Spring time startup of your pressure washer

Here are few tips to help get your pressure washer up and running for the cleaning season.

The first thing I would suggest is to inspect your equipment from wheels to spray tip.   Add air to the tires, repair or replace them if needed.  Check for any loose nuts and bolts, tighten or replace as needed.  Check the engine oil, 10W-30 motor oil is what Honda recommends.  For the GX series engines you will need to fill the oil right up to the threads at either side of the crankcase or “Fill to Spill” as they say.  For any Triplex Pump, you will need a straight 30 weight non-detergent oil found at most auto parts stores or WaterCannon.com.  The oil level is usually half way up the sight glass or at the notch in the dipstick.  Axial Pumps like the RMV and RMW series pumps are maintenance free so you do not need to worry about the oil.  Check your garden hose for damage such as cracks, punctures or bulges.  Make sure there is no debris inside before connecting to your pump.  Clean or replace as needed.  Inspect your high pressure discharge hose the same way.  The trigger gun and wand as well.  Remove and inspect the spray tip before connecting to your washer.

Connect the garden hose to the pump at the garden hose fitting making sure the filter/washer is clean and clear.  Turn on the water supply making sure the water flows freely out of the pump without the high pressure hose attached.  If you stored your machine with pumpsaver or antifreeze mix last year before putting it away for the season, water should come right through.  If not, you may need to allow for the water to purge the air from the valves before adding your high pressure hose gun and wand.  Check for and repair any leaks you may have found from the garden hose to where the nozzle attaches to the spray wand.  Sometimes the orings at the connection points can break or go missing.   Finally, attach your spray nozzle, ensuring the oring inside the nozzle holder is intact.  Make sure the spring loaded collar fully engages the nozzle before final operation.  Always wear protective safety gear.

Written by Jim Grode March 2016
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www.watercannon.com