Consumer Gas Pressure Washer General Maintenance Tips

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GENERAL MAINTENANCE

Periodically inspect the entire product for damaged, missing, or loose parts such as screws, nuts, bolts, caps, etc. Tighten securely all fasteners and caps and do not operate this product until all missing or damaged parts are replaced. Call the manufacturer’s customer service or authorized service center for assistance.

Cleaning:
Use a clean cloth to remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, etc. Most plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of commercial solvents; never use brake fluid, gasoline, or any petroleum-based products to clean the tool.

WARNING:
When servicing your pressure washer, use only identical replacement parts. Use of any other parts could create a hazard or cause product damage.

Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and disconnect spark plug wire and move it away from spark plug. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury or property damage.

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

To keep your gasoline powered pressure washer running at its best performance it may be necessary to maintain the engine by keeping the air filter clean, checking the spark plug for carbon deposits or wear, and changing the engine oil.

NOTE: Always follow the maintenance schedule provided in the engine manual and or the operator’s manual. Do not deviate from the manual.

CLEANING THE AIR FILTER

A dirty air filter may cause starting difficulty, loss of performance, and shorten the life span of the engine. Check the air filter monthly. For best performance, replace the air filter at least once a year.

  • Refer to your operator’s manual or engine manual for the procedure to clean the air filter on the engine.

NOTE: Make sure the filter is seated properly. Installing the filter incorrectly will allow dirt to enter the engine, causing rapid engine wear.

CHECKING SPARK PLUG

  • Refer to your operator’s manual or engine manual for the procedure to check spark plug.
  • Clean the area around the base of the spark plug before removing to keep dirt and debris out of the engine. Remove spark plug.
  • Clean off carbon deposits on the spark plug electrode using a plug cleaner or wire brush. Replace the plug, if worn.
  • Check electrode gap. Refer to your operator’s manual for the proper spark plug gap and torques when reassembling.

CHANGING ENGINE LUBRICANT

Service, check and change engine oil lubricant per the operator’s manual or engine manual schedule.

NOTE: Consult hazardous waste management guidelines in your area for the proper way to dispose of used lubricant.

PUMP MAINTENANCE

The pump on most consumer grade gas pressure washers is an axial cam design that is lubricated with a sufficient amount of high grade lubricant for the life of the unit under normal operating conditions; therefore, no further lubrication is required.

Routinely make a visual inspection of the pump. If you notice any leaking of lubricant around the pump oil seals, take the pressure washer to an authorized service center for repair.

If you notice excessive water leaks or low operating pressure, the water seals may need to be replaced. We recommend taking your pressure washer to a qualified service center for repair, as service performed by inexperienced or unqualified persons may damage the pressure washer and void your warranty.

If your pressure washer has a tri-plex or crankshaft style pump, it may be necessary to maintain and replace the oil. Checking the oil level is usually done by visually inspecting it through a sight glass or an oil dipstick. Refer to the operator’s manual for instructions to change the oil and to determine recommended service intervals. Always use a high quality high pressure pump oil.

NOZZLE MAINTENANCE

Excessive pump pressure (a pulsing sensation felt while squeezing the trigger) may be the result of a clogged or dirty nozzle.

  • Turn off the pressure washer and shut off the water supply. Pull trigger to release water pressure.
  • Remove the nozzle from the spray wand.

NOTE: Never point the spray wand at your face.

Using a straightened paper clip or nozzle cleaning tool, free any foreign materials clogging or restricting the nozzle.

Using a garden hose, flush debris out of nozzle by back flushing (running the water through the nozzle backwards or from the outside to the inside).

  • Reconnect the nozzle to the spray wand.
  • Turn on the water supply and start the engine.

STORING THE PRESSURE WASHER

NOTE: Regular use of fuel stabilizer and pump protector will give you better performance of the unit and increase the life of the pump.

  • Allow 30 minutes of “cool down” time before storing the machine. Store in a dry, covered area where the weather cannot damage it.
  • It is important to store this product in a frost-free area. Always empty water from all hoses, the pump, and the detergent bucket before storing.
  • Drain the fuel tank completely by running the pressure washer until the gas runs out. Stored gas can go stale in 30 days.

NOTE: Make sure the water supply is connected and turned on when allowing the pressure washer engine to run.

  • Make sure the on/off switch and fuel valve are in the OFF position.
  • Disconnect the water connection.
  • Empty the pump by pulling on the starter grip and rope about 6 times. This should remove most of the liquid from the pump.

NOTICE:
The use of a pump protector is strongly recommended after each use and before storing to prevent cold weather and seal damage during storage.

  • Consult your operator’s manual for proper long term storage procedures.
  • Remove all hoses. Coil the hoses and store. Do not allow the hose to become kinked.
  • Store the unit and accessories in an area that does not reach freezing temperatures. Do not store near furnace or other sources of heat that could dry out the pump seals.

PREPARING FOR USE AFTER STORAGE

Consult your operator’s manual for the proper procedure to prepare your unit for use after storage.

WARNING:
Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, penetrating lubricants, etc., come in contact with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken or destroy plastic which could result in serious personal injury.

WARNING:
Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes which may result in serious injury.

NOTICE:
Always refer to your specific Manufacturer’s Operator and or Engine manual for specific instructions regarding your gas powered pressure washer.