The VRT3 unloader is a trapped-pressure valve with 3/8" ports for triplex rigs up to 10.5 GPM. It holds line pressure when you close the gun and lets you dial working pressure with the knob. The EZ Start version eases engine cranking on cold starts. Key Features Trapped-pressure and adjustable: Holds pressure in the line when you close the gun and gives real pressure regulation through the knob, so the system responds the instant you pull again. EZ Start: Bleeds off startup back-pressure so the engine cranks easier and the pump takes less strain on cold starts. 3/8" ports, up to 10.5 GPM: Sized for triplex rigs from small units on up. It works below the K7's 6.6 GPM floor, so it fits smaller pumps the K7 can't run. Forged brass body, stainless internals: Solid forged brass with AISI 303 stainless internals and a ceramic ball. The hex shutter shifts smooth without binding. Dual bypass ports: Two 3/8" bypass outlets give you room to plumb the return line the way your rig needs. Rebuildable: A repair kit brings tired seals back. Scored brass means you replace it. Specifications Type Trapped-pressure (pressure-actuated), adjustable, EZ Start Rated working pressure 4,060 PSI Max pressure 4,500 PSI (black spring) Max flow 10.5 GPM (40 L/min) Ports 3/8" FNPT: 2 inlet, 1 outlet, 2 bypass Body Forged brass Internals AISI 303 stainless steel, ceramic ball Seals High-temp O-ring Max temperature 194°F Weight 29.6 oz Origin Made in Italy (Tecomec / Mecline) What's Included One VRT3 unloader valve, black spring, with adjustment knob and built-in EZ Start This is the bare valve, not the plumbed quick-change kit some vendors sell, so no fittings or bypass hose come in the box. It fits triplex and plunger pumps up to 10.5 GPM on 3/8" ports, including General Pump, Comet, and AR units. It drops in as a direct replacement for the Comet 8108.2542.00 and the AL607 and VRT2 family. Match the black spring's 4,500 PSI class to your system pressure. It's not for rigs over 10.5 GPM. Step up to the VRT100 unloader with 1/2" ports for high-flow setups. Don't neck a 1/2" pump down to 3/8" fittings to run this valve. That restriction kills flow. How It Works The VRT3 mounts on the discharge line between the pump and the gun. With the trigger open, water flows through at working pressure. Release it and pressure rises past the black spring's setpoint, so the valve shifts and diverts flow to the bypass ports, killing the deadhead spike that blows seals and check valves. Because it holds pressure in the line, the system responds the instant you pull again. Set pressure with the knob while the machine runs, trigger open, then lock the nuts. The off-trigger spike shouldn't run more than about 500 PSI over working pressure. The VRT3 is a pump-side, fresh-water part. Its brass body corrodes with SH, and the standard seals aren't bleach-rated. In a downstream soft wash setup, SH draws in through the injector after the pump and unloader, so the valve only ever sees fresh water. Keep it there. Don't run SH mix through the VRT3, and flush fresh water through the pump, hoses, gun, and valves after every job. Pairs Well With Soft Wash Pressure Gauge ST1500 Pressure Washer Gun 3000 PSI @ 5.5 GPM Belt Drive Pressure Washer Frequently Asked Questions VRT3 vs K7: what's the difference? The VRT3 is trapped-pressure and adjustable, and it works at any flow up to 10.5 GPM, including below 6.6 GPM. The K7 unloader is flow-actuated, needs at least 6.6 GPM to work, and gives a smoother soft start. For a pump under 6.6 GPM, run the VRT3. For a higher-flow single-gun rig that pulses or chatters, the K7 can smooth it out. VRT3 vs VRT100: which one do I need? It comes down to flow. The VRT3 has 3/8" ports and handles up to 10.5 GPM, which covers most triplex rigs. The VRT100 unloader has 1/2" ports and handles up to 26.4 GPM for high-flow work like twin-lance setups and big surface cleaners. Over 10.5 GPM, step up to the VRT100. Can I run SH or bleach mix through the VRT3? No. The brass body corrodes with sodium hypochlorite, and the standard seals aren't bleach-rated. Run SH downstream through a chemical injector that draws after the pump and unloader, so the valve only handles fresh water. Flush the whole system with fresh water after every job.
