Using Fuel Stabilizer In Your Pressure Washer: A Guide

Fuel stabilizer is an essential component of pressure washer maintenance, especially when it comes to storing the machine over the winter. It helps to prevent fuel from going stale, which can happen after just 30 days of downtime. By adding a fuel stabilizer, you can extend the life of your engine and protect your investment. There are a variety of fuel stabilizers available on the market, such as Sta-Bil, Ethanol Shield, and Mechanic in a Bottle, which can be purchased online or at home improvement stores. These products are designed to keep fuel fresh for up to 24 months and eliminate the need to drain fuel before storage. They also ensure quick and easy starts after storage and are effective in all types of gasoline, including ethanol blends. When using a fuel stabilizer, it is important to follow the instructions on the product and refer to your pressure washer's user manual for specific recommendations.

Siphon old fuel, replace with fresh, and add starter fluid

Siphoning old fuel from a pressure washer is a crucial step in maintenance. It is necessary to prevent gum deposits in the carburetor, which can harm the engine over time. To siphon the old fuel, you can use a siphon pump or a siphon hose to extract the fuel from the tank. Ensure that the hose reaches the bottom of the tank to drain it completely. Secure the hose to the fuel tank opening to prevent it from moving or sliding out. Once the old fuel is removed, replace it with fresh, high-octane gasoline.

Additionally, it is recommended to add a fuel stabilizer to the tank, especially if you plan to store your pressure washer for an extended period. This will help prevent fuel-related issues during storage.

After siphoning and adding fresh fuel, you can add starter fluid to the carburetor to help with starting the engine. Spray the starter fluid into the carburetor and attempt to start the pressure washer. If the engine still does not start, there may be other issues, such as a clogged carburetor or a faulty spark plug, that need to be addressed.

Drain the fuel tank

Draining the fuel tank of your pressure washer is an essential aspect of maintenance. It is recommended to drain the gas from the tank, especially when preparing your pressure washer for winter. The gas used in most gas-powered pressure washers is unleaded gasoline with an 87% or higher octane rating, which contains ethanol. If left inside the tank for over 30 days, the ethanol in the gasoline can attract water, producing an acid that will corrode the inside of the carburetor. This can lead to gum deposits in the carburetor, harming the engine over time. Therefore, it is important to drain the gas from the fuel tank and carburetor to fix this issue.

There are several methods to drain the fuel tank of your pressure washer:

• Use the remaining gas: If the pressure washer gas tank only has a limited amount of gas left, you can simply use your machine until all the gas is used up. However, if there is still a significant amount of gas in the tank, this method is not environmentally friendly.
• Using the drain screw on the carburetor: Some pressure washer carburetors have a dedicated drain plug. This is a straightforward method; simply unscrew the screw or drain plug and let the gas drain into a gas container. It is important to note that not all drain screws on a carburetor also drain the gas from the tank, so it is recommended to check beforehand.
• Drain the gas using a siphon hose: Using a siphon hose is an easy and spillage-free way to drain the gas from a pressure washer tank. First, open the fuel cap and insert the hose inside, ensuring that the hose reaches the bottom of the tank. Secure the hose to the fuel tank's opening and slide the pinch clip onto the hose to control the liquid's movement. Connect the bulb valve to the other end of the hose, ensuring the arrow is pointing away from the fuel tank. Start pumping the bulb valve to suck the gas out of the tank. Once the gas reaches the pinch clip, remove the bulb valve and pour the gasoline into a fuel container.
• Draining the gas by disconnecting the fuel line: To use this method, you will need a fuel line clamper, a pair of pliers, and a fuel storage container. First, locate the fuel line by finding the tube or pipe going from the side of the fuel tank to the carburetor. Clamp the fuel line to avoid spillage and then loosen the fuel line with a pair of pliers. Ensure that your pressure washer is placed higher than your fuel container to allow for easy draining. Drain the gas into the container and then reattach the fuel line.
• Tilting the pressure washer: This method is often more challenging than expected and is best performed with two people. Before tilting the pressure washer, disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting. Ensure that the air filter assembly points upward when tilting the machine to prevent engine oil from flowing into the fuel tank. Place a container and funnel under the fuel cap to catch the fuel, then open the fuel cap and allow the fuel to drain completely. Once drained, close the fuel cap and reconnect the spark plug wire.

Use fuel stabiliser to prevent fuel from going stale

Fuel stabilisers are an essential tool to prevent fuel from going stale. They can be used to treat large quantities of fuel, with some products treating up to 80 gallons of fuel. Fuel stabilisers are effective in all types of gasoline, including ethanol blends. They are a great way to ensure fuel stays fresh for up to 24 months, eliminating the need to drain fuel before storage.

