Hotsy pressure washers are well known by users looking for robust and rugged pressure washers. When a pressure washer (gas or electric-powered) faces difficulty starting, most users can find it challenging to diagnose the actual cause. This blog describes the troubleshooting steps for most problems that can occur in gas and electric-powered Hotsy pressure washers.
Hotsy Pressure Washer Problems: Engine/Motor Troubleshooting & Repair
If a gas-powered Hotsy pressure washer has starting problems, ensure the carburetor jets and the air and fuel filters are unclogged. Check if the fuel lines have developed a vapor lock and ensure the fuel tank vents are also unblocked. If a Hotsy electric pressure washer doesn’t start, start by examining the input voltage, power supply, and fuses. If the motor makes a buzzing noise, check for a faulty capacitor, malfunctioning pump, or a pressure buildup in the system.
From my experience, I have listed the most common problems that can occur in all Hotsy pressure washers related to the engine and motor, including detailed answers on how to fix these issues.
Contents
- 1 Problems with the Hotsy Gas Pressure Washer Engine
- 1.1 ● 1. Hotsy Pressure Washer: Keeps Stopping and Starting
- 1.2 ● 2. Hotsy Pressure Washer: The Engine won’t run
- 1.3 ● 3. Hotsy Pressure Washer: Engine Stops
- 1.4 ● 4. Hotsy Pressure Washer: Engine not providing enough Power
- 1.5 ● 5. Hotsy Pressure Washer: Oil Leak
- 1.6 ● 6. Hotsy Pressure Washer: Water in Oil
- 2 Hotsy Electric Pressure Washer Problems
- 3 Hotsy Pressure Washer troubleshooting table:
Problems with the Hotsy Gas Pressure Washer Engine
In Hotsy gas pressure washers, the pump is powered by a four-stroke gas engine. The inclusion of engine and fuel system components adds to the system’s complexity, thus demanding more maintenance. Due to this, gas-powered pressure washers more often face specific problems requiring troubleshooting.
The gas-powered pressure washers by Hotsy can be categorized to lie in the BD, BX, DB, HC, and HD series. They differ in terms of their performance and specifications. Briggs & Stratton engines are used in the BD series, while Honda GX engines power the remaining series.
Following are some of the common issues with Hotsy pressure washer engines:
● 1. Hotsy Pressure Washer: Keeps Stopping and Starting
If your pressure washer continually starts and stops, the cause might be a blocked carburetor jet or a vapor lock in the fuel lines. Sometimes, a fuel filter plugged with debris could cause a problem.
Most engine starting problems with pressure washers are triggered due to carburetor or filter issues, and Carburetor jets might get clogged due to old fuel deposits. As a result, the quantity of gasoline that enters the engine inhibits combustion, lowering the engine’s power output.
Besides a clogged carburetor or filter, a vapor lock is another major source of the problem. A vapor lock is generally caused by an obstruction in the fuel tank vents, which causes a constant buildup of gasoline vapors within the fuel lines and, ultimately, affects the fuel supply to the engine.
– Quick fix:
To remedy this problem, thoroughly clean the jets of your carburetor with WD-40 or a carb-cleaning solution. Ensure that all flow channels, including the bowl’s nut, which is also a jet, have been carefully cleaned. In addition to cleaning the carburetor, you should inspect and replace the fuel filter if required. I also suggest cleaning the fuel tank vents to avoid vapor accumulation and a vapor lock.
● 2. Hotsy Pressure Washer: The Engine won’t run
If your engine doesn’t start, check that the spark plug is properly working. If the problems continue, disassemble the carburetor and clean the ports using a carburetor-cleaning liquid.
Carbon buildup erodes spark plug electrodes over time, reducing spark quality and making engine starts more difficult.
– Quick fix:
To check the electrodes, remove the spark plug. Replace the plug if the electrodes are damaged. If the issue continues, consider cleaning the carburetor on your pressure washer. Remove the carburetor and properly clean it to eliminate residual gasoline. I advise buying a carburetor repair kit containing a cleaning fluid to eliminate gummy residues.
