Pressure Washer Troubleshooting Guide

 


Issue
Possible Cause
Suggested Action

When the gun trigger is depressed, there is a  burst of high pressure quickly followed by low pressure.

When the gun trigger is released,
the hose builds up with pressure.

 

1. The Nozzle is in the low pressure  soap position (variable nozzle only)

2. The nozzle is clogged

3. The orifice has blown out (variable nozzle)

1. Pull nozzle backward into the HIGH pressure position (variable nozzle only)

2. Remove orifice and clean (variable nozzle only) SEE LINK

3. Purchase a new wand, please see example LINK

The Pressure Washer is not producing high pressure, and/or the unit functions the same when powered on or off.

 

1. Incorrect nozzle is installed

2. Variable nozzle is in LOW PSI/soap position

3. Inlet Water Filter is clogged

4. Water is not turned on or there is an issue with the feed hose.

5. Internal pump damage

1. Ensure proper nozzle is installed (correct size/type)

2. Pull Variable Nozzle backward to High PSI position - SEE LINK

3. Remove and clean the Inlet Water Filter

4. Provide adequate water flow

5. Replace pump or contact our technical support

The Pressure Washer won't spray chemical/detergent. 1. Suction Tube is not submerged in chemical/detergent

2. Chemical Filter is clogged

3. Variable Nozzle is not in soap position or incorrect tip is installed

4. Chemical Injector has residual chemical/detergent clogging it

5. Hose, Gun, or Wand may be bad

 

1. Insert tube and filter deeper into the detergent.

2. Clean the Chemical Filter.

3. Use Soap tip (black) or adjust nozzle to LOW Pressure Position, SEE LINK

4. Always draw clean water through the Suction Tube/Filter when finished. Also, carefully take injector apart and clean if needed.  The unit may need a new Chemical Injector or repair kit in some cases.

5. Remove Gun, Hose, Wand, and then test again. If the pump draws soap re-install the pressure hose only, and test again. Keep re-installing components until the pump does not draw chemical any longer.  Call our technical support if you need more assistance.

The Engine bogs down when the gun trigger is depressed. 1. Engine speed is set to slow

2. Air Filter is dirty

3. The unit has stale fuel

4. There is water in fuel

5. The Engine or Pump is low on oil

6. The Engine or Pump has bearing failure.
1. Move Engine Throttle Lever to full speed

2. Clean or replace the air filter

3. Replace gas if it is older than 3 months old

4. Clean out the fuel system.  Water sinks to the bottom of a fuel tank so never pour the last of the gas from a fuel can into your fuel tank if possible

5. Check oil level in the Engine & Pump. If there is damage in the pump it is best to replace the pump then try to rebuild it (more cost effective.)

6. Fix or replace the engine or pump.  It is usually more cost effective to replace the pump than to try and fix it (in most cases.)

 

The Engine will not start.

 

1. The oil level is too low

2. The air filter is dirty

3. The fuel level is low or empty

4. The fuel is stale

5. The spark plug is bad or has a poor connection.

6. There is water in the fuel

7. The Intake Valve is stuck

8. The engine has lost compression

 

1. Check the oil level and add oil if needed. Some engines have sensors that protect the Engine from starting when low on oil

2. Replace the Air Filter if it is dirty

3. Check the fuel level and fill to proper level if low

4. Drain and clean out the old fuel.  Fill with new fuel. Avoid using fuel that is over 3 months old.

5. Check the connection and replace spark plug if needed.

6. Clean out the fuel system.

7. See Small Engine Mechanic for repair.

8. See Small Engine Mechanic for repair.
The Engine shuts down during operation.

 

1. The fuel level is low or empty.

2. The Spark Plug is bad.

3. The Pump is causing to much load on the Engine.

1. Ensure fuel is at the proper level.

2. Replace the Spark Plug.

3. See Small Engine Mechanic for repair or call us for technical support.

The Engine Recoil Cord is hard to pull.

 

1. There is a lack of oil in the engine.

2. The pump or engine bearing(s) have failed.

3. The pump is not mounted properly (mounted off center and putting extra force on engine shaft.)

4. The bypass in the pump is not working correctly.

 

1. Add the proper amount of oil, and/or see a Small Engine Mechanic.

2. Repair or replace the engine/pump.

3. Remove pump and re-install it on the engine shaft.  Ensure that it is mounted correctly before use.

4. Pull gun trigger while simultaneously pulling the start rope (NOTE: If this helps the pump may need service work performed on it.)
The Engine Recoil Cord will not move when attempting to start the engine.

 

1. The engine has seized from lack of oil.

2. The pump has siezed from lack of oil or bad bearings.

3. The engine has fluid in the cylinder head.

4. Internal engine failure has occured.

 

1. See Small Engine Mechanic for repair.

2. Remove the pump and then attempt to pull the Engine Recoil Cord. If the engine starts, replace the pump.

3. In the event that an engine get tipped over, it can sometimes get oil up in the cylinder head.  To remove oil from the cylinder head, remove the spark plug and insert a rag over the hole (where the spark plug was installed) and then pull the Engine Recoil Cord. Contact a Small Engine Mechanic for more assistance if needed.

4. See a Small Engine Mechanic for repair.
Other issues? Contact us for technical support
APW Technical Support Line: 1-888-279-9274 (M - F , 7 - 5 PST)