Why is my petrol pressure washer is so difficult to start?
Discussion
A couple of months ago I bought a Clarke 6.5HP petrol pressure washer. The first couple of times I used it, it worked perfectly, starting first or second pull of the started cord.
A week or so after that I used it again and found it difficult to start when cold.
I used it again today and it took a good 10 minutes trying to start it from cold. It took a similar amount of time to start when hot.
The engine has an on/off switch, choke, throttle and fuel on/off valve. The instructions say that I should simply open the throttle to 75%, use the choke when cold but not when hot - All of this makes sense but I just cant seem to find any combination of all these things to get it started reliably.
Because the engine is connected directly to the pump, each time you pull the starter cord, it builds up the pressure in the hose/pump meaning you have to keep squeezing the trigger to release some water.
Any ideas?
A week or so after that I used it again and found it difficult to start when cold.
I used it again today and it took a good 10 minutes trying to start it from cold. It took a similar amount of time to start when hot.
The engine has an on/off switch, choke, throttle and fuel on/off valve. The instructions say that I should simply open the throttle to 75%, use the choke when cold but not when hot - All of this makes sense but I just cant seem to find any combination of all these things to get it started reliably.
Because the engine is connected directly to the pump, each time you pull the starter cord, it builds up the pressure in the hose/pump meaning you have to keep squeezing the trigger to release some water.
Any ideas?
Keep a can of Eezi Start (spelling) handy you can buy it at Halfords. Just spray it down the carb / air inlet and then pull, The Eezi start vapour is so flammable that the engine will start immediately, it then starts pumping the fuel through and you are away. You can use WD40 it's almost as effective. It's an old mechanics trick for starting engine s that have been standing for a while.
I do this with my lawnmover every year. Starts on the second pull even after being put away all winter. Alternatively, you can drain the fuel and put fresh in every time you use it.
pp
I do this with my lawnmover every year. Starts on the second pull even after being put away all winter. Alternatively, you can drain the fuel and put fresh in every time you use it.
pp
Pickled Piper said:
Keep a can of Eezi Start (spelling) handy you can buy it at Halfords. Just spray it down the carb / air inlet and then pull, The Eezi start vapour is so flammable that the engine will start immediately, it then starts pumping the fuel through and you are away. You can use WD40 it's almost as effective. It's an old mechanics trick for starting engine s that have been standing for a while.
I do this with my lawnmover every year. Starts on the second pull even after being put away all winter. Alternatively, you can drain the fuel and put fresh in every time you use it.
pp
Doesn't easy start or similar damage the engine if used regularly? I'm sure there was a thread on here about it a while ago.I do this with my lawnmover every year. Starts on the second pull even after being put away all winter. Alternatively, you can drain the fuel and put fresh in every time you use it.
pp
Thanks for all the thoughts.
The fuel is about a month old.
Unlike my petrol mower, there is no priming device on the pressure washer (the mower has a rubberised button that needs to be pressed 3 times). Each time I finish with it, I turn off the fuel valve.
Spraying anything into the air intake is easier said than done because it's pretty well shielded - its designed to resist wayward sprays of water I guess.
The fuel is about a month old.
Unlike my petrol mower, there is no priming device on the pressure washer (the mower has a rubberised button that needs to be pressed 3 times). Each time I finish with it, I turn off the fuel valve.
Spraying anything into the air intake is easier said than done because it's pretty well shielded - its designed to resist wayward sprays of water I guess.
Edited by Goochie on Sunday 29th August 17:05
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