olivercfc

Pressure washer starts but cuts out

This is a Ryobi 3100 with Honda GVC190 engine. We use it a couple of times a year and probably don't store it correctly.

When we pull the cord, it will start but only run for about a second before cutting out. At that point, the cord is locked and we can't do anything.

We've changed the spark plug but that's about it. We did drain the gas but we put 'fresh' gas in from a can we'd had for probably a year.

What should be our next steps?

Thanks

marksr

Have you tried pulling the trigger while you are starting it?

olivercfc

Can't say I have - thanks for the suggestion. I'll give it a try

geogrubb

First thing to do is drain that "fresh" gas out of it, it is no better than the gas that was in it and will do more harm than good. Have a good one. Geo

BoudreauxEunice

I agree with Geo 100 percent. I was gonna mention to take the gas out and put some new gas in there.

Also pull the trigger on the wand to relieve the pressure.

After you get it running right the engine I mean. If your pressure on the pump doesn't build up DO NOT keep running the engine.

Check the unloader valve ~!~!

olivercfc

Thanks geogrubb and BoudreauxEunice... when it warms up in a few days I'll get new gas and try again.

Not sure *what* to look for in the unloader valve but when this thing does start, it seems to run OK if that helps

BFHFixit

If your unit has a pressure regulator, (which might be incorporated in the wand) make sure it is set to the lightest pressure setting.

BoudreauxEunice

Look it up on google or you tube. Real easy to fix or replace ~!~! Hope this helps.

olivercfc

I went with the easiest thing first. Tried firing it up while pulling the trigger and it worked perfectly. Not sure if I should post a smiley image or a red-faced one at this point.

I wasn't certain what I'd do with the drained gas (if it came to that) so I just left the engine running until it cut out.

Since then I've tried it a couple more times and all is good.

Thank you all for the advice.