✅Click here for a new starter ➜ amzn.to/2JgpoQ8 For more videos like this, check out: 👉How To Increase Your Pressure Washers Cleaning Power ➜ ua-cam.com/video/cMOhVxyV6AM/v-deo.html 👉How To Fix A Pressure Washer That Has Low Pressure ➜ ua-cam.com/video/rxdrJcptoGc/v-deo.html 👉How To Fix A Surging Engine On A Pressure Washer ➜ ua-cam.com/video/JOI293d8XUg/v-deo.html You can connect with Steve here too: ✅Visit Steve’s WEBSITE ➜ www.stevessmallenginesaloon.com/ ✅Visit Steve’s PARTS & TOOL STORE ➜ www.amazon.com/shop/stevessmallenginesaloon ✅Follow Steve on FACEBOOK ➜ facebook.com/stevessmallenginesaloon ✅Follow Steve on INSTAGRAM ➜ instagram.com/stevessmallenginesaloon/ ✅Follow Steve on TWITTER ➜ twitter.com/SteveSaloon
Dear Steve - I just purchased a Generac Pressure washer and tried to use it for the first time. Just be aware, mechanically endowed I am NOT. I used the washer until I ran out of gas and the unit stopped. I put in gas and tried to start the washer again and ran into exactly the problem you are discussing. I was able to pull the cord out just a little bit and couldn't get the unit to start. After watching this youtube video, I followed the steps you layed out and I brought the washer back to life. I just wanted to thank you for your help. Your video is clear, concise and saved me from returning the washer and looking like an idiot. Again, thanks for your help. Rick
My last Pressure Washer had a bad part from the factory in the pump itself and that's why my rope kept breaking even though the trigger on the gun was allowing the water to flow. It took a friend who works on small engines to diagnose my problem. Not even certified pressure washer repair shops could find the problem. Their answer was "your engine has really good compression". Thanks to my friend Mike G. from Antioch, FL
Hey Steve, I am a retired math teacher with terrible mechanical aptitude. This video was the most well communicated and effective fix for one of my many mechanical crises. I always turn to UA-cam when I get stuck now and it allows me to succeed with basic jobs. I can’t thank you enough for your service. I hope you make some money doing this activity. You brought value to my situation. Thank you
I'm a Boomer and I always use UA-cam for fixing around the house. Imagine if we had this tool back in the day and all the money & frustration that could have been saved.
Right. Another great video by Steve. You can't compress a liquid because of the law of hydraulics. As you pull the starter rope you are filling the pump with water and increasing the resistance inside the pump until you break the rope. Release the pressure and the pressure washer starts right up. Thanks Steve!
The minute you started talking I knew exactly what you were talking about Cut grass and pressure wash have been doing it for 22 years I see this every day so my trying to start up a piece of equipment the wrong way I try to go over and help them A lot of the times people are welcome into your advice and are glad to learn the right way to do things keep up the good work your videos are Great education for people out there that don’t know what they’re doing
What a great tip. For certain I never knew that. I've been struggling with my pressure washer for years. You're never to old to learn new tricks. Thank you for sharing, this was very much appreciated. Wes
I honestly cannot believe the timing on this video, as this just happened to me today when rebuilding a pump for an older pressure washer! I assumed it was a build-up of pressure, and this video verified it for me! Thanks so much!
Hi. Thank you so much and God bless you. My pressure washer is new. My son needed a larger capacity so he had used it a couple of times and gave it to me. It's a new Craftsman and I was thrilled to get it. I took it to the outdoor power shop and had it serviced to make sure it didn't need anything. Guy said they don't normally work on pressure washers , but since mine had a Briggs and Stratton motor he would look at it, so they are great and said there was nothing wrong. When I started to use it today the cord was so tight I couldn't pull it out, that's when I googled and choose you. Thank you so much. Just built up pressure. How simple and straight forward. Nothing quite like good old common sense.
Great tip, love the video! One thing that has changed recently is that some pump manufacturers have started using "Easy start" valves that do allow you to start the engine without pulling the trigger on the gun. They're still pretty few and far between, but they are out there. I revived a pressure washer recently with an Annovi Reverberi pump that I bought online, and the Easy Start pump was an option for $10 or so. I sprung for it, and it does work.
You are the best Steve. I was literally using mine yesterday to pressure wash my cedar fence. I wondered why it was so hard to pull and would snap back so violently. This was so valuable to me. I will also tell my wife because when I was doing this yesterday I thought my wife would never be able to start it, lol. Which is probably not true she is a lot smarter than I am. Cheer's!
I work at a retail chain that sells all the stuff you demo, We had a guy return a new pressure washer said it wouldn't run after he used it once, we emptied the gas and cleaned the plug , checked the plug, still nothing. So I came home looked up this video had a da moment, went back the next day, hooked the hose and gun up, relived the pressure and ta-da first pull it started , Thanks a bunch your the best!!!!
I fix allot of old pressure washers and I always show people that so they don’t end up combining back and complaining about a broken cord or it won’t start. These are allot of people that don’t know that. To me it’s common on sense. Thank Steve, great video.
I can't thank you enough! I thought I was going to have to take it apart and then I found your video. She started right up. You're awesome, thanks for saving my day!
What a great video! I've been playing around with engines both big and small for nearly 45 years and never experienced recoil starter kickback like this. I wish that my instructions on my new Husquarna pressure washer mentioned to hold the trigger during pull starting. Now, I may well need several hundred $ of P.T. I wish that I had seen this clip earlier. My hand is killing me. Thanks for taking the trouble to make this and post it. I'm sure that you will save many people from busted starters and much pain.
