11 Causes of Generac Pressure Washer Starting, Stalling, and Dying

You finally got your pressure washer to start up, but it won’t stay on. If this occurs, check for and fix any obstructions to airflow, fuel, and ignition.

The fuel tank being empty, the fuel filter being clogged, the carburetor being dirty, the fuel components being clogged, the fuel tank vent being broken, the spark plug being dirty, the ignition coil being faulty, the engine oil level being low, or the gas being old are all potential causes of the Generac pressure washer not staying running.

You should wait for the engine to calm down and then disconnect the spark plug wire. Please observe all of the safety instructions contained in the Generac user guide.

Before diagnosing, repairing, or operating, be sure you’ve read and understood all of the safety recommendations in the equipment’s operator’s manual.

If you lack the expertise, experience, or physical ability to complete the repair safely, you should seek the advice of a professional.

Generac Pressure Washer Dies After Starting

Generac Pressure Washer Has Empty Gas Tank

Obviously, you can’t expect your Generac pressure washer to function if you don’t have any gas. This is generally accepted as true. I simply point it up because it’s easy to get so worked up that you overlook the most basic explanation.

The gasoline gauge may have stopped working or you may have sprung a fuel leak.

When the pressure washer’s tank is almost empty, REFILL IT.

Using Antiquated Gasoline in a Generac Pressure Washer

Long-term storage of gas in a pressure washer might cause fuel constraints due to the formation of a varnish that jams up the fuel system. A pressure washer will sputter and possibly stop working if its engine isn’t getting enough gasoline.

Gas starts to degrade as soon as 30 days after purchase, so it’s best to stock up frequently and use it all up quickly.

I realize how challenging this suggestion is. As the length of any power outage is impossible to predict, you may only use the pressure washer while there is no electricity.

Because of this, new gas should be treated with a fuel additive before being put into the fuel tank. A fuel additive, such as Sea Foam Motor Treatment, can help gas last a little longer by stabilizing the fuel and reducing moisture.

For optimal fuel performance, keep the following in mind:

• For optimal performance, 4-cycle pressure washers need unleaded gasoline with an octane value of 87 or higher and no more than 10% ethanol. Don’t fill up with gas that has a high ethanol percentage.
• Put gas to use within 30 days.
• Keep gas away from moisture by not storing it outside.
• Place gas cans in a cool, dry location.
• Don’t stock up on more gas than you can use in the next 30 days. Those that buy more than this amount may consider using a gasoline stabilizer.

The ANSWER is to transfer the used gas to a disposal container. To stabilize and clean the fuel system, use new fuel with a fuel additive.

Trouble with Your Generac Pressure Washer Caused by a Clogged Fuel Line or Filter

A gasoline filter is standard equipment on pressure washers. Some vehicles have inline filters installed directly into the fuel lines, while others use a joint filter that is fastened to the fuel tank’s base.

The fuel tank is threaded to receive the filter component, and the fuel line is connected to its opposite end. If the filter is clogged up with grime, it may not let enough gas through.

The gasoline supply can be impeded by a clogged fuel line or any of a number of other factors. A clog in a fuel line can be located by first stopping the fuel flow, then restarting it while inspecting the fuel flow from each portion of the fuel line.

ANSWER: Take the gasoline line off the pressure washer and spray some carburetor cleaner into it to release the obstruction. Once the blockage has been located, compressed air should be used to blow it out of the line.

Bring the line back in. A new gasoline line can be acquired from a hardware store and installed if the clog cannot be cleared or if the fuel lines are dry and damaged.

If the fuel economy decreases, it may be time to replace the gasoline filter.

Carburetor in Your Generac Pressure Washer Is Filthy

Blocking fuel passages with varnish and deposits from used fuel might prevent the proper quantity of gas from being mixed with air for burning.

If the engine isn’t getting the air and fuel mixture it needs, the Generac pressure washer may run poorly or even stop off.

Crusty buildups and sticky deposits from using old fuel or fuel containing ethanol can be cleaned out of the carburetor.

You may need to rebuild or substitute your carburetor if it is extremely dusty or if any of its parts are broken.

Generac Pressure Washer with Incorrect Choke Setting

To prevent the engine from flooding when starting from cold, the choke must be closed before using a cold engine in a Generac pressure washer. After the engine has warmed up, the throttle must be opened to allow more air in.

If your engine fires up but immediately dies, checking that the choke is open could be the answer.

Generac Pressure Washer Air Filter Clogged

In order to prevent engine wear caused by dirt entering the air intake, an air filter is required. This is a crucial component, thus it needs to be inspected frequently to ensure it stays in working order.

For the typical home, I would suggest cleaning or replacing the filter once a year. If the filter appears to be severely soiled or broken, it should be replaced immediately.

If you are using the pressure washer in dry, dusty circumstances, you will need to replace it more frequently.

If you don’t clean and replace the filter on a regular basis, it might get so clogged up with dirt that the engine can’t get enough air to function. Due to overheating, expensive repairs may be necessary.

