STEELE PRODUCTS SP-WE180 User manual

SP-WE180
1800 PSI Electric
Pressure Washer
www.steele-products.com
WARNING! To Reduce The Risk Of Injury, User
Must Read And Understand Instruction Manual.
Owner’s Manual

2
Topic Page
Safety and Operate Rules 3
Safety Features 7
Installation 8
High Pressure Hose 8
Water Connection 8
Power Supply Connection 8
Operation Instructions 9
Start Up Procedure 9
High Pressure/Low Pressure 10
Adjustable Spray Nozzle 11
Use of Chemicals 11
Cleaning Techniques 13
End of Operation 14
Maintenance 14
Connections 14
Nozzle 14
Lubrication 15
Water Screen 15
Cooling System 15
Moving and Storage Instructions 15
Troubleshooting 16
Technical Data 18
Table of Contents

3
Safety precautions are essential when any mechanical equipment is involved. These precautions are necessary
when using, storing, and servicing mechanical equipment. Using this equipment with the respect and caution
demanded will considerably lessen the possibilities of ignored, personal injury or property damage may occur.
The following symbols shown below are used extensively throughout this manual. Always heed these precautions,
as they are essential when using any mechanical equipment.
Warning: identifies specific instructions or procedures, which if not correctly followed could result in
personal injury or death.
Caution: identifies specific instructions or procedures, which if not strictly
observed, could result in damage to, or destruction of equipment.
Note: Use of the word “note” will alert you to key information or instructions.
This unit was designed for specific applications. It should not be modified and/or used for any application other
than that which it was designed.
When using this product basic precautions should always be followed, including the
following.
Warning: Read this manual carefully to know your equipment. Consider the applications,
limitations, and the potential hazards specific to your unit.
Warning: This product shall only be connected to a power supply receptacle protected by a
ground-fault-circuit-interrupter.
Warning: Do not touch plug or outlet with wet hands.
Warning: Avoid accidental starts. Move the switch on the unit to “OFF” position before connecting or
disconnecting cord to electrical outlets.
Warning: Water spray must never be directed towards any electric wiring or directly
towards the pressure washer machine itself or fatal electric shock may occur.
Warning: Never carry your pressure washer by the cord. Do not pull on the cord to
disconnect from the outlet.
Warning: To prevent damage, the cord should not be crushed, placed next to sharp objects or near
a heat source.
Safety and Operation Rules
!

4
Warning: Stay alert, what you are doing.
Warning: Follow maintenance instructions specified in this manual.
Warning: Check power cords before using. Damaged cords can reduce performance of pressure
washer or cause a fatal electric shock.
Warning: Keep operating area of all persons or animals.
Warning: To reduce the risk of injury, close supervision is necessary when this product is used near
children.
Warning: Always use both hands when operating pressure washer to maintain complete control of
the wand.
Warning: Do not touch nozzle or water spray while operating.
Warning: Wear safety goggles while operating.
Warning: Disconnect power plug from the outlet when not in use and prior to the detaching of the
high-pressure hose.
Warning: Only pressure washer hoses and nozzles should be used.
Warning: Never tie knots or kink the high-pressure hose as damage could result.
Warning: Prior to starting or the pressure washer in cold weather, be sure ice has not formed in any
part of the equipment.
Warning: Carefully observe all detergent instructions and warnings before using.
Warning: The pressure washer should not be used in areas where gas vapours may be present. An
electric spark could cause an explosion or fire.
Warning: To minimize the amount of water getting into the pressure washer, the unit should be
placed as far as possible from the cleaning site during operation.
Safety and Operation Rules

5
Warning: To prevent accidental discharge, the spray gun should be secured by locking the trigger
when not in use.
Warning: Do not operate this product when fatigued or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Warning: To allow free air circulation, the pressure washer should NOT be covered during
operation.
Warning: Know how to stop the product and bleed pressure quickly. Be thoroughly familiar with the
controls.
Warning: Do not over reach or stand on unstable support. Keep good footing and balance at all
times.
Warning: Risk of injection or injury. Do not direct discharge stream at persons or animals.
See page 7 for information on extension cords.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Grounding Instructions
This product must be grounded. If it should malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides a path of
least resistance for electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This product is equipped with a
cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into
an appropriate outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local and
ordinances.
Warning: Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor can result in a
risk of electrocution. Check with a qualified electrician or service person if you are in
doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded. Do not modify the plug provided with
the product. Do not use any type of adaptor with this product.
Safety and Operation Rules