Good tip, pressure washers are equipped with an unloader valve to try to eliminate this problem (plus they allow the water to bypass when you release the wand trigger when the unit is running), but they usually don`t work that well and stick (hard water run through them doesn`t help) - especially when the unit sits unused for a while - I always started mine the way you said here.
Just bought a 1 year old pressure washer listed online. Was posted for parts or repair . They probably didn't release the pressure also because was told the cord got hard to pull and they yanked on it real hard and thought it was broken when the cord got lose .. got it cheap and a friend of mine worked on it and all that was wrong was the plastic wings that come out by the recoil and grab the flywheel had popped out of place . Nothing was broken . It's starting on the first pull .. Great video , I know to release the pressure before pulling the cord but didn't always know that as alot of people don't also . Thank you for the video
Thanks Steve. Me too, an 80+ old dog is learning a new trick. I almost gave up...And was lucky to see your advice. Thanks again, Steve, you saved me a service call.
I swear man you know everything. You were the one that taught me the trimmer bulb floods the machine and demoed keep pulling until air displaces the fuel. And from that I said he'll instead of killing my arm, I'll just pull the tube, press the bulb and suck all the fluid out and bam the air gets in with the proper fuel and it starts right up. Push fuel tube back on and get to work. I used to think that trimmer was a piece of shit and now it's flawless.
Fixed my problem in 10 minutes!!! Thought I had a bad spark plug, plugged carb or twisted starter cord. Resolved my exact issue and will make restarts easier next time after running out of gas. Thanks so much!
Great video..... My neighbor just gave me her like new pressure washer...had to replace the carb. ...runs like new..I'll remember to release pressure b4 starting...enjoy your Budweiser
First time I used my brand new pressure washer 10 years ago I just figured this out on my own. I could see how it could be frustrating if you weren’t able to figure it out though
Always very descriptive when speaking in your videos, you do a great job walking your audience through trouble shooting and the mechanics of the work. Thanks for what you do man, i have owned a struggling business for a year and a half now, this has saved me some money.
I just experienced that exact problem. It wouldn’t started was too hard to pull. Went to start the pressure washer two days later expecting the hard pull and it started right away and I couldn’t think what I did differently. Now realized the second time the pressure had been released.
Thank You Steve. We thought we broke it...and nowhere in the trouble shooting guide does it state to relieve pressure before pulling cord. You saved the day !
Absolutely Excellent Advise Steve. Broke my ring finger doing this exact thing a few years back. Temp was pretty cold outside and my hands were soapy from washing some equipment outside. Went to pull on starter rope and she ripped right out of my and and tried to take my finger with it !!! $6000 worth of surgery to put in couple screws and reattach tendon. Drank a lot of beer that summer (one handed obviously) !!
Wow! I borrowed my buddies pressure washer last weekend and I had this problem. I had to just walk away and leave it sit for a while whenever I couldn’t pull the rope. Great tip, Steve.
Steve I’m sitting in a campground drinking an ice cold mic light and your video pops up. I can’t tell you how much I look forward to your tips. Sorry about your recent loss brother. I’m gonna leave it at that from northern New Hampshire.
Good video Steve. That might work on most pressure washers but I've had two with the honda GCV190 engines that won't start even with the pressure washer hose completely open. I checked the flywheel key, the valve clearance, the pressure release mechanism, and when you pull the cord it will rip your hand off. Honda tells me it's the compression release mechanism and there is a recall on some of them for failing. It's only on the GCV engines
You’re a life saver! My daughter couldn’t figure out why our pressure washer wouldn’t start and what you showed was the exact problem! Who knew? Now we do! 😊
I just had this problem yesterday & just happened to turn on to your video. What a blessing to know this information. I could have broke my rope. Thank you Steve....
Great tip! By habit, I release the pressure the instant I shut the machine off, and sometimes even hold the trigger while I start the engine in case the unloader isn't cooperating. It's also especially difficult to disconnect the charged hose- and sometimes leads to missing teeth.
Wow, you literally just saved me time, money, frustration, and a world of stress. I just brought the dewalt 3600 and this video fixed my problem in less then a minute.
Steve! Thank you! I'm a homeowner, use my pressure washer two or three times a year, never knew that. Please don't think twice about making a video that you might think everyone is going to know about the topic. With 134K Subscribers now, plenty won't! Congratulations on that 134K by the way! With that, time for a beer!
WOW! Thank You !!!! I was ready to drain the oil tank and remove the carb. Every year it is a battle to start this thing. Now I know why. I used Steve's trick and it's almost no effort and one or two pulls to start it.
Before I watch,,,, when water is connected to pressure washer and turned on vent the handle. aka squeeze handle to elevate pressure. (????) Seen guys do this at work. I'm a Maintenance Tech, service and fix allot of different stuff. Steve your videos are just great, saved me allot of time. Saved me $$$ on my personal equipment. 👍👍👍
Very good video, happens all the time here. I must do two or three a week on pressure washers during the warm weather. Thanks Steve, keep up the awesome work. Appreciate all the effort to help us keep our equipment running, good day!
Omg. Thank you so much. My husband asked me to start pressure washing the siding on our house while he was gone and I started it while he was here to show him I could. Well he has left already and I couldn't get it started. It was . most definitely in the line. Released the pressure on wand and whal-a! It started. So off to work I go.