If you discover that your air filter is clogged, you can clean it by following the steps outlined below. Refer to the Generac operator’s manual if you are unsure of the filter type or how to clean it.

Cleanse a Generac pressure washer foam-style air filter

• Take out the filter and throw it away.
• Clean the air filter housing and cover with a damp cloth. Don’t let any grime settle into the vents that supply air.
• Check for damage to the foam filter, and replace if necessary.
• The filter can be cleaned with soapy water and rinsed until the water comes out clear if it is in good condition.
• The filter must be squeezed and then let to dry.
• To prevent the filter from clogging, soak it in clean motor oil until it is completely submerged. Remove any extra oil from the filter by squeezing it. (A foam pre-cleaner used in conjunction with a paper air filter should not be oiled.)
• Put in the filter for the air conditioning.
• You need replace the air filter cover.

Cleanse a Generac pressure washer paper air filter:

• Take out the filter and throw it away.
  
• Take out the foam cleaner first.
  
• Clean the air filter housing and cover with a damp cloth. Don’t let any grime settle into the vents that supply air.
  
• The paper air filter has to be checked. Lightly tapping the filter can help loosen dirt, allowing it to fall through the filter. You should get a new filter if the old one is too soiled, torn, or no longer does its job of keeping the air in.
  
• Foam pre-filters can be cleaned with a solution of mild detergent and water. Dirt and soap should be rinsed away. Rinse and hang to dry.
  
• Put in the foam pre-cleaner and paper filter.
  
• You need replace the air filter cover.

Fuel Tank Vent is Clogged on Your Generac Pressure Washer

Having a vent in the gasoline tank allows air to flow through, maintaining a constant pressure inside the tank. The tank will create a vacuum if the vent is blocked, preventing fuel from reaching the carburetor. Your car won’t run any longer.

The gasoline tank vent can be tested with a pressure gauge to see if it’s the source of the problem. This method can be used in place of a gauge if necessary.

• If the pressure washer stops working and won’t start until the cap is loosened to let air into the tank, you should attempt to reproduce the problem to ensure that the fuel tank vent is at fault.
  
• Put the gas cap back on and start the car. Slow engine performance, engine death, and inability to restart unless the fuel cap is loosened are all signs of a faulty fuel tank vent.

The gasoline tank’s rollover vent, which allows air to circulate through the tank, will be mounted on the tank’s top.

If the fuel tank is no longer effectively venting, the ROV (rollover valve tank vent) must be replaced.

Generac Pressure Washer’s Filthy Spark Plug

While the spark plug is responsible for producing the ignition spark, a filthy or damaged plug can lead to inconsistent sparking, which in turn can cause the pressure washer to sputter and die.

The problem can be solved by examining the condition of the spark plug, which requires its removal. Substitute the spark plug if the tip has turned a very dark color, the electrode is worn, or the porcelain is cracked.

If the spark plug is in good shape, clean it with a wire brush, check the electrode gap, and then reconnect the spark plug wire. The pressure washer may stop working if a wire is loosened or the spark plug gap is not adjusted appropriately.

Your Generac Power Washer Has a Faulty Ignition Coil

Make sure your spark plug is in good shape before you start looking for a faulty ignition coil. When the engine is started, the spark plug relies on the voltage supplied by the ignition coil.

In the event that the spark plug or ignition coil is faulty, the engine will not start.

Ignition coil continuity can be checked with an ohmmeter. Breaks in continuity indicate that the ignition coil needs to be replaced.

Your Generac Pressure Washer Is Running Without Enough Oil

It’s possible that your pressure washer will run for a while and then shut off unexpectedly. See if the warning light for low oil has come on.

A low oil level sensor prevents damage to the Generac engine by instantly turning it off. If the engine oil level is low, it will not start again.

Due to increased friction caused by insufficient lubrication, engine damage can be severe if you continue to operate it after the oil level drops below the minimum safe level. It’s possible for the engine to get so hot that the components melt.

FIRST, set the pressure washer down on a level surface so you can check the oil level. To drain the oil from the engine, first unscrew the oil fill cap, then use a clean, dry towel to wipe down the dipstick.

The dipstick should be reinserted into the oil fill tube, but the lid should be left off. Get rid of it so you can check the oil level. Make sure it’s inside the dipstick’s full range.

If it isn’t, you should either drain some oil or add some oil to get the engine to the right level.

The low oil sensor may be broken if you check the oil level and find it is correct but the light continues to illuminate. Repairing a pressure washer is best done at an authorized service location.

Generac Pressure Washer Engine Compression Issue

Possible loss of compression when drawing the starter recoil rope. A Generac pressure washer won’t generate enough pressure to operate with insufficient compression.

Possible causes include damaged pistons, worn crankshaft seals, and worn piston rings.

My recommendation is to get your chainsaw checked out and serviced by a small engine technician, Generac service center, or engine dealer.