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HomeRepair HelpCraftsman Pressure Washer RepairCraftsman Pressure washer won't start Repair
Craftsman Pressure washer won't start
If your Craftsman pressure washer won't start, begin with the spark plug, the most likely cause. Remove and inspect it for a cracked insulator, burned electrode, or heavy carbon buildup, then use a spark plug tester while cranking the engine. No strong spark means the spark plug should be replaced. A clogged carburetor is another common reason a gas pressure washer will not start, especially when stale or ethanol-blended fuel has been left inside during the off-season. Clean the carburetor with carburetor cleaner, or rebuild or replace it if cleaning does not restore fuel flow. If the plug works, test the ignition coil, which supplies voltage to the plug. A sheared flywheel key can also prevent the engine from starting, particularly after the washer stops suddenly or strikes a hard object. These checks can help explain why your pressure washer is not starting, why the power washer won't start, or why it will not turn on. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement spark plug, carburetor, ignition coil, or flywheel key for your Craftsman pressure washer.
01 - Craftsman Pressure Washer Spark Plug
Inspect the spark plug for signs of wear or damage. If the porcelain insulator is cracked, an electrode is burned away or damaged, or there is heavy carbon buildup at the electrode, replace the spark plug. To determine if the spark plug is defective, use a spark plug tester. You should see a strong spark between the tester’s terminals when the engine is cranking. If there is no spark, this indicates that the spark plug is defective and should be replaced.
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02 - Craftsman Pressure Washer Carburetor
The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the pressure washer for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.
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03 - Craftsman Pressure Washer Ignition Coil
The ignition coil sends voltage to the spark plug while the engine is running. If the ignition coil is defective, the engine may not start. Before replacing the ignition coil, ensure that the spark plug is working properly. If you have confirmed that the spark plug is working properly, test the ignition coil with an ignition coil tester. If the ignition coil is defective, replace it.
Common
04 - Craftsman Pressure Washer Flywheel Key
the flywheel key might have sheared in half. The flywheel key is a small metal piece which fits into the crankshaft and engages with the flywheel. If the engine stops suddenly due to the pressure washer hitting a hard object, the flywheel key breaks in half to prevent damage to the engine. To determine if the flywheel key is broken, remove the flywheel from the engine and inspect the flywheel key. If the flywheel key is broken, replace it.
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my Craftsman pressure washer start?
How do I test the spark plug and ignition coil when my pressure washer will not start?
What should I check if my Craftsman pressure washer starts but will not stay running?
How do I know which Craftsman pressure washer part to order?
What safety steps should I follow before repairing a pressure washer that will not start?
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