Craftsman Pressure washer won’t start. The basic function of the pressure washer’s air filter is to protect the pump from debris being sucked in. If the filter has become clogged with debris, it may affect how well your pressure washer will perform.
So it is worth checking if your pressure washer has an air filter before each use and then cleaning or replacing it accordingly.
The manufacturers provided a guide for reference on how to access and clean your machine’s air filter; this is usually based on what type of pressure washer you have – consult these instructions as needed.
Craftsman Pressure washer won’t start
The carb might be gummed up. A clogged carb can most commonly be caused by leaving fuel in the pressure washer for a long period of time. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and prevent it from functioning correctly.
Here are some tips to help you start your power washer.
Spark plug issues
Inspect the spark plug electrode for signs of wear or damage. If you see that the porcelain insulator is cracked, an electrode has been worn away, or there’s heavy carbon buildup on the electrodes, it’s time to replace the spark plug.
A way to check if the spark plug is defective is by using a spark plug tester.
You can check if your engine has a strong spark which indicates that your spark plug is good by putting the tester’s terminals beside each other and seeing if there is a strong flash of electricity between them.
If there isn’t a strong spark between these terminals, this means your spark plugs are old and need to be replaced immediately.
The sputtering engine
When pulling the cord to start an engine, if it doesn’t start or sputters, there sometimes is too much build-up of pressure in the system from the pump.
You should spray water into the intake. This will help the system get rid of some of the excess pressure and turn over normally.
Defective Carburetor
Carburetors can easily become clogged, and in many cases, clogged carburetors are caused by leaving fuel in the pressure washer for an extended period of time.
So we recommend keeping your pressure washer filled to capacity if you aren’t going to be using it for an extended period of time.
Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker substance that sticks to everything, including the walls of the carburetor.
This could eventually cause clogs inside and prevent your machine from starting. If you happen to notice that your machine won’t start after storing it with fuel in it, then try cleaning out the carburetor with carburetor cleaner.
If this doesn’t work, then do a bit more investigating, such as rebuilding or replacing the entire mechanism altogether.
Broken flywheel key
Should the engine suddenly stop due to accidentally running into an immovable object, the pressure washer’s flywheel key will break off as a fail-safe measure.
Checking to see if the flywheel key broke can be done by first removing its cover and then checking that the metal rod is still intact. If it isn’t, order a replacement from your local hardware store.
Faulty Ignition Coil
The ignition coil sends voltage to the spark plug while the engine is running. If the ignition coil is defective, the Pressure washer will not start.
Before replacing an ignition coil, confirm that the spark plug is working properly; if you’ve already confirmed this, test the ignition coil on an ignition coil tester. If it’s faulty, replace it.
Can you clean a fouled spark plug?
Spark plugs should be cleaned with a wire brush or spray-on cleaner designed specifically for this ignition part. Tough deposits can also be removed with a rugged knife.
How do you troubleshoot a Craftsman pressure washer?
You’ll want to inspect your spray gun for any blockages in the nozzle or hoses. If you see any, remove them to make sure that no liquid is leaking out of your equipment.
You should also check for damage on the O-rings, and the parts on the outside of the spray gun where the hoses fit into.
Also, you’ll want to test your portable airless sprayer’s pump system by connecting a low-pressure hose and cycling it by hand several times with fluid inside and without fluid inside, as well as using a flushing machine to clean all filters every 20 hours of use or once per tank.
Does the pressure washer need water to start?
Water should always be available when starting a pressure washer. Without water, even for a few seconds, your pump will work harder than it should.
Water is drawn in through the supply hose and pushed out through the nozzle by the pump.
