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HomeRepair HelpMTD RepairMTD Pressure washer runs rough Repair
MTD Pressure washer runs rough
If your MTD gas pressure washer is running rough, surging, sputtering, hesitating, or cutting out under load, the carburetor is the most likely cause. Stale or ethanol-blended fuel left in the carburetor during seasonal storage can evaporate and leave a sticky residue that blocks fuel passages. Clean the carburetor with carburetor cleaner first; if the pressure washer engine still runs poorly, install a carburetor repair kit or replace the carburetor. Next, check the fuel filter, especially if old fuel was left in the tank, and drain the tank before replacing a clogged filter. A blocked fuel cap vent can also restrict airflow into the fuel tank, causing the engine to run rough or stall. Loosen the cap slightly as a test, then replace the fuel cap if performance improves. A clogged air filter can limit airflow and create a rich fuel mixture, so replace it when dirty. A clogged pre-cleaner is possible but less common. Enter your MTD pressure washer model number to find the exact carburetor, fuel filter, fuel cap, air filter, or other replacement part that fits your machine.
01 - MTD 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 cause the engine to run roughly. 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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02 - MTD Carburetor Repair Kit
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 cause the engine to run roughly. 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 - MTD Fuel Filter
The fuel filter might be clogged. A clogged fuel filter 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 fuel filter and cause the engine to run roughly. If old fuel was left in the pressure washer, drain the old fuel from the fuel tank and replace the fuel filter.
Highly Likely
04 - MTD Fuel Cap
As fuel is consumed, the pressure in the gas tank rises. To relieve this pressure, the gas cap uses a small vent to allow air to enter the gas tank. If the gas cap vent is clogged, air won’t be able to enter the gas tank, and the pressure in the tank will begin to rise. When the pressure in the gas tank exceeds the pressure in the engine, the engine will stall or run poorly. To determine if the gas cap vent is clogged, try slightly loosening the gas cap and then starting the engine. If the loosening the gas cap allows the engine to stay running, this indicates that the gas cap vent is clogged. If the gas cap vent is clogge...
Highly Likely
05 - MTD Air Filter
The air filter may be clogged. If the air filter is clogged, the engine will get too much fuel and not enough air. As a result, the engine may run roughly. If the air filter is clogged, replace it.
Highly Likely
06 - MTD Pre-Cleaner
The pre-cleaner might be clogged. However, this is rare.
Highly Likely
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my MTD pressure washer running rough or surging?
What should I check when my pressure washer engine bogs down under load?
Can a clogged fuel cap cause a pressure washer to run poorly?
How do I tell whether the air filter or fuel filter is causing rough running?
How do I find the correct MTD pressure washer carburetor or filter?
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