As colder weather approaches, it’s important to properly winterize your pressure washer to protect the engine and pump from damage. Whether you’re storing it for a short period or the entire winter season, follow these steps to keep your pressure washer in top shape and ready to go when you need it.

Short-Term Storage (Two months or less)

1. Fill the fuel tank with fresh fuel and then add a fuel stabilizer per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
2. Properly connect hoses, turn on the water source, and purge air according to your owner’s manual.
3. Start the engine. For the next ten (10) minutes, allow the engine to run while you occasionally squeeze the trigger to spray water. This will keep water flowing through the pump and spray gun, and avoid overheating the water in the pump. After ten (10) minutes, the fuel will be stabilized and properly circulated through the entire fuel system.
4. Turn the engine off.
5. Shut off the water supply, squeeze the trigger to relieve excess pressure, and remove hoses.
6. Allow the engine to cool completely.
7. Use SIMPSON Pump Guard or an equivalent by attaching the pump guard adapter to the garden hose input on the pump. Press and hold down on the button until all the water and pump guard start to come out of the high-pressure port. Detach the pump guard from the pump.
8. Clean all exterior surfaces with a damp cloth, touch up any damaged paint, and apply a thin film of oil to areas that may rust.
9. Clean all exterior surfaces with a damp cloth, touch up any damaged paint, and apply a thin film of oil to areas that may rust.
10. Store the pressure washer in a clean, dry area out of direct sunlight

Long-Term Storage (More than 2 months)

For longer storage, a more thorough process is necessary to keep your pressure washer in top condition for extended periods.

1. With the engine off, shut off the water supply, squeeze the trigger to relieve excess pressure, and remove hoses.
2. Change the oil by loosening the drain bolt at the bottom of the engine, and draining the oil into an appropriate container.
3. Allow the engine to cool completely.
4. Remove all the fuel from the fuel tank, fuel lines, and carburetor by loosening the drain screw at the bottom of the carburetor, and draining the fuel into an appropriate container.

NOTE: If the engine is equipped with a fuel valve, turn the fuel valve to OPEN to aid with draining. After draining, return the fuel valve to the CLOSED position.

5. Remove any dirt and debris from the area around the spark plug, then use a spark plug socket or wrench to remove the spark plug.
6. Pour .5 ounces (15 ml) of new oil into the engine combustion chamber, then slowly crank the engine by pulling the recoil two (2) times to distribute oil and lubricate the cylinder.
7. Install the spark plug.
8. Use SIMPSON Pump Guard or an equivalent by attaching the pump guard adapter to the garden hose input on the pump. Press and hold down on the button until all the water and pump guard start to come out of the high-pressure port. Detach the pump guard from the pump.
9. Clean all exterior surfaces with a damp cloth, touch up any damaged paint, and apply a thin film of oil to areas that may rust.
10. Store the pressure washer in a clean, dry area out of direct sunlight.

By following these winterization steps, your Simpson pressure washer will be well-protected, ensuring a longer lifespan in preparation for spring!