Cutting pressure is lower than normal: could it be worn or damaged orifice?

A worn orifice has a larger bore, so more water flows out and the pressure falls.. Look at the stream: a worn orifice gives a wider, fuzzy stream. Try a new orifice of the same size.

Cutting pressure is lower than normal: could it be leaking hp seals?

Water passes the plunger and escapes at the weep hole of the end cap or HP cylinder.. Watch the weep holes on both ends while the pump runs.

Cutting pressure is lower than normal: could it be leaking check valve?

A check valve that does not close lets water flow back, so each stroke delivers less.. After cutting (pressure released), compare the temperature of both sealing heads. One clearly hotter side leaks.

Cutting pressure is lower than normal: could it be not enough inlet water?

A clogged inlet filter or weak booster pump starves the intensifier.. Read the inlet pressure while cutting; replace filter elements if pressure drops over the filter.

Cutting pressure is lower than normal: could it be leak in on/off valve or hp line?

Water lost at a fitting or valve is water the pump must make extra.. Check every fitting and the on/off valve for drips and wet weep holes.

///Cutting pressure is lower than normal

Intensifier: high-pressure side

Cutting pressure is lower than normal

The pump reaches less pressure than before, or the pressure drops as soon as you cut. Almost always something leaks or is worn, so the pump has to deliver more water than it can.

Safety first: Switch off the pump, release all pressure (open the on/off valve or bleed-down valve) and lock out before you open any high-pressure part. Never put a hand or tool near a running jet.

Your machine brand Parts are filtered to fit Pump model

1Quick questionsYour answers put the most likely cause on top.

Is one side of the pump (left/right) warmer than the other?

Do you see water at a weep hole?

2Check the causes, most likely first 0 of 5 checked

01Worn or damaged orifice Most likely

A worn orifice has a larger bore, so more water flows out and the pressure falls.

How to check: Look at the stream: a worn orifice gives a wider, fuzzy stream. Try a new orifice of the same size.

Art. no.	Description	Replaces OEM	Excl. VAT
10226	Orifice 0,10 mm, 1010 OrificeKMT	KMT A2260004	€ 11.26
10227	Orifice 0,12 mm, 1012 OrificeKMT	1012	€ 11.26
10228	Orifice 0,15 mm, 1015 OrificeKMT	KMT A2260006	€ 11.26
10229	Orifice 0,17 mm, 1017 OrificeKMT	KMT 49863590 · KMT A2260006	€ 11.26
10230	Orifice 0,20 mm, 1020 OrificeKMT	KMT 49865850	€ 11.26

02Leaking HP seals Most likely

Water passes the plunger and escapes at the weep hole of the end cap or HP cylinder.

How to check: Watch the weep holes on both ends while the pump runs.

03Leaking check valve Possible

A check valve that does not close lets water flow back, so each stroke delivers less.

How to check: After cutting (pressure released), compare the temperature of both sealing heads. One clearly hotter side leaks.

04Not enough inlet water Possible

A clogged inlet filter or weak booster pump starves the intensifier.

How to check: Read the inlet pressure while cutting; replace filter elements if pressure drops over the filter.

05Leak in on/off valve or HP line Less likely

Water lost at a fitting or valve is water the pump must make extra.

How to check: Check every fitting and the on/off valve for drips and wet weep holes.

Cutting pressure is lower than normal

Related problems

Cutting heads

Mounted orifices

All sizes

Focusing tubes

HP tubing, cut to your length