6
Parts List
1 Spray gun with high-pressure hose
2 Holder for power cable
3 ON/OFF switch
4 High-pressure hose connector
5 Threaded water inlet
6 Wand with adjustable nozzle head
7 Holder for accessories
8 Water plug
9 Screen filter
10 Garden hose inlet nipple with quick connector (not shown. See page 8, figure 2)
11 Wax and/or detergent dispensing kit
12 Wax/detergent tanks
13 Quick connector
Parts List
5
13
8
11
1
6
7
12
2
4
9
3
10

7
The pressure washer is equipped with a stop device that will sense the trigger on the gun is released. It
will open the power circuit to the motor and cause the pressure washer to stop.
Warning: The pressure washer is also equipped with a main power ON/OFF switch
located on the unit. It should always be moved to the off position, when the pressure
washer is not being used to prevent possible injury or damage.
Motor Overload
The electric motor in this pressure washer is equipped with an overload protection device that will
automatically shut off the motor in the event the motor draws excessive current or overheats.
The device will automatically reset itself and resume normal operation a short period of time.
Extension Cords
Warning: Extension cords are not recommended unless they are plugged into a
ground-fault circuit-interrupter found in circuit boxes or protected receptacles.
Use only 3-wire extension cords that have 3-prong grounding-type plugs and 3-pole cord connector
that accept the plug from the product.
Use only extension cords that are intended for outdoor use. These extension cords are identified by a
marking “Acceptable for use with outdoor appliances; store indoors while not in use”.
Use only extension cords having an electrical rating higher than the rating of the product.
Do not use damaged extension cords.
Examine extension cord before using and replace if damaged.
Do not abuse extension cord and do not yank on any cord disconnect.
Keep cord away from heat and sharp edges.
Always disconnect the extension cord from the receptacle before disconnecting the product from the
extension cord.
When using an extension cord, observe the specification below:
Cable Length Wire Gauge
MIN 35ft 16
Warning: To reduce the risk of electrocution keep all connections dry and off the
ground. Do not touch plug with wet hands.
Safety Features

8
High Pressure Hose (See Figure 1)
Remove and discard the water plug (Fig.1) before attaching the high-pressure hose by carefully
inserting the fitting with the o-ring into the high-pressure outlet and tighten threaded nut by hand. (Fig.1)
Water Connection (See Figure 2)
Before connecting run water through the garden hose (not supplied) to flush out any foreign matter.
Attach garden hose to the pressure water inlet connection. (Fig.2)
Power Supply Connection
The pressure washer is factory-equipped with an electrical outlet installed in accordance with local
safety regulations.
NOTE: The power supply must be 120v, 60Hz and a minimum 15amp circuit.
A Connect only to properly grounded outlet. Do not remove grounding pin.
B Inspect cord before using. Do not use if cord is damaged.
C Do not touch plug with wet hand.
D Keep all connections dry and off the ground.
E If replacement of the plug or cord is needed, use only identical replacement parts. Contact
Customer service for proper replacement parts.
Extension cords are not recommended unless they are plugged into a receptacle protected by a ground
fault circuit interrupter. Any extension cord used should be 14 AWG and no longer than 50’ to prevent
excessive voltage loss. Use only extension cords intended for outdoor use. These extension cords are
identified by a marking “Acceptable for use with outdoor appliances; store indoors when not in use”.
High-pressure
Hose connector
High-pressure hose
Fig. 1
Installation
Fig. 2
Garden hose
Washer
Quick connector
Machine Inlet

9
Warning: Risk of injection injury. Do not direct discharge stream at persons or animals.
Start up Procedure
1. Make sure water supply is connected and turned on.
2. Make sure the unit is plugged in.
3. Release gun safety if locked. (See Figure 3)
4. To allow air to escape from hose, squeeze trigger on the gun until there is a steady stream of
water.
5. Remove any dirt or foreign matter from the gun outlet and the male connector of the wand.
Note: Make sure the wand is locked.
Warning: If the wand is not securely locked into place. It could be ejected under high
pressure when operating the gun, possibly causing injury or damage.
6. Squeeze trigger on the spray gun.
7. Press the on/off button to start pressure washer. (See Figure 4)
Operating Instructions
A. Safety lock “locked”
B. Safety lock “unlocked”
A.
B.
Fig. 3
ON
OFF
Fig. 4

