Excell pressure washers are durable appliances that can handle various cleaning tasks. Despite their ruggedness, all pressure washers sometimes have performance-related faults that can be difficult to troubleshoot and fix. These could include the engine not revving, stalling, leaking oil, etc. In this post, engine-related issues of Excell pressure washers shall be discussed.
Excell Pressure Washer Problems: Engine Troubleshooting & Repair
If your Excell pressure washer engine stops repeatedly, check the carburetor jets and clean them thoroughly from stale fuel deposits. Also, make sure your fuel filter is in good shape. If the pressure washer doesn’t start, check if the spark plug is in working condition. A vapor lock can also cause occasional hiccups in the startup process. If your engine leaks oil, examine the seals and replace them if needed.
Based on my experience, I have discussed how to troubleshoot and repair some of the commonly occurring problems in Excell pressure washers. To read in detail, I suggest you scroll further into the article.
Contents
- 1 Problems with the Excell Gas Pressure Washer Engine
- 1.1 ● 1. Excell Pressure Washer: Keeps Stopping and Starting
- 1.2 ● 2. Excell Pressure Washer: The Engine won’t Run
- 1.3 ● 3. Excell Pressure Washer: Engine Stops
- 1.4 ● 4. Excell Pressure Washer: Engine not Providing enough Power
- 1.5 ● 5. Excell Pressure Washer: Oil Leak
- 1.6 ● 6. Excell Pressure Washer: Water in Oil
- 2 Excell Pressure Washer troubleshooting table:
Problems with the Excell Gas Pressure Washer Engine
As of now, Excell produces gas-powered cold-water pressure washers only. At the time of writing, there are three pressure washer variants produced by Excell. i.e., 2700 PSI 2.3 GPM, 3100 PSI 2.8 GPM, and 4000 PSI 4.0 GPM. But this can change as new models arrive.
In a gas pressure washer, the prime mover is the engine that powers the pump, which builds pressure. The associated fuel system components, such as the fuel tank, fuel lines, filters, and carburetor, raise the system’s overall maintenance requirements. Hence, the absence of proper maintenance can make these machines more likely to undergo problems that impede their normal functioning.
Some of the basic pressure washer problems can be resolved without professional help. Some advanced issues may require you to consult a mechanic or contact your manufacturer if a warranty claim is required. All these issues are mentioned in the following section of this post.
● 1. Excell Pressure Washer: Keeps Stopping and Starting
If a pressure washer repeatedly stops, ensure your fuel hasn’t gone stale, leading to a clogged carburetor or a bad fuel filter. Also, check the fuel tank’s vents to see if a vapor lock is formed in the fuel lines.
If your pressure washer faces starting difficulty, the first thing to check is the fuel quality in the tank. When fuel is left unchanged for a long time, its quality degrades, thus forming white sticky residues. These fuel deposits can clog the jets in the carburetor, the fuel filter, and the fuel lines.
– Clogged Jets:
When a carburetor jet gets clogged, the fuel flow rate across it gets affected. This eventually affects the proportion of the air-fuel mixture, making it too lean (less fuel). This mixture composition may not be sufficient to sustain combustion in the engine. Eventually, the power output of the engine gets lowered, due to which it may stop soon after starting.
– Vapor Lock:
Another cause of the problem is a vapor lock which typically occurs in the fuel lines. When the temperature is hot, fuel evaporates, thus raising the vapor pressure in the fuel lines. To equalize this pressure, fuel tanks have a vent to allow these vapors to escape into the environment. If the vents have been clogged due to dust, the vapors get trapped in the fuel lines, affecting the fuel drawn by the carburetor, ultimately affecting the engine’s performance.
How to Fix?
- Carburetor: First, inspect your pressure washer’s carburetor to troubleshoot the problem. Removing the component entirely by disconnecting the fuel lines and removing its mounting screws is better. To service the carburetor, use WD-40 or a carb-cleaning liquid. Ensure you spray all the flow passaged adequately and remove the debris stuck in them. The bowl nut and the bowl itself also need to be cleaned. After cleaning, assemble everything removed.
- Fuel Filter: When finished with the carburetor, examine the fuel filter and replace it if its condition worsens.
- Vapor Lock: Check your fuel tank’s vents. If they are plugged with dirt, clean them thoroughly so the vapors can escape freely. If you are stuck with a vapor lock, open your tank’s cap to allow the vapor buildup to subside. Restart the engine again after this.
● 2. Excell Pressure Washer: The Engine won’t Run
Check the spark plug first if your pressure washer’s engine doesn’t run. If the issue continues, ensure your carburetor is cleaned and the air and fuel filters are in good condition.
