Simpson Pressure Washer 4000 PSI 3.5 GPM AAA Pump no pressure w/ Honda GX270

Model PS60918
Date: Approximately 2019
Motor: Honda GX270
Pump AAA DW3635
I picked this up for $250 as new but not working. The tips were missing along with the thermal relief and quick connect on the gun. Turned out to be an extremely easy fix...the key was not in the shaft.

[@sondon7103]

UPDATE:1 year and still cranks within the first 2-3 pulls. Probably will buy another when this one finally does bite the dust kzbin.infoUgkx43QMbQqu67IZadu9ou8Sg1BdrunMRNqX . No issues at all. Very happy with it.UPDATE: After 6 months of use and over 70 uses I would still highly recommend this pressure washer. It does vibrate a decent amount but never had it “walk” like others have mentioned. No oil leaks, still seems to run like the day I bought it. Still cranks within 2-3 pulls every time. Very happy with my purchase!Have used it about a dozen times now. Plenty of power, cranks up on 1-2 pulls every time. My only complaint would be I wish it was a little taller to make it easier to walk with it (hits my ankles a lot) and that the two hose connections were a little further apart but it hasn’t caused me any issues. Seems to run a good 1-1/2-2 hrs on a full tank, overall a well built machine and definitely worth the money in my opinion.

[@pablochavez9087]

I flip pressure washers here in Arizona. Thank you passing on your knowledge.

[@rickyc3860]

Thanks James. I found out that my key and shaft were shaved. I made a video and I am going to link your video because you do a great job showing disassembly etc. Mine is running great now!

[@jamesbubnick]

That's great. I couldn't believe it was so simple on this unit...and that was the 2nd Simpson made unit I picked up with the same issue....

[@Hubjeep]

Outstanding deal! I picked up a GX270 with bad pump, looks like I can install a 4,000, 3.5 after seeing your video!

[@jamesbubnick]

For sure, the motor has plenty of power to handle it. But for fun you might want to take the pump apart to see if it's fixable. I've bought so many pressure washers where the only problem was a stuck/rusted/corroded unloader.

[@user-km5kj8xh1x]

​@@jamesbubnick are these AAA pumps trash compared to cat? Damn dude.. I just just a pump and planned on working with it. Paid 900 and now I have a pump that is known to fail and fail 😢

[@John_D2]

Heck of a deal ! Thanks for sharing.

[@superblastpressurewashing.7256]

Nice easy fix, you made out great, new sub here, get after it.

[@deehood3178]

Thanks James it was my key to the pump that fits on the shaft that fell off that’s why I was not getting pressure, but I fixed it and I got pressure now!!!! What’s that mud stuff you putting around the shaft?

[@kris666ftw]

love your videos I have this same pressure washer do you know if it’s possible too put a bigger pump on it

[@dereklaymance1795]

Thanks Brother!🙌

[@wondah3058]

So it's pretty simple to change out pump, thanks this video was very helpful..

[@jamesbubnick]

I'm glad it helped. Yes it's pretty simple, I'd say the most important thing is put anti seize or grease on the shaft so it doesn't rust to the pump. If at a later dime you need to take the pump off it's a heck of a lot easier :).

[@teresita5179]

I have the same one I have no problems with the pressure but I see that it has water in oil in the pump that I have to do

[@derrickbrooks9396]

Wow thanks buddy

[@leor8865]

How would you fix the water pressure adjuster when it’s leaking water

[@georocha6762]

It's normal if the trigger is not present, the pressure drops on the gauge, also when the machine is turned off the pressure drops to zero that is normal please let me know thanks

[@cv5430]

I tried looking for this pump dewalt pump model dw3635 but they all say 3600 psi and 3.5 GPM when I have a 4000 psi dewalt power washer with a dw3635 pump… any recommendations where to get the right pump. Reason of changing pump it was past due on oil change and added oil and turned milky immediately.. #pump gone…

[@HouseWashing]

This happened to me as well.

[@alimac7868]

anyone else spot the key fall out from below the shaft at 2.41, then when you rewind you can see where the shaft was sitting at 2.30!

[@FreethemGuyz]

I wish i would have but i had to go back

[@sinsin1972]

Saw that too. The key was sitting right below the shaft and when he started the motor, it fell down.

