Why your Pressure Washer won't start...and how to fix it!

This video addresses the #1 reason a power washer (or other small engine) won't start following storage...old fuel has resulted in a clogged carburetor main jet. I've seen this dozens of times, and I will show you how to get your machine running again. Thank you for watching Buck's Small Engine DIY, putting the "Do" into "Do-It-Yourself."
Want an Official Buck's Small Engine DIY Sticker??? Send me an email with your name and mailing address at [e-mail], and I'll send you a sticker absolutely free!

[@GoodForYou4504]

Yesterday my new neighbor asked to borrow my pressure washer because his wouldn't start, then mine didn't start... I watched your video, both had clogged up carbs. Now both are working. So this is a two for one! Thank you. Subbed. 👍

[@Buckwsr]

Awesome! You are a great DIYer!

[@hectorrivera9894]

Thanks for the video. A friend of mine gave me a Craftsman 3100 Gas Pressure Washer. Looks brand new, but it’s missing pieces (Wand, extension & the hose). She said it was only used twice and sat for over a year (probably has ethanol fuel in it). I got it home, changed the oil, spark plug, emptied out the old fuel and put non-ethanol premium gas and it, and it won’t start. Got in the house to come here to find a “how to” remove and clean carburetor’s and your video was the first thing that popped up. I swear technology is amazing. Phone must of heard me cursing the pressure washer while I was in the garage messing with it.

[@bfmercorelli]

Hey Buck. I offer sincere thanks and appreciation. You indeed saved yet another small engine today. I watched your video. I then proceeded to take off and clean the carburetor on my pressure washer, which I hadn't used in two years. I cleaned it out, reassembled it, and it started like a champ. It was the first time I've worked on a carburetor. So kudos to you, sir. You're making a difference in the world. Thank you.

[@Buckwsr]

Thanks for the kind words. You made my day. Good job getting it fixed yourself!!!

[@therealjd1503]

Thank you so much. I’ve always been to nervous to try and work on engines because I dont know what I’m doing, but with your help you saved another small engine. Cleaned the carb on my pressure washer and it running like new again and my wife thinks I’m a stud again. Thanks again👍

[@Buckwsr]

Pressure washer working again AND points with the wife! Truly a win-win!

[@TimPeterson-bn2zv]

Buck - Thanks a million for your video!!! I followed your steps to clean the carburator and it started on the first pull. Appreciate you taking the time to show everyone how to fix the problem. You saved me a bunch of time and money bringing my power washer to a small engine repair shop!

[@nero-one]

I did this same thing to my lawn mower, thanks for helping ppl out.... Love that saying "Only you can put the DO IN DO IT YOURSELF"

[@Buckwsr]

Thank you so much!

[@MikeMurphy-ej8qg]

Hi. Thanks for the great video. My washer was a bit different, actually had a metal carb! But your demo was very helpful even though my carb was a little different. Got it up and running in about an hour. Thanks again!!

[@saberx77]

Thank you so much! I was about to give up and buy a new power washer until I saw your video. After about 10 minutes of work cleaning the carburator it started right up.

[@desrogers1892]

Another "Thank You!" for the video and the very clear instructions. Briggs and Stratton power washer wouldn't start, went through electrical, changed spark plug, cleaned ignition system...no start. Went through fuel system, cleaned (almost everything)....no start. Argggg. Found your video, went back out to the shop and took carb apart again, cleaned the middle plastic jet assembly like you did and Voila!! Started first pull. Thanks!!

[@Buckwsr]

Great comment, thank you! I love that feeling of satisfaction when you fix something yourself. Great job!

[@markmeacham8912]

Thank you! This video walked me through the same problem. I’ve never taken apart a carb and your video helped me. Now it runs. Great video!

[@Buckwsr]

Awesome, Mark! That's what I call putting the "do" into "do-it-yourself"! Great job.

[@bradjohnson2355]

I just wanted to say thank you as well! This video saved me a lot of headache and hassle when trying to start my troy built pressure washer after it had been sitting for a while. I followed every suggestion, and it worked liked a charm! Thanks again!! 😊

[@Buckwsr]

It's a great feeling, isn't it...fixing it yourself!

