Is the weather getting warmer and you want to do outdoor cleaning but your pressure washer won’t start? Here is how to troubleshoot it well.
Several things can cause a pressure washer not to start
Pressure washers are effective for cleaning your car, grill, garden furniture, concrete or fence. However, there are times when even the best pressure washer won’t start. There is nothing as frustrating as having your washer’s engine not working when you want so badly to finally get your outdoor space clean.
It is therefore important to familiarize yourself with the common causes for the malfunction and how to troubleshoot the problem. Occasional troubleshooting is important since it will enable you to clean trouble-free and keep the pressure washer in good condition.
Below are some common causes why the pressure washer won’t start.
1. Spark Plug
If your gas-powered pressure washer engine won’t start, you may want to check the spark plug. Make sure that it is well connected to the wire. Also, check the spark plug for signs of damage or wear as this is a common cause for your electric pressure washer not starting. A spark plug tester will help you determine if a spark plug is faulty and whether or not you need to replace it.
For instance, a damaged or burned electrode or cracked porcelain insulator are all indicators that the spark plug should be replaced. Also, if there is no spark between the engines terminals, the spark plug is likely to be defective and needs replacement.
2. Clogged Carburetor
Another cause for your pressure washer not starting might be due to a clogged carburetor. A clogged carburetor is caused by stale fuel that has been in the machine for too long. This then clogs the internal passages of the carburetor. Fuel turns stale within a short period of time like 3 weeks.
When this happens, ingredients in the fuel are likely to evaporate and leave behind a thicker and stickier substance. This also decreases the amount of fuel/air mixture that is reaching the engine. Therefore, ensure that you clean the clogged carburetor in order to get rid of the sticky fuel.
It is best to use a carburetor cleaner. If you still have difficulty starting the engine even after cleaning, consider replacing or rebuilding the carburetor.
Always use fresh oil to prevent clogging your carburettor
3. Defective Ignition Coil
The engine is unlikely to start if the ignition oil is faulty. This is because it is responsible for sending voltage to the spark plug when the engine is running. However, before checking the ignition coil, you first need to ensure that the spark plug is working correctly. If the spark plug is in good condition, then use an ignition coil tester to examine the ignition coil.
Repair or replace the ignition coil if you find it defective.
Replace a faulty ignition coil for the engine to run
4. Fuel Primer
You may want to check the fuel primer especially if there is adequate fuel and oil in your pressure washer. Pump the fuel primer 6-7 times on the first start-up and 2-3 times for the other start-up. If you don’t get a good start with the first 3 or 4 pulls, let the engine rest for a while. After letting it sit for a few minutes, be sure to run the choke on full as you pull it severally and pull the choke as you let the engine run.
5. Pump Fails
When the pump fails, you are likely to experience difficulty getting your pressure washer to start. A likely cause of the pump failing is damaged or frozen pump components. To avoid this, make sure that the pump is well-maintained and stored.
Again, the failure can be caused by running the pump without water flowing. Hence, always ensure that water is running at the correct pressure before turning on the pump.
6. Damaged Flywheel key
The flywheel key is a metal piece that engages the flywheel. This small equipment fits into the crankshaft and, when damaged, can cause the engine of the washer to stop running. When you are pressure washing and your machine hits a hard object, the flywheel key will break into half. This is to prevent the engine from damaging and promote pressure washer safety.
You can inspect the condition of the flywheel key by removing the flywheel from the engine. If it is broken, be sure to replace it with a new one.
There are a number of problems that cause your pressure not to start. This includes things like a damaged flywheel key, problem with the fuel primer, a defective ignition coil, clogged carburetor, and a failed pump. Most of these malfunctions are simple to fix and you will be able to get your pressure washing running again in no time.
Be sure to go through the AR Blue Clean pressure washer reviews, for more tips on how to troubleshoot your pressure washer.