● 3. Hotsy Pressure Washer: Engine Stops
If your engine fails to start after a short period of operation, carefully examine and clean the air and fuel filters. Check the tank for vapor lock and ensure the carburetor is clean and properly adjusted.
The air and fuel filters keep foreign particles out of the carburetor. Consequently, dirt accumulates in these filters regularly, causing changes in the engine’s air-fuel mix and a decrease in power.
– Quick fix:
Examine these filters to remedy the issue and clean/replace them as required. If the issue continues, look for a vapor lock in the fuel tank vents and adjust the carburetor screws.
● 4. Hotsy Pressure Washer: Engine not providing enough Power
If the engine on your pressure washer isn’t producing enough power, ensure the water supply is enough and the hoses aren’t kinked. It is important to have a clean air filter and carburetor jets.
The air-fuel mixture composition may be too rich if the engine isn’t producing enough power. This indicates that the engine receives too much gas but not enough air to generate adequate power after combustion. The issue might be with the carburetor, filters, or both.
– Solution:
To ensure enough air supply, examine the air filter, which should not be clogged with dirt. Furthermore, the carburetor’s L and H screws must be properly set since they affect the engine’s RPMs at low and high speeds.
Also, ensure no air is trapped in the pump and that the hoses are not twisted since this may generate significant back pressure on the engine. As a consequence, the power output may get lowered.
● 5. Hotsy Pressure Washer: Oil Leak
A worn-out seal is your engine’s most prevalent source of oil leaks. In almost all cases, merely replacing the seal would fix the issue. In some cases, oil could spill due to an overfilled oil tank.
You could get an oil seal kit to help you replace all kinds of seals. All oil inlets on your engine typically have oil seals, and these inlets are located on each side of the engine and are enclosed with caps.
– Quick fix:
Using a screwdriver, remove the seal and check its condition. If it shows signs of wear, replace it. You should avoid overfilling your oil tank as a precaution since this may result in oil spilling from these inlets.
● 6. Hotsy Pressure Washer: Water in Oil
Water presence in the engine oil signifies a defective oil seal. In this case, you should replace the seal according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The oil becomes milky when diluted with water. One likely reason is a worn-out oil seal. Another less likely reason is an engine piston that’s undergone considerable fatigue. Mechanical wear causes the metal on the pistons to chip off over time, increasing the space between the piston and the cylinder walls.
Therefore, water from the intake manifold that enters the cylinder head may enter the crankcase and blend with the oil to create a milky suspension.
– Potential Solutions:
The seals/gaskets in your engine could be defective if it’s less than five years old. Hence, you’ll need to replace your engine’s seal/head gasket. If your engine’s warranty still holds, contact the manufacturer and request these replacements. I would not recommend compromising your warranty by replacing the seals/gaskets.
If your engine’s warranty has expired, you may get the seals repaired by a mechanic. In case of a worn-out piston, contact the manufacturer to establish whether the engine’s warranty is still in effect. If this is not the case, your pressure washer engine will no longer be functional, and you may need to purchase a new pressure washer.
Hotsy Electric Pressure Washer Problems
Electric pressure washers need less maintenance than gas pressure washers. Because the usage of an electric motor in a pressure washer makes it less complex than a gasoline engine. Therefore, the likelihood of failure, as well as noise and emissions, is significantly reduced. As a result, these variants have gained popularity among customers.
The electric line of Hotsy pressure washers houses the CWC series, 1700 series, BDE series, HD-electric, and ET series.
The next section of the blog post covers issues specific to electric pressure washers by Hotsy. The most common motor problem with electric pressure washers is that the motor does not start or stop suddenly. Sometimes, I t may generate a buzzing noise without creating any power output.
● Hotsy Electric Pressure Washer not running
If an electric pressure washer does not start, check the fuse and ensure the electrical outlet is working. If it still does not start, the electric motor might have failed.
