Anyone who uses a plastic tank to bring water to their customers in the Mobile Detailing Industry subsector knows that if air gets into the line between the tank and pump the pressure washer will not work. There is no time to waste when dealing with an airlock problem. Why does this happen?
You must understand that different pumps work a little differently. The engine generally is not the issue, rather the pump. Centripetal pumps usually do not such the water well from a tank. Diaphragm pumps do. Pumps like General or CAT or the look-a-like units suck from a tank okay, but it is better to prime them. They say CAT pumps have nine lives, so if you are only sucking air for a while, you will most likely not “burn it up” but on a General Type or knock-off pump you can ruin it and the porcelain pistons can crack, not good.
I recommend taking the hose that goes from the tank to the pressure washer off at the pressure washer side – then lowering it below the pump and turning the pump on. While water is flowing out by gravity, plug it or screw the hose threads back into the pressure washer or onto the hose barb. If it has a clamp on it, then tighten the clamp. This will insure the system is primed with water.
Make sure the connection is tight and no water is leaking out, as this means air can also get in, especially if the plastic tank outlet is lower than the height of the pressure washer inlet. Also, remember this procedure if you run the tank out of water. The tank should be not lower than the inlet for the pump or you will continually have these problems.
In addition, when you drive the truck the water tank in the back or on a trailer swishes and air can get into the line and make your life difficult when you go to use the pressure washer. Remember, since some pumps, suck well from tanks and others do not, the best policy is to put the tank as low as possible, this also helps with your weight distribution for safety.
If you are a Mobile Car Washer or Own a mobile auto detailing company; I would invite you to read my articles online:
www.EzineArticles.com
At the top center of the home page is a search feature so type in;
1.) “mobile car wash”
2.) “mobile detailing”
There are about 250 articles there for you to read. Sincerely, Lance.
By: Lance Winslow
Posts Tagged ‘Mobile Auto Detailing’
Mobile Auto Detailing Business in Kansas City – A Good Business to Start
January 5th, 2010
Recently a gentleman, interested in starting a mobile car washing or mobile auto-detailing business in Kansas City called upon me for a little advice – Namely is even a viable business? Well if you consider the number of high-tech office parks and large corporations both downtown and in the suburbs it makes sense as a target market.
For instance, the Sprint World Head Quarters is a huge campus. I remember sitting in the Starbucks there once and watched more SUVs and BMWs drive by in an hour than in Los Angeles. Olathe and Lennox is excellent too of course. Really, those are the gravy places to wash and you need to get in with the property managers because there are so many fly-by-night competitors, many:
Have no insurance, Pollute storm drainsAre a plight on the high-end office tech parks Do not adhere to schedulingOffer less than adequate quality Indeed, I am not as familiar with the Missouri side as the Kansas side, but I imagine there are semi-suburbs worthy of mention there too. Especially judging from St. Louis and the West Side high-end growth and the IL side over the river. You see many cities are similar in America, they grow a certain way – after a while, it becomes second hat, you just know going in.
Why not clean all those cars that sit all by themselves in the parking lots for 7-8 hours per day? Well that is how our business started and it worked wherever we took it. Customers love mobile car washing and detailing companies, but it is of course up to you to remain completely efficient; labor supply, fuel issues, travel time, you have to pay attention and have a battle plan to win.
By: Lance Winslow
Wisconsin Mobile Auto Detailing
January 2nd, 2010
Many folks love cars and see themselves in the mobile auto detailing business. Such a small business can be rewarding indeed. But you must consider the weather in your region if you plan on working outside all year around. It is not possible in all climates to do this in the United States. Having been in the auto cleaning business for some 28 years folks often ask me about the industry.
Our company does not sell equipment to the public and we do not sell franchises state side, but still due to our company’s history so many folks ask questions about the over all industry. Dustin from Wisconsin writes: “In working on my business plan and doing research I realized most of these types of businesses are running in year round warm climates. I live in Wisconsin and my biggest concern is winter-time. Any suggestions?”
For winter months detailing there is some business to be had our teams in Montana and other colder climates are able to cope.
http://www.washguy.com/mt/auntlouise.shtml
But it is not so easy on a completely mobile basis. Once you get under about 12 degrees you are pretty much a portable ice storm maker? So this makes it very hard to detail in such situations. And you do have a number of days under 12 degrees in Wisconsin. It is doable, but it is not easy.
In the past we forgave all Royalties to such markets in months with temps under 15 degrees for more than 10 days. So there are issues indeed. You are wise to notice this. You can supplement the business with a snow plow business and some mobile fleet cleaning as the magnesium chloride on the roads destroys undercarriages and causes issues with corrosion. Indeed on my last visit to Madison and Oshkosh in the Summer, I did notice the greenery, I guess you have to pay for that in the Winter?
If you are considering starting a mobile detail business is a Winter harsh environment or region you may wish to consider this information carefully before investing in such a business. Do think on this in 2006.
By: Lance Winslow