Why Does My Pressure Washer Keep Cutting Out?

Why does your pressure washer keep cutting out?

The reason your pressure washer keeps cutting out is because there is a problem with your power supply or the fuel filter is clogged. A clogged carburetor due to leftover fuel in the tank or a dirty air filter is another reason your pressure washer keeps cutting out.

 

 

Problem with power supply

The most basic reason a pressure washer will keep cutting out is because there is a problem with the power supply. Always double-check the plug; during usage, it’s easy to get carried away and overextend the cable. This can temporarily disconnect the plug from the outlet causing your pressure washer to cut out.

The use of an extension cable is another common power supply problem; however, most manufacturers advise against using any extension cable longer than 30 feet (10 meters) or with a continuous 13-amp rating. Check the extension cable’s plug connections and make sure the cable is completely unwound before using it.

 

Clogged fuel filter

Fuel filters, like carburetors, become clogged when fuel is left in the tank for an extended period, and it becomes sticky as some constituents evaporate. This is another probable cause of your pressure washer starting and stopping after a few minutes. If the fuel filter becomes blocked, the fuel will not enter the carburetor.

To resolve this, you must change the fuel filter. See our guide below on how to replace the fuel filter.

 

Clogged carburetor

If your pressure washer keeps cutting out, the most common cause is a blocked carburetor. When you leave fuel in the tank of your pressure washer for an extended time, some of it evaporates. This produces a sticky, viscous substance that might clog the carburetor.

If you’ve been keeping your pressure washer for a long time and it dies after a few minutes you put it on, you first should inspect the carburetor. If the carburetor is clogged, cleaning it will solve the problem. Check our guide below to see how you can clean a carburetor step by step.

 

Dirty air filter

For your pressure washer to function effectively, there needs to be a steady flow of air going into the carburetor. Air filters help to keep dust, debris, and grime out of the engine and carburetor. However, if the air filter is dirty, it will restrict the amount of air that enters the carburetor and cause the engine to stall.

When this happens, you need to replace the air filter. See our guide below on how to gradually replace the air filter.

 

How to fix a pressure washer that keeps cutting out?

You can fix a pressure washer that keeps cutting out by replacing the fuel filter. Cleaning the carburetor or replacing the air filter is another method you can use to fix a pressure washer that keeps cutting out.

 

Replace fuel filter

You need to replace the fuel filter in your pressure washer if the fuel in your tank is old or bad. Old or bad fuel will clog the fuel filter and keep your pressure washer cutting out. Here is a guide on how to replace it;

1. Remove the fuel tank’s cap.
2. Remove the filter from the fuel tank. You should be able to pop it out with a wire hook.
3. Remove the clamp that secures the filter to the fuel line. If this is really difficult, use a screwdriver to loosen it.
4. Install the new filter onto the fuel line.
5. Push the clamp right up to the edge of the filter
6. Replace the new filter in the tank.
7. Push the filter back to the tank’s bottom using your wire hook. A screwdriver can also be used to push it back down.
8. Replace the fuel tank cap.
9. Turn on the pressure washer.

Note: You can prevent your pressure washer from cutting out by ensuring you always use fresh fuel and the right one. This way, you won’t stress yourself replacing the fuel filter all the time, and your pressure washer will also work effectively.

 

Clean carburetor

When the pressure washer keeps cutting out, it might be a result of a clogged carburetor. If your carburetor is clogged due to build-up dirt, then you need to clean it. Here is a DIY step on how to clean it;

1. Remove the spark plug cap and then turn off the fuel valve.
2. Then look for the carburetor. To reach the carburetor, you may need to remove the air filter box, intake, and throttle lid.
3. Disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor to the fuel tank.
4. Empty the carburetor of any remaining old fuel. If you want to save the fuel you just placed in the tank, you can clamp down on the fuel line with pliers.
5. Remove the carburetor by unscrewing the nuts that hold it to the engine.
6. Remove the throttle cord.
7. Examine the carburetor for rust. If it is corroded, you should replace it.
8. If your carburetor is dirty, you may easily clean it by disassembling it and removing the carb bowl.
9. Pull out the needle valve after removing the pin that joins the metal body to the float.
10. Clean the carburetor with a WD-40 Specialist or Gumout Jet Spray.
11. It should be sprayed on all metal parts of the carburetor.
12. Check that the main and idle jets are clean of any impediments. To clean these channels, use a small wire brush, such as this 10 Piece Brush Kit.
13. Rinse all cleaned parts with water before drying them with compressed air.
14. Other components should be cleaned with soap and water. In addition, inspect for damaged or warped gaskets and replace them.
15. Replace the following parts: needle valve, floater, pin, gaskets, and carb bowl.
16. After that, you may attach the carburetor to the engine and put everything back together.

