Winterizing a pressure washer

Any tips? Drain the water, stabilize the gas, anything else? Thanks

If you have a gas shut-off, turn it off and run it till it dies out.

Check to make sure the hoses are empty.

They make a $10 aerosol/ antifreeze can to winterize pump. But not sure its necessary.. My pump seems to self drain.

stevenoak wrote:

They make a $10 aerosol/ antifreeze can to winterize pump. But not sure its necessary.. My pump seems to self drain.

Not only antifreeze but it also lubes the pump. Only takes a small shot to fully flush and lube the pump. I’m on three seasons now from the same can and still have quite a bit left in the can. Well worth it IMHO
I also disconnect the hose from the pump and the wand from the hose. Lube all the “o-rings” and quick connects (if present)

I just put it in the basement

I drain water. Run it out of gas and let it sit in the corner of my garage. I’ve had my ryobi with honda motor for 5 years now.

Thanks for the responses. Ive got a plan

As mentioned above but I also use a short hose and fill with RV antifreeze and just hand pull it thru the pump.

Good idea

If the machine doesn’t have a gas shutoff valve, it is usually easy to add one. If there is more than 2 inches of exposed fuel line between the tank and the carb, add an inline shutoff valve.

I add so many shutoff valve to equipment I fix that I buy them 20 at a time. It saves endless hassle if you just shut off the fuel and run the engine dry.

Jeremy wrote:

I just put it in the basement

That’s what I used to do. New house and heated garage this year.

TheFamousGrouse wrote:

If the machine doesn’t have a gas shutoff valve, it is usually easy to add one. If there is more than 2 inches of exposed fuel line between the tank and the carb, add an inline shutoff valve.

I add so many shutoff valve to equipment I fix that I buy them 20 at a time. It saves endless hassle if you just shut off the fuel and run the engine dry.

This also. Run it dry. I also add an ounce of Stabil before I run it dry.

To winterize the pump – I remove the pressure hose/wand, hook up a short piece of garden hose to the pump, pour a little RV antifreeze in the hose, ensure the ON/OFF switch is off and then slowly pull the starter rope a few times until RV antifreeze comes out.

karcher makes a chemical that you screw on and cylcle the motor but not start till fluid comes out pressure side.

I use one of these and blow out the line. Called brass blow out plug, $6 on amazon.

Jeremy wrote:

I just put it in the basement

Glad I am no the only one that does that lol.

Dang this isn’t as easy as I thought!

I still can’t locate the gas shut off. Would be be close to where the power cord goes into the engine?

stevenoak wrote:

They make a $10 aerosol/ antifreeze can to winterize pump. But not sure its necessary.. My pump seems to self drain.

Pump Saver aerosol is a must. Winterize the engine as you would with any small motor.

Brian Klawitter wrote:

Dang this isn’t as easy as I thought!

I still can’t locate the gas shut off. Would be be close to where the power cord goes into the engine?

mayhaps you don’t have a gas shut off valve??? I don’t on mine, it’s a Honda from Northern Tool.

I have a Sears Craftsman snow chucker, needed a tuneup once and the guy put one on.

I use RV antifreeze with a real short garden hose. Fog, with stabilizer and never had an issue.

glenn57 wrote:

mayhaps you don’t have a gas shut off valve??? I don’t on mine, it’s a Honda from Northern Tool.

Me thinks the joke is that he has an electic pressure washer.

Ralph is a whiz with my humor of a 4 year old. Hopefully that doesn’t mean anything more then his kids are about 4 years old.

8 and 10, actually.