Why won’t your pressure washer start? We understand the frustration. Our comprehensive guide will help you diagnose the problem and provide practical solutions to restore your equipment.
The pressure washer engine is not starting; what can it be:
Common causes of a pressure washer not starting are a defective spark plug, clogged carburetor, faulty ignition coil, insufficient fuel, air buildup in the hose, or failed fuel pump. Solutions include replacing parts, refilling fuel, bleeding air from the hose, and maintenance.
You are no more guessing games with your pressure washer! Our guide will help you identify the root cause of the startup issue and provide effective solutions. Whether it’s a defective spark plug or a failed fuel pump, we’re here to help. Let’s dive in!
Contents
- 1 Common Troubleshooting steps:
- 2 ADDITIONAL STEPS:
- 3 RELATED QUESTIONS:
- 4 Remarks
Common Troubleshooting steps:
Most frequently, pressure washer engine solutions involve tuning and cleaning various components such as carburetor, filters, spark plugs, etc. We have listed the following troubleshooting steps to help resolve the problem.
1. Defective spark plug:
A defective spark plug is one of the most frequent causes of an engine not cranking. A spark plug is essential to igniting the air-fuel mixture during combustion to keep your engine running.
The plug has two leads that create an electric arc, eventually producing the spark. Over time, carbon buildup can affect spark creation. Moreover, the electrode can also weaken due to wear and tear.
● Solutions:
– Inspection of the spark plug:
Inspecting the plug for damage or wear and tear should help you check whether the component works. You should check for a considerable carbon buildup or any broken electrode.
-Ignition tester:
An ignition tester can check if the plug produces the spark. The tester’s terminals will show a vital spark, indicating that the component works correctly. No spark means that the plug is defective and must be replaced.
– Replacing the plug:
You cannot repair a defective spark plug; hence, a cheap solution can replace the component. As a general guideline, you should refurbish your spark plug every once a year.
2. Clogged Carburetor:
Another frequent cause of the engine not cranking up is the carburetor clogging. A carburetor ensures that the air-fuel mixture in the appropriate proportion is supplied to the engine for combustion.
When an engine does not start, the most probable reason is the absence of combustion. In almost every case, a clogged carburetor is something that you should troubleshoot.
● Solution: Cleaning the carburetor:
To fix the carburetor problem, you should follow the steps below:
- Remove cover: Remove the pressure washer’s front cover and air filter door to make the carburetor visible.
- Disconnect fuel lines: Carefully disconnect and remove the component from the main assembly. It would be best to be cautious in removing the fuel lines so that no fuel leakage occurs.
- Disassemble the carburetor: After removing, you need to disassemble the carburetor. Carefully disassemble the screws and jets. You should record a video during this procedure or take photos of the assembly after every step to assemble each part back into its original place.
- Inspect jets: Now that you have removed the constituent jets and screws of the assembly, you should inspect them for dust particles and dirt that might have clogged their holes. This buildup is imminent due to the dust particles that are a part of the air or fuel.
- Unclog with cleaner: A carburetor cleaner liquid can unclog the jets. You can also use compressed air to clean the holes and tubes.
- Reassemble: After the cleaning, you can assemble the carburetor and fix it back into its original place.
● Carburetor Preventative maintenance:
To enhance the lifetime of your pressure washer and make sure the machine will start without problems, it is wise to do some preventive maintenance:
- Fresh fuel: To ensure better performance and effectiveness of the carburetor, it is recommended that you should always use new gas for your pressure washer. Gas will go bad after a few months.
- Fuel stabilizer: We also recommend adding a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank if you plan not to use it for some time so that its quality does not deteriorate.
You can find Fuel Stabilizer here. - Carburetor repair kit: You can purchase a carburetor repair kit to help you service and replace the defective parts.
You can find Carburetor repair kits here.
In my 20 years of experience, I’ve found that the most common reasons a pressure washer engine won’t start include a lack of fuel, a dirty air filter, a faulty spark plug, or a broken starter cord.
3. Defective Ignition coil:
An ignition coil sends voltage signals to the spark plug to engage the spark during combustion. If combustion is not occurring in the engine and the spark plug works fine, you must check for a defective ignition coil.
● Solution: Ignition coil tester:
To troubleshoot the ignition coil, you can use an ignition tester. The coil works correctly if the tester terminals show a spark while the engine runs. If no spark is seen from the tester, your ignition coil is defective and should be changed.
4. Broken flywheel key:
A flywheel key is a machine component that connects the crankshaft of your pressure washer engine with the flywheel. You can check the flywheel key if the pressure washer does not start.
The key might wear out as your engine ages due to continuous operation and needs to be replaced. The key might also break if your washer hits a hard object with an impact.