[@Saturn_80]

I’m going to try this right now. Be right back with my findings/results …

[@mikevinturner]

Wow, thanks so much! I was all set up to do my projects, then, nope, won't start (2 years old, last used 6 months ago with old gas) after the winter. I was so depressed. But after I drained the carb,, added fresh gas, and poof ... it started! I really did not want to attempt the carb clean, so... great. Thanks so much!

[@Buckwsr]

Mike, great job getting it fixed yourself!

[@munkeylovin22]

Buck, you ARE actually saving the earth. All of these people would have thrown their machines out, and bought new ones. You kept them out of the landfill. Good job everyone!

[@daleaveritt3256]

I first looked online for a new pressure washer. I saw the prices. WOW. So I went and found this video. I followed your instructions. It fired right up. Thank you.

[@Buckwsr]

Thanks, Dale. Your note has made my day! Good job getting it fixed yourself!

[@ryanconroy8263]

For a belated Father’s Day, I was helping my dad with yard work. We hit an obstacle when the pressure washer wouldn’t get going. Not only did this video help us fix that problem, it also gave me a memorable and awesome moment with my dad. Thank you.

[@Buckwsr]

That's a great note, Ryan! Good job fixing it yourself!

[@DizConnected]

I have a Craftsman power washer that has the same plastic carburetor. I've taken it apart, watched your video 3 times, getting ready to put it back together to see if it will start. Already took the top off and cleaned the flywheel and magneto and verified there was spark. The last thing I checked should have been the first. Thanks for the informative video!

[@keithmarlowe5569]

"It aint got no gas in it". Slingblade. Lol

[@matthewgiangarra3535]

Thank you. I did it without removing the carb just the bowl and the jet. I tried it clean it before with no luck because I didn't realize it came apart. Started up like a dream right after. Again, thank you! Earned a sub.

[@Buckwsr]

Great job getting it done yourself! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@user-si9mu7cl8n]

Today is Saturday the 22nd of July, thank you very much for show me the little fuel nozzle in the carburetor you saved me about $200 getting it fixed. Thanks a bunch Dave in Baltimore

[@user-be5el8hc2y]

I feel like I can’t add too much more than what other people have commented except to say ‘thank you!!!’ I’m soooo not a handy man but your instructions were so helpful I was able to get my power washer up n running again!!

[@Buckwsr]

Thank you so much, and great job fixing it yourself!

[@biancarose5180]

Woohoo, you helped me get mine started, only had to spray some carb cleaner under the filter after I checked to make sure gas was flowing and voile! it started right up. Many thanks!

[@Buckwsr]

Great job!

[@RizztrainingOrder]

Man, thank you! judging by the comments, to half of the folks you are the dad that many never had or the other half that never paid attention to what their dad tried teaching. Either way. Very helpful

[@Buckwsr]

Ha! My own kids aren't interested in DIY stuff....Why should they be? After all, Dad can fix it for them!

[@user-cw7ko9uu8s]

I bought this exact pressure washer from fb marketplace. Cleaned the carb because of the surging. Bought a new carb because cleaning it didn’t stop the surging. Didn’t realize it’s made to surge like that. What a waste of time lol. Thanks for the video.

[@CrossFitSalisbury]

Thanks so much! Might start unhooking Gass line and draining carburetor over winter.

[@Buckwsr]

That's always a good idea, especially with this equipment that sits a long time between uses.

[@MrBsigmon]

Dude… I watched this and then fixed my friend’s Powerwashing machine which was the same type. Thanks!!!

[@Buckwsr]

Awesome job doing it yourself! Thanks for the note.

[@daylemcneela6295]

Thanks for the video! Managed to fix my jet wash today thanks to your video! Appreciate it! - Birmingham, UK.

