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Karcher Genuine Pressure Washer Cylinder Head Stock Number: ES538413

Genuine spare part for select models of Karcher pressure washers

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Manufactured by Karcher

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Pressure Washer Cylinder Head

If your Karcher isn't reaching high pressure, and you've noticed the trigger is "pulsing" this could mean you need to replace the cylinder head. The valves in the cylinder head can become blocked and clogged, reducing the tension needed to be able to use the washer to its full potential. 

Specification:

  • Comes complete with piston seals

Please Note: For certain models the spare is serial and chassis number dependent. Your chassis number will look like: 1.504-604.0, and the serial number will be 6 digits long.

Genuine spare part for select models of Karcher pressure washers.

Please check the suitable model fit list to ensure that this is the correct part for your appliance.

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41 Questions and 50 Answers

By Softy - Kent - 02 June 2011
  • I have Karcher 4 the model number is 1.180-154-0 ,the serial number is 041450 ,I'm after a cylinder head but when I put the numbers in it comes up unidentifiable can you help By D A - sutton surrey - 01 March 2016
  • Chris from eSpares
    Chris at eSpares says...

    Can we just clarify Rory's previous answer. Electric pressure washers do not generally require the gearbox oil to be topped up or replaced during there normal working life. However if during disassembling the machine oil is allowed to spill from the gearbox it is important for this to be replaced or the gear box will quickly wear and fail. Sorry for any confusion our previous answer may have caused.

  • You can buy Karcher oil at, I believe, £34 pounds odd a litre, or use a good quality multigrade engine oil, which is just the same. Look on Youtube under Karcher repairs. By D.R. - Sheffield - 14 July 2015
  • Chris from eSpares
    Chris at eSpares says...

    Ref Colbee comment. We mistakenly stated that electric pressure washers do not contain oil. The link given to Stock Number: ES538165 is an oils approved for pressure washer pumps and is suitable.

  • Sorry, I'm a latecomer to this post, but I beg to differ with the response by staff-member Rory on 3/6/2011 who stated that an electric washer does not need oil; surely, in an electric washer, the swash plate chamber contains oil which is easily lost if the retaining bolts are loosened/removed and the motor is not kept upright. By colbee - Manchester - 19 June 2014
  • Rory from eSpares
    Rory at eSpares says...

    Hi Softy, if you have a petrol pressure washer, the oil you need to use to keep the engine lubricated can be found here: http://www.espares.co.uk/parts?k=pressure+washer+oil. If you have an electric washer, you won't need oil.

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I replaced control valve due to leak caused by crack. After assembly there is no leak. But the motor doesn't stop when trigger release. I checked the valve that should operate the on/off switch and it seems okay. I don't know why it isn't being activated when I release trigger. Cylinder head maybe ? Many thanks Mark

By Mark Woodhouse - Leamington - 24 May 2016
  • Fixed it. Although I had fitted a control head which was recommended. It wasn't exactly the same. I've now fitted the exact head and functions as new. It's imperative that you get all the nos exact as original, There's a version 1 and 2, both different diameters, Karcher kindly sent me the PDF on my model. I was able to identify the appropriate part no. I'm now an expert at stripping down and assemble By MWM - Tayside scotland - 15 August 2017
  • That's exactly what's happened to mine after fitting a new pump and control head. The switch works because I have tested it. The new unit was not exactly the same, the soap nozzle dia insert was different. I've had it to bits abut 5 times. Still the same. I'm beginning to think the hole that lets the pressurised water through to push the plunger that operates the switch is maybe not large enough. I'm going to check dia against the old one next. Anyone have thoughts on that, By Mwm - Tayside Scotland - 04 August 2017
  • Chris from eSpares
    Chris at eSpares says...

    For information on your repair see our video: How to Diagnose Pressure Washer Pump Problems: http://www.espares.co.uk/advice/8/3266

Answer this question

It leaks when the pressure washer is off but tap on a little, and a lot when the pump is on but does not pulse. Is this the cylinder head?

By A.H - Crowthorne - 19 February 2016
  • Chris from eSpares
    Chris at eSpares says...

    The problem is likely to be a cracked cylinder head. If you dismantle it you should be able to see the crack.

  • I've removed the covers. Looks like it's under the metal cap covering the white control unit, leaking like a sieve. Take it this means washers and or cylinder head? By A.H - Crowthorne - 23 February 2016
  • Chris from eSpares
    Chris at eSpares says...

    Disconnect the power and remove the covers then just connect the water supply only to identify the area of the leak.

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K 3.575, not very old but ran briefly without water supply when hose fitting blew

By richard - pl124er - 11 November 2014
  • If the seals look okay you may have a tiny crack in the cylider head or the control head, especially if you have ever let it freeze. Basically if there is no external water leak you have an internal pressure leak - a valve or crack is most likely. Cylinder head eliminates most things as it is a complete assembly and very inexpensive. Control head is next most likely for an invisible leak, but is not so inexpensive, and more individual to the models. You can run these for several seconds without water supply without damage, and as the topseals are in the cylinder head assembly this is well worth a try. By D.R. - Sheffield - 14 July 2015
  • Chris from eSpares
    Chris at eSpares says...

    It is likely if the problem occurred immediately after running with no water that the seals of the pump have been damaged and this part should resolve your problem.

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my pressure washer does not reach high pressure when trigger is pressed and pulses when not being used. is the problem the head, valves or a rubber seal?

By tintin1 - doncaster - 24 August 2009
  • Probably By gtoj7lav - Scotland - 03 November 2009
  • The Head, was the problem on my pressure washer/karcher.High pressure back. By joe12345 - - 29 October 2009
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Genuine Pressure Washer Cylinder Head

£30.35
(inc. VAT)
£30.35