If the engine doesn’t start after repeated cord pulls, the issue lies either in the ignition or in the fuel system. The ignition system consists of a spark plug and the ignition coil. To troubleshoot this issue, first inspect the spark plug of your pressure washer. Check the condition of the electrodes and see if they aren’t compromised with carbon buildup that occurs over time.
This eventually reduces the quality of the spark and makes it difficult to start the engine.
How to Fix?
- Spark Plug: You should remove the spark plug boot and then the plug to check its condition. Consider replacing the whole plug if the electrodes are damaged or covered with soot. Restart the engine again.
- Fuel System: If it doesn’t start, check the fuel system components one by one for the buildup of debris and deposits. These components include the fuel filter, fuel lines, and carburetor. I suggest you buy a carburetor repair kit containing all possible tools for restoring your carburetor.
- Air Filter: After the fuel system components are checked, examine your air filter and check if it has any dust buildup. A clogged air filter deprives the engine of air and can affect its startup operation.
● 3. Excell Pressure Washer: Engine Stops
If your pressure washer engine stops, inspect the air and fuel filters for dust buildup and clean them if needed. Check the tank for a vapor lock and examine the carburetor for fuel deposition.
If the engine stops suddenly, it indicates that its fuel or air supply is inadequate to sustain combustion. This can be due to the air and fuel filters being in poor condition. Ultimately, this causes a loss of power.
How to Fix?
The air filter is situated outside the carburetor, while the fuel filter is inside the tank. Once located, inspect their condition. If there is only dust stuck in them, clean them thoroughly. In case of damage to the filters, make sure you replace them with identical ones.
Apart from the filters, the carburetor must be cleaned if it has stale fuel deposits. The procedure for cleaning is explained in the above sections. If the issue is still unresolved, check the tank vents to see if there’s a vapor lock.
● 4. Excell Pressure Washer: Engine not Providing enough Power
If your pressure washer doesn’t produce enough power, check the water supply to see if it is adequate, and also ensure that the hoses aren’t twisted. It would be best to clean your device’s air and fuel filters properly.
In case of a lack of power from the engine, the air-fuel mixture might have been too rich or too lean. The fault may lie in the carburetor, the filters, or both.
How to Fix?
- Filters: To ensure adequate air and fuel supply, the filters should be inspected and checked that they aren’t clogged with dust.
- Carb. adjustment: The carburetor’s L and H screws need to be tuned appropriately since they affect the engine RPMs at low and high speeds. E.g., when the H screw is too loose, more than the required fuel flows to the engine, thus making the air-fuel mix too rich. This lowers the engine RPMs. To correct this, the screw should be tightened to a certain degree, making the RPMs appropriate. In case of the engine over-revving, the H screw needs to be set a bit loose.
Other than these, you should ensure that no air is trapped in the pump. Furthermore, check that your hoses aren’t twisted at any point since this adds back pressure on the engine, thus reducing its power output.
● 5. Excell Pressure Washer: Oil Leak
A faulty oil seal is the most common cause of oil leaks in your engine. Replacing the defective seal would resolve the problem. Oil leakage may sometimes occur due to an overfilled oil tank.
The oil inlet in your engine has an oil seal. These oil inlets are on either side of the engine and protected with caps. To aid you with the repairs, you can buy an oil seal kit that contains seals of all sizes.
How to Fix?
To inspect the seal, remove it using a screwdriver and see if it’s broken. If it’s worn out, replace it with an identical one. Also, you should avoid overfilling your tank with oil as it can cause oil to seep from the inlets, imitating a leak.
● 6. Excell Pressure Washer: Water in Oil
If water enters your engine oil, the oil seal is faulty. Replacing the seal as per the manufacturer’s instructions would resolve the issue.
When oil enters, it imparts a milky color. The most likely cause of this is a damaged seal. However, a worn-out engine piston can also contribute to this condition in some rare instances. With time, the metal on the piston continues to chip away, increasing the gap between the cylinder and piston. Hene, water entering the inlet manifold enters the crankcase from this gap, where it mixes with oil.
How to Fix?
If your engine isn’t too old, the seals/gaskets could be at fault. Hence, your engine will require a seal/head gasket replacement. If the warranty still holds, contact Excell and ask them to perform this replacement. I wouldn’t advise you to perform the seal replacement yourself since this may endanger your engine’s warranty claim.
You can consult a mechanic to help with this repair if the warranty has expired. However, if your engine is more than 10 years old, the issue could also be due to a worn-out piston. The repair will be useless in this instance, and you might need a new engine.