Fuel stabilisers are a great way to prevent corrosion and protect your fuel system. They are easy to use and ensure quick, easy starts after storage. Simply add the correct amount of fuel stabiliser to your fuel tank when it is full of gas. For example, if you have a 1/2 gallon tank, you will need to pour in 1/2 oz of fuel stabiliser.

There are a variety of fuel stabiliser products available on the market, such as Sta-Bil, TruFuel, and Ethanol Shield. These products can be purchased from retailers such as Amazon, Home Depot, and Pressure Washers Direct.

In addition to fuel stabilisers, it is also important to winterise your pressure washer to prevent any residual moisture from freezing and causing damage to your equipment.

Winterise your pressure washer to prevent damage

Winterize Your Pressure Washer to Prevent Damage

If you plan to store your pressure washer for over 30 days, it's important to take steps to winterize it to prevent damage. Here's a guide on how to do it:

Stabilize the Gasoline

First, check if your pressure washer runs on gasoline. If it does, add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank. This will prevent the gas from clogging the fuel lines during storage. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions for the correct amount of stabilizer. Once you've added the stabilizer, run the engine for about 2 minutes to circulate the stabilizer throughout the fuel system, then shut it down.

Please note that fuel stabilizer needs to be added to the fuel when it is purchased. Adding it to fuel that has been sitting in the pressure washer for over 30 days will not preserve the gasoline.

Flush Out Remaining Water and Detergent

Place the injection tube of your power washer into a bucket of clean water. Run the unit at a low-pressure setting for a minute or two, then turn off the engine and water supply. Squeeze the trigger of the spray gun to relieve any trapped pressure and set the lock.

Next, disconnect and dry all attachments, such as the hose, gun, and wand assembly, and put them away in their proper place. There may still be water in the pump, so pull the recoil handle a few times to remove it.

Add Pump Saver

Use a pump saver solution to prohibit moisture from forming in the pump, preventing it from freezing. This will also make it easier to start your pressure washer after storage and will prevent mineral deposits from developing. Apply the pump saver through the garden hose inlet on your pump to fill the chamber, and leave it there throughout the winter. Remember to drain it in the spring.

Rinse the System with Antifreeze

Consider rinsing your pressure washer system with a small amount of antifreeze before winter to provide extra protection against freezing. Be sure to blow out any remaining fluid after rinsing.

General Storage Tips

• Remove the pump filters and clean any particulates from the filter bowl or strainer.
• Ensure there is no residue buildup on the metal mesh screen.
• Detach and clean the nozzles, removing any buildup or deposits to prevent corrosion.
• Protect your pressure washer from rodents, similar to how you would protect a vehicle in a garage.
• If your pressure washer is battery-operated, disconnect the battery to prevent it from becoming fully drained.
• Clean all exposed surfaces with a damp cloth to remove dust, debris, and dirt. This will help prevent rust and keep your equipment looking like new.
• Store your pressure washer in a clean, dry, and frost-free location. Consider using a cover to protect it from dust.

Clean or replace the carburettor

If your carburettor is clogged or malfunctioning, your engine may not start or may run poorly. A clogged carburettor can cause the machine to consume way more fuel than necessary.

• The pressure washer requires more effort to start.
• Popping and "sneezing" sounds when the pressure washer is running.
• The emission of black smoke from the pressure washer.

• Turn off the fuel valve and remove the spark plug cap to ensure no fuel will pass through the carburettor.
• Access the carburettor by removing the throttle cover, intake apparatus, and air filter box.
• Empty the gas tank by locating the gas line connecting the carburettor and fuel tank. Remove the tube from the carburettor's nipple and drain the gas into a container.
• Remove the carburettor from the engine by unscrewing the bolts connecting it to the engine and disconnecting the throttle cable from the carburettor linkage.
• Check for any residual fuel in the carburettor unit and drop it into a container. Also, check for corrosion, grime, or dirt. If there is excessive corrosion, you may need to replace the carburettor.
• Take the carburettor apart. It is recommended to take a picture of how the carburettor is assembled to refer back to later.
• Apply the carburettor cleaner, spraying the parts that need attention. Soap and water can be used for rubber parts. Rinse and dry the parts.
• Reassemble the carburettor by following the steps in reverse.

If cleaning the carburettor does not solve the issue, you may need to replace it.

Frequently asked questions