It's also good to shut it down the same way, press that trigger while you're shutting it down. This relieves the built up pressure from the pump. Those pumps are the weak link in most pressure washers and for that reason you have to be more careful starting, shutting down, and basic use. Another tip, don't let that engine run long periods of time with no pressure/water coming out of the nozzle. I know they have pressure relief but why put that strain on your pump, if you don't need it shut it down and for those times you're just pausing for some reason, ever few seconds or so point the wand away from you or others and just give it a quick trigger pull to dump that pressure. I definitely don't want to count on the relief to kick in. I've seen pumps fail over things like this. Good video and keep em coming.👍
You're correct in your assessment. But my 2 cents would go strait to another direction...Electric pressure washer. Given the chance getting rid of an ICE and all it's additional complexity, cost and maintenance is a blessing. For anyone with access to a power outlet, please be wise. Electric is a no brainer! ;-) I have them for ages, literally with zero maintenance or any attention. Other than roll the hoses/cable and put it aside. The ONLY one who ever broke was because I left it with water, outside in the Winter, totally forgot it! :-( It froze overnight and cracked the main unit. BTW In spite of spilling water from that Winter crack, the fact remain, it still work as usual... Curiously, or not, I do have a lot of mechanical experience and mechanical education to go along. Meaning ICE's don't scare me at all. ;-)
I always put a garden hose shut off between the hose and pump. That way I can start it then reach down and flip the water on. Been working for me great
First time I used my pressure washer I had the same problem. i called the company and the rep told me to do exactly what you did. I felt so stupid but will never forget.
Thanks Steve. I just got the Simpson 3200 psi washer and thats the first thing I noticed when I tried starting it. But wasn't quite sure why it was doing it. I happen to have a shutoff valve at the hose connection to the washer. Just for kicks I turned the valve off and it was easier to pull the cord. But apparently it was bc of water pressure in the pump. So must be that shutting the valve cut the pressure in the pump. But thanks for explaining this. Only thing I'm wondering about is I never had this issue with my old Excel pressure washer.
Great video Steve. I had to make a gas run once and my wife and her dad couldn't get the pressure washer started while I was gone. Guess what the problem was? Yep, one pull of the trigger and yank on the rope...magic. Thanks.
Hi Steve, Wow! Thank goodness 🙏 for UA-cam videos! I've always had a heck-of-a-time starting my DeWalt pressure washer when it's cold. I'm very grateful 🙏 for your video. Saved my poor shoulder! Well done!
I have a brass garden hose shutoff mounted at the hose inlet on the machine. Turn that off, garden hose on, start my Honda engine (one pull of course),open shutoff, water to the pump off I go. Works great and no dry pump.
Great video tutorial. In the past I've frequently hydro locked my pressure washer and this is the reason why. To fix it, I'd take out the spark plug, pull the starter rope several times to relieve the pressure, spray compressed air in the cylinder, dry the spark plug off, reinstall it and they start the engine. Your solution works much better.
Life saver, had the same problem, after using the washer for a half hour. Went to start again and the pulley was tight, releasing the pressure worked! Thanks! 🙏
Thanks Steve , mine is doing the same thing, only difference is there’s no water or hoses attached to the washer right now, it gets super hard at the third pull, I had shoulder surgery last year and this thing almost broke my shoulder again, it’s a Honda engine gx390 with 13hp , any thoughts?
Thanks so much for this very informative video. I was halfway through cleaning our stable yard and couldn’t get my pressure washer to restart. I pulled so hard on the chord , that I fell down hard onto my knees. After researching online, what the problem was, I came across your video. Worked perfect first time. Thanks.
Nice refresher! I've even known people who START the Pressure Washer, then Connect the Water and THEN turn on the Water... 🤪 Always pays to READ THE DIRECTIONS! Thanks Steve. 😎 Take care, 🤓 -Thomas Western Washington State
You can quickly over heat and burn up your unit Still smarter and safer to hold the handle in or at least quickly turn the water on while already connected to supply You won't ruin your pump.
You the man!! Just bought a new one yesterday and was going fine ..ran out of gas and filled it back up and would not start..was coming back inside to get receipt and take back when I thought to look what might be issue..found your video and was like no way...went outside and squeezed trigger on wand and sure enough, fist pull it started up! Thank you!
Great! That's exactly how I start mine! Off topic question, Back when I had my shop up and running how do you deal with a guy that you fix the blade clutch on a Honda mower for a landscape company, and proceeds to bring you a different mower back to you saying you didn't fix his clutch! I had all the numbers on the mower and could prove it wasn't the same machine! but Pissed me off so bad had! This on 3 different times! from different landscapers :(
Knowing the scam I think I'd be saying, after giving it back a few weeks later..."All "fixed", should be fine". Won't let them know I added sand to the oil.
The typical homeowner don't use their Pressure Washer often enough to keep it starting easy either, which makes it even worse. I've seen these things in mint condition sell for pennies because they were "hard to start" when it was the operator that was the problem. Great tip buddy, and I bet a lot of folks just learned a lesson. Cheers
WOW! Im a noob. Steve you saved my hands and my head from agony. This was the information I was looking for why I had hard pulls on my pressure washer. Your channel here is a great asset to the community on UA-cam. Thanks!
Thank you very much, thar was amazing and so simple. I checked this out because that happened to me last night and power washer wouldn't start and it was impossible to pull just about. I just showed my son who was helping me. He said "Now don't we feel silly"! You are the man!
Having read the starting instructions 30 plus years ago and continually thought the reason for running the water through the wand was to save the cat pump? There is something new every time I watch Steve in action. Thanks again
this how i do my pressure washers for while now i use a quick tie on my pistol trigger so i can keep open or closed by slipping quick tie up and down on the trigger so pull tie down on trigger so there is running water out gun with no tip in the gun or lancer both hands free to start engine no back pressure water while water running open this is the easiest way for me thought i share keep safe give it try let me know im using gx340 11hp with 4.5gpm pump 3600 psi
I actually figured this out by accident on my own today, I didn't hold the trigger down I removed the spray nozzle and let the water flow out that way then released it and started it. This makes a lot more sense, thank you. Also I wish my pull cord was in as a convenient spot as yours, my Kohler is mounted up high.
