How to Service a Pressure Washer
Learning how to service a pressure washer means you're positioning yourself to extend the life of the pressure washer, as well as keeping it performing optimally. It's not much different than servicing a vehicle, and you can save a few dollars by doing it yourself. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Oil pan
- Vise-grip
- Oil filter wrench
- Engine oil
- 2 funnels (two)
- Water pump oil
- Fuel stabilizer (de-gummer)
- Air filter
- Gasoline
- Spark plug wrench
- Spark plug
- Small brush
- Rags
- Wire brush
- Small ice pick or 1.4-millimeter flat-tip screwdriver
- Needle-nose pliers
- o-rings (small and large)
Instructions
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Service Engine
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1
Tilt the machine so that it is slightly tilted toward the oil drain plug. Place an oil pan below the engine-oil drain plug.
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2
Open the oil-fill spout. Loosen the engine-oil drain plug, with vise-grip.
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3
Completely drain the engine oil. Move the oil pan underneath the engine-oil filter.
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4
Fit the filter wrench onto the engine-oil filter. Remove the engine-oil filter and place it in the oil pan.
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5
Replace the engine-oil filter according to manufacturer's specifications. Tighten the drain plug. Refill the engine oil according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Service Water Pump
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6
Check the water-pump oil level by using the looking glass. Remove the fill-spout cap and look into the water pump if no looking glass is available.
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7
Remove the fill-spout lid and check the water-pump oil for water droplets that don't mix with the oil. If water droplets are present, then rebuild the pump or take it to a professional for repacking.
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8
Using a funnel, fill the water pump to the proper level. Check the pump manufacturer's specifications for proper water-pump oil level.
Service Fuel System
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9
Remove the air-filter covering and check the air filter for cleanliness. Clean the air filter according to the manufacturer's specifications.
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10
Open the gas tank or reservoir and inspect for foreign debris. Drain and remove the gas tank according to manufacturer's specifications to remove obstructive foreign debris, or take it to a professional to have it done.
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11
Pour fuel stabilizer into the gas tank to remove water in the fuel system and to de-gum the fuel system.
Service Electrical System
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12
Carefully remove the spark-plug wire(s). Remove the spark plug(s) with the spark plug wrench.
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13
Inspect the spark-plug insulator for cracks, the electrode for black deposits and the other end of the spark plug for a white tip. Replace the spark plug if it is cracked or has a white tip.
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14
Clean the black deposits off the electrode with gasoline and a small brush or rag. Tighten spark plugs back into cylinders according to manufacturer's specifications.
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15
Check the positive and negative battery posts and connections for corrosion. Clean with a wire brush.
Service Connections
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16
Inspect the pressure washer hose quick-connects for deteriorating o-rings. Inspect pressure washer gun quick-connects for deteriorating o-rings.
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17
Use a flat-tip screwdriver to dislodge deteriorating o-rings from the groove in which they function. Use needle-nose pliers to completely remove them.
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18
Use the same flat-tip screwdriver to push one half of the new o-ring into its groove. Slowly work the other half of the o-ring into its groove.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Keep the oil filter upright as much as possible when removing it, as it has oil in it.
