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Why won't my pressure washer engine start?

less than a minute readJun 04Lyle Weischwill
image of pressure-washer

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 pressure-washer problem

JC-PW-Tune-up-the-pressure-washer-engine

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

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JC-PW-Replace-the-pressure-washer-carburetor

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

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JC-PW-Clean-and-rebuild-the-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

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JC-PW-Repair-or-replace-the-pressure-washer-recoil-starter

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

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