NEW: Review of our new STIHL Pressure washer BR800
Each of our pressure washing outfits consists of two machines: a 13 horsepower DeWalt with a Honda motor, and a small 6.5 horsepower machine as a backup. We avoid losing time due to equipment malfunction by always having two machines on the job site. The larger machine has a drain plug while the 6.5 Honda requires us to get creative in order to remove the oil. Let's talk about how to change motor oil on a DeWalt pressure washer.
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Smaller carwash pressure washer
How often should you change the oil in a pressure washer?
We change ours every 6-8 houses. Each house takes an average of 5-6 hours, so the oil in our machines is changed after every 30-40 hours of use. The machines in the photos are 6 and 10 years old and they have both worked flawlessly the entire time, with minimum maintenance.
What type of oil to use in pressure washers?
We use automotive 10W-30, and as I mentioned we have had great results for several years.
What you need:
- Wrench to undo the drain
- Container to hold used motor oil
- Motor oil 10W-30 (automotive)
- Funnel
- PVC pipe (for machines without a drain)
- Cleanup rags
Draining the Motor Oil
Since this pressure washer has a drain plug, start by removing it, removing both fill caps, and allowing the oil to drain into the collection container. For a smaller machine without a drain plug, use a PVC 90-degree elbow, attached to a straight piece, tilt the machine, and allow oil to drain into your collection container.
Place the oil-catch container under the machine and remove the drain plug, as well as both fill caps.
Tilt the machine to ensure you remove most of the oil from the motor.
Refilling with New Engine Oil
Reattach the drain plug and avoid excessive tightening. Utilize a funnel and add 10W-30 engine oil to the engine through one of the fill holes. Continue pouring until oil begins to flow out of the second fill hole.
Maintenance: The Air Filter
The filter in this image is 9 years old and it does not need to be replaced. Unlike your car, your pressure washer does not operate on the freeway and does not drive through gravel roads. It is not uncommon for the air filter on your pressure washer to last the life of your engine. Get a replacement filter here.
How to Seafoam a Pressure Washer
Seafoam works wonders for small engines, especially ones that do not receive regular use. Take your machine outdoors, pour an ounce of seafoam into the air intake, start the engine, wait for dense white smoke, and possibly stall. Wait 5 minutes and restart. Buy a 2 pack of seafoam online.
