Power washer won’t start. Sometimes a power washer just won’t start up, no matter what you do. Sometimes the motor doesn’t turn over, or the engine keeps stalling. You can troubleshoot your power washer for problems with a few simple steps.
Make sure your power source is working and that the gas from the gas tank is fresh. If old fuel breaks down to a sticky consistency, it can clog up your carburetor.
Test that the spark plugs fire and then check that the filters are clean of debris or dirt that might inhibit suction. Inspect each element individually for any signs of damage, including leaks, cracks in the frame, worn-out tires, and misaligned parts.
Power washer won’t start
Why won’t the Power washer start? If a clogged carburetor is the reason your power washer is not starting, then you might want to try cleaning the carburetor.
I’ve noticed that this issue is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in a pressure washer for too long.
The fuel can clog up the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with a carb cleaner.
Clogged carburetor
Remove the air filter to expose the carburetor. Disconnect the fuel line, throttle linkage, and anything else connected to the carburetor (varies by engine). Detach the carburetor from the engine.
Use a socket wrench to remove the bowl. Check the condition of everything. If it’s dirty, it should be disassembled and cleaned with a carb cleaner, or you should attach a new one for about $25.
Defective spark plug
To expose the spark plug, twist off the connector that houses it on the top of your engine using a socket wrench.
Use pliers to pull the old spark plug out of the engine once you’ve unscrewed it as well as a clean rag and some fuel additive (or oil if you don’t have any) to wipe away the excess gunk stuck on your car’s engine before putting in a new one.
A new spark plug will cost about $5 and should only take about 10 minutes for you to install (just make sure to use gloves and safety glasses when handling tools).
Faulty ignition coil
It’s best to remove the housing covering the ignition coil to expose it. Pull out the wiring harness attached to the coil and attach an ignition coil tester instead.
Try to start the engine. If you can’t see a spark within the tester, remove the old coil and replace it with a new one.
Batteries (electric-start engines) are dead
Disconnect the positive terminal from the battery. Attach a multimeter to the battery. Measure the voltage.
It is important to charge your battery or replace it with a new one if the reading is below the recommended voltage for your battery so that it retains its charge for as long as possible before needing to be replaced.
Flywheel Key issue
if the flywheel key broke. it is because the engine shut down suddenly. A broken flywheel key protects the engine during sudden stops by slipping into place inside of its slot in the crankshaft before it stops.
To check that this has happened, simply remove the flywheel from the engine and inspect for damage. If you find a missing piece, replace it with one that fits if possible, or order another new part so you can finish your project.
FAQs
Which is the most common problem with pressure washers?
Often, pressure problems begin at the unloader and end there. Usually, you can fix most issues by removing the unloader, removing the o-ring, cleaning the spring, or looking for issues.
How long does a pressure washer last?
Pumps used in low-cost pressure washers tend to be of lower quality. An average of 60 to 100 hours of use is expected to be the life expectancy of these pumps.
Higher-quality pressure washers have a life expectancy of closer to 500 hours for their pumps. The typical household uses a water-pressure washer for around 50 hours a year.
Do Pressure washers wear out?
Yes, they can, and they do overtime. Pressure washer tips wear down and out over time and sustained use, just like most tools. Damage sustained while working or with proper storage can also cause them to wear out.
Power washer won’t start
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