Steve! Great catch on those pull cords. This problem also exists for electric pressure washers, if you restart one with pressure in the line, the electric motor will draw enough current to pop the breaker. This is why my old school Karcher (brass pump!) doesn't have a regular power switch...it's a breaker.
Totally worked! Thank you so so so much! Brilliant! Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I thought I flooded the engine but it was the pressure had built up too much in the water line.
My pressure washer does this almost every single time after I have to start it the second time for the day while using it. Like when I take a break and come back. I kinda assumed it was too much pressure but wasn’t letting enough pressure out to start it because I wasn’t positive that was even it. Now I know! Thank you lots!
lol I just had that happen to me today with my rental unit. I thought I was doing something wrong and seized the engine up or something. Fortunately, I accidentally released the pressure in the spray wand and then it started right up, no trouble. Your video confirmed that was the problem. Thanks.
It's amazing how many people don't know the proper way to start equipment with small engines. I know a guy who for years didn't know about the decompression switch on his chainsaw. Thanks for the refresher Steve.
The electric start on my pressure washer just never had enough umph to kick the thing over and when I pulled on the rope, it was always took a really hard yank. Thanks to your video, and a five minute experiment, my electric start now works like it should have all along. Went back and looked in the instruction manual to see if it said anything about this and....crickets. Thanks a ton! Using two velcro strips now, one to hold the spray wand to the frame, business end pointing away from me and the washer, and the other to hold the trigger on. Sweet!
Great tip! Can you make a video on what happens when you release the trigger with the engine still running? I've heard that leaving it running without water passing through the pump can damage it. Thanks!
Hi ya, I think you need water on to stop the Piston in the pump from over heating and failing. The pump Piston is made from porcelain. That's what I was told.
After running my PW for awhile, I ran out of gas and tried to re-start the thing. Cord was hard to pull and I thought my engine had seized or something. Thanks Steve! Saved me from a lot of grief.
You should also prime it run the water through the hose about 5 minutes before you try to start it so the pump has good water in it don't run the pump Dry This gets rid of the air pockets in the hose
Thanks for the safety tip under the seat. I waa engaging blades after swapping them out for new ones, motor kept dying. It was the safety switch under seat not the blades. I though maybe I had put them on upside down or something so I changed them and it continued so you helped me find the solution to my problem and I turned the blades back like I orginally had them. Thanks!!!
There is a high pressure bypass valve on all pressure washers to prevent hydro lock. It activates anytime your unit is running and you are not pulling the trigger.
I had the same issue. Just got a new pressure washer and this happened on the 2nd pull. Couldn’t pull it and thought it was damaged. Thanks for the info.
✅Click here for a new starter ➜ amzn.to/2JgpoQ8
For more videos like this, check out:
👉How To Increase Your Pressure Washers Cleaning Power ➜ ua-cam.com/video/cMOhVxyV6AM/v-deo.html
👉How To Fix A Pressure Washer That Has Low Pressure ➜ ua-cam.com/video/rxdrJcptoGc/v-deo.html
👉How To Fix A Surging Engine On A Pressure Washer ➜ ua-cam.com/video/JOI293d8XUg/v-deo.html
You can connect with Steve here too:
✅Visit Steve’s WEBSITE ➜ www.stevessmallenginesaloon.com/
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Iiiiii
Hi Steve. Why does my PW stop a few minutes after running?
Dear Steve - I just purchased a Generac Pressure washer and tried to use it for the first time. Just be aware, mechanically endowed I am NOT. I used the washer until I ran out of gas and the unit stopped. I put in gas and tried to start the washer again and ran into exactly the problem you are discussing. I was able to pull the cord out just a little bit and couldn't get the unit to start. After watching this youtube video, I followed the steps you layed out and I brought the washer back to life. I just wanted to thank you for your help. Your video is clear, concise and saved me from returning the washer and looking like an idiot. Again, thanks for your help.
Rick
Thank You...and You're Welcome...
Thanks Steve I'm 83 and couldn't pull the cord this really helped thanks.
My last Pressure Washer had a bad part from the factory in the pump itself and that's why my rope kept breaking even though the trigger on the gun was allowing the water to flow. It took a friend who works on small engines to diagnose my problem. Not even certified pressure washer repair shops could find the problem. Their answer was "your engine has really good compression". Thanks to my friend Mike G. from Antioch, FL
Right on Tony...
Hey Steve, I am a retired math teacher with terrible mechanical aptitude. This video was the most well communicated and effective fix for one of my many mechanical crises. I always turn to UA-cam when I get stuck now and it allows me to succeed with basic jobs. I can’t thank you enough for your service. I hope you make some money doing this activity. You brought value to my situation. Thank you
Right on Paul! Happy to help...
I'm a Boomer and I always use UA-cam for fixing around the house. Imagine if we had this tool back in the day and all the money & frustration that could have been saved.
Right. Another great video by Steve. You can't compress a liquid because of the law of hydraulics. As you pull the starter rope you are filling the pump with water and increasing the resistance inside the pump until you break the rope. Release the pressure and the pressure washer starts right up. Thanks Steve!
You're Welcome...
To everyone reading this, this video is almost 4 years old. Don't cancel him over the beer.