If your pressure washer motor isn’t running, check the following:
– Step 1: Look for Problems in the Power Outlet
Check the electric outlet first if your electric pressure washer isn’t working. Unplug the washer’s cable and use a voltage tester or other instruments to inspect the outlet. If it still does not function, hit the reset button on the pressure washer. If the issue continues, check the circuit breaker in the fuel box.
– Step 2: Examine the Fault Circuit Interrupter
A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) may have been activated due to a voltage drop. After disconnecting the pressure washer, reset the GFCI. Allow your pressure washer to dry before reattaching it if it is wet and still activates when reconnecting it. If the pressure washer does not start after drying, proceed to the next step.
– Step 3: Inspect the Extension Cord
Remove the extension cable from your pressure washer and connect it to a power socket immediately. Ensure that the plug is correctly inserted into the power socket. If it works now, the problem was very likely with the extension lead.
– Step 4: Inspect the Fuse
If the power outlet is functioning (with a bulb or other device plugged in), check that the fuse inside the machine or the socket has not burnt out. If you can’t find it, see the owner’s manual. The blown fuse must be changed for the motor to operate.
– Step 5: Inspect the power cable
If it still doesn’t start, the power cord of your pressure washer may be defective. This issue may be resolved by replacing the power cable. Confirm if your pressure washer’s warranty is still in effect. If not, you may replace the cord yourself or hire an expert.
– Step 6: Examine the Capacitor
A malfunctioning capacitor typically produces a buzzing sound from the motor of your pressure washer. You can replace the capacitor yourself if that’s the issue. However, if this is not for you, seek professional help.
After all the above measures, if the pressure washer motor still doesn’t start, we can conclude that the motor has failed and needs to be repaired/replaced by the manufacturer.
● Hotsy Electric Pressure Washer Motor Stops
The most common reason for pressure washer motor shutdown is a power failure in the socket or a faulty capacitor. In rare cases, a voltage drop in the main socket may force it to shut down.
When the voltage falls below a certain level, the motor shuts off. To check this, use a multimeter to measure the voltage in the socket. Pressure washer voltage requirements differ based on where you live. Voltages ranging from 140V to 240V are widely used to power pressure washers.
If the voltage is correct, but the washer does not start, the motor’s capacitor may need to be replaced. It is distinguished by your motor buzzing and delivering much less power. After replacing the capacitor, recheck the pressure washer. Hopefully, it will restart now that the abovementioned step has been performed. If your pressure washer doesn’t start, contact the manufacturer to repair or replace the damaged electric motor.
● Hotsy Electric Pressure Washer Motor Makes a Buzzing Noise
A buzzing noise from your electric pressure washer motor indicates a faulty capacitor or a significant pressure buildup in the system. There could also be a problem with the pump.
- Capacitor: A defective capacitor is the most typical cause of a motor’s buzzing sound. Inadequate charge storage occurs, resulting in decreased motor RPMs. Replace the capacitor and see if the buzzing has stopped.
- Low Voltage: If the input voltage is less than the operating range of the pressure washer, the motor may not operate at the required RPMs and instead make a buzzing sound.
- Pressure Buildup: Water pressure builds up in the hoses when the spray gun is inactive. This results in the creation of significant back pressure on the pump and motor, reducing rotational speed. To ease the load on the engine, press the spray gun and allow the water to escape.
- Damaged pump: Pressure washer pumps are likely to malfunction if not maintained properly, causing the engine to overheat due to insufficient pump pressure. To keep your pump in good shape, ensure it’s timely lubricated.
Hotsy 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 |
● Hotsy 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. |
● Hotsy 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. |
How often should I clean the air and fuel filters on my Hotsy pressure washer?
To ensure optimal performance, clean air and fuel filters on your Hotsy pressure washer every 3 months or 50 hours of use. Be sure to check for any blockages that may be hindering the washer’s efficiency.