Excell Pressure Washer troubleshooting table:
Problem | Cause | Solution |
The pressure washer is not producing high pressure | Hose with small diameter | Replace your hose with a 1″ (25mm) or 5/8″ (16mm) hose |
Restricted water supply to the washer | Check for the kinks and leaks in the hose | |
Inadequate water supply | Ensure the water source is unobstructed and fully turned on | |
Clogged intake filter | Remove the filter and rinse it with warm water | |
Air in the pump | Ensure that the hose and fittings are airtight. Shut off the washer and squeeze the trigger until water flows steadily from the spray tip | |
The suction tube or detergent bottle is not connected properly | Install the suction tube and detergent bottle correctly | |
Detergent too thick | Dilute the thick detergent by adding water | |
Obstructed spray tip | Remove the debris with a needle | |
No pressure tip on the wand | Install a suitable pressure tip at the end of the wand | |
If your model has a belt, it can be loose. | Tighten or replace the belt. |
Problem | Cause | Solution |
Pulsing pressure washer (output pressure varies high and low) | Inadequate water supply | Ensure that the water source is fully on and check the hose for kinks and blockage |
Obstructed spray tip | Remove the debris with a needle | |
Pump sucking air | Ensure that the hose and fittings are airtight. Shut off the washer and squeeze the trigger until water flows steadily from the spray tip | |
Clogged intake filter | Remove the filter and rinse it with warm water | |
Calcified hose, tip, or trigger | Clean the hose, pressure tip, or trigger with vinegar or a cleaner designed for this purpose |
Problem | Cause | Solution |
Noisy Pump | Air in the pump | Ensure that the hose and fittings are airtight. Shut off the washer and squeeze the trigger until water flows steadily from the spray tip |
Clogged inlet filter | Remove the filter and rinse it with warm water | |
Pump leaking water | Damaged or worn water seals | Replace the seals with new ones or call a professional |
Loose fittings | Ensure that all the fittings are tight | |
Erratic water pressure, changing up and down | Unloader valve | Check and clean the unloader valve. If in bad shape, replace it |
No output pressure. Or the motor stops when using the trigger (electric models) | Unloader valve | Check and clean the unloader valve. If in bad shape, replace it |
● Excell Gas Pressure Washer Engine troubleshooting table:
Problem | Cause | Solution |
Leaks in the spray wand, spray tip, or extension | Damaged or broken O-rings or plastic insert | Replace the worn O-rings or call a professional |
Pressure washer pump dripping oil | Worn or damaged oil seals | Inspect the oil seals and replace them if worn |
No water from the washer outlet | The water supply is off | Turn the water supply ON |
Kink in the hose or faucet not fully open | Remove any kinks and debris from the hose or water lines. Check and fully open the faucet. |
Problem | Cause | Solution |
The motor won’t start | Check the battery | Check if the battery is charged correctly. Charge or replace when in bad condition. Examine the battery terminals for a proper connection. Clean if needed. |
Check the fuel filter | Clean the fuel filter if dirty. In that case, check the gas tank, as this is the most likely culprit. | |
Check the gas supply | Check the fuel level and add if needed. Ensure that the gas can flow to the carburetor. Remove any blockage. | |
Check the Air-filter | Clean the air filter. Replace it when it is in bad condition or it is a paper air filter. | |
Check the carburetor | Remove and clean the carburetor with some carb cleaner. It is also possible to clean it without removing it. | |
Fuel gap blocked | Check that the hole in the fuel cap is open. Clean if needed. | |
The engine is stalling, or starts and stops | Check the carburetor | Remove and clean the carburetor with some carb cleaner. It is also possible to clean it without removing it. |
Air filter | Clean the air filter. Replace it when it is in bad condition or it is a paper air filter. | |
Check for bad gas | Suppose you have old gas, more than a few months old. It can turn bad. Drain and replace the gas. Next time add a fuel stabilizer. |
● Excell Electric Pressure Washer Motor troubleshooting table:
Problem | Cause | Solution |
The motor won’t start | The power switch is in the “OFF” or “0” state | Turn the power switch “ON” or “1” |
Cord not plugged | Plugin the power cord | |
Damaged, too long, or improper extension cord | Replace the existing cord with a 25′ (7.6m) 14 AWG cord or a 50′ (15m) 12 AWG cord | |
Inadequate power from the electrical outlet | Plug the cord into a different outlet | |
The pressure washer circuit breaker tripped | Please wait for the washer to cool down and restart it | |
The motor buzzes but fails to run | Loss in voltage due to the extension cord | Plug the unit directly into the outlet without an extension cord. If the problem isn’t solved, replace the extension cord |
Low supply voltage | Ensure that only the pressure washer runs on that circuit at the time of use | |
Residual pressure in the system | Shut off the washer and squeeze the trigger to release pressure | |
Residual friction among the internal components | Cut the water supply and turn the machine ON for 2 to 3 seconds. Try it a couple of times or until the motor starts. Don’t let the machine run dry for more than 3 seconds. | |
Unit not used for long periods | I recommend calling a professional for help | |
Motor not working | Faulty Timer | Disconnect the leads from the timer. If your pressure washer doesn’t turn off after the time out, the timer is faulty, and you need to replace it. |
I never knew how to fix an oil leak in a pressure washer engine until now, thanks for the information!
Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad the information on fixing oil leaks in pressure washer engines was helpful for you. Feel free to check out more troubleshooting tips in the article.
What type of fuel is best for Excell pressure washers?
Hi Avery, for the best performance, use fresh, high-quality fuel in your Excell pressure washer. Check the carburetor jets and fuel filter regularly for any deposits to maintain a smooth operation.
The video tutorials provided alongside the text are extremely helpful for visual learners like me.
Thank you for sharing your feedback, Victoria! I’m glad to hear that the video tutorials are helping you with your Excell pressure washer troubleshooting. Keep up the great work!
Is it possible to prevent these engine problems with regular maintenance?
Yes, regular maintenance can help prevent engine problems in Excell pressure washers. Check out the detailed troubleshooting tips in the article for more information.
Great tips for troubleshooting engine issues with Excell pressure washers!
Thanks, Nevaeh! I’m glad you found the tips helpful for troubleshooting engine issues with Excell pressure washers. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask!
I appreciate the detailed explanations and tips for fixing engine problems in pressure washers.
Thank you for your positive feedback, Violet! I’m glad you found the explanations and tips helpful. Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further assistance.
The troubleshooting steps outlined here are straightforward and practical, making it easy to follow.
Thank you, Cherly! I’m glad you found the troubleshooting steps helpful. For more detailed information on Excell pressure washer problems, feel free to explore the rest of the article.
I never realized how complex pressure washer engines can be, but this article has shed light on the subject.
Thank you, Randy! I’m glad you found the article informative. Feel free to explore further for more helpful troubleshooting tips for your Excell pressure washer engine.
Are there any safety precautions I should take when troubleshooting my pressure washer engine?
Hi Lois, to troubleshoot your pressure washer engine, clean the carburetor jets, replace the fuel filter if needed, and ensure the spark plug is working. For more details, check out the article.
Thank you for sharing such important information about maintaining pressure washer engines.
Thank you, Hunter. I’m glad you found the information on maintaining pressure washer engines helpful. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.
I found the troubleshooting steps very clear and easy to follow, thank you!
Thank you for your feedback, Brent! I’m glad you found the troubleshooting steps helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.
The information provided here is invaluable for anyone who owns an Excell pressure washer.
Thank you, Lillie! I’m glad you found the information on Excell pressure washer engine troubleshooting valuable. Feel free to explore the rest of the article for more in-depth tips.
Excellent guide for fixing common engine problems in pressure washers!
Thank you, Ronnie! I’m glad you found the guide helpful. If you need more information, feel free to scroll further into the article for detailed troubleshooting and repair tips.
How do I know if my pressure washer engine needs professional repair?
Leo, if you are experiencing issues with your pressure washer engine, I suggest checking the carburetor jets and fuel filter. Detailed troubleshooting steps are in the article.
I will definitely refer back to this article whenever I encounter issues with my pressure washer engine.
Thank you, Audrey! I’m glad you found the article helpful. Feel free to reach out for further information or assistance with your pressure washer engine.
How often should I clean the carburetor in my pressure washer?
Tommy, I recommend cleaning the carburetor when performance issues arise. Check the fuel quality and the spark plug regularly to ensure smooth operation. For detailed troubleshooting tips, refer to the blog post.
This article has been extremely helpful in understanding pressure washer engine issues!
Thank you for your kind words, Caroline! I’m glad you found the article helpful in understanding pressure washer engine issues. Feel free to check out more detailed troubleshooting tips further in the post!
Can I use a pressure washer with a faulty engine or is it dangerous?
Yes, it can be dangerous to use a pressure washer with a faulty engine. I recommend reading the detailed troubleshooting steps in the article to address your engine issues effectively.
Can I use Excell pressure washers for commercial cleaning purposes?
Thank you for your question, Theresa. Please refer to the detailed troubleshooting steps in the article to address any performance issues with your Excell pressure washer for commercial cleaning purposes.
Where can I buy replacement parts for my pressure washer engine?
You can find replacement parts for your Excell pressure washer engine at authorized dealers or on the manufacturer’s website. Check there for the specific parts you need.