The minute you started talking I knew exactly what you were talking about Cut grass and pressure wash have been doing it for 22 years I see this every day so my trying to start up a piece of equipment the wrong way I try to go over and help them A lot of the times people are welcome into your advice and are glad to learn the right way to do things keep up the good work your videos are Great education for people out there that don’t know what they’re doing
What a great tip. For certain I never knew that. I've been struggling with my pressure washer for years. You're never to old to learn new tricks. Thank you for sharing, this was very much appreciated.
Wes
Glad I could help!
I honestly cannot believe the timing on this video, as this just happened to me today when rebuilding a pump for an older pressure washer! I assumed it was a build-up of pressure, and this video verified it for me! Thanks so much!
You're Welcome...
Nice to see someone actually explain this.
Hi. Thank you so much and God bless you. My pressure washer is new. My son needed a larger capacity so he had used it a couple of times and gave it to me. It's a new Craftsman and I was thrilled to get it. I took it to the outdoor power shop and had it serviced to make sure it didn't need anything. Guy said they don't normally work on pressure washers , but since mine had a Briggs and Stratton motor he would look at it, so they are great and said there was nothing wrong. When I started to use it today the cord was so tight I couldn't pull it out, that's when I googled and choose you. Thank you so much. Just built up pressure. How simple and straight forward. Nothing quite like good old common sense.
Great tip, love the video!
One thing that has changed recently is that some pump manufacturers have started using "Easy start" valves that do allow you to start the engine without pulling the trigger on the gun. They're still pretty few and far between, but they are out there. I revived a pressure washer recently with an Annovi Reverberi pump that I bought online, and the Easy Start pump was an option for $10 or so. I sprung for it, and it does work.
Loved your Video!
answered my question with out talking down to me!
Perfect!
You are the best Steve. I was literally using mine yesterday to pressure wash my cedar fence. I wondered why it was so hard to pull and would snap back so violently. This was so valuable to me. I will also tell my wife because when I was doing this yesterday I thought my wife would never be able to start it, lol. Which is probably not true she is a lot smarter than I am. Cheer's!
Right on Ricky! Thank You...
I work at a retail chain that sells all the stuff you demo, We had a guy return a new pressure washer said it wouldn't run after he used it once, we emptied the gas and cleaned the plug , checked the plug, still nothing. So I came home looked up this video had a da moment, went back the next day, hooked the hose and gun up, relived the pressure and ta-da first pull it started , Thanks a bunch your the best!!!!
You're Welcome...and Thank You...
Great advice Steve. Also don't forget to pull the trigger to release the pressure when you have stopped the engine and finished washing.
Thank You...
I fix allot of old pressure washers and I always show people that so they don’t end up combining back and complaining about a broken cord or it won’t start. These are allot of people that don’t know that. To me it’s common on sense. Thank Steve, great video.
You're Welcome...and Thank You...
I can't thank you enough! I thought I was going to have to take it apart and then I found your video. She started right up. You're awesome, thanks for saving my day!
You're Welcome...
What a great video! I've been playing around with engines both big and small for nearly 45 years and never experienced recoil starter kickback like this. I wish that my instructions on my new Husquarna pressure washer mentioned to hold the trigger during pull starting. Now, I may well need several hundred $ of P.T. I wish that I had seen this clip earlier. My hand is killing me. Thanks for taking the trouble to make this and post it. I'm sure that you will save many people from busted starters and much pain.
Thank You...
I had to learn this the hard way some years ago.
Always a pleasure. Have a wonderful weekend!
Yup, nothing like having your fingers pulled off when trying to start your pressure washer.
Thank You...
@@BryantWhite86 or pull your arm out of it's socket.😎
Good tip, pressure washers are equipped with an unloader valve to try to eliminate this problem (plus they allow the water to bypass when you release the wand trigger when the unit is running), but they usually don`t work that well and stick (hard water run through them doesn`t help) - especially when the unit sits unused for a while - I always started mine the way you said here.
Right on Scott...
Thanks for this and all your small engine advice! When you are handicapped on a fixed income your information sure does help us thank you
You're Welcome...
Just bought a 1 year old pressure washer listed online. Was posted for parts or repair . They probably didn't release the pressure also because was told the cord got hard to pull and they yanked on it real hard and thought it was broken when the cord got lose .. got it cheap and a friend of mine worked on it and all that was wrong was the plastic wings that come out by the recoil and grab the flywheel had popped out of place . Nothing was broken . It's starting on the first pull .. Great video , I know to release the pressure before pulling the cord but didn't always know that as alot of people don't also . Thank you for the video
Good score!
Thanks Steve an old man just learned a new trick-----good day.
You're Welcome...
Thanks Steve. Me too, an 80+ old dog is learning a new trick. I almost gave up...And was lucky to see your advice. Thanks again, Steve, you saved me a service call.
Another old guy I learned too
I swear man you know everything. You were the one that taught me the trimmer bulb floods the machine and demoed keep pulling until air displaces the fuel. And from that I said he'll instead of killing my arm, I'll just pull the tube, press the bulb and suck all the fluid out and bam the air gets in with the proper fuel and it starts right up. Push fuel tube back on and get to work. I used to think that trimmer was a piece of shit and now it's flawless.
Fixed my problem in 10 minutes!!! Thought I had a bad spark plug, plugged carb or twisted starter cord. Resolved my exact issue and will make restarts easier next time after running out of gas. Thanks so much!
Glad it helped
Great video.....