[@FadiElawar]

@james bubnick. Great video thak you. I have a simpson 4400 psi with the honda gx390. It sheared off the key and the small metal sleeve that goes on the shaft is also broke. Do you happen to have part numbers or an idea where to get them? TIA

[@jamesbubnick]

I believe a Gx390 uses a 1/4 inch keyway/keystock the little metal sleeve is something I believe Simpson added to prevent assemble error at their factory and is not necessary. I’ve never seen that on any pressure washers besides Simpson and they are the only ones I’ve ever seen misassembled from the factory.

[@mattcooke5656]

I bought this pressure washer. The AAA Pump failed after 4-5 times of use. I did the research and the AAA Pump is junk. Anyone looking to buy this washer needs to upgrade to a CAT Pump. Note the seals are NOT covered under 1yr warranty.

[@WASHLIFE704]

what is the biggest you can put on a gx270

[@hotroderic8318]

Dude!! look at your video the key actually fell off the shaft and on to the carts deck just below the motor. Lol .. way to funny!

[@billypotter3831]

The key was in the housing not on the shaft. It fell off and was resting inside last time is was assembled. That’s why it’s important to have the key way on top when assembling.

[@granaleo1]

fastest way to crack the engine block by throwing cold water to a hot engine. other than that thnx for the video

[@zakarathedragonqueen7254]

great video, question what kind of grease you put on that shaft

[@jamesbubnick]

Just any heavy grease. I don't remember what is in my grease gun it's it's something multipurpose from auto zone. Lately I've been buying Lucas Red and Tacky.

[@jcorn2937]

yep the key was just chillin right under the shaft! LOL

[@pooneej]

Is that normal for the operating pressure to drop? That is - the pressure was around 3500psi then you pulled trigger and it went down to around 1500psi

[@rfcmagic]

Did you ever figure it out, I'm having the same issue.

[@Gatuki777]

What kind of lube you use ? and also I’m not able to find the same pump model dw3635 to replace the pump. Can I use a different pump model as long as is 3.5gpm 4000 psi for this pressure washer ? Let me know please. Thanks for the vid

[@jamesbubnick]

On the motor shaft I used a copper anti-seize stick from Loctitie, but you can use any sort of anti-seize or grease. The main goal is just to prevent rust forming as the unit ages so the pump can come off if needed. I have a few units that were miserable to get the pump off. As for the pump anything around those specs should work. You want to make sure it takes the same crankshaft diameter. On this motor it's a 1 inch crankshaft. I'd stick around the 3.5 GPM, 4000 PSI, if you go up to the 4 GPM 4,000 PSI those really need the GX390 to run. Any brand of pump will work as long as it's speced to work w/ the motor's shaft size and power output. The best pumps are CAT but unless you're commercial it's probably not needed. Comet/AR are also very good. I don't care for the AAA and if I'm working on a homeowner grade unit I try to buy Canpump as replacements. If I remember correctly they are manufactured by the same supplier that MITM uses.

[@juanmendoza2262]

Sir, Great video, I want to ask you if a belt drive Honda pressure washer worth the cost?

[@jamesbubnick]

It deepens on your use...if you're a commercial guy probably yes...if you're a homeowner who likes the best tools...yes too..but if you like really good stuff...I'd probably pass on the best drive. They are very big and very heavy. Also look at gear driven units. Vortexx makes a really nice gear driven unit with a Honda GX390.

[@juanmendoza2262]

@@jamesbubnick You had me at big and heavy to pull…. I will get a Simpson with honda engine ant and cat pump.

[@jamesbubnick]

@@juanmendoza2262 check out vortexx branded units…the nice thing about them is the carts are aluminum and not too tall and not too bad to put in a truck. I’ve had cat pump, they are nice, also had some AR pumps and they were great. Granted I’m a homeowner who likes high end tools but doesn’t need commercial duty. I have 3 vortexx units for my personal use…an electric unit, GX200 and GX390 size…

[@kreme5467]

i bought a pressure washer similar to this and it came with 4 cycle oil. thats for the engine but what oil goes into the AAA pump?

[@jamesbubnick]

Usually the pumps come prefilled w/ oil and a red shipping cap. The shipping cap is not vented. The pumps typically take a non-detergent oil. Search the pump manual to make sure you use the correct oil. Most decent pumps AAA, AR, Cat have a glass on the side so. you can see the oil level and oil color.

