Why is my pressure washer motor pulsing?

Why is my pressure washer motor pulsing?

A pulsing motor — where pressure surges rather than staying steady — is almost always caused by air in the system or a problem with water supply consistency. Start by checking your water source: a kinked hose, a partially closed spigot, or a clogged inlet filter can all starve the pump of a steady water supply, causing it to pulse as it struggles to maintain pressure. Air trapped in the pump after storage or a hose change is another common culprit, usually resolved by running the machine without the nozzle attached until water flows steadily. A worn or clogged nozzle can also cause irregular back-pressure, so try swapping it out. If none of these fix it, the unloader valve — which regulates pressure when the trigger is released — may be sticking or failing and could need cleaning or replacement.