DON’T let your fuel go stale, DO add Ethanol Shield
After ONLY 30 days of downtime, the fuel in your gas pressure washer may turn stale. It is important to always stabilize your fuel to prevent moisture from leaching into your fuel. Some people recommend that you drain your fuel and this is an excellent method, but still leaves your pressure washer susceptible to moisture contamination in your tank and carburetor.
We recommend that you LEAVE your tank full and use Ethanol Shield to prevent moisture contamination, one bottle (2oz) = good for 5 gallons of gas.
Most SIMPSON pressure washer models have a 1/2 gallon tank. You will need to pour 1/2 oz — Ethanol Shield into your tank when tank is FULL of gas. By taking care of your engine, you will extend its life and protect your investment.
DO winterize your Pressure Washer; DON’T forget Pump Guard
If you did not winterize your SIMPSON, some residual moisture in your pump could expand in cooler months, causing tiny cracks in your pump. Winterizing will prevent any residual moisture from freezing, expanding and potentially cracking valves and seals inside your pump.
You will need Pump Guard for every season thereafter. Follow your user’s manual for instructions and refer to our “How to Winterize Your Pressure Washer” blog for helpful tips!
DON’T use ill-fitting nozzles, DO replace broken nozzles
Your SIMPSON may be operating in low-pressure due to an incorrectly sized nozzle or a nozzle that has worn out.
Always replace any worn or broken nozzles as they can potentially be a safety hazard.
ALWAYS use accessories that are within your pressure washer’s PSI range. You could be losing pressure because your accessory is meant for a higher/lower PSI range than your machine and can cause damage to your accessory.
Be sure to check if the water is fully turned on and there is enough water flowing through the pump. Check your pumps filter on the inlet to make sure there is no debris blocking the water flow. A hose that is vertical or too long may delay water pressure from arriving fast enough.
DON’T use hot water, DO use cold water
If you have a hot-water and cold-water outdoor faucet, make sure to always use the cold water for best results.
If you don’t have a hot water faucet, water that has been trapped in a hose with the sun directly on it may be enough to cause your pressure washer to run a bit rough. If this happens turn off your machine, disconnect the hose, and let the water run until it is cold.
You may also check your air filter inside of your engine to be sure that it is clear of any debris.
If all looks good and you aren’t using hot water, then you may have mechanical damage within your pump and will need to call SIMPSON’s technical support line.
DON’T let your SIMPSON overheat, DO continue to use your spray gun or turn unit off until ready to use again.
If you let your pressure washer run for longer than 2 minutes at a time, it will enter into bypass mode. This means that the water inside of the pump is continually flowing and heating up. When your pump is too hot, it will cause damage and can potentially crack. To prevent the pump from over-heating, your SIMPSON is equipped with a thermal relief valve (safety feature only) that will release hot water when the pump becomes too hot.
Be sure to turn off your machine if you take breaks longer than 2-3 minutes.
If your pressure washer is leaking at the gun, wand, or nozzle, it could be that your accessories are not secured tightly enough. Turn off your machine and ensure everything is tightened correctly.
HAPPY MAINTENANCE!