Use Synthetic Oil in My Pressure Washer: What the Pros Say

Want to know what the pros think about using synthetic oil in pressure washers? Our detailed guide, informed by industry experts, will give you the necessary clarity. We’re committed to helping you make the best decisions for your equipment’s maintenance.

You can use synthetic oil in most pressure washers. Use non-detergent oil in the pump without a filter. Change pump oil around every 300 hours. Change the engine oil for gas models at 20 hours, then about every 100 hours. Synthetic oil protects better, keeps deposits low, and has stable viscosity. Follow manufacturer specifications for oil type and change intervals.

Are you looking for professional advice on pressure washer maintenance? You’re in the right place. Our guide, enriched with expert opinions, sheds light on the use of synthetic oil and its benefits for your equipment. Proceed to gain valuable insights from the pros!

Can I Use Synthetic Oil in My Pressure Washer?

Generally, synthetic oil can be used in most pressure washers. Check the manufacturer’s manual to ensure your model is ok with it. For the pump, you should use non-detergent oil.

Unlike engines, pumps don’t have an oil filter. Using a detergent oil in a pump can cause the oil to become dirty very quickly. This is where the question of “What oil does my pressure washer need?” comes into play.

● Difference Between the Pump and Engine Oil Type

The main difference between pump and engine oils is the added additives. For the gas model engine oil, it’s recommended to use detergent oil. The engine has a filter that keeps the oil from getting dirty. This detergent oil cleans the contaminants from the engine’s surface and is filtered in the oil filter.

So, when you ask, “What oil does my pressure washer engine need?” the answer is detergent oil. If you use detergent oil in the pump, it will cause the contaminants to build up in the pump without filtering it.

This makes it dirty much quicker. This means you must change this dirty oil more often, making it more costly and time-consuming. This is why the “best pressure washer oil” for the pump is non-detergent oil.

● Types of Synthetic Oils for the Pressure Washer Pumps

Usually, it’s not necessary to change the pump oil frequently. Most pressure washers use a sealed pump. However, some pressure washers with pumps on the market require more frequent oil changes. This is where the “oil I’ve used” in my pressure washer” becomes essential.

Some of the more popular pressure washer oils are:

– Briggs & Stratton Synthetic Pressure Washer Pump Oil

Briggs & Stratton Synthetic Oil is a good choice for pressure washer pumps because of its viscosity and reasonable price. Its viscosity is SAE 75W90 and is acceptable for a pressure washer with a 10W40 recommended viscosity.

The “pressure washer for which I need oil” determines the type of oil you should use.

These oils “cool and lubricate” the pump’s internal parts, ensuring its longevity. So, “does pressure washer pump oil type matter?” Yes, it does. Choosing the right oil for your pressure washer is crucial for its performance and lifespan.

– Cat Pressure Washer Pump Oil

The cat pressure washer pump oil is a petroleum-based ISO 68 hydraulic oil that protects against wear and rust. This type of synthetic oil is more dense than the Briggs & Stratton Synthetic Oil.

This oil is detergent-free and is a good choice as a pressure washer pump oil. It’s important to note that you should never put a non-synthetic oil in a pressure washer pump.

– Generac 6656 Pressure Washer Pump Oil

Generac 6656 is another type of synthetic detergent-free oil that can be used in a generic pressure washer pump oil. This oil is reasonably priced. The bottle of pump oil has a transparent strip at the side to let you know the remaining oil in the bottle.

And how much do you need to pour into the pressure washer’s pump? If you can’t find the best pressure washer pump oil, Generac 6656 is a good alternative.

● How often do I need to change pressure washer pump oil?

Using clean oil in the pressure washer pump helps extend your pressure washer’s lifetime. The pump quickly gets hot, and the oil helps to lubricate it. The pump is permanently sealed for cheaper pressure washers under $400. They do not require any maintenance.

Check the manufacturer manual to see if this also applies to your model. For more expensive models, you should change the pump oil regularly. Often, this is after around 300 hours. Check the manufacturer manual for the exact interval. I would recommend changing it at least once a year.

Electric vs. Gas Pressure Washer oil, some helpful tips:

An electric pressure washer only uses synthetic oil in the pressure washer pump. The electric motor does not use oil. A gas-powered pressure washer uses oil in both the engine and the pump.

