When your pressure washer fails to start after pulling trigger, it is a specific kind of fear. It is feeling of having waited for sun to warm up the patio perfectly, or having spent whole morning cleaning the driveway. You’re ready to go, but that hulking, silent piece of machinery won’t cooperate.
It is almost as if it can sense you aren’t quite ready to break out hose and soap, and it judges you more than match. That happens all too much; fortunately, it’s usually not a disaster. More often then not, a little understanding (and a couple minutes) will help you diagnose a minor hiccup in fuel system or a simple safety interlock.
Pressure washers from Craftsman is built to last. They also come loaded with some safety measures which might seem a little overboard at times. The key is learning what goes through its mind and how to make it go.
Don’t let yourself believe that you have to be some sort of master mechanic to diagnose your washer when it won’t start. Just look at it logicaly and run down the list. Check basics first.
Don’t waste time taking it in, nor buying another one if you don’t have to. Get that thing fired up and back to busting butt on cleaning off dirt. Let’s start with fuel; nothing kills small engine faster than old gas.
Simple Steps To Fix Craftsman Pressure Washer
Diagnosing Fuel System Issues
Maybe you put some in your Craftsman washer last month. It’s been sitting in the garage for more than a month, and now what? The ethanol separates from the fuel creating type of sludge or varnish that plugs carburetor jets.
The motor cranks but won’t fire. Why? Because it can’t get any fuel, it’s starved for good clean fuel.
Topping off with new fuel and draining out old often cures this immediatly. It is an easy solution but it is important. Running stale fuel can cause bigger carburetor problems down the road.
Checking the Spark Plug
Second, examine spark plug. The little guy lights up air-fuel mixture. It won’t work well, or at all, if carbon buildup coats it or gap is too large.
Getting the plug out takes a socket wrench (a homeowner staple). Checking it involves looking for dirt or excessive wear on electrode. Replace it with new plug or clean it with a wire brush.
Cheap. And that’s where folks screw up: When their engine won’t start, they think it’s bad instead of needing a new spark. In humid conditions, a quality plug means starting trouble-free.
Throttle and Choke Settings
Be sure to also pay attention to throttle and choke settings. Starting a cold engine has everything to do with the right settings on those two knobs. So the choke knob is turned into closed position before attempting to crank the engine over.
This closes off intake so the engine can take more fuel (enriching the mix) and give it time to fire up. Then you open the choke after it fires. Set the throttle to the START position, which is usually marked by an engine symbol on the knob.
Set them wrong and you won’t have enough air or too much air and it won’t start. It is a small detail, but it makes all difference. Your Craftsman model manual will explain proper starting procedure.
Water Flow and Safety Switches
It is also important that some water flows through pump. When you pull starter cord of most Craftsman models, the motor cuts out if there’s no flow of water (to prevent damage to the pump from overheating). Before starting, make sure your garden hose is properly connected and fully open.
This thermal overload switch tripping can also alert you to any blockage in water flow. Again: That’s a good thing; it’s protecting your investment. If the water flow are restricted, the thermal overload switch will trip to prevent pump from overheating and damaging itself.
Trigger Lock and Safety Features
Finally, think about safety features of the wand and the gun itself. Most guns includes a valve that must be fully depressed or locked in place before engine will start. That protects operator and helps prevent spraying accidents.
The safety switch blocks ignition if trigger isn’t pulled just so. It is a simple mechanical block you might overlook. Make sure wand is seated securely and all connection are snug.
A loose connection can break the circuit. Even when it seems like it’s getting in your way, the machine was designed to keep you safe. Most Craftsman pressure washer no-starts aren’t complicated repairs, they’re simply a matter of methodically going through your checklist.
Fresh fuel. Check spark plug for cleanliness. Ensure there is enough water flow.
That will cover most or all no-start situations. Chances are you’ll see the answer staring you in face. Breathe deep, go back to basics, and enjoy the satisfaction of blasting away winter’s grime with a powerful stream of water.
Your driveway will be grateful.