Your pressure washer is one of the most valuable tools in your home improvement arsenal. But when the motor stops working, it can be a major inconvenience. Not only can you not use your pressure washer to clean your home or property, but you may also be left with a mess to clean up.
If your pressure washer motor isn’t working, don’t despair. In this troubleshooting guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to diagnose and fix the problem. We’ll also provide tips on how to prevent future problems.
So whether your pressure washer motor is making strange noises, not starting, or not producing enough pressure, we’ve got you covered.
Why Pressure Washer Motor Not Working
No power to the motor
The pressure washer is not plugged in
The power cord is damaged
The outlet is not working
The pressure washer’s circuit breaker is tripped
The pressure washer’s thermal overload protector has tripped
Clogged water inlet
The water inlet filter is clogged
The water inlet hose is kinked
The water inlet valve is closed
Clogged air filter
The air filter is dirty
The air filter is installed incorrectly
Engine not getting enough fuel
The fuel tank is empty
The fuel line is clogged
The fuel filter is clogged
The carburetor is dirty
The fuel pump is not working
Engine not getting enough air
The air filter is dirty
The carburetor is dirty
The spark plugs are fouled
The valves are stuck
Engine not getting enough spark
The spark plugs are damaged
The spark plug wires are damaged
The ignition coil is damaged
The ignition module is damaged
How to Troubleshoot And Fix: Pressure Washer Motor Not Working
Symptoms of a Pressure Washer Motor Not Working
There are a few different symptoms that can indicate that your pressure washer motor is not working properly. These include:
The pressure washer won’t start at all
The pressure washer starts but won’t build pressure
The pressure washer builds pressure but then loses it quickly
The pressure washer makes a strange noise
The pressure washer leaks oil
Troubleshooting a Pressure Washer Motor Not Working
If your pressure washer motor is not working, the first thing you need to do is troubleshoot the problem to determine what is causing it. Here are a few things you can check:
Check the power cord:
Make sure that the power cord is plugged in securely and that the outlet is working.
Check the fuse:
If your pressure washer has a fuse, check to make sure that it is not blown.
Check the oil level:
If the oil level is low, add oil to the pressure washer until it reaches the full mark.
Check the air filter:
If the air filter is dirty, clean it or replace it.
Check the spark plug:
If the spark plug is fouled or damaged, replace it.
How to Fix a Pressure Washer Motor Not Working
Once you have determined the cause of the problem, you can fix the pressure washer motor. Here are a few things you can do:
Replace the power cord:
If the power cord is damaged, replace it with a new one.
Replace the fuse:
If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one of the same amperage.
Add oil to the pressure washer:
If the oil level is low, add oil to the pressure washer until it reaches the full mark.
Clean the air filter:
If the air filter is dirty, clean it with a brush or replace it with a new one.
Replace the spark plug:
If the spark plug is fouled or damaged, replace it with a new one.
Preventing Pressure Washer Motor Problems
The best way to prevent pressure washer motor problems is to properly maintain your pressure washer. Here are a few things you can do to keep your pressure washer motor running smoothly:
Use the right oil:
Use the type of oil specified in your pressure washer’s owner’s manual.
Change the oil regularly:
Change the oil in your pressure washer according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Clean the air filter regularly:
Clean the air filter in your pressure washer every few months or as needed.
Inspect the spark plug regularly:
Inspect the spark plug in your pressure washer every few months or as needed. Replace the spark plug if it is fouled or damaged.
By following these tips, you can help prevent pressure washer motor problems and keep your pressure washer running smoothly for years to come.
FAQs: Pressure Washer Motor Not Working
Why is my pressure washer motor not working?
There are a few possible reasons why your pressure washer motor might not be working. Here are some of the most common causes:
The motor is not getting enough power: This could be due to a problem with the power cord, the outlet, or the pressure washer’s electrical system.
The motor is overheating: This could be caused by a problem with the cooling fan, the thermostat, or the motor itself.
The motor is seized: This could be caused by a lack of lubrication, dirt or debris in the motor, or a mechanical problem.
The motor is worn out: This could be caused by age, excessive use, or a lack of maintenance.
How do I troubleshoot a pressure washer motor that’s not working?
If your pressure washer motor is not working, you can troubleshoot the problem by following these steps:
1. Check the power cord and outlet: Make sure that the power cord is plugged into an outlet that is working properly. Also, check the power cord for any damage.
2. Check the pressure washer’s electrical system: If the power cord is not the problem, you can check the pressure washer’s electrical system. To do this, you will need to open the pressure washer’s housing and look for any loose or damaged wires. You should also check the pressure washer’s circuit board for any signs of damage.
3. Check the cooling fan: If the pressure washer’s electrical system is not the problem, you can check the cooling fan. To do this, you will need to remove the fan cover and look for any damage to the fan blades or the motor shaft.
4. Check the thermostat: If the cooling fan is not the problem, you can check the thermostat. To do this, you will need to remove the thermostat housing and look for any damage to the thermostat.
5. Check the motor: If the cooling fan, thermostat, and electrical system are not the problem, you can check the motor itself. To do this, you will need to remove the motor from the pressure washer and look for any damage to the motor windings or the bearings.
How do I fix a pressure washer motor that’s not working?
Once you have diagnosed the problem with your pressure washer motor, you can fix it by following these steps:
1. Replace the power cord or outlet: If the power cord or outlet is the problem, you can simply replace it with a new one.
2. Repair the electrical system: If the electrical system is the problem, you will need to repair or replace any damaged wires or components.
3. Replace the cooling fan: If the cooling fan is the problem, you can simply replace it with a new one.
4. Replace the thermostat: If the thermostat is the problem, you can simply replace it with a new one.
5. Replace the motor: If the motor is the problem, you will need to replace it with a new one.
How can I prevent my pressure washer motor from breaking down?
There are a few things you can do to prevent your pressure washer motor from breaking down:
Use the pressure washer properly: Make sure that you are using the pressure washer for the correct tasks and that you are not overloading it.
Maintain the pressure washer regularly: This includes cleaning the pressure washer after each use, changing the oil and filter regularly, and inspecting the pressure washer for any damage.
Store the pressure washer properly: When you are not using the pressure washer, store it in a cool, dry place.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent your pressure washer motor from breaking down.
Also Read: Pressure Washer Not Working Electric
