It’s happened to the best of us. For example, you’re pressure washing and suddenly realize that your pressure washer has run out of gas.
Now what?
Don’t worry; we’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to take so that you can get your pressure washer up and running again in no time!
Air Locked Fuel System
An air-locked fuel system is uncommon, although it can happen if a pressure washer runs out of gas. When, as the name implies, a bubble of air prevents gasoline from reaching the carburetor, an air lock occurs.
The trapped air bubble is generally located within the tiny gas line between the gas tank and carburetor.
Filling the gas tank after running out of gasoline greatly raises the danger of air locking. However, it’s preferable to fill a gas tank when the weight of the fuel is taken into account because it forces trapped air through the carburetor and out into the atmosphere.
Removing The Air Lock
If your pressure washer has an air-locked fuel system, you’ll need to remove the airlock before continuing.
To do this, you’ll need to:
- Remove the gas cap and fill the tank with gasoline.
- Replace the gas cap and turn the pressure washer on.
- If the pressure washer doesn’t start, repeat these steps.
If you’re still having trouble starting your pressure washer after following these steps, there may be water in the gas tank. Next, you’ll need to drain the gas tank and then fill it with fresh gasoline.
Bad Spark Plug
Another reason your pressure washer may not be starting is a bad spark plug. Over time, spark plugs can become fouled or damaged, preventing them from sparking.
To clean or replace a spark plug:
- Remove the spark plug and inspect it. Use a wire brush to clean it if it’s covered in debris.
- Replace the spark plug if it is broken.
- Reattach the spark plug and give it one more go trying to start the pressure washer.
Dirty Power Washer Carburetor
If your pressure washer is still not starting, the carburetor may be dirty. A dirty carburetor can prevent the engine from starting or running properly.
To clean the carburetor:
- Remove the air filter and spark plug.
- Use a carburetor cleaning kit to clean the carburetor.
- Reinstall the air filter and spark plug.
- Try starting the pressure washer again.
Draining Carburetor Gas Bowl
If the carburetor is still dirty after cleaning it, you may need to drain the carburetor gas bowl.
To do this, you’ll need to:
- Remove the carburetor bowl (usually, a screw on the side of the carburetor holds it in place).
- Empty the carburetor bowl and then reinstall it.
Cleaning Carburetor Gas Bowl Screen
The carburetor gas bowl screen may also be dirty. This screen is located inside the carburetor and prevents debris from clogging the carburetor.
To clean the carburetor gas bowl screen:
- Remove the carburetor bowl and find the screen.
- Clean the screen with carburetor cleaner.
- Replace the carburetor bowl and gasket.
- Tighten the bowl nut.
- Reattach the carburetor to the engine.
- Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes.
- Turn the engine off and check for leaks.
If the screen is damaged, you will need to replace it. You can purchase a replacement screen at most auto parts stores. Follow the steps above to replace your screen.
Dirty Air Filter
Another common issue that can prevent a pressure washer from starting is a dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can block airflow to the engine, preventing it from starting.
To change or clean a clogged air filter, follow these steps:
- Remove the air filter and inspect it.
- Clean the air filter with soap and water.
- If the air filter is damaged, replace it.
- Reattach the air filter and try starting the pressure washer again.
Engine Overheating
If the engine overheats, it will shut down to prevent damage. One reason an engine may overheat is that the cooling fins are dirty.
To clean the cooling fins:
- Remove the spark plug and air filter.
- Use a brush to remove debris from the cooling fins.
- Vacuum any debris that is inside the engine housing.
- Reinstall the spark plug and air filter.
- Try starting the pressure washer again.
If the engine still overheats, you may need to replace the cooling fins. Follow your owner’s manual instructions to remove and replace the cooling fins.
Water Pump Not Running
If the water pump is not running, the pressure washer will not work. The water pump may not be running because the thermostat is turned off.
To turn on the thermostat:
- Locate the thermostat on the pressure washer.
- Turn the thermostat to the “on” position.
- Try starting the pressure washer again.
If the water pump still doesn’t run, the pump may be damaged and need to be replaced. Follow your owner’s manual instructions to remove and replace the water pump.
Broken Pressure Washer Pump
A broken pressure washer pump can also prevent the pressure washer from working. If the pump is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
To replace the pressure washer pump:
- Follow your owner’s manual instructions to remove the old pump.
- Install the new pump according to your owner’s manual instructions.
- Try starting the pressure washer again.
If you cannot find a replacement pump, you may need to purchase a new pressure washer.
Leaks
If there are leaks in the pressure washer, it will not work properly.
To find and fix leaks:
- Inspect the entire pressure washer for leaks.
- Tighten any loose fittings.
- Replace any damaged hoses.
- Try starting the pressure washer again.
If you cannot find the source of the leak, you may need to take the pressure washer to a repair shop.
Dirty Fuel Filter
If the fuel filter is dirty, it can prevent the engine from starting.
To clean or replace a dirty fuel filter:
- Remove the fuel filter and inspect it.
- Clean the fuel filter with carburetor cleaner.
- If the fuel filter is damaged, replace it.
- Reinstall the fuel filter and try starting the pressure washer again.
If the engine doesn’t start, you may need to take the pressure washer to a repair shop.
Nozzle Clogged
If the nozzle is clogged, the pressure washer will not work properly.
To clean a clogged nozzle:
- Remove the nozzle and inspect it.
- Clean the nozzle with a toothbrush or wire brush.
- Try starting the pressure washer again.
If the nozzle is still clogged, you may need to replace it. Follow your owner’s manual instructions to remove and replace the nozzle.
Faulty Electrical Connection
If there is a problem with the electrical connection, the pressure washer will not work.
To check the electrical connection:
- Inspect the power cord for damage.
- Check the power outlet.
- Inspect the wiring for damage.
- Try starting the pressure washer again.
If the pressure washer still doesn’t work, you may need to take it to a repair shop.
Final Thoughts
We hope this blog post has helped troubleshoot why your pressure washer may not be starting. We recommend taking it to a certified pressure washer technician if you still have trouble. They’ll be able to diagnose and resolve the issue in no time!
Thanks for reading!
Have any questions or tips on pressure washers? Leave us a comment below! We’d love to hear from you.
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