Here’s what a Google search turned up. Guy was having the same issue with his.
I had the same prob. It ended up being the ignition coil.
So your engine needs 6 things to run:
- fuel
- spark
- compression
- timing
- lubrication
- cooling
The vast majority of engine problems are fuel related. Take a can of starter fluid along next time & shoot a little in where the air filter goes in & give it a pull. If it runs for 3 seconds & dies, you’ve pinpointed a fueling issue. If not, check for spark. Pinpoint what you’re missing before buying any parts. Also, what engine are you running?
He’s running a Predator single.
Thank you all for the responses. I will take a look at it again today.
My thoughts about the fuel, I don’t think that’s it because the engine suddenly stops and turns off… without making any “starving for fuel” sounds…
Literally, if you guys start your powerwasher, and then turn it off. Mine sounds just like that, exactly like it should. But it’s randomly turning off.
Yesterday when I couldn’t start it after about 10 pulls. I guarantee if I let it sit a little, it would start up. Like when I go out this morning, I’d bet money it starts immediately.
Here’s a link to the owners manual if anyone wants an idea of what Washer I currently have…
https://manuals.harborfreight.com/manuals/64000-64999/64199.pdf
I ran the power washer today for about 40minutes at a small job…. and it did not randomly turn off.
I’ll be back at it tomorrow on a 4 hour job. Will update again.
Also currently looking for an 8gpm in stock somewhere if anyone knows of a quality machine in stock.
you need to properly check your dip stick. i put in the recommended oil amount as well for my 630 and i had the exact same issue as you. then i wiped the dipstick, let it run for 2 min, then checked it and saw i was on minimum threshold, so i added oil to the ideal amount and the issue went away.
Where are you located
I measured the oil exactly to 1.1 liters when I filled it, per owners manual… but I will run it for a couple minutes and then check the dipstick… I did not think of that idea.
I’m located in Southern New Jersey. About 20minutes south of Atlantic City
I really think you need to check the resistance of your coil before anything else.
Check your ignition switch and connection. If the little bullet plug is shorting against the case it will behave the way you describe.
You can test a faulty switch by unplugging it. Dont let the terminals touch the crankcase. The switch kills the ignition by grounding the magneto.
I thought the whole reason people bought the Preds were so they could carry back and get a new one. So carry it back.
Lol, he didn’t know to check the dipstick after adding oil, buying junk may be his saving grace.
I thought you check the dipstick before running the motor, not after.
No. Fill with oil, check dipstick. Run engine, check dipstick. Just like with your car. Oil doesn’t go into your filter until the engine runs for a minute.
Wait, what?..
Thank you InnocentByStander.
I learn something new everyday.
I’m working with the company I bought the power washer from. I might be able to return it even though it’s been two years. I was surprised to hear that.
I’ll be calling tomorrow for an answer.
In the meantime, I will check the oil before and after running the motor to see the true oil level.
ElBarto, I’ll be checking what you suggested tomorrow morning.
Today was a rough day and didn’t have the chance to do more troubleshooting.
Thank you all for the help, I will keep you posted
Run the motor and shut off for a few minutes then check. I don’t think single cylinders have an oil filter like a car or v-twin, at least mine didn’t.
That may be, I don’t know what kind of engine he has, but I figured if it had a dipstick it has a filter, I dunno
Check your ignition coil. If you’ve already ensured engine oil level and sensor are proper/functioning correctly it sounds like a faulty ignition coil.