I got a Ryobi pressure washer about a year ago. So far, it works great. I want to help maintain the equipment properly so had some questions.
I think it’s recommended to use a fuel additive, correct? I initially put some in with the first tank of gas, but haven’t done so since. Is this additive really more when storing it for a long period of time?
At one point, I did use all the gas in a tank. I then stored it empty for a few months. Filled it and it ran so no problem. Is it ok to store it with an empty tank?
I just started seeing some advice on products to help maintain the pump. Is this needed? If so, does it matter the brand? I see several brands for pump cleaning so not sure if there is any real difference.
Welcome to the forum. You’ll find that this site is primarily for commercial washing contractors, but, maintaining your engine and pump is pretty much the same between commercial versions and residential versions.
The fuel additives are primarily added to help keep fuel fresh for longer periods of time as homeowners will often use a piece of equipment just once in a blue moon and then leave it sitting in a shed somewhere for months or longer on end. Think of items like generators, chainsaws, rototillers, and, yes, pressure washers. Fuel from a gas station has a “shelf life” and when just left untreated in a small engine’s fuel system it can start to gum up and/or eat away at critical components. Most commercial guys don’t need to use fuel additives as they are using up the fuel so quickly that it doesn’t have time to cause any issues.
As far as pumps, most of the “maintenance” related items you’ll see are going to be just for storage purposes. Usually they have some sort of antifreeze properties that will protect the pump from cracking when air temps drop below freezing. Some will claim to enhance the life of the o-rings by preventing them from dry rotting away.
Regardless, if you are using your pressure washer every month or so you likely don’t need to worry with fuel treatment. And if the pressure washer is never exposed to temps below freezing you probably don’t have to worry about the pump either. But, always consult your owners manual and follow their guidelines, especially if the machine is still under warranty. You’ll have a stronger chance and making a successful warranty claim if you’ve followed exactly what the manufacturer told you to do.
I’m not knocking your decision to purchase that unit, it is just that it is a disposable unit. You are going to have to be so careful to keep that pump functional for awhile, meaning when off the trigger shut it down.
The unit was kept inside in our basement during winter months. I am in GA so not many “winter” months anyway. So it sounds like I don’t have to worry too much about the pump maintainence.
As far as gas, I guess as long as I don’t store it too long, don’t have to worry about that either.
Is it ok to store it for a long period of time with NO GAS in it. I have run it dry and it sat empty for about 3 months. It ran agin, but I always wonder if it’s good to store ANY small engine device without any gas. Or should it be stored with some gas and a fuel treatment?
For extended storage, it’s best to drain all the gas, especially if you’re not using ethanol-free fuel. The likelihood of having issues is higher with regular gas (gumming up the carb, rubber components and lines drying out/cracking because of the additives) so keeping the machine drained will save you headaches if you’re storing it for more than three months.
