If your Troy-Bilt gas pressure washer won't start, begin with the spark plug, the most likely cause. Check for a cracked porcelain insulator, burned electrode, heavy carbon buildup, or no strong spark with a spark plug tester. Next, inspect the carburetor for clogging. Stale or ethanol-blended fuel left in the carburetor is one of the most common causes of starting problems on seasonal equipment. Clean the carburetor with carburetor cleaner, then rebuild or replace it if cleaning does not restore fuel flow. If the pressure washer is not starting after the spark plug and carburetor check out, test the ignition coil, which supplies voltage to the spark plug. A sheared flywheel key is another possibility, especially if the engine stopped suddenly after hitting a hard object. These checks apply when a Troy-Bilt power washer won't start, will not start, or won't turn on. Always disconnect the spark plug wire and follow safe repair procedures before testing parts. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement spark plug, carburetor, ignition coil, or flywheel key for your specific Troy-Bilt pressure washer.
01 - Troy-Bilt 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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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.
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.
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.