skip to main content

Checking pump oil level on Excell power washer?

16 years ago

Hello out there!

Does anyone know how, or if, the pump oil level can be checked on an Excell XC2800 power washer? I see a fill tube and drain plug, but no dipstick. In fact, there is simply a black cap over the fill tube.

The owners manual mentions nothing on checking the level, it only says how to change it.

I called the Excell people, but the person I spoke with seemed clueless.

Thoughts anyone?

Thanks!

Featured Answer

cometstorm
Original Author

16 years ago

Thanks much for the response.

Yup...I did unscrew the "tube" but I still see no way to verify the oil level. When I look in the hole (after removing the tube, I just see some metal channeling...not the oil itself.

I emailed a pressure washer service company with this question, and they stated there is no way to check the pump oil level on a "no frills" (their words) model like this.

They said all you can do is drain and refill as to the service schedule in the owners manual.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (12)

so2315
16 years ago
I had the same exact question and e-mailed Excell (Dewalt). The response I got back was the tube you see on the top of the pump is actually not a tube and the cap on top is a vent cap. To check the level you would unscrew the tube from the pump.
Related Discussions
new pump suggestions and oil clean up
Q
Comments (6)
Joe, Thank you,We will go and take a look at the performance pros.. The only thing we have concerns about with the externals is where to put them? With the water garden built off the side of the house, the top falls(not used often) water pipe is actually under the rock up to the roof (15 foot straight up lift).I believe we would have to go low ,down by what is a holding tank similar to a pond less feature. Can you tell me how large of area I would need to have to house the pump? We may be able to find a way to create a small space,, but with all the large stone we would have to bring in the skidster to move stone which right now is not an easy task. We do have a space in the block walls that hold the hot tub as well, but not sure how that would work for plumbing.Or if the pump running all the time would be to noticeable to those using the hot tub.. I guess I am off to research more. Thank you for your input we appreciate it. Mary
...See More
Helpful hint:: Excell power washer owners and pump oil changing
Q
Comments (2)
It also gives you the ability to know how to change out the pump should anything happen where you have to replace the old one.
...See More
Oil furnace/heat pump vs hp+ electric strips
Q
Comments (23)
Hi, we have similar situation to research. We are looking into upgrading our HVAC and have question as to go with Heat Pump with Electric or Oil backup. Background: Central Massachusetts, 20 year old house, 3000sqft typical two story colonial with central forced hot air oil furnace and AC. Currently 5ton AC and heating with 80% efficient and I think 110000BTU oil furnace. Which might be more than necessary. No natural gas available. Oil or Propane. 200Amp main panel. Electric rates are about 11.39cents per KWH. Oil rates are about $4.00 dollars per gallon. AC is only two months or so, heating is more important. So we are thinking of choosing a low temperature Heat Pump with good HSFP, SEER is less important. Questions: We were wondering if for the price of electric and oil if we can move to electric as backup in this area (New England). Would there also be any re-sale issues later too? Our dealer is also recommending Byrant 280A 5 Ton low temperature with 20KW, which we might request to bump up to the three stage 24KW heat strips because we keep warm temperature (70F). Thank you for any help you can give.
...See More
washer leaking after replacing drain pump
Q
Comments (61)
There aren't any other components that would make the pump go bad ... although conversely an electrically-bad pump can kill the motor board if not for the protective/added fuse. Another fuse kit should be included with the replacement pump but you already have it installed, no need to swap what's already there in that regard. I could use an extra fuse kit (I have two F&P washers, one has a pump fuse, one doesn't) if you'd consider sending the spare to me.
...See More
jimtnc
16 years ago
I bought the Excel 2400 w/Honda 5hp and deVilbiss pump at HD a few years back, and if I recall my model has the oil dipstick (real short thing) on the underneath side of the plastic oil cap. They probably have changed since then.
mason210
15 years ago
There is no way to check the oil on the XC2800 via dipstick, etc. Unscrew the oil cap (long blk tube) and the oil should be visable just below the fill hole. As long as you can see the oil you should be safe.
cometstorm
Original Author
15 years ago
OOpps. I should have provided this update:

I recontacted Excel, and finally got hold of a person "in the know."

Also, note that when you drain the pump oil and go to install new oil, the oil will NOT channel down on it's own via the hole under the verticle tube. It just sits there, before taking on the required quantity (don't ask me about the miss THIS made!).

Anyway, the Excel person explored the problem and offered this solution:

To change the pump oil, remove the pump completely (a very easy process, involving removal of just a few bolts).

