Gas Pressure Washer: Why won't my pressure washer engine start?
When the engine on your pressure washer won't start, follow these troubleshooting tips to fix the problem:
Make sure the rocker switch that controls the engine is in the On position.
Check the fuel; the engine won't start if the engine is out of fuel or if the fuel is stale or contaminated with water. Replace the fuel in the gas tank if the fuel is older than 3 months.
Bad fuel can contaminate the carburetor. Clean or replace the carburetor if it's gummed up from using stale fuel and your power washer won't start.
The engine on a power washer that won't start may also need a good tune-up so it will start easily. A tune-up includes changing the oil, changing the spark plug, replacing the air filter, checking the ignition system and adjusting the throttle and choke controls.
A bad recoil starter can prevent the engine from starting. If the engine doesn't spin when you pull the starter rope, you'll likely need to replace the recoil starter.
Following these tips can help you fix a pressure washer that won't start.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR GAS PRESSURE WASHER PROBLEM
Tune up the pressure washer engine
A tune-up restores the pressure washer's engine to its peak operating condition. A tune-up includes changing the oil, cleaning the engine, replacing the air filter, checking the ignition system, inspecting the carburetor, adjusting the throttle and choke controls, and adjusting and lubricating all moving parts.
Tune up the pressure washer engine
Replace the pressure washer carburetor
Over time, varnish from stale gasoline builds up in the carburetor, decreasing the amount of air/fuel mixture reaching the engine. Replace the carburetor if it's severely clogged with varnish or if the orifices are clogged with debris and can't be cleared using carburetor cleaner and compressed air.
Pressure washer carburetor
Clean and rebuild the pressure washer carburetor
Rebuild kits are available for most carburetors. The kit contains essential components such as jets, pins, seals and gaskets for overhauling the carburetor. You can sometimes fix a fuel supply problem by disassembling, cleaning and rebuilding the carburetor.
Clean and rebuild the pressure washer carburetor
Repair or replace the pressure washer recoil starter
If the pull rope doesn't retract, it's likely that the spring inside the recoil starter is broken. The recoil starter can also fail to engage the engine when the rope is pulled. Replace the recoil starter if the spring breaks or if the recoil starter won't engage the engine.
Repair or replace the pressure washer recoil starter
Symptoms for gas pressure washers
Choose a symptom to see related pressure washer repairs.
Main causes: using a high-pressure spray tip when applying detergent, clogged siphon tube, chemical injection system fai…
Main causes: overfilling engine with oil, improper fuel/air mixture, choke system problems, dirty carburetor, engine nee…
Main causes: broken recoil spring, damaged recoil starter…
Main causes: dirty air filter, stale fuel, clogged or dirty carburetor, bad unloader valve…
Main causes: insufficient water supply, clogged water inlet screen, clogged pressure hose, faulty pump check valves, stu…
Main causes: damaged recoil starter, oil inside cylinder, locked up engine piston…
Main causes: faulty unloader valve, bad pressure regulator…
Main causes: stale fuel, gummed up carburetor, engine needs tune up, throttle and choke controls need adjustment, bad re…
Main causes: pump running for more than 5 minutes when the spray wand isn't being used, faulty pressure relief valve, ba…
Repair guides for gas pressure washers
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your pressure washer.
How to install a pressure washer check valve kit
Air in the inlet water supply can damage the check valves. If the pump won’t build up pressure due to damaged check valv…
How to install a pressure washer O-ring kit
O-rings seal fittings on the pressure washer pump. Damaged seals allow water to leak from the pump. Follow these steps t…
How to install a pressure washer chemical injection kit
The chemical injection valve draws detergent into the pump. If it’s not drawing detergent, use a repair kit to replace t…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your pressure washers
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your pressure washer.
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