My neighbor just gave me her like new pressure washer...had to replace the carb. ...runs like new..I'll remember to release pressure b4 starting...enjoy your Budweiser
First time I used my brand new pressure washer 10 years ago I just figured this out on my own. I could see how it could be frustrating if you weren’t able to figure it out though
I got a free one the other day same issue ...hard to pull,tomorrow I’ll check it out... thanks
Good luck bud...
Always very descriptive when speaking in your videos, you do a great job walking your audience through trouble shooting and the mechanics of the work. Thanks for what you do man, i have owned a struggling business for a year and a half now, this has saved me some money.
Right on Clyde...
I just experienced that exact problem. It wouldn’t started was too hard to pull. Went to start the pressure washer two days later expecting the hard pull and it started right away and I couldn’t think what I did differently. Now realized the second time the pressure had been released.
Right on ...
Thank You Steve. We thought we broke it...and nowhere in the trouble shooting guide does it state to relieve pressure before pulling cord. You saved the day !
Awesome!
Absolutely Excellent Advise Steve. Broke my ring finger doing this exact thing a few years back. Temp was pretty cold outside and my hands were soapy from washing some equipment outside. Went to pull on starter rope and she ripped right out of my and and tried to take my finger with it !!! $6000 worth of surgery to put in couple screws and reattach tendon. Drank a lot of beer that summer (one handed obviously) !!
Indiana H. Penny yikes!! Expensive education.
Wow! I borrowed my buddies pressure washer last weekend and I had this problem. I had to just walk away and leave it sit for a while whenever I couldn’t pull the rope. Great tip, Steve.
Thank You...
I was today years old when learned this trick! Had no idea why my pressure washer was so hard to start sometimes! Thank you!
Glad I could help!
Steve I’m sitting in a campground drinking an ice cold mic light and your video pops up. I can’t tell you how much I look forward to your tips. Sorry about your recent loss brother. I’m gonna leave it at that from northern New Hampshire.
Right on Chris...
Good video Steve. That might work on most pressure washers but I've had two with the honda GCV190 engines that won't start even with the pressure washer hose completely open. I checked the flywheel key, the valve clearance, the pressure release mechanism, and when you pull the cord it will rip your hand off. Honda tells me it's the compression release mechanism and there is a recall on some of them for failing. It's only on the GCV engines
You’re a life saver! My daughter couldn’t figure out why our pressure washer wouldn’t start and what you showed was the exact problem! Who knew? Now we do! 😊
Cool!
I just had this problem yesterday & just happened to turn on to your video. What a blessing to know this information. I could have broke my rope. Thank you Steve....
You are so welcome
Great tip!
By habit, I release the pressure the instant I shut the machine off, and sometimes even hold the trigger while I start the engine in case the unloader isn't cooperating. It's also especially difficult to disconnect the charged hose- and sometimes leads to missing teeth.
I got into the habit of releasing the pressure on accident. I had to squeeze the trigger to be able to stow the hose.
Wow, you literally just saved me time, money, frustration, and a world of stress. I just brought the dewalt 3600 and this video fixed my problem in less then a minute.
Awesome! Thank You...
Steve! Thank you! I'm a homeowner, use my pressure washer two or three times a year, never knew that. Please don't think twice about making a video that you might think everyone is going to know about the topic. With 134K Subscribers now, plenty won't! Congratulations on that 134K by the way! With that, time for a beer!
Right on Buddy...
WOW! Thank You !!!! I was ready to drain the oil tank and remove the carb. Every year it is a battle to start this thing. Now I know why. I used Steve's trick and it's almost no effort and one or two pulls to start it.
Glad it helped
Best tip I’ve heard in a long time. Thank you sir
You're Welcome...
Before I watch,,,, when water is connected to pressure washer and turned on vent the handle. aka squeeze handle to elevate pressure. (????) Seen guys do this at work.
I'm a Maintenance Tech, service and fix allot of different stuff. Steve your videos are just great, saved me allot of time. Saved me $$$ on my personal equipment. 👍👍👍
Right on ....
Very good video, happens all the time here. I must do two or three a week on pressure washers during the warm weather. Thanks Steve, keep up the awesome work. Appreciate all the effort to help us keep our equipment running, good day!
Thank You...and You're Welcome...
Mind blown. 40 years of doing it wrong... thanks a million. You sir will receive a like from me here in Houston!
Thank You...
Omg. Thank you so much. My husband asked me to start pressure washing the siding on our house while he was gone and I started it while he was here to show him I could. Well he has left already and I couldn't get it started. It was . most definitely in the line. Released the pressure on wand and whal-a! It started. So off to work I go.
You are so welcome!
It's also good to shut it down the same way, press that trigger while you're shutting it down. This relieves the built up pressure from the pump. Those pumps are the weak link in most pressure washers and for that reason you have to be more careful starting, shutting down, and basic use. Another tip, don't let that engine run long periods of time with no pressure/water coming out of the nozzle. I know they have pressure relief but why put that strain on your pump, if you don't need it shut it down and for those times you're just pausing for some reason, ever few seconds or so point the wand away from you or others and just give it a quick trigger pull to dump that pressure. I definitely don't want to count on the relief to kick in. I've seen pumps fail over things like this.
Good video and keep em coming.👍
You're correct in your assessment. But my 2 cents would go strait to another direction...Electric pressure washer. Given the chance getting rid of an ICE and all it's additional complexity, cost and maintenance is a blessing.
For anyone with access to a power outlet, please be wise. Electric is a no brainer! ;-)
I have them for ages, literally with zero maintenance or any attention. Other than roll the hoses/cable and put it aside. The ONLY one who ever broke was because I left it with water, outside in the Winter, totally forgot it! :-( It froze overnight and cracked the main unit.