● Solution: Replacing the key
It would be best to replace the key by fitting in a new one with a hammer. Then restart the engine again to check if the problem remains or not.
A common mistake people make when trying to fix their pressure washer is overlooking the importance of using fresh fuel. Old or contaminated fuel is often the cause of starting problems.
ADDITIONAL STEPS:
1. Fuel Tank and pump:
If a gasoline-powered pressure washer does not start, you should check for sufficient fuel in the tank. A fuel pump, a motor carrying the fuel to the carburetor, is installed. Check whether the fuel pump motor works if the engine won’t start and the fuel is adequate.
– Solution: Replacing the fuel pump:
A new fuel pump motor must be installed to transport the fuel mix to the carburetor.
2. Excessive air:
Another cause of the engine not starting might be the buildup of too much air in the water hose. The air buildup produces a back pressure onto the pump that might make it difficult for the engine to start.
– Solution: Air Removal from the hose:
To remove the air buildup, open the hose’s valve so the water flows through it. You will witness a very narrow stream of water flowing out with difficulty due to the airlock.
Keep the water running so that the locked air is eventually released with time. Now, try to crank up the engine again. Hopefully, it will start this time.
RELATED QUESTIONS:
1. The electric pressure washer won’t start. What should we do?
There are several troubleshooting steps that you can try while working with an electric pressure washer. They are listed below:
One advice I’d give to someone trying to fix their pressure washer engine is to always refer to the owner’s manual. It contains important information about your specific model's correct parts and procedures.
– AC Outlet not working:
Before searching for other possible reasons for failure, starting right from the basics is better. Ensure the AC outlet you’ve plugged your machine into is functional. You should fix the plug if it is not working, or you can either fill the device somewhere else.
– Broken power cord:
You need to check the power cord of your device for faults and disconnections. Check out for bends and other zones in the cable where the wire might be damaged.
You can fix this issue by some basic soldering if you have identified the problem. Otherwise, changing your power cord to a new cable would be best.
– Faulty capacitor:
If your washer’s motor does not start but produces a low humming sound, it indicates your capacitor has stopped working. Since it does not store any charge now, no current is delivered to the motor, so it does not start.
Repairing these electrical parts is usually unnecessary since most components are inexpensive and readily available. Therefore, replacements ought to be made in place of repairs.
2. How long can you continuously run a pressure washer?
A pressure washer should not be run for more than three to five minutes. The idle running time may vary for different models. The prime reason a pressure washer must not be left idle is that it results in overheating of the engine.
This overheating must be avoided at all costs since it can harm the machine components’ life. Hence, it is advisable to avoid leaving the engine running and shut it down if you just got a phone call in the middle of the operation.
3. Can you let a pressure washer idle?
It is generally recommended to avoid keeping your pressure washer running idle. As you pull your machine’s trigger, the engine starts, and the pump delivers water at high pressure through the hose.
If your machine is left running idle, i.e., no water spraying, then this water keeps circulating within the pump under pressure. The leaked water eventually becomes hotter and hotter. Most pumps have a discharge valve, i.e., when the temperature reaches a certain degree, the hot water is released.
Fresh cooler water is drawn into the pump. Nevertheless, the pump’s continuous operation with high-temperature conditions can soften the seals and O-rings of the pump and hoses. Eventually, they might wear and need to be replaced.
4. Does a pressure washer need water to start?
You will be able to start a pressure washer without water. However, for the long-lasting performance of the equipment, it is advisable not to do so. This is mainly because the water acts as a coolant for the engine components, and without its circulation, the pump parts, such as the impeller blades and the housing, may heat up. This might have adverse effects.
5. Why does a pressure washer stall?
Pressure washer stall may originate for similar reasons, such as the pressure washer engine not starting. The most common causes include:
- Dirt buildup in the carburetor
- Dirty air filter
- Faulty spark plug
- Dusty fuel filter
- Carbon buildup in spark arrestor screen
Remarks
In a nutshell, we can predict that the engine shutdown problems of my gas-powered pressure washer are primarily linked to combustion failure in the engine. The air-fuel mixture must be drawn appropriately for combustion to be successfully initiated.
And there should not be any dirty or dust particles in the mixture. These particles can clog the carburetors and filters’ holes and jets, which eventually causes this problem. Better maintenance of the engine will ensure that these clogging issues are minimized.
In addition, the fuel quality must be adequately regulated by ensuring that fresh fuel and fuel stabilizers are utilized. Degraded gasoline won’t allow the pressure washer to start. Better maintenance of the machine always guarantees a longer service life.
