Pressure Washer Maintenance & Storage With Horizontal Pump Oil Change

The products we used in the video are:
STA-BIL 360° Fuel Treatment and Stabilizer: https://amzn.to/2OXWqE9
Briggs & Stratton Pump Saver Anti-Freeze and Lubricant: https://amzn.to/2r4XcFG
CAT Pumps Pressure Washer Pump Oil: https://amzn.to/2TJ6R25
Valvoline Racing VR1 Oil: https://amzn.to/2SecHa6
WD-40 Multi-Purpose Lubricant: https://amzn.to/2r3LWJE
Lumax LX-1311 Manual Fluid Extractor: https://amzn.to/2r7mH9E
Pressure Washer Maintenance - Maintaining and properly storing your pressure washer is very simple, inexpensive and the key to a long-lasting pressure washer.  Just like the fluids in your automobile, pressure washers need similar maintenance.  The oils in the engine and pump can only protect for so long.  In the video above we show how to maintain or store a horizontal pump pressure washer.  The exact same procedure would be used for a vertical pump pressure washer, except the oil change in the pump.  Most vertical pumps do not allow for an oil change.

Types of Water
Depending on the type of water in your area, it might be smart to use pump saver after each use.  As you can see in the video, it is easy and fast to use.  Minerals in hard water can build up on the rubber and pistons in the pump and ruin the pump over time.  Pump Saver is cheap insurance against that.  If you read the instructions for your pressure washer, most will recommend pump saver after each use.  It should be done, but we believe most people do not use it.

Pump Oil
Horizontal pressure washer pump oil should be changed after 50 hours and then again after every 500 hours per most manuals.  For the cost of the oil, we recommend it is changed at the end of each season to remove the water and other contaminants that might get in the pump through the vent.  We were able to find the Cat pump oil cheaper at Home Depot than Amazon, but the oil we purchased had sat on the shelves for a long period of time because it has some major dust build up.

General Cleaning
Make sure your pressure washer is clean before you store it.  This will help stop corrosion and items becoming seized over time.  We use WD-40 to go over the metal parts that could rust.  We do not use it on engine parts.  A good cleaning can help ensure that your pressure washer looks good over time also.