BTW In spite of spilling water from that Winter crack, the fact remain, it still work as usual...
Curiously, or not, I do have a lot of mechanical experience and mechanical education to go along. Meaning ICE's don't scare me at all. ;-)
I always put a garden hose shut off between the hose and pump. That way I can start it then reach down and flip the water on. Been working for me great
First time I used my pressure washer I had the same problem. i called the company and the rep told me to do exactly what you did. I felt so stupid but will never forget.
Right on Frank!
Thanks Steve. I just got the Simpson 3200 psi washer and thats the first thing I noticed when I tried starting it. But wasn't quite sure why it was doing it. I happen to have a shutoff valve at the hose connection to the washer. Just for kicks I turned the valve off and it was easier to pull the cord. But apparently it was bc of water pressure in the pump. So must be that shutting the valve cut the pressure in the pump. But thanks for explaining this. Only thing I'm wondering about is I never had this issue with my old Excel pressure washer.
Great video Steve. I had to make a gas run once and my wife and her dad couldn't get the pressure washer started while I was gone. Guess what the problem was? Yep, one pull of the trigger and yank on the rope...magic. Thanks.
Right on ....
Good tip as usual Steve thanks.
Hi Steve,
Wow! Thank goodness 🙏 for UA-cam videos!
I've always had a heck-of-a-time starting my DeWalt pressure washer when it's cold.
I'm very grateful 🙏 for your video. Saved my poor shoulder!
Well done!
Great to hear!
I have a brass garden hose shutoff mounted at the hose inlet on the machine. Turn that off, garden hose on, start my Honda engine (one pull of course),open shutoff, water to the pump off I go. Works great and no dry pump.
Great video tutorial. In the past I've frequently hydro locked my pressure washer and this is the reason why. To fix it, I'd take out the spark plug, pull the starter rope several times to relieve the pressure, spray compressed air in the cylinder, dry the spark plug off, reinstall it and they start the engine. Your solution works much better.
Thank You...
Great tip Steve. My actual gas pressure washer pisses water thru the nozzle automatically to avoid that. Got it from Princess Auto haha.
Mine did the same thing.. You can take the handle apart and replace the oring on the plunger. I did that a few times. Hope this helps ya.
Life saver, had the same problem, after using the washer for a half hour. Went to start again and the pulley was tight, releasing the pressure worked! Thanks! 🙏
You're Welcome...
Thank you, I learned something today. At times when I couldn’t get it started at first try that was happening to me.
You're Welcome...
Wow. Struggled for two days until I watched this. Felt like an idiot but so grateful and now I can finish my chores. Thanks!!
You're Welcome...
Thanks Steve , mine is doing the same thing, only difference is there’s no water or hoses attached to the washer right now, it gets super hard at the third pull, I had shoulder surgery last year and this thing almost broke my shoulder again, it’s a Honda engine gx390 with 13hp , any thoughts?
Thanks so much for this very informative video. I was halfway through cleaning our stable yard and couldn’t get my pressure washer to restart. I pulled so hard on the chord , that I fell down hard onto my knees. After researching online, what the problem was, I came across your video. Worked perfect first time. Thanks.
You are so welcome!
@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon thanks again.
Nice refresher!
I've even known people who START the Pressure Washer, then Connect the Water and THEN turn on the Water... 🤪
Always pays to READ THE DIRECTIONS!
Thanks Steve. 😎
Take care,
🤓 -Thomas
Western Washington State
You can quickly over heat and burn up your unit
Still smarter and safer to hold the handle in or at least quickly turn the water on while already connected to supply
You won't ruin your pump.
Great video. There are a lot of people out there that do not know about this. Have "fixed" several powerwashers with the same problem. Thank you.
Right on
Great video. I had no idea about this but it makes perfect sense. Thank you.
Thank You...and You're Welcome...
You the man!! Just bought a new one yesterday and was going fine ..ran out of gas and filled it back up and would not start..was coming back inside to get receipt and take back when I thought to look what might be issue..found your video and was like no way...went outside and squeezed trigger on wand and sure enough, fist pull it started up! Thank you!
Glad it helped
Great! That's exactly how I start mine! Off topic question, Back when I had my shop up and running how do you deal with a guy that you fix the blade clutch on a Honda mower for a landscape company, and proceeds to bring you a different mower back to you saying you didn't fix his clutch! I had all the numbers on the mower and could prove it wasn't the same machine! but Pissed me off so bad had! This on 3 different times! from different landscapers :(
Document the SN on the receipt.
Knowing the scam I think I'd be saying, after giving it back a few weeks later..."All "fixed", should be fine". Won't let them know I added sand to the oil.
I'm here for the same reason you are - and now I'm happily back to pressure washing! Thanks Steve.
You're Welcome...
The typical homeowner don't use their Pressure Washer often enough to keep it starting easy either, which makes it even worse. I've seen these things in mint condition sell for pennies because they were "hard to start" when it was the operator that was the problem. Great tip buddy, and I bet a lot of folks just learned a lesson. Cheers
Thanks Marty...
WOW! Im a noob. Steve you saved my hands and my head from agony. This was the information I was looking for why I had hard pulls on my pressure washer. Your channel here is a great asset to the community on UA-cam. Thanks!
You're Welcome...
Makes sense Steve.
Thank you!
You're Welcome...
Thank you very much, thar was amazing and so simple. I checked this out because that happened to me last night and power washer wouldn't start and it was impossible to pull just about. I just showed my son who was helping me. He said "Now don't we feel silly"! You are the man!
Great to hear!
Thank you Steve. Great tip. I wrap the wand handle with a small bungee or string or tape to keep it always depressed. (Is that ok?)
