Fix power washer

My power-washer suffers from same problem after sitting idle.

After paying for a new carburetor, I discovered how important it is to drain gas if washer is going to sit idle. Do not turn any small engine upside down to drain gas … or else oil will get inside carburetor. Instead, loosen hex bolt on gas filter located below gas tank and then loosen rubber lines between gas filter and carburetor.

Another time, we had a problem with the screen covering exhaust outlet. Deposits from the engine + dirt clogged the screen. Although not the solution for everybody, we broke the screen open with a screwdriver and the machine ran fine after that.

Small gas engines require 3 things: Compression, spark, and fuel. Take out spark plug. Put finger over spark plug hole and pull cord or push starter. Do you feel suction? If yes, then you have compression.

If machine will not turn over at all, then your motor might have run out of oil. Power washer needs oil in 2 places. It needs oil for the engine just like a lawn mower. Oil plugs are located low on each side of engine. It doesn't hurt to change oil, but do NOT NOT turn small engine upside down or oil will get into carburetor which requires removal and cleaning. I learned that the hard way.

The power washer also needs oil for the pump head. This is the box attached to front of engine. Usually 10W20 non-detergent is a good choice. Oil is usually about half way up inside pump head.

Now hook spark-wire to spark plug. Hold spark plug in hand. Touch threads of spark plug to metal spark plug opening. Now pull cord or push starter. Do you see sparking in the spark plug gap? If yes, then you have spark. Put new spark plug in anyway. If no, then you need parts from small engine repair service.

Spark plug is in. Take off air filter so you have access to carburetor air intake. Put fresh gas in tank. Use starter spray or WD-40 as a starting accelerant. Set your choke to start engine. Spray starter fluid into carburetor opening and pull cord or push starter. The engine should fire up on the starter fluid. If engine doesn't fire, then try setting choke in different positions. If engine doesn't fire up then carburetor is suspect.

If engine fires but dies, keep spraying starter fluid into carburetor to see if you can keep it going that way ... and then move choke in different positions ... you might need extra hands for that maneuver.

If machine turns on, but dies when filter is put back, then filter might be clogged. Time for a new filter anyway.

Finally check the fuel filter and fuel line below the gas tank. It usually has a hex head bolt. Loosen bolt and see if fuel is able to fall out of tank. Loosen rubber fuel line at both ends and see if fuel is flowing. This will tell you if fuel can get to carburetor.

Usually these measures get the thing going or tell you if professional service is needed.

Gene Haynes