still cuts off and doesn't come back on. Also, you didn't mention, but there is another small o-ring that goes up in the switch housing on the white pin isn't there? Placed on top of the small hole washer before putting the switch on the valve.

[@joecortese3746]

Mine does the same thing. Works fine for 10 minutes then shuts off. Tried a new switch, still NG. If I shut off the water, remove the hose and water from the unit then reattach the hose, turn the hose on, press on switch, it works again. Then it will shut off again. Im not sure what the problem is. About to buy a new one.

[@alfonsogobaleza7968]

Good video. My sunjoe, the motor run if it's dry, ones I installed the water line it stopped.

[@Vette6n411]

Great video !, I had the opposite problem on my 2000psi, it would turn on, run up the pressure until it tripped my circuit breaker. No idea what the pressure hit, but I couldn't get the handle lever to open, the plastic bent but never opened the nozzle. The activator was seized down, never came up to flip switch

[@DakotaBusy]

Wow! That could have gone bad fast. Glad you worked it out!

[@isaiaslivemusica8788]

I had to clean the pump.. Do you know what type of oil I need for the pump ?

[@agurobe]

my royobi is leaking water out of the area you cleaned? i want to buy the whole new bottom piece you took out but dont know the name please help me ty. the brass [art you took out and cleaned.

[@rodolfobarros5460]

Could you instead run vinegar through the system and have it self clean so you don’t have to take it apart?

[@danieleremian]

great video, had the pulsating problem and followed your advice, i also removed inlet u clamp where screen is and found build up and inlet clogged, unclogged and with both fixes machine worked like new, ty

[@YLAGARDE27]

Hi I broke the top of the brass aluminum fitting that goes over the spring and plunger. I checked ryobi parts but nothing do you know where to get that?

[@debvetro]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! Perfect video and my pressure washer is working again.

[@Ole_Lige]

I understand the pump is sealed, but…can you change the motor oil in this unit ?

[@chesterkinghorn]

Do you know if there is a complete replacement kit for this? Thanks!

[@unclewilbur8976]

Thanks for the video!! My pressure washer is working now!!!!

[@ariesonesv]

Why did yours just pop right out?? Mine was really stuck in there. I use tapping it and pulling it. But that pop broke on me.

[@pamelamonteith6653]

Hi this was a really good video. My issue with this same power washer is when I plug in it shorts out. Is this something that can be repaired?

[@psfgtech]

Good information, I like the part, where I go buy another $70 pressure washer, mine engine turns on and off on its own. One day I can use it for 8 hrs, the next day nothing, wait 1-a3 days and it’s back for another 8hr. Thanks for the info

[@soldier4christsoldier4chri90]

Sounds very similar to mine as well

[@pdimor]

Great video, very clear except for one vital point (that applies on my model at least): The two washers are similar looking but if you mix the top and bottom one on the plunger, you'll never be able to correctly re-seat the valve assembly. You will watch this video and think this guy is Herculian-strengthed, when in reality you just mixed the washers up and the plunger won't correctly slide in the brass housing. You'll know you've got it the right way around because it actually doesn't require much force at all to compress the spring and seat it.

[@DakotaBusy]

Thanks for info. Hopefully this helps others if they have issues during reassembly. I don’t believe my washers were different sizes.

[@pdimor]

@@DakotaBusy Yeah, mine were different sizes. But microscopically so! It wasn't obvious at all.

[@melothegoat30k]

Omggg thank you sooo much! This is exactly what I was doing incorrectly and was like how is he this dang strong! Lol thanks

[@pdimor]

@@melothegoat30k Glad I could help, lol. I spent a long time trying to squish that spring

[@springkopituk5416]

Omg I just saw your comment 2 years later and this is exactly the problem I was having reassembling the damn thing! THANK YOU!

[@bmcmillantx]

I-ring Size - anyone know the size of the o-ring that is at the bottom of the pressure switch, the one that the top of white plunger is pushed thru? All the parts websites don’t even list this o-ring, spring, plunger, or gold anodized aluminum, barrel.

[@jorgetorres7568]

I need the o ring that goes in that valve, can u tell me what kind of o ring is?

[@friednoodleXX]

I have the same pressure washer, and it is pulsing (pump frequently turning on/off) when the gun trigger is not pressed. Any ideas of what going on with it? Could I fix it by using your cleaning method? Thank you.