[@jessnegron8174]

wowwwwww thank God for finding this video since I have a pressure machine and I haven't been able to turn it on for 3 years and you just made my day since I followed your instructions

[@Buckwsr]

And YOU just made MY day with your fabulous comment! Thanks.

[@jelly-chan1530]

Your video was a life saver! You were great on explaining the step by step of what to do. I knew I had to clean it but all thanks to you I now know how to take it apart and my power washer is good as new! Thank you

[@Buckwsr]

Thank you, my friend. your comment has totally made my day! And good job getting it done yourself!

[@pepitowilson]

I was completely frustrated and really upset that I couldn't get my pressure washer to work for nothing I tried everything I tried spraying it with carburetor cleaner and I tried priming it as much as possible and I even tried putting new gasoline in it and that still didn't work my friends came over to try to help me and they didn't know what was wrong with it somebody even said it might be an electrical issue or the spark plug so I cleaned the spark plug and I looked at the electrical and everything looked good and then I found your video and I did exactly what you said to do in the exact same way and I even took pictures so I wouldn't mess nothing up like you suggested and after all that I put it all back together and it worked after four pulls just like you said it would thank you so much I'm so grateful for your video and I will always turn to you if I need some small engine advice thank you so much you have made my day and you have made some kids very happy too.

[@Buckwsr]

Thanks, Pepito! Your note has made my day! Good job doing it yourself!

[@hephaestusaxe549]

Great video! My arm and I nearly gave up on my Craftsman Power Washer, I followed your steps and now it starts every time!!!! It was a great idea to take photos as it helped greatly with the reassembly. Thanks!!!!!!!

[@Buckwsr]

Awesome! Great job doing it yourself!

[@chrisscott2993]

Long time KZbin user, first time commenter. Thanks for the help here! I’m an electrical engineer and I was able to take this apart and put it back together, started right up after I let it sit a while. Didn’t even need a multi-meter or oscope. Feeling like a proper engineer.

[@Buckwsr]

Well, it ain't rocket science, after all! Glad you're up and running again!

[@jerbear7952]

Good lord. It must not be that hard if an electrical engineer can do it. 😊

[@KyleFisette]

Another power washer fixed! Thank you buck!

[@Buckwsr]

Great job fixing it yourself!

[@vvvdog200]

i have a briggs and stratton 850 3200 psi paid $ 450.00 use it two times about and hr total have not use it in a year did not start did what you said it works great thank you guy joe barone here in milford pa .

[@Buckwsr]

Good job fixing it yourself!

[@DarrenAlvarez]

OK. I have exactly zero engine experience, but this video was good enough so I fixed my own issue with my pressure washer with no problems. Thank you! Guess I don't have to use that extended warranty after all! ;)

[@Buckwsr]

Thank you, Darren. You have made my day! Great job fixing it yourself!

[@Melody_Mike.4460]

I just recently got a pressure washer from a friend of mine, and it's been sitting for a year or so. It wouldn't start at all, i kept pulling the cord and it snapped on me twice. After moments of thinking about giving up, I decided to see what else could cause this. Thanks to this video I may have found the issue. Thanks alot!

[@Buckwsr]

Thanks, Mike. If your problem is that the starter rope is too hard to pull, you might want to check out this other video of mine, especially if it's a Honda engine. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIPOlmCpetaloNk

[@jeantheriault1096]

Thank you my first time working on a plastic carburetor, your video walked me right through it and I got it running I cheated and leaned the washer back and got the bowl off without taking the carburetor off again thank you.

[@kevhay4791]

Thanks so much. You saved us from spending unnecessary money. Excellent video!

[@992TurboS.]

Thanks , I’ll try this as I was 15 minutes away from buying a new one .

[@alanbickford175]

No plastic on mine. I have a ryobi with a honda engine. It was an actual metal carb lol. It did not have much to unscrew then i noticed an area to unscrew the bottom jet which was behind the bowl drain screw. Once I took that out a brass tube fell out with the holes that needed cleaning. Pay attention to the direction that goes back in first. Did not have that fancy wire that you had, but used some very small stripped speaker wire and tunneled through the holes. Sprayed with the carb cleaner, put and all back and bam... I was ready to bring to a small engine mechanic, but this saved me time and money. Thanks Buckwsr.

