There are many models of pressure washer pumps on the market, and they require the necessary oil change now and then.
Changing the oil in your pressure washer pump requires some tools and careful steps to ensure a successful process. Also, there are slight differences in how to carry out the procedure on different pressure washer brands.
If you’ve got no clue how to change the oil in your pressure washer pump, then keep reading. I’ll be giving you all the info you need.
Tools and Equipment Needed to Change Oil in Pressure Washer Pump
There are a few tools you will need to get the job done. I will list them out below.
A container: As the oil is drained out of the pump casing, you need something to collect it (unless you want oil all over the floor).
An aluminum bowl, plastic bucket, or a tray can do this for you.
A wrench: This can be used to loosen up the bolt from the machine. You need a wrench that fits the size of the bolt.
There are models of pressure washers that use plastic knobs for access. You won’t be needing a wrench if you own such a model.
A funnel: When refilling the pump with oil, you will need a funnel to guide the liquid through. This will reduce the chances of spilling.
Oil storage container: You need a container to store the removed oil, pending when you’re ready to recycle it. An old plastic bottle will suffice.
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How to Change Pressure Washer Oil
Follow these steps and you will successfully change the oil in your pressure washer pump.
Step 1:
Using the wrench (if need be) to loosen and take off the top access to the oil reservoir.
Step 2:
Position the oil catch beneath the pump’s oil drain bolt.
Step 3:
Drain the oil into a plastic container. Make sure it is well-positioned to avoid spills.
Step 4:
Move the oil catch container away and re-install the drain bolt in its original position.
Step 5:
Open up the new pump oil and pour it into the tank. Use your funnel for this. Don’t fill the reservoir to the very brim, make sure it’s about 3/4 full.
Step 6:
Tighten up the loosened bolt.
Step 7:
Clean up any drops of oil that may be on the floor or the pump and you’re done.
Where to safely get rid of the drained pump oil
Drained pump oil shouldn’t be left lying around. You have to get rid of it.
You have two options, you either recycle it or simply dispose of it (remember to dispose of safely).
Some disposal services may charge you a small fee but there are recyclers you can take it to who won’t charge you
Craftsman Pressure Washer Oil Change
Craftsman recommends an oil change per 50 hours of operation. Here’s what to do when changing the oil in a Craftsman pressure washer.
Changing the Engine Oil
Step 1:
Turn on the power and let the motor heat up for about 5 minutes. Doing this will warm up the oil and make the outflow easier.
Turn off the engine then wipe off the drain plug and dipstick. Use a rag for this.
You will find the drain plug of the Craftsman pressure washer by the right side of the dipstick/fill tube, just by the lower end of the crankcase.
Step 2:
Using a pair of scissors, cut out a piece of cardboard. The piece should be 6 inches long and 4 inches wide.
Fold the cardboard in half and create a channel. Use one end to wedge between the bottom of the crankcase and the pressure washer deck beneath the drain plug.
Position a container to collect the outflowing oil beneath the other end of the cardboard.
Step 3:
Twist the dipstick/cap on the fill tube in the anti-clockwise direction to loosen it, then twist the drain plug bolt (also anti-clockwise) using a wrench and loosen the bolt to allow the oil to flow out.
Move to the opposite side of the drain plug and raise the side to about 6 inches. Doing this will help remove the oil from the crankcase.
Drop the side back down when the oil is completely drained.
Step 4:
Drag the cardboard channel away from the pressure washer then insert the bolt back into the drain hole. Use the wrench to tighten up the bolt and clean off any spills using a rag
Step 5:
Refill the tube with new engine oil and wipe off with a clean rag. Place the dipstick completely into the fill tube.
Pull out the dipstick and check the oil level. Add some more oil if it hasn’t yet reached the fill mark. When the oil is sufficient, put the dipstick back in and turn until it is tightly sealed.
Changing Pump Oil
Step 1:
Position a container beneath the drain bolt under the pressure washer pump.
Step 2:
Use a wrench to release the drain bolt and let the oil flow into the container.
Place the drain bolt back into the base of the pump and use the wrench to tighten it up. If there are any drips, use a clean rag to wipe them off.
Step 3: Twist the oil cap at the top of the pump in the anti-clockwise direction to loosen it. Use a clean rag to clean the sight glass at the side of the pump
Step 4:
Pour the new oil into the pump halfway full into the sight glass then place the oil cap into the pump and twist clockwise to seal it tightly.
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Honda Pressure Washer Oil Change
Be sure to check the oil level before each use. The manufacturer recommends you change the oil after the first 20 hours of operation, and after every 6 months or 100 hours per operation.
Step 1:
Start the engine and let it warm up for about 4 minutes. This will make it easier for the oil to flow out.
Step 2:
Turn the engine off when it is warm enough and position a container under the drain plug of the motor.
Step 3:
Loosen the drain plug and the oil filter cap for the oil to flow properly and let the oil drain into the container.
Step 4:
Refill with new engine oil according to the amount your specific Honda pressure washer model requires. You can check the manual to be sure of the adequate amount.
Step 5:
Replace the cap and twist until it is sealed firmly. That’s it, the oil in your Honda pressure washer has been changed.
Karcher Pressure Washer Oil Change
Step 1:
Locate the oil tank on the pressure washer. It is positioned below the engine by the side of the washer where the spray hose is mounted.
Step 2:
Grab the bolt plug located beneath the oil tank and unscrew it using the right-sized wrench. Twist it anti-clockwise but don’t loosen it completely.
Step 3:
Place a collecting pan below the engine to collect the outflowing oil. A flat pan is ideal because there isn’t much room beneath the engine to accommodate a bucket.
Step 4:
Remove the bolt plug completely and allow the oil to flow out into the pan. You can keep a spare pan close-by in case the first one gets full before the oil is completely drained.
Step 5:
Tighten back the bolt plug by twisting in a clockwise direction. You can do this with a single turn of the wrench.
Step 6:
Take off the dipstick from the oil tank and insert the funnel where the dipstick was formerly positioned, then pour the new oil up to the bottom of the oil filler neck.
Step 7:
Remove the funnel and insert the dipstick back in.
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Briggs and Stratton Pressure Washer Oil Change
Step 1:
Empty the fuel tank by running the pressure washer.
Step 2:
Locate the spark plug wire and disconnect it from the spark plug. Make sure they are far apart from each other to a point where they cannot come in contact.
Step 3:
Use a clean rag and wipe around the oil fill tube, then take off the cap and dipstick. Use the rag to wipe the dipstick clean.
Step 4:
Tilt the pressure washer to a slight angle so that the oil can flow out of the oil fill tube. Be sure to tilt it away from the spark plug.
Once the oil has been completely drained, place the pressure washer back upright.
Step 5:
Get the new oil and gently pour it into the oil tank. Use a funnel for this to limit oil spills. Allow the new oil to settle in and check the level using the dipstick.
Step 6:
Use a rag to wipe the dipstick clean every time you check the oil level. When it reaches the adequate level, replace and tighten the dipstick.
Conclusion
There you go! That is how to change the oil in a pressure washer pump. Different models have slightly different oil-changing approaches. Read the user manual when necessary. Follow the steps above to successfully change the oil from your pressure washer pump.
For a visual demonstration, watch the video below.
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