Power washer: Alto Compact C1050 Xtra problems

Highly likely the motor has a thermal overload as you suspect. Once these start tripping they get progressively worse. If you keep allowing it to trip the motor could be damaged.

Don't know that particular model, so don't know if it has an induction motor (quiet & heavy) or a universal (noisy & light).

Usual cause of TOL tripping on induction motor is low voltage caused by extension cable too long or too small. If its a universal motor & you've had 5 years out of it you are very lucky! Working life is 12 - 20 run hours on most.

HTH

I had a different brand that would cut out after 10 minutes or so. I took it back and was told that it had been sold with the nozzle for a smaller washer. The nozzle was replaced and the washer has been fine ever since. Maybe there is something stuck in your nozzle :)

Same thing happened to my Kaercher machine a while back - as in, crap in my nozzle. Gave the same symptoms described by the OP.

David

Second most common reason! Too small or a blocked nozzle will cause the motor to work harder and therefore overheat. Third most common reason is low oil in crankcase.

So if the pressure of the water coming out of a pressure washer isn't enough to blast the crap out of the nozzle, how do you get it out? :o)

I sure my problem was not a blockage, as the water comes out in steady stream without the power washer running, which is a check suggested by the manufacturer before switching on.

Back wash it, maybe with a bit of gentle persusion of some fine waire poked into the nozzle.