Most models use synthetic oil in both the pump and the engine. Only the pump uses a non-detergent oil, which does not filter the contaminants. A gas-pressure washer needs regular engine maintenance. Changing the engine oil is an essential part of this.

Changing the oil in the Pressure Washer Pump, some helpful tips:

Locate the drain plug and filler cap to adjust the pressure washer pump oil. Remove both and let the oil drain. Check the color and the number of particles. Reattach the drain plug and add the new oil to the pump. Ensure that you do not overfill. Check the level with the sight glass.

Proper maintenance is necessary to ensure your pressure washer lasts long. One of the essential steps is changing the pump oil after regular intervals. It’s recommended to check the oil in the pump every time you use your pressure washer. If it’s low, refill it before.

Most experts recommend changing the oil of the pressure washer pump for around 300 hours or at least once a year. To change the oil of a pressure washer pump oil, use the following steps:

● Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools

Before changing the oil of a pressure washer pump, you must gather the necessary tools. This includes a bucket/pan to catch the old oil and a funnel for pouring the new oil. Have a clean piece of cloth at hand to clean any spillage. Change the oil at a location with a hard surface that can deal with some spillage.

● Step 2: Drain the Old Oil Out

Locate the pump oil drain plug. Check the manufacturer’s manual if you can not find it. Place the oil drain pan under the pump, and remove the oil filler cap and drain plug. Let the oil drain in the pan. This can take a short while.

● Step 3: Check the oil quality

When the oil is draining, check the color of the oil by comparing it with fresh oil. If it looks milky or has visible particles, it is dirty. It means that next time, you have to use a slightly shorter interval.

● Step 4: Add new oil to the pump

Now, it’s time to pour new oil into the pump. Reattach the drain plug. Pour the recommended amount of oil into the pump. Ensure you don’t overfill it, as this can damage the pump. Check the oil level according to the manual’s instructions and add more if it’s not up to the mark.

Many pressure washer pumps have a small window or sight glass on the side of the pump. This shows the proper oil level with a red dot or marker. So, what oil do you use for a pressure washer? The answer is it depends on the type of pressure washer you have.

For an electric pressure washer, you would use synthetic oil in the pump; for a gas pressure washer, you would use synthetic oil in both the engine and the pump.

The oil type matters, and using a 5w-30 grade oil is recommended. Always remember the motor oil used in the engine and pump is crucial for the longevity and performance of your pressure washer.

Changing the oil in the Pressure Washer Engine, some helpful tips:

Before changing the oil of the pressure washer engine, start the engine to warm up the oil. This helps to drain it more smoothly. Then, turn off the engine, place a bucket under the drain plug, and unscrew the drain plug and oil filler cap.

Let the oil completely drain from the engine and reattach the drain plug. Finally, fill the new synthetic oil into the engine and reattach the filler cap. Before using a gas pressure washer, you must check the engine oil level. If it is low, add some oil.

Most experts recommend changing the pressure washer’s engine oil after the first 20 hours. And then after every 100 hours. Do not forget to change the oil filter as well.

Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil, some helpful tips:

Synthetic oil is more efficient than conventional oil. It enhances the overall performance of the pressure washer. Synthetic oil is made of high-quality base oils and offers several advantages over traditional oil: less oxidization, better engine protection, better viscosity, and improved chemical stability.

The main difference between conventional and synthetic oil is that traditional oil changes state with the change in engine temperature. It’s a petroleum-based oil that is thick at low temperatures and thinner as the temperature increases.

To overcome this problem, manufacturers introduced synthetic oil that doesn’t change its viscosity as much due to the change in environmental conditions. Synthetic oil offers many advantages over conventional oil, including:

● Engine Protection

While your pressure washer runs at a high PSI, the engine components are more stressed. They run at high rpm. The higher the rpm, the more wear and tear. Unlike conventional oil, synthetic oil lubricates these moving parts better under all conditions.

● Less Impurities

Synthetic oil contains fewer impurities compared to conventional oil. Conventional oil forms more deposits as it runs through the engine. These deposits reduce the efficiency of the pressure washer. Synthetic oil resists forming deposits.

● Better Viscosity

As mentioned earlier, synthetic oil is more viscous than conventional oil. And unlike traditional oil, it doesn’t change its viscosity much with temperature changes. Synthetic oils flow quickly at low temperatures and resist more extreme heat better.

You are making your pressure washer more efficient under all conditions.