• Identifying the Problem: Pressure Washer Won’t Start
If you notice that your pressure washer won’t start, it could be due to a dirty or defective spark plug. You might need to set the air gap or replace the spark plug. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the carburetor or take your pressure washer to a small engine repair shop.
Regular maintenance will keep your pressure washer running again and prevent your pressure washer from engine shutdown problems. If all else fails, you may need to rebuild the engine of your gas-powered pressure washer. Remember, a pressure washer can have a longer service life with better maintenance.
What should I do if I can’t find the issue even after troubleshooting all the components mentioned?
Hi Brandy, if you’ve exhausted troubleshooting options and still can’t find the issue with your pressure washer, consider getting professional help. Sometimes, complex issues require expert diagnosis.
Thank you for breaking down the troubleshooting steps in such simple terms. Very helpful for someone like me with little knowledge about mechanical components. Great article!
Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad the troubleshooting steps were helpful to you. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions.
What if I don’t know how to do basic maintenance on my pressure washer?
If you’re unsure about basic maintenance for your pressure washer, follow the troubleshooting steps provided in the article. They are user-friendly and will help resolve common issues. Hope this helps!
I had no idea that a spark plug could be the reason my pressure washer won’t start, thanks for the insight.
Thank you for reading! I’m glad the information was helpful. Best of luck getting your pressure washer up and running again!
Is it necessary to replace the ignition coil if it’s defective, or can it be repaired?
It is usually best to replace a defective ignition coil rather than repairing it. Trying to repair it may not provide a long-term solution and could result in further issues down the line.
What are the signs that indicate a faulty fuel pump in a pressure washer?
If your pressure washer is not starting, a faulty fuel pump could be the cause. Make sure to check the fuel pump motor to ensure it is working properly. Hope this helps!
Can I replace the broken flywheel key myself, or do I need professional help?
It is recommended to seek professional help when replacing a broken flywheel key to ensure correct installation. Working with small engine components can be tricky without proper experience.
This article has given me the confidence to try fixing my pressure washer myself.
I’m glad the article gave you the confidence to try fixing your pressure washer! Remember to follow the troubleshooting steps carefully. Good luck with the repair!
I never knew cleaning a carburetor could be so easy, thanks for the tips!
Glad the tips helped, Terry! Let me know if you have any more questions. Happy cleaning!
How can I prevent excessive air from building up in the water hose of my pressure washer?
To prevent excessive air in your pressure washer hose, simply open the valve to release the airlock before starting the engine. This should help reduce back pressure and allow the engine to start smoothly.
The videos included in the article are a great visual guide for troubleshooting.
Thank you for your positive feedback, Joy. I’m glad the videos were helpful in troubleshooting your pressure washer. Let me know if you need any further assistance.
This article is a lifesaver for someone like me who has no knowledge about pressure washers.
Thank you for your kind words, Christina! I’m glad the article was helpful to you. If you ever have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Happy cleaning!
Is there a way to prevent these issues from happening in the first place?
Thank you for your comment, Leon. The blog post provides detailed troubleshooting steps to prevent pressure washer issues from happening in the first place. Hope you find it helpful.
How can I tell if the spark plug is defective just by looking at it?
Inspect the spark plug for damage or wear. An ignition tester can help determine if it’s working. If no spark, replace the plug. Regular maintenance is key.
Thank you for breaking down the complex mechanical issues into simple solutions.
Leah Russell, thank you for your kind words. I’m glad the solutions provided were helpful to you in troubleshooting your pressure washer issues. Happy cleaning!
The preventative maintenance tips are very useful, I’ll make sure to follow them regularly.
Thank you, Lois! I’m glad you found the preventative maintenance tips useful. Following them regularly will surely help keep your pressure washer running smoothly. Let me know if you have any other questions.
I appreciate the detailed explanations for each component and troubleshooting step.
Thank you for your kind words, Jessie! I’m glad you found the troubleshooting steps helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Can I use any type of carburetor cleaner to clean my pressure washer carburetor?
Hi Anne, it is recommended to use a carburetor cleaner specifically designed for pressure washer carburetors to ensure proper cleaning without causing damage. Hope this helps!
The troubleshooting steps provided are clear and easy to understand, great job!
Thank you for your positive feedback, Flenn! I’m glad you found the troubleshooting steps easy to follow. Let me know if you have any other questions or need further assistance.
How often should preventative maintenance be done on a pressure washer?
Maintenance should be done every 50 hours or yearly for a pressure washer, but check your manual for specific recommendations. Make sure spark plugs, carburetors, and ignition coils are inspected regularly.
Great step-by-step instructions provided in the article, very helpful!
Thank you for the positive feedback, Richard! I’m glad you found the instructions helpful. If you have any other questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out.