[@Buckwsr]

Thank you, Alan. Great job getting it done yourself!

[@garlanddepew6696]

Thanks Brother. My washer is a craftsman, but most eveverything was the same(Briggs and straton engine) would not start this spring. Followed your video and it cranked first pull after i got it back together. Ive recently become a big fan of sta-bil fuel treatment to prevent this problem. THank you!!

[@Buckwsr]

Thank you. Your note made my day! Good job getting it fixed yourself!

[@seanmiller7861]

Thank u for helping me get my pressure washer started!

[@backdraft456]

I need those plastic carbs are years and I never knew that jets come apart after you pull the middle! Thanks!

[@matthewanglin8001]

Video was a big help to getting my Craftsman pressure washer up and running after several months of storage-almost exact same build to carburetor. Did not have carb cleaner but was completely successful just using small pipe cleaning brushes. Thanks for the detailed directions and help!

[@Buckwsr]

Thanks, and good job doing it yourself!

[@jaserrn]

Thanks brother!!!! I have absolutely zero engine knowledge...like maybe less than zero. I watched this and did pretty much everything you said. The only difference for me is on my Craftsman, its easier to refit the back linkage, then the spring, and then the front linkage. Thanks a bunch for this video! It's purring like a kitten now.

[@Buckwsr]

Great job doing it yourself! That's a great feeling! Have fun!

[@AbouTto_]

I just fixed one, Will sell it for $40 because I know the carb will gum back up fast.

[@adriancastillo1891]

Great video, Thank you. I had to do the same with my lawnmower last week, tomorrow it will be my pressure washer.

[@Buckwsr]

Awesome. Good luck. And thanks for watching and commenting.

[@matthewschmitz7709]

Thanks Buck! Worked perfectly on my Husqvarna PW 3100. One port was badly gummed up. Started on the first pull after cleaning. I was concerned when removing and separating the jets. I used pliers and took my time. Listening to the squeaking in the video was helpful

[@Buckwsr]

Awesome! You've made my day. Great job!

[@pekkaT13]

I am thankful for giving me hope and encouragement to tackle similar problem on my Homelite unit.

[@kpcola1]

Thanks Buck . KZbin saved me again. I think I'm going to add a gas shut off to mine. It had only been 4 months and it did this even with fuel additive. Really cheap carbs.

[@unknownsamoan01]

Great video brother. Thank you and God Bless.

[@sanfranciscokim5791]

Thank you buddy. I will try to clean up my pressure washer carburetor as you showed me in the video

[@hammondfan2185]

Did this today! Had no confidence in myself or a positive result. Fired right up after.

[@keith8823]

Always appreciative of getting the help from someone who knows. Thanks.

[@shaneandcindyhamilton8327]

Great video and got my power washer up and running!!

[@Tony-yz4yj]

FYI, also try holding the trigger on the gun to have water flowing. My father-in-law told me that and it starts with 1 pull. It will also prevent damaging the little valves in the pump.

[@augustinechea3848]

I just did and it work. Thanks

[@HierTuin]

This was massively helpful! Thank you for showing the details on the carborator. I have a different model but it was still greatly helpful to understand some of the inner workings.

[@SNWxGaming]

Much appreciated. Exact fittings for my Craftsman 3000 psi started right up once I put everything together.

[@Buckwsr]

Good job! Glad you're back up and running.

[@lawman5511]

You can prevent the winter storage gum up. Run it dry and introduce ATF into the carb by whatever method works best. Next time, put gas in the tank. It may run rough until the ATF burns off, but it works.

[@nivaldo758]

Great video. You are very detail about the repair. Congratulations.

[@nathandavis931]

I just fixed mine watching your videos. You are a hero!

[@Buckwsr]

And now, you're a hero, because you fixed it yourself!!!!