[@DakotaBusy]

Usually a sticky valve would just make it not turn on at all. However, cleaning it wouldn't hurt. I would also check to make sure you don't have any leaks in any of the areas that have the high pressure. If water is leaking out somewhere it could drop the pressure enough to trigger the pump again.

[@vincentabasso1465]

Thank you so much it worked but there is a small leak on the side do you know why?

[@DakotaBusy]

I would double check your o-rings, and verify everything is tight. Can you see where exactly the water is coming from?

[@anitafenlon2336]

Thanks I thought I had it! Power went on fine. Hooked all up with sprayer, second I pulled trigger...........machine cut off. Green light on GFC and Green light on/off switch. so would it be isolated to the pressure switch? I have never soddered before.

[@jtonythejett1]

I opened the actual pump and lost the 2 springs...have spent hours looking online for exploded diagram of the pump to find the part number if any for these springs, 1700 PSI

[@beyondthepalace25]

Thank you! It worked, didn't take much effort, really appreciate it. I thought this thing was toast

[@MrNightpwner]

My spring only came with the bottom washer. The top of the spring seats directly in the brass housing. So I can hear the pump cycle on and off when I pull the trigger. But the water pressure is super weak. No kinks in the line or anything. Just can't figure it out.

[@DakotaBusy]

I'm not sure either. If there are no obstructions or leaks maybe the pump itself is starting to fail? Maybe others can chime in if they have an idea of a fix.

[@marileepolidoro1]

We can't get the spring to compress enough to get the lock in. Used the socket but just not enough compression to lock in place . Any suggestions?

[@xaviermora4854]

This video kinda fixed mine, it still didnt work after cleaning this part but found another way around it which might not be safe… It works tho

[@naziiprod1409]

I notice that Mine doesn’t stick out like that to get the switch to the off position , and I took it out clean it put everything together again and let the side cover off but I also notice that it doesn’t move at all . Any suggestions??

[@rickeh100]

Two things, if the washer kicks off and you think you might have released the trigger. But do not think so this is a sign the micro switch is failing. Cost me $3.10 at Q kits in Kingston Canada they ship everywhere. If both green lights are on and no pumping action it is likely the micro switch. The micro switch can be replaced without taking the pressure valve apart. Just loosen the 4 screws of the cover to expose the switch..

[@DakotaBusy]

Yup, i got a video on how to do that too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZXKoHutjdmLpdU

[@ALConfederate]

Anybody know where to get a replacement pressure switch valve?

[@keld9276]

Thanks for this video. I followed everything accordingly but I can't get the spring back in

[@DakotaBusy]

The spring can be a pain. I had luck using a socket to help me push down on parts to allow me to get the clip back in. The part you are pushing down has slots for the clip so it needs to be just in the right place. I've even used a hammer with light taps to get the clip to go back in.

[@bentonrodeheaver2596]

I've got an older Walmart model, all it says on it is 'Pressure Washer'. Anyway the valve is tiny in this one and has an oring and a white Apex? ring in the next groove. Where could I find this type of seal? Thanks

[@alexjag5778]

The plastic has gunk or the spring is compressed and not allowing the plastic arm to move

[@bobbrightman2245]

Excellent video! Ty

[@johnjkizer6399]

Thanks for this informative video but it would be a good idea to replace the o-rings at the same time

[@haroldwoodland2679]

Did you ever learn what size o-ring was in the bottom of the pressure valve?

[@johnjkizer6399]

@@haroldwoodland2679 I did replace it but I don’t know the size, I have quite a bit of o-rings laying around so I just matched to what looked right.

[@haroldwoodland2679]

@@johnjkizer6399 I really appreciate you replying. Trying to size a new o-ring using my old, worn and stiff o-ring has been difficult. Three questions: Do you remember if the thickness of the new o-ring rubber was the same as your old o-ring? Did you have to push slightly the head of the plunger through the new o-ring when assembling? Did the new o-ring fit snuggly in the bottom of the pressure valve? Thx much!

[@jfarinacci0329]

Good camera views. Good content. Good vid. Thank you,.

[@reggieandaya8760]

Thanks for this video! I was ready to get rid of this pressure washer and go get a new one. This saved me $$$. Works perfect again.