10
High Pressure/Low Pressure
Caution: Do not adjust the nozzle while the trigger is squeezed.
The high-pressure nozzle position is intended for cleaning. When high-pressure is required,
grasp collar and slide the collar and nozzle toward the gun.
Note: Make sure the collar is pulled to the extreme rear position (towards the gun) to lock
the nozzle in the high-pressure position. (See Figure 5)
When low-pressure is required, grasp collar and slide collar and nozzle away from the gun.
(See Figure 6)
!
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
LOW HIGH
PRESSURE
LOWHIGH
PRESSURE
LOW HIGH
PRESSURE
LOWHIGH
PRESSURE
LOW
PRESSURE
HIGH
PRESSURE
Operating Instructions

11
Adjustable Spray Nozzle
The adjustable spray nozzle can adjust from fan to jet in the high-pressure position only. The spray is
adjusted by turning the nozzle (See Figure 7)
Caution: The jet spray adjustment is very aggressive. We recommend that for most
cleaning application, a 20 degrees spray angle should be used to avoid damage to the surface
being sprayed.
Note: The pressure of the spray on the surface you are cleaning increases as you move the
wand closer to the surface.
To increase to a fan spray, gun counter-clockwise. To decrease angle to jet spray, gun clockwise
Cleaning Chemical Use
Caution: Only use cleaning detergents or products recommended for pressure
washers.
Caution: Fill and flush the reservoir with clean water after detergents use.
The machine is provided with two tanks, which according to requirements, can be filled with one or two
different detergents. To fill the tanks proceed as follows (See Figure 8)
!
Fig. 7
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Operating Instructions

12
Fig. 8
1 Stop the machine
2 Remove the tank to be filled from its seat
3 Unscrew the cap and fill with a suitable product.
Note: When the adjustable nozzle is moved to the high pressure position, detergent will not
be discharged.
Re-install the full tank into its seat and the selector to the correct detergent product to be used
(See Figure 9).
After using the detergents turn the selector to its original position as shown in Figure 9.
Fig. 9
0
+ +
- -
Operating Instructions

13
Cleaning Techniques
When cleaning with the pressure washer, some cleaning tasks can be solved with water alone, but for
most tasks it is advantageous to use a detergent. A detergent ensures a quick soaking of the dirt
allowing the high-pressure water to penetrate and remove the dirt more effectively.
The low-pressure position provides a gentle application of detergent. This position is also
recommended to rinse a surface after wax application or for other applications which require the
low-pressure of a garden hose. Low-Pressure is the equivalent of a garden hose set at the lowest
output to properly apply detergent. For detergent application, slide collar according to Figure 7.
Application of Detergent
1. Apply the solution to a dry work surface.
Note: Wetting the surface first is not recommended, as it dilutes the detergent and reduces
its cleaning ability.
On a vertical surface, apply horizontally from side to side starting from the bottom to avoid
streaking.
2. Allow detergent to remain on the surface for a short time before rinsing.
Caution: Damage may occur to painted surface if chemical is allowed to dry on the
surface. Wash and rinse a small section at a time. Avoid working on hot surfaces or in
direct sunlight.
3. Rinse with clean water under high-pressure. On a vertical surface, first rinse from the bottom up,
then rinse from the top to the down. Hold nozzle 6 to 8 frame, the work surface at a 45° angle using the
flat spray as a peeling tool rather than a scrub brush.
Note: Insure that the chemical injection system is completely clean to switching from one
detergent to another.
Application Pressure Washer Liquid Vehicle Wax.
1. Immediately after cleaning, apply pressure washer liquid wax using low-pressure. Pour wax into
detergent solution reservoir.
2. Apply the wax sparing in an even layer. Apply to wet surfaces from the bottom up for even
distribution and to avoid streaking.
3. Rinse off the surplus wax.
Note: If surplus wax is not removed a hazy finish may result.
4. Wipe dry to reduce water spotting.
Operating Instructions
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14
End of Operation
When you have ?nished using the detergent injection system, continue to run in low-pressure position
and ?ush clean water through the detergent tank until it is thoroughly cleaned.
Note: Failure to clean properly will cause the injection system to become clogged and
inoperable.
• Stop the machine by pressing ON/OFF button
• Disconnect electrical plug
• Turn off water and depressurize unit by squeezing trigger.
Warning: Turn off water supply and squeeze trigger to depressurize the unit. Failure to
do so could result in personal injury due to discharge of high-pressure water.
• Disconnect the high-pressure hose and the water inlet hose.
Connections
Connections on pressure washer hoses, gun and spray wand should be cleaned regularly and
lubricated with non-water soluble grease.
Nozzle
The high-pressure/low-pressure adjustment of the nozzle should be lubricated with non-water soluble
grease regularly.
Clogging of the nozzle causes the pressure to be too high and cleaning is immediately required.
1. Make sure that the pressure washer is turned off and that the power cord is unplugged.
2. Make sure that the water supply is turned off, and that the trigger is squeezed to depressurize the
unit.
3. Separate the front-wand from the back-wand.
4. Clear the nozzle with tip cleaner.
5. Flush the nozzle backwards with water.
6. Reconnect the front-wand to the back-wand.
Reconnect and restart the pressure washer and depress the trigger on the spray gun. If the pressure
is still too high, repeat above items 1-4.
Operating Instructions
Maintenance