 

Replace air filter

A consistent supply of air into the carburetor is required for your pressure washer to function effectively. The pressure washer will stall and shut down if the airflow is hindered. You’ll need to replace the air filter if it’s clogged with dirt. Below is our guide on how to replace it;

1. Remove the air filter cover from the pressure washer’s body.
2. Remove the nut that secures the air filter. You should be able to complete this task by hand.
3. Pull the foam filters from the assembly after removing the air filter cover.
4. First, soak the new one in clean water, followed by the engine oil.
5. Place the new air filter.
6. Place the air filter back into the pressure washer.
7. Return the nut that keeps the air filter in place to the unit. You should be able to accomplish this by hand again.
8. Return the air filter cover to the pressure washer’s body.
9. Turn on the pressure washer.

Note: The air filter should be changed once a year or whenever it looks dirty.

 

Why does my Karcher pressure washer keep cutting out?

The reason your Karcher pressure washer keeps cutting out is because the unloader valve in your washer is bad. The unloader valve on your Karcher pressure washer is the mechanism that can divert the flow of water in your pump system into a loop as soon as you let off the pressure washer’s trigger. Also, the unloader valve keeps it under pressure when the water is not flowing out of the nozzle. The unloader valve’s design allows water to flow through your pump system.

 

If the unloader valve becomes bad, your Karcher pressure washer will start cutting out. This is because the pressure inside the pump exceeds the engine’s ability to rotate the pump. To fix this, you need to replace the unloader valve. Below is our DIY guide on how to replace it;

1. Remove the spark plug.
2. To remove the unloader valve, use an open-end wrench to crank the unloader valve counter-clockwise.
3. Install the new unloader valve’s O-ring from the kit.
4. Silicone lubricant should be used to lubricate the O-ring on the new unloader valve.
5. Tighten the new unloader valve into the pump.
6. Connect the spark plug wire to the engine once more.
7. Start the pressure washer and inspect the new unloader valve for water leaks.
8. Before using the new unloader valve, make sure it functions properly.

Note: If the pressure washer unloader valve doesn’t work, replace it with a gas pressure washer part approved by the manufacturer.

 

Why does my Bosch pressure washer keep cutting out?

The reason your Bosch pressure washer keeps cutting out is because there is a blockage in the airflow. Pressure washers detect when water is running and then boost the flow with a water pump when the trigger is pulled. However, the machine will stop working if there is an air block in the system.

 

Here is a step-by-step guide to avoid or remove an air block in your Bosch pressure washer.

1. Turn off the power and unplug the electrical supply.
2. Disconnect the high-pressure (black) hose from the pressure washer pump’s outlet valve.
3. Ensure that the garden hose is linked to the inlet valve on the pressure washer’s pump.
4. Connect the garden hose’s other end to the outside faucet.
5. Switch on the water supply.
6. Allow the water to flow through the pressure washer for at least 5 minutes without contacting anything else.
7. Reattach the high-pressure hose.
8. Check that the black hose is properly connected to the outlet valve on the pressure washer’s water pump.
9. Pull the trigger on the spray gun to force air from the system and draw water from the garden hose via the high-pressure spray gun.
10. Connect the plug to the power source and turn it on.
11. Set the pressure washer’s dial to “ON” to activate the pressure washer.
12. Begin with high-pressure cleaning.
13. Your pressure washer should now be operational.

 

Why does my Dewalt pressure washer keep cutting out?

The reason your Dewalt pressure washer keeps cutting out is because the spark plug is dirty or bad. If your spark plug is dirty, you need to clean it to prevent your Dewalt pressure washer from cutting out. To clean the spark plug, you have to take it out of the engine and use a wire brush to get rid of any debris that has built up on it.

 

After cleaning the electrode, you can put the spark plug back in and try to start the pressure washer again. If your Dewalt pressure washer keeps cutting out after cleaning the spark plug, you need to replace the spark plug.

Here is a step-by-step guide you can follow to replace it;

1. Before removing the spark plug, ensure the region is clean so that no debris or dust falls into the engine.
2. To remove the spark plug boot, seize it firmly and pull it up.
3. Remove the spark plug with the help of the spark plug wrench.
4. Insert the new spark plug by hand.
5. Hand-thread the spark plug into the engine, twisting it clockwise.
6. Keep rotating the spark plug wrench in a clockwise direction until it stops.
7. The porcelain could break if you overtighten the screws.

 

Why does my Generac pressure washer keep cutting out?

The reason your Generac pressure washer keeps cutting out is because of a clogged nozzle. Debris is the most obvious cause of a clogged nozzle in your Generac pressure washer. Despite the fact that the nozzle is small and that the water filter keeps debris out, minuscule particles adhere to the surface and solidify over time.

 

This makes your Generac pressure washer keep cutting out. To fix this problem, you need to clean your nozzle. Here is our guide on how to clean a clogged nozzle;

1. Before cleaning the nozzles, disconnect the spray wand from the gun.
2. Clean the nozzle with a hard wire, such as a paper clip.
3. Use only detergents and soaps that are safe to use with a power washer to get rid of tough dirt and grime on various surfaces.
4. Using water, flush them backward.
5. Reattach the wand to the rifle.
6. Start your pressure washer again.
7. Pull the spray gun’s trigger.
8. If the nozzle is still plugged or partially plugged, repeat steps 1-4.
9. If the previous steps do not clean your nozzles, replace them with new ones.