[@luiscarrillo6341]

I have same pressure washer was working properly but now I don't have pressure. Get new pump still not pressure do have any idea what can be causing the problem.?

[@jamesbubnick]

When you installed the new pump did you make sure to install the key?

[@MarkZeds]

Wish I was so lucky.

[@jamesbubnick]

I don't how how common it is but I bought multiple units that didn't work all because the key was out. I think that's why Simpson puts the collar in now as a production control to prevent this.

[@whliving]

Can you adjust the psi of the pump with that cone shaped plastic handle? I have the same model, but it doesn’t seem to want to adjust even though there is a + & - with arrows on top of it.

[@jamesbubnick]

You can, sometimes the unloader is frozen or it might be topped or bottomed out.

[@whliving]

@@jamesbubnick - I called Simpson. They said it wasn’t adjustable, but it has a cone shaped handle with the plus and minus sign for adjustment. It’s the same unit that you have in the video. So, yours is adjustable? Mine is the model PS60918 - I believe they are the same.

[@dunnisher8286]

I just purchased one , it runs for a minute and turns off , any ideas ? I think it might be an issue with the gun , once I start spraying it turns off.

[@jamesbubnick]

It could be a mis adjusted unloader

[@douggallant7777]

I picked up a Simpson 3400 pressure washer at Lowes in December 2021 it was returned because they said it had no pressure so I bought it as is for $150 and I fired it up last week and it has no pressure..I just watched your video and took my pump off and low and behold there is no shaft key at all.it looks like they never put one in from the factory..any idea what size the shaft key is so I can try to find one?

[@jamesbubnick]

Should be a 3/16", ace hardware, truvalue, tractor supply all should have them. They are about 1.25, if you go to amazon you'll pay 5 bucks...

[@douggallant7777]

@@jamesbubnick thank you sir

[@marklinley815]

Question: I have the exact same one. Mine is leaking around the site glass or C clip on pump. Would missing the key cause this or something more? I have not troubled shooted this yet. Thanks!!

[@jamesbubnick]

Hi, missing the key wouldn't cause a leak around the sight glass. the sight glass does have a seal, depending on the model it's either an o-ring or a molded o-ring ish seal. The best way to see it is to search for the parts diagram on your model pump.

[@marklinley815]

@@jamesbubnick I got it fixed. The inside rubber oring around the site glass was not sealed correctly. I reseated it and no more leaks.

[@jacobmeyers5327]

Hello sir. I actually was in a van fire on 12/17 as I was driving. All my equipment was destroyed so I ended up getting 2 pressure washers for cheap. 1 is a Excel 2.5 gpm 2600 psi honda engine, got it for 60 bucks. Trying to use this for rinsing on house washes with my 5.5 gpm softwash setup I made. The other pressure washer is the exact same one you have in this video. I ended up getting it for 100 bucks but the pump was leaking oil and water. Engine is good though. My two questions for you are: If I get a pump replacement, could I put on a 4000 psi 4 gpm pump with this engine since those are cheaper than the 4000 psi 3.5 gpm pumps? Could I put an Annovi Reverbi pump on this since it is roughly the same price as a AAA pump? I heard the AAA pumps can be unreliable sometimes. I heard AR pumps are great and CAT pumps are the best.

[@jamesbubnick]

I'm not sure about the 4000 PSI, 4 GPM pump but I'd assume yes and then you could lower the pressure if needed and adjust the tip orific size. I'd check out the mfg's site and see what they recommend and if they say yes go for it. Yes you can put an AR pump or CAT on there, check out Can Pump, I've reviewed some units for them and was impressed. greencanpump.ca/

[@brandondavis478]

I need help removing mines

[@sergiofernandez9006]

Does this pressure washer have a 1 inch shaft? Or 7/8th shaft?

[@jamesbubnick]

It's a 1 inch shaft

[@jessiewilson9764]

sooooo what happened to the original key?

[@jamesbubnick]

It fell out...if you watch closely you'll see it fall out when I remove the pump

[@adrianpena4292]

how would you use the cleaning solution with this washer?

[@JoseRuiz-fo7wd]

Iv got same PW. The chemical injector is spitting water. Any help would be appreciated

[@jamesbubnick]

It’s probably gummed up with soap. I’d first try squirting brake or carb cleaner in the hole and pushing with a small pick to see if that cleans it up. If you take it apart be careful because you’ll have a spring loaded steel ball that easily will fly away and disappear. Also you can take the nipple out and put a brass plug in it. When I do that I pick the plugs up and Lowe’s in the plumbing section.