15
Lubrication
The pressure washer is designed with a permanent lubrication system. Conventional oil check and oil
changes are not necessary.
Note: In case of oil leakage, contact the Steele® Customer Service Department.
A small amount of leakage is normal.
Water Screen
The pressure washer is equipped with a water inlet screen to protect the pump.
Caution: If the screen is not kept clean, the flow of water to the pressure washer will be
restricted and the pump may be damaged.
•To clean inner water screen, remove quick connect and remove the filter screen from the pump
inlet. (See page 6, item 9)
•Back-flush screen to clean
•Replace screen and quick connect immediately to prevent any foreign matter from entering the
pump.
Caution: Do not damage the screen while removing or cleaning. Any foreign particles
entering the pump may damage the pump.
Cooling System
The air vents, located in and around the pressure washer, must be kept clean and free of any
obstructions to ensure proper air-cooling of the motor during operation.
Caution: Prevent water from penetrating the vents of the pressure washer to minimize
the risk of damage to the machine and to reduce the risk of shock to the operator.
Caution: Always store your pressure washer in a location where the temperature will
not fall below 0°C (32 °F). The pump in this machine is susceptible to permanent damage
if frozen. Freeze damage is not covered by the warranty.
If you must store your pressure washer in a location where the temperature is below 0°C (32 °F), you
can minimize the chance of damage to your machine by utilizing the following procedure:
1. Stop the pressure washer
2. Squeeze the trigger of the discharge gun to drain all water from the wand and hose.
3. Detach supply hose and high-pressure hose.
4. Restart pressure washer and let it run briefly (about 5 seconds) until water no longer discharges
from the pressure outlet.
Maintenance
!
Moving and Storage Instructions
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16
Problem Possible Cause Correction
Motor will not start
or stops while
operating
Circuit breaker
tripped or fuse blown
in circuit fuse box
Disconnect all other loads on the same
circuit and reset circuit breaker or
replace fuse
Loose or discon-
nected plug
Reconnect plug
Tripped pressure
washer circuit
breaker
Allow to cool and restart unit
Circuit breaker trips
or fuse
blown in fuse box
Circuit overload Check that circuit is rated 15 A or greater.
Disconnect all loads on the circuit
Extension cord too
long or wire size
Use proper extension cord as
recommended in Operator’s Manual
Nozzle partially
blocked
Clean nozzle as instructed
Water or oil leaking
from
bottom of pump
A small amount of
leakage is normal
If excessive leaking occurs call
Customer Service Department
Pressure increases
when
gun is closed
Bypass valve not op- Call Customer Service Department
erating properly
Motor running but
pump not building
maximum pressure
or has irregular
pressure
Faucet closed Open faucet.
Unit has been stored
in freezing
temperature
Thaw out unit completely including
hose, gun and wand
Troubleshooting

17
Problem Possible Cause Correction
No intake of
chemicals
Injection tube not
securely inserted into
pressure washer
Push firmly into machine
Tube cracked or split Replace tubing
Wrong nozzle setting Switch nozzle to low-pressure
(See page10 Fig.6)
Nozzle blocked Clean nozzle with nozzle tip cleaner
Injection tube
strainer clogged
Clean strainer
Dried chemicals in
injector
Dissolve by running warm water through
the injection tube
Trigger will not
move
Gun safety lock
engaged
Release safety lock
Troubleshooting

18
Pump pressure 1800 PSI MAX. Operation Pressure
Electrical requirement 120V, 15A, 60Hz
Electrical cord 35’
High pressure hose 20’
Flow rate 1.5GPM
Minimum amperage source 15A
Pressure of inlet water 20-100 PSI
Inlet water Cold tap water
Nozzle spray angle high-pressure 0-60°
Technical Data