[@michaeljarrettchannel]

Thank you !!! Just watch this video after trying to start my pressure washer for over an hour I drain some nasty stuff out of the carburetor and it started right up just from those drain bolts

[@Buckwsr]

Great! Easy fix for you then. Thanks for watching the video!

[@anthonylopinto2842]

The best thing anyone can do for small engines like this is to install a quarter turn fuel shut off valve on the gas line and turn off the valve when done and allow the engine to shut down by running it out of fuel. The carb has no fuel to gum it up and I have never had an issue when starting it for the first time in the season. Works great for gas generators as well because they are not used often enough. Good video on how to clean up the carb when needed though.

[@jeremiahmcenerney5339]

I never worked on a carburetor before and your video really helped. thanks!

[@Buckwsr]

Thank you, Jeremiah!

[@quartqwertbudisgood]

Got grease on my hands and couldn’t skip ads hahaha I see your game. Amazing video, I’ve never worked on anything like a carburetor but your introductions are so clear I was able to work on a totally different brand. Thanks a ton!

[@Buckwsr]

Great! I hope you got your machine back up and running!

[@MikeDKelley]

Well, I'm going to give this a shot, even though I'm more of a software guy than a hardware guy (How many programmers does it take to change a light bulb? None - that's a hardware problem). I just hope my Briggs & Stratton engine is a *little* like the completely different engine you worked on here (if it works you will be my hero - we pressure wash once a year and this would be the THIRD time I've bought another power washer when they just quit working). Off to Amazon to find some carburetor spray.

[@Buckwsr]

This video might help you if your pressure washer has this type of engine. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4PSoJ2iaLGgoq8si=wRuRC5z0zA8SvJmS

[@toddbinder2620]

Awesome video ,worked great, the blister between my fingers, is laughing it's butt off though

[@jeppyli5832]

Your advice was perfect! It worked great for me! Thank you, sir!

[@lordfordification]

From one Buck to another, thank you.

[@knaggs71]

Almost looks like you can just remove the two bolts off the bottom of the carb without removing the entire carb… 🤷🏼‍♂️ Going to give it a shot… Great video Ty 🤙🏼

[@davebright7360]

Awesome video. My pressure washer has the exact same engine/carburetor and I was able to get it running after watching your video. Thanks!

[@Buckwsr]

Great job! Your note has made my day!

[@michaellavacot]

Worked like a charm! Thanks for posting.

[@timb7775]

I picked up 2 craftsman pressure washers from Lowes yesterday for $25 each being sold on clearance as "parts only" on the tag, both looked basically brand new and the guys at the store said they were defective from the factory. I cleaned both carbs and they run perfectly now. I want to say people bought them and used bad gas, returned them for not starting then Lowes said screw it and sold them for cheap.

[@Buckwsr]

Another explanation could be that unscrupulous people buy machines, do the one job they need them for, and then return them to the store. Either way, you have scored big! Great job getting them running again. You can now list them for sale on Marketplace and make yourself some money!

[@1dd434]

Thanks for the great video, newbie here, learning.

[@Buckwsr]

Thank you.

[@jfernandez7366]

Thank you! your video was very informative and well done. I was able to fix the carb issue with my power washer.

[@Buckwsr]

Great job, my friend! Feels great to do it yourself!

[@donmorris8782]

Very helpful! I can’t wait to get started taking mine apart to fix. Thanks again!

[@Buckwsr]

Glad it helped!

[@JaceD4V1S88]

gonna give youre tips a shot tomorrow on a used one i bought, almost got it started

[@ADA98310]

Thanks Buck, your video helped me tremendously!

[@Rebel_1313]

Bro, I just did this and got it started on a 1-Pull...1st time in my life...42 y/o

[@Buckwsr]

Great job doing it yourself! Thanks for watching the video. Tell all your friends and neighbors!

[@user-xo8xz6nx5h]

Saved my bacon! Don't let this video disappear 😂

[@alexnichols4042]

Best video ever. Thank you!

[@re2fanlicker2]

Thanks, fixed a mower and pressur washer today

[@Buckwsr]

Great job!

