Maintenance Tips for your Pressure Washer
Air filter
The air filter needs to be clean and in good condition in order to stop dirt, dust, and debris from getting into the engine. It is recommended to clean the air filter after every 4 hours of use. It should be changed every 100 hours or every 3 months whichever comes first. Pleated-paper air filters have to be replaced; they should not be cleaned and reused. Foam air filters can be cleaned with hot water and dish detergent then wrung dry and saturated with engine oil before reinstalling into the pressure washer. However, do not use oil on foam pre-filters used in conjunction with paper element filters.
Fuel filter
Fuel filters can be removed and cleaned out, however if there is debris clogging the mesh screen inside the filter it should be replaced. Some fuel filters are located in the fuel line and others are on the inside of the fuel tank.
Oil
The oil level in pressure washers should be checked prior to each use and changed every 50 hours of use or once every season. Fresh oil is typically a golden or amber color and as it gets old and used it will turn darker.
Fuel stabilizer in winter
Pressure washers require clean, fresh fuel for best performance from the engine. During the off season when your pressure washer is being stored, the fuel should either be drained from the pressure washer or a fuel stabilizer should be added to prevent clogs in the carburetor.
Water pump oil
The oil level in pressure washer water pumps should be checked prior to each use and changed every 50 hours of use or once a year.
Water inlet screen
Check the water inlet screen for dirt and debris, rinse it with water or replace it if damaged.
In-line screen
Check the in-line screen for dirt and debris, rinse it with water or replace it if damaged.
Anti-freeze/water mix
Run a small amount of 50/50 anti-freeze and water mixture through the pressure washer water pump before you store it away for the winter. This will prevent the pump from freezing and cracking the pump and it will also keep the internal parts lubricated.