[@rickeh100]

This video saved me over $250.00!!!!

[@vincentramirez8970]

You saved me money I am glad I didn't buy another one.

[@ahmeterdemir9097]

Excellent video. Thanks for sharing.

[@JP-uj1xn]

Hi mine is a Ryobi RY80935 model with a rubber sleeve over the uploader valve so I can't get to this part. how do I get that off with cutting/ripping it?

[@teamunited816]

What was the symptoms before repair? I have one that makes noise like normal when you pull trigger but no water comes out

[@DakotaBusy]

The motor wouldn’t turn on even when pulling the trigger. The switch wasn’t being engaged because of the sticky valve.

[@jsanmarc]

Great video! Thanks. Going through this now - wish I'd watched your video first!

[@fluffinater]

Mine runs till it cuts off but doesn’t let water get through to the pressure hose what would cause that?

[@reinaldobuitrago1136]

Hola tengo un problema com la hidrolavadora ryobi de 2000 psi. El swiches del automático no me funciona q debo hacer hay lo desarmado varias veces. Y no acciona el swiches

[@MrBod4life]

Wow whata amazing job! I feel confident now in the event something were to happen with mine. thanks a bunch!

[@davidmerkrebs9967]

how do you add/change oil in pump

[@slightlydim]

It worked!! Thank you very much

[@joserosales6013]

Thanks i follow your instruction and i fix my pressure washer

[@noelelnolo9642]

Great video, fool proofed!!

[@cm56327]

Really helpful video, thank you, it showed me what's wrong with my Greenworks 1600. Can you tell me the dimensions of that O-ring? I've got a Greenworks 1600 psi that looks exactly the same, but my O-ring sortof disintegrated (hopefully why the pressure switch isn't working), so I dont know what the right o-ring is. I have half of it, but I dont feel the pop when I insert the piston past the o-ring. Thanks!

[@prodigalvlogs9557]

I have the same issue any luck on part number?

[@cm56327]

@@prodigalvlogs9557 nah. I bought several and found one that works. It turns on now, but it still stutters sometimes.

[@prodigalvlogs9557]

Thanks bro!

[@Todd1356]

What if after you’ve removed both retaining clips, the brass housing won’t come out? I’m stumped.

[@DakotaBusy]

Not sure, you may need to do some “manual persuasion” to knock it loose.

[@brianguzman3582]

My pressure switch pin drops almost as soon as it pressurizes so it cycles on and off constantly. Any ideas what the problem could be??

[@jcastro953]

**WARNING: VINEGAR WILL KILL YOUR GRASS** Honestly, I don't know how safe this is for the pressure washer. My Ryobi was doing the same thing; cycling as soon as pressure built up. I ran a solution of White Vinegar and Baking Soda through the soap container and it cleaned out whatever was gunking up the system. Now my pressure washer works as well as when I first got it. I poured about quarter cup of baking soda into the soap dispenser and filled to the top with the vinegar. I used all the different nozzles that I have with the wand starting with the soap nozzle. After a while I attached the high pressure nozzle and just held the trigger until the system cleared out and no longer cycled. I ran the solution through the system twice just to make sure I got it all and then I cleaned out the soap container thoroughly and ran just water through the system until I was felt it was all cleaned out. The whole process took me about an hour.

[@Vicdus]

@@jcastro953 is your pressure washer still running? I need to do this with mine.

[@jcastro953]

@@Vicdus I haven't run it since I cleaned it out. I'll get back to you if there's something wrong. Otherwise it runs fine :)

[@jcastro953]

I just used my washer again yesterday and it still runs like a champ.

[@johnnymartinez2574]

Great video! I actually was trying to clean my pressure release valve and the tip broke when I was trying to remove it. Could you recommend where I can get a replacement part? I have found several sites but they all do not offer the pressure release valve. Thanks you in advance!

[@DakotaBusy]

I may have an extra one from an old broken one. Send us an email at DakotaBusy(a)gmail(dot)com

[@aaronnugent4971]

Long story short. I damaged the pressure switch valve while trying to clean it. I found plenty of websites selling Ryobi parts but I can't find this specific part available anywhere. Can you point me to the right place to order a new one?

[@NonWittyName]

Did you ever find one?