[@swpo1]

Thank you Mr buck. For giving me back my manhood!👍

[@Buckwsr]

Never a doubt about that, I'm sure!!! Thanks for watching.

[@austinfurtick9976]

Thank saved me hundreds of dollars

[@tedwagner7263]

Thanks. Good video. That fixed mine. I hate this carburetor design. Seems like you have to do it every year

[@Liveharley1]

That is what I am gonna do, I change a plug, the fuel, but did not think about the shitty fuel and storing it for a year! Ethanol in the fuel screws up all the engines when we store them! Lol Thanks

[@harryace2345]

Thanks for the video. I took my carburator apart and cleaned every little hole I found. The big issue I had was sand some how fell into the gas tank. I think the wind may have blown it in while I filled up the tank. Running beautiful now after draining the gas and cleaning the tank. Hey can you do a video on how the Carburator springs should be hooked up. I find that some times the vibration losen the springs and want to make sure they are going in the right place. Thanks again.

[@Buckwsr]

Great job, Harry. Glad you're back up and running!

[@galsan76]

Thank you so much for this video it looks very helpful. At least now I know that I am not the only one struggling with this problem on the same engine that is fairly new.

[@Buckwsr]

Yes. It's an amazingly common problem, particularly because pressure washers only get occasional use and sit so long between uses.

[@paulneale988]

It helped a lot, but I'm not confident enough to try and take it apart, although I did clean out a carburetor on my lawn mower.

[@rodneyyurco6263]

Thanks for your help! I was getting ready to take my PW to the repair shop. Grateful I came across your video first as this was exactly my problem.

[@Buckwsr]

Good job getting it done yourself!

[@albertoromo2012]

Thank you, very nice demonstration

[@Buckwsr]

Thank you!

[@adolphogarcia8853]

Thanks sooo much I was able to fix my pressure washer as well I appreciate the great content I just saved my self 150 bucks ! 🤣

[@Buckwsr]

It's a great feeling to fix it yourself and save some money!!

[@susanclark2243]

This was perfect - exactly what i needed to fix our pressure washer - thanks!

[@Buckwsr]

Thank you so much, Susan.

[@vicrod74]

Good job. I’m having the same issue. I’m going to follow your steps.

[@jesusdrummer21]

Took my troy bilt carb apart....looked good. Jets clogged. But my Subaru pressure washer. Holy moly. Very nasty. Could not get the jets out....2 cans carb cleaner.....fired up

[@Buckwsr]

Good job getting it back in service!

[@thefamilyrake]

You saved me dude

[@polarbear2469]

Run them dry, don’t let the fuel sit in them or you will have to do this every time it sits for a little while. The key part is that center piece he pulled out of the carb. The holes get gummed up.

[@Buckwsr]

Thanks, Steve.

[@polarbear2469]

@@Buckwsr no worries, I also wanted to add that the flywheel can’t be rusty. Once I cleaned mine off it started right up

[@tracyrollins7678]

Thank you. I will give it a try later today.

[@paulierox7341]

Thank you,., I am experiencing the same thing.., worked fine a summer or 2 ago,, it sat and now it wont start.. Just ordered some carb cleaner gonna tackle it this weekend...

[@Buckwsr]

Great! I'm sure your machine will be back in business very soon!

[@jsjba2000]

Thanks for post this. Until I saw you take that white thing apart the power washer would not stay running. All good now. Thanks

[@Buckwsr]

Great. Glad you're all back up and running!

[@tonyl7405]

Mine wouldn’t start, so I took the carburetor off and soak it for 3 days in a bowl of rubbing alcohol. Put it back on and started on first pull. But make sure you do remove the bowl from bottom of carburetor.

[@billcallahan9303]

Thanks Tony. Will try it but I think my problem is a coil. I have a 2015 T.B. pressure washer. Guess what? No coils! Nobody has them! T.B., MTD, eBay etc.

[@Buckwsr]

Before buying a new coil, try a new spark plug. (Speaking from experience here, ha ha.)