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HomeRepair HelpGenerac Pressure Washer RepairGenerac Pressure washer won't start Repair
Generac Pressure washer won't start
If your Generac pressure washer won't start, begin with the spark plug, the most likely cause. Remove and inspect it for a cracked porcelain insulator, burned electrode, or heavy carbon buildup, then use a spark plug tester to check for a strong spark while the engine cranks. If the plug is good, inspect the carburetor. Stale or ethanol-blended fuel left in the carburetor is one of the most common causes of a gas pressure washer not starting, because evaporated fuel can leave sticky deposits that clog the carburetor. Clean it with carburetor cleaner, or replace or rebuild the carburetor if cleaning does not restore operation. Next, test the ignition coil, which sends voltage to the spark plug, and replace it if defective. If the engine stopped suddenly after striking an obstruction, inspect the flywheel key, which may have sheared and prevented the engine from starting. These checks address why your Generac power washer won't start, won't turn on, or will not start. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement spark plug, carburetor, ignition coil, or flywheel key for your specific pressure washer.
01 - Generac 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 - Generac 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 - Generac 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 - Generac 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 Generac pressure washer start after sitting?
How do I check the spark plug and ignition coil when my pressure washer won't start?
What else can cause a Generac pressure washer not to start?
How do I find the correct Generac pressure washer replacement part?
What should I do before repairing a pressure washer that won't start?
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