Unscrew the filler cap, and dump the old oil out. Turn the pump upright, and fill with the required amound of new oil. Re-install pump.

You don't do anything with the verticle tube area.

Believe me, this is simple and does solve everything.
gary1210
15 years ago
Does anyone know of any big box stores that still sell the XC2800 gas power washer?
cometstorm
Original Author
15 years ago
Gary,

I checked Lowe's online, and don't see any Excell power washers carried by them.

Home Depot appears to have a 2500 Excell homedepot.com

Amazon.com carries them. Refer to this link, but be sure to read the customer reviews about these being shipped with oil in the crankcase causing problems upon delivery. Maybe they ship them dry now, maybe not:

Here is a link that might be useful: Amazon.com Excell power washer XC2800
gjwesenberg_gmail_com
15 years ago
If you have a Menards Store, they sell one model, the Excell 2500. Can anyone tell me if these Washers are any good? They recommend turning the unit off if not used for 2 minuets. Are all presure washers like that?
cometstorm
Original Author
15 years ago
I'm very satisfied with my 2500, although its the only pressure washer I've owned.

I would think that most, if not all, washers should be shut off if water isn't ran through them for more than a couple of minutes. This keeps from overheating.

In actual useage, two minutes is quite a bit of idle time (just look at your watch, and wait for two minutes to pass by)...... :)

Hope this helps!
roc4tex355_att_net
13 years ago
I NEED TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL I NEED TO KNOW WHAT WEIGHT OIL ? EXCEL POWER WASHER HONDA ENGINE 5.2
cometstorm
Original Author
13 years ago
I have the Excell 2800 power washer with the Honda GC 190 engine.

The manual says 10W-30 for the engine.

For the pump oil, use "Briggs and Stratten SAE30 small engine oil"

As to the pump, in my opinion....Don't overspend for pump oil labeled as "for power washer pumps."

It's the same stuff as the B & S SAE30, but you can pay double or triple for it.... Just another marketing ploy.
ChrisS001
10 years ago
My son was using my power washer and he said it shut off while he was using it. When he checked the gas it was full, then he said he checked the oil and there was oil on the dip stick. But when he tried to pull it to start, it would not pull. I checked the oil and it's a little dry. Can you help me please. Did my son brake it or can I fix it without buying another one.

Related Stories

LIFE How to Prepare for and Live With a Power Outage

By Lisa Frederick

When electricity loss puts food, water and heat in jeopardy, don't be in the dark about how to stay as safe and comfortable as possible

GREEN BUILDING Off the Grid: Ready to Pull the Plug on City Power?

By Jen Dalley //

What to consider if you want to stop relying on public utilities — or just have a more energy-efficient home

GREAT HOME PROJECTS Power to the People: Outlets Right Where You Want Them

By Mitchell Parker

No more crawling and craning. With outlets in furniture, drawers and cabinets, access to power has never been easier

DISASTER PREP & RECOVERY More Power to You: How to Pick the Right Generator

By Marianne Lipanovich

If your home's electricity goes, don't let it take your necessities with it — keep systems running with this guide to backup power

KITCHEN STORAGE Pulling Power: Clever Drawer Tactics for a Kitchen

It’s not how many drawers you have in your kitchen; it’s how they work for you

BASEMENTS Basement Becomes a Family-Friendly Lower Level

By Becky Harris

A renovation creates room for movie nights, overnight guests, crafts, Ping-Pong and more

REMODELING GUIDES Contractor Tips: Advice for Laundry Room Design

By Buckminster Green LLC

Thinking ahead when installing or moving a washer and dryer can prevent frustration and damage down the road

HOUSEKEEPING How to Wash Your House

By Laura Gaskill

Avoid damage to siding and plants while getting your home's exterior shining clean, with this guide to using pressure washers and hoses

GREEN BUILDING Houzz Tour: Going Completely Off the Grid in Nova Scotia

By Mitchell Parker

Powered by sunshine and built with salvaged materials, this Canadian home is an experiment for green building practices

REMODELING GUIDES Clean-Burning Woodstoves Ignite a Greener Heating Trend

By Laura Gaskill

No need to rely on oil or gas to heat your home — new woodstove designs burn cleanly and are beautiful to boot

Sponsored

More Discussions

How long to grind each chainsaw link while sharpening?

12

drain valve for fuel

1

chipper not starting

2

Storage shed foundation question

3

How to Destroy a Root Under a Shed?

8