What are the signs that my pressure washer’s pump needs to be replaced?
If your Hotsy pressure washer is having pump issues, check for starting problems and power output. Consider cleaning carburetor jets and fuel filters for a quick fix. Best of luck with your troubleshooting!
Thanks for the step-by-step guide on troubleshooting Hotsy pressure washers
Thank you, Pamela! I’m glad you found the troubleshooting guide helpful. Let me know if you have any more questions.
It would be helpful to include a section on preventative maintenance for Hotsy pressure washers
Thank you for your suggestion, Chester! I will definitely consider adding a section on preventative maintenance for Hotsy pressure washers in the future. Appreciate your input!
The tips on checking the power supply for electric pressure washers were particularly useful
Thank you, Brooklyn! I’m glad you found the tips on checking the power supply for electric pressure washers helpful. Let me know if you have any more questions about Hotsy pressure washers!
Can these troubleshooting steps be applied to other brands of pressure washers?
Yes, Shannon, these troubleshooting steps can be applied to various pressure washer brands. The common issues and fixes mentioned apply to most gas and electric-powered pressure washers.
Thank you for addressing both gas and electric-powered pressure washer issues in the article
Thank you, Layla! I’m glad you found the information helpful. Let me know if you have any more questions.
Very helpful information, I was able to fix my pressure washer after reading this article
Thank you, Ellen! I’m glad the article helped you fix your pressure washer. Feel free to reach out if you encounter any other issues.
What are the warranty options for Hotsy pressure washers?
Hi Antonio, for Hotsy pressure washer warranties, please contact the manufacturer directly as warranty options may vary. Hope this helps with your question!
The article is well-structured and easy to follow, even for beginners
Thank you for your feedback, Terri Dean! I’m glad you found the article easy to follow. If you have any further questions or need more information, feel free to reach out.
I never knew about vapor locks in fuel lines, thanks for shedding light on that issue
Thank you for reading! I’m glad you found the information on vapor locks helpful. Let me know if you have any more questions or need further assistance.
Great tips for troubleshooting Hotsy pressure washers, thank you for sharing
Thank you, Charlie! I’m glad you found the troubleshooting tips helpful for Hotsy pressure washers. Good luck with your pressure washer maintenance!
The video links provided are a great addition to the troubleshooting guide
Thank you for your positive feedback on the troubleshooting guide, Charlie Dean! I’m glad the video links were helpful in assisting with potential pressure washer issues.
Overall, a very informative and helpful read for anyone who owns a Hotsy pressure washer
Thank you, Frederick! I’m glad you found the blog post informative and helpful for troubleshooting your Hotsy pressure washer. Let me know if you have any questions.
Is it safe to use WD-40 to clean the carburetor?
It is safe to clean the carburetor with WD-40, but make sure to follow proper cleaning procedures. Ensure carburetor jets, filters, and fuel lines are unclogged to resolve starting problems.
I wish there were more details on the specific models of Hotsy pressure washers
Thank you for your feedback, Terry. I will work on including more specific model details in future posts. Stay tuned for updated content on Hotsy pressure washers.
Very informative article, helped me understand my Hotsy pressure washer better
Thank you, Marian! I’m glad the article was helpful in understanding your Hotsy pressure washer better. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out!
I appreciate the detailed explanations on each potential problem with Hotsy pressure washers
Thank you, Justin! I’m glad you found the explanation helpful for troubleshooting Hotsy pressure washers. Let me know if you have any more questions.
Are there any specific tools needed to troubleshoot Hotsy pressure washers?
Hello Herminia, the most common tools needed to troubleshoot Hotsy pressure washers are a carburetor-cleaning solution, a voltage tester, a multimeter, and a screwdriver. These tools will help diagnose and fix most engine and motor issues.
I would have liked to see more real-life examples of troubleshooting Hotsy pressure washers
Thank you for your feedback, Lucy! I will work on incorporating more real-life examples of troubleshooting Hotsy pressure washers in future posts.