[@JoseRuiz-fo7wd]

I was thinking about just plugging it up haha. Thanks. I'll try all of this. I got replacements I think it's a o ring or something with the spring. Thanks for the info What size was the brass plus?

[@jamesbubnick]

@@JoseRuiz-fo7wd I'm almost positive it's 1/4". I've plugged several units and I took the nipple out then tried it in the display to find the right thread size.

[@jamesbubnick]

www.lowes.com/pd/B-K-1-4-in-Threaded-Male-Adapter-Plug-Fitting/1000505471

[@mlhm5]

Pumps fail because people allow the pressure washer to run at idle without depressing the trigger on the gun. They are designed that way to fail so you have to buy another one. Put a zip tie on the trigger.

[@zenpapi1185]

Can you explain

[@bullydad1694]

@@zenpapi1185 What I think he means and correct me if I'm wrong. Some pressure washer pumps not the engine will overheat if you let it idle without running the cold water through it and will cause damage to the pump if the thermo relief valve isn't working as it should. It's very common. The more high-end ones have a cluch or some idle down when the trigger is not depressed. That's why in this video he talks about the temperature on the valve he had to replace. So as long as you shut it down if you're not planning on using it for a few minutes you're going to be good. The other common problem is people don't get the water out of the pump before it's stored in the cold for the winter and ends up freezing and either cracking the plungers or the pump itself. Never use hot water on a cold water pump.

[@zenpapi1185]

@@bullydad1694 thank you

[@clintsaines9274]

​@@bullydad1694 running cold water through it? Does that mean just have the water on running through it or you have to have to trigger pulled and it going through like you are using it all the time.

[@obliviondio]

The throttle lever on mine only stays in the middle. When I try to put it at max speed, the lever will go back to the middle. I'm wondering if this is the same as yours?

[@jamesbubnick]

Sounds like the screw is loose...you'll see a screw with a conical washer that is adjustable

[@pantherplatform]

If it's not a cat pump on a Honda GX engine, it's not going to last very long. Some triplex pumps are junk tho.

[@HouseWashing]

you have missed one thing, ie there is a set screw in the pump to tight the keylock.

[@thomasgettys4153]

We saw the key when you cranked it. Then you flicked it to the ground and pretended it wasn't there. Why the deception?

[@Shadetreejr1967]

What deception? The key was laying in the valley on the crank case cover and fell out from the vibration of the engine. He picked it up and held it in his fingers, he didn't flick it off!!! He simply couldn't see it from the angle he was standing. Y'all need to rewatch the video before throwing assumptions and saying he's being deceptive....Damn!!!

[@sheshankutty8552]

Is it not 4000 psi? It shows only 3100 psi on your pressure gauge. Why is that?

[@jamesbubnick]

2 reasons...first off most of the time pumps PSI is over stated, it's because consumers shop on PSI. The 2nd reason is you can get the pressure to go higher by using a smaller orifice and angle of the nozzle so usually the rated PSI is at the 0 Degree (red nozzle) which isn't very helpful. I wouldn't use the 0 degree nozzle to clean but a turbo nozzle does great work

[@sheshankutty8552]

@@jamesbubnick Thanks. That is what I figured. Looks like even with the nozzle shut the pressure stays around 3200 psi. Someone hacked the unloader and pushed the pressure to 4000 psi. Not sure if it is worth doing it.

[@thestoneage7213]

Same with my Samsung just took it apart and seeing that the key was just chilling in the chamber out of the area and it should be what the fuck Simpson

[@user-km5kj8xh1x]

are these AAA pumps trash compared to cat? Damn dude.. I just just a pump and planned on working with it. Paid 900 and now I have a pump that is known to fail and fail 😢

[@jamesbubnick]

It should give you at least a few years with heavy use. Plus if you change the pump oil it should be fine, most of the time when I get equipment it wasn't taken care of

[@Honda-wing5811]

Those pumps are junk I've looked at three of them for people. If you see a AAA on the pump for the power washer. I tell people to stay away junk.

[@floridapressurewashing7217]

Don’t buy Simpson people

[@jophillips2868]

250. for a pressure washer that doesn't work