That's the way I am going to do it!
I use one of those Velcro cord wrappers you can get at any big box store. It attaches to the handle and it works with ease!
Scott69Fan my
Having read the starting instructions 30 plus years ago and continually thought the reason for running the water through the wand was to save the cat pump?
There is something new every time I watch Steve in action.
Thanks again
You're Welcome...
this how i do my pressure washers for while now i use a quick tie on my pistol trigger so i can keep open or closed by slipping quick tie up and down on the trigger so pull tie down on trigger so there is running water out gun with no tip in the gun or lancer both hands free to start engine no back pressure water while water running open this is the easiest way for me thought i share keep safe give it try let me know im using gx340 11hp with 4.5gpm pump 3600 psi
I actually figured this out by accident on my own today, I didn't hold the trigger down I removed the spray nozzle and let the water flow out that way then released it and started it. This makes a lot more sense, thank you. Also I wish my pull cord was in as a convenient spot as yours, my Kohler is mounted up high.
I was a little worried that you weren't going to drink that beer but you came through at the end ! Great video thanks man !
Right on Ed...
This video is still saving pressure washer lives to this day. Thank you!
Huh.. I don't have a gas powered pressure washer but I'll still look like a genius if I run into someone with that problem. Nice. :D
Right on Stevo...
Steve! Great catch on those pull cords. This problem also exists for electric pressure washers, if you restart one with pressure in the line, the electric motor will draw enough current to pop the breaker.
This is why my old school Karcher (brass pump!) doesn't have a regular power switch...it's a breaker.
Totally worked! Thank you so so so much! Brilliant! Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I thought I flooded the engine but it was the pressure had built up too much in the water line.
Right on
I’m so glad you taught this. Thank you.👍🏻
You're Welcome...
My pressure washer does this almost every single time after I have to start it the second time for the day while using it. Like when I take a break and come back.
I kinda assumed it was too much pressure but wasn’t letting enough pressure out to start it because I wasn’t positive that was even it. Now I know! Thank you lots!
You're Welcome...
Wow, very interesting! I didn't know this, thank you so much for the tutorial.
You're Welcome...
Thank you for such a simple fix. I was having the exact starting problem in your video with my year old Simpson pressure washer.
You're Welcome...
Wow !!!....Thanks Steve....Have you repaired electric pressure washers ? Or do you only specialize in gas driven machines ?
Good question
Thanks Steve I just damaged the rope/spring and hence I am watched your channel. Thanks for the clarification, I will certainly do better next time
Glad to help
Sweet...2,635th!!
Nice job, can't believe I've never thought of that! Thanks
You're Welcome...
lol I just had that happen to me today with my rental unit. I thought I was doing something wrong and seized the engine up or something. Fortunately, I accidentally released the pressure in the spray wand and then it started right up, no trouble. Your video confirmed that was the problem. Thanks.
You're Welcome...
It's amazing how many people don't know the proper way to start equipment with small engines. I know a guy who for years didn't know about the decompression switch on his chainsaw. Thanks for the refresher Steve.
You're Welcome...
The electric start on my pressure washer just never had enough umph to kick the thing over and when I pulled on the rope, it was always took a really hard yank. Thanks to your video, and a five minute experiment, my electric start now works like it should have all along. Went back and looked in the instruction manual to see if it said anything about this and....crickets. Thanks a ton! Using two velcro strips now, one to hold the spray wand to the frame, business end pointing away from me and the washer, and the other to hold the trigger on. Sweet!
You hit the nail on the head with that one some people are you say are hoser heads😁😁😁😁😁😁
LOL! Take off eh....
Just bought my first pressure washer and didn't know this, VERY VALUABLE INFORMATION and a BIG THANK YOU!!!
You're Welcome...
Great tip! Can you make a video on what happens when you release the trigger with the engine still running? I've heard that leaving it running without water passing through the pump can damage it. Thanks!
I was told the same thing, that the water keeps the pump from seizing
Hi ya, I think you need water on to stop the Piston in the pump from over heating and failing. The pump Piston is made from porcelain. That's what I was told.
After running my PW for awhile, I ran out of gas and tried to re-start the thing. Cord was hard to pull and I thought my engine had seized or something. Thanks Steve! Saved me from a lot of grief.
You're Welcome...
I froze and cracked the pump ... first winter. Thank you sir :)
Keep doing the great videos. Love them.
Right on
You should also prime it run the water through the hose about 5 minutes before you try to start it so the pump has good water in it don't run the pump Dry
This gets rid of the air pockets in the hose
Good luck guy. I Got one word for you . . . Hydrolock!
You are exactly right
Thanks for the safety tip under the seat. I waa engaging blades after swapping them out for new ones, motor kept dying. It was the safety switch under seat not the blades. I though maybe I had put them on upside down or something so I changed them and it continued so you helped me find the solution to my problem and I turned the blades back like I orginally had them. Thanks!!!
You're Welcome...
It is called hydrolock (water does not compress). Usually in the owner's manual. Read it, people.
RTFM Read The F&#@$ Manual :)
There is a high pressure bypass valve on all pressure washers to prevent hydro lock. It activates anytime your unit is running and you are not pulling the trigger.
I had the same issue. Just got a new pressure washer and this happened on the 2nd pull. Couldn’t pull it and thought it was damaged.
Thanks for the info.
You're Welcome...
I got a new pressure washer as well. It didn't start. Hopefully the trick helps.
Does the wand kick back while you remain pressing it?
Luis Cancino - No it didn’t kick back. It released the pressure and then I was able to pull start it.