Pressure washer -- winterization?

[jas67]

I know it is only June, but I just got my first pressure washer, and was wondering what should be done to winterize it?

I know you aren't supposed to run it dry, but should I do that for a short time at the end of a run, and will this get all the water out? Or, do I need to get some sort of antifreeze in it (like RV plumbing antifreeze)?

Thanks,
Jay

 

[KentT]

I know it is only June, but I just got my first pressure washer, and was wondering what should be done to winterize it?

I know you aren't supposed to run it dry, but should I do that for a short time at the end of a run, and will this get all the water out? Or, do I need to get some sort of antifreeze in it (like RV plumbing antifreeze)?

Thanks,
Jay

You MUST run antifreeze into it. I learned the hard way, by just trying to "run it dry" and blow it out with the air compressor...

Cost me a new pump...

 

[Tig]

I put mine in the basment last year. Dad's survived several winters in the garage and then one year it didn't.

 

[ray66v]

I have 2 pressure washers I have used for years. All I ever do is blow them out thoroughly, using an adapter to attach a compressed air line, (set at 50 psi). Pull the cord a few times while the air is hooked up.

It works fine.

 

[KentT]

I put mine in the basment last year. Dad's survived several winters in the garage and then one year it didn't.

Same with me. My method worked fine for a few years -- then last year it didn't... and the cost of a replacement pump is 2/3 the cost of a new complete machine.

 

[Scooby074]

mine stays in a heated barn, but there is some antifreeze in a can thats pressurized to winterize a washer. It just threads right onto the inlet.

 

[nomad289]

To winterize, disconnect inlet and outlet hoses.
Attach a short ~2 ft scrap garden hose to the inlet, fill with ~1 cup RV antifreeze, keeping the end of the hose elevated.
Pull slowly on the starter cord to turn over the pump/engine (kill switch off). Refill hose if required. Once you see pure pink antifreeze come out the outlet connector, you're "winterized".

Stretch out pressure hose to allow to drain, and recoil from higher end allowing water to drain out. Don't reconnect to washer.

This all takes < 10 minutes so I leave the washer in the garage and occasionaly use it on a warm winter day, then refill w/antifreeze.

Of course Stabil in your gas tank, turning off the fuel valve and running the carb dry are also advisable, as with most small 4 stroke engines.

 

[jas67]

To winterize, disconnect inlet and outlet hoses.
Attach a short ~2 ft scrap garden hose to the inlet, fill with ~1 cup RV antifreeze, keeping the end of the hose elevated.
Pull slowly on the starter cord to turn over the pump/engine (kill switch off). Refill hose if required. Once you see pure pink antifreeze come out the outlet connector, you're "winterized".

Stretch out pressure hose to allow to drain, and recoil from higher end allowing water to drain out. Don't reconnect to washer.

This all takes < 10 minutes so I leave the washer in the garage and occasionaly use it on a warm winter day, then refill w/antifreeze.

Of course Stabil in your gas tank, turning off the fuel valve and running the carb dry are also advisable, as with most small 4 stroke engines.

This sounds like a great plan. I already follow your advice for the engine with all my gas-engine powered equipment.

I'm actually considering putting a 10 HP Yanmar single-cyl. diesel (and a larger pump) on my log splitter, and if I find another good deal on a 2nd one, may convert the pressure washer too. I got the 1st one cheaply enough (used) that if I can get another at that price, I can get most of that back selling the briggs that is on it. I don't use either machine enough for the fuel savings to amount to a lot, but it would be more convenient from a fuel supply standpoint, as I have a 30 gal diesel tank/pump. Plus, as both are occasional use items (the log splitter, like most, gets used a lot in the spring, and then sits the rest of the year), I wouldn't have to worry about the fuel going bad and gumming up the carb. The ethanol content in the pump gas is making this much worse. I try to only put as much fuel in as I think I'll use, and then run the machine dry before putting it away, if I think I won't need it again real soon.

 

[biggerten]

What nomad said. Keep in mind the lowest temps you'll see, you'll need the same protection as your car.

 

[4Kings]

Don't forget about those 12 volt sprayer pumps, I have always ran some RV antifreeze through mine as well...