Pump guard products for pressure washer winterizing?

[wahoowad]

I bought a good above-average homeowner pressure washer for cleaning my deck as it needs it every year. The pump on my previous Karcher budget model seized up after a few years but I never did anything to winterize it. I want to do a better job with this one.

It is a Simpson brand unit and of course their pump guard product looks to c0st twice what others cost, but it isn’t actually a Simpson pump. The pump brand is AAA and i’m wondering if any decent brand name pump guard product is sufficient?

My understanding is pumpmguard is either an expanding foam or liquid that displaces water and leaves a little lubricant behind to help seal life.

Aside from that I know I have Stabil in the gas, but will try to drain it anyway since I am not sure how long it might be until I run it again.

 

[toplessHO]

go to RV place they will fix you up
same thing you put in RV toilets

 

[RPH]

Rv antifreeze, cheap and it works. I usually push a half gallon through the pump and hoses.

 

[unslow1]

You can buy RV antifreeze at home improvement and auto parts stores. Usually around $3 a GL.

 

[PT Doc]

If you buy a bottle of the recommended stuff from Home Depot or the like, it has threads that attach to the pressure washer. Use that until you run out and then maybe fill with the above mentioned products.

Does anyone know what the pressure washer pump concoction actually is?

 

[tarmy]

If you buy a bottle of the recommended stuff from Home Depot or the like, it has threads that attach to the pressure washer. Use that until you run out and then maybe fill with the above mentioned products.

Does anyone know what the pressure washer pump concoction actually is?

The stuff I bought like this says that it winterizes the pump too. I am not where the pump is to list brand....but I believe I got it at HD. Mine has never been damaged in 15 years in snow country...so I guess it works...

 

[Cf mtn]

i use briggs and stratton pump saver, available at lowes, home depot.

 

[unslow1]

If you buy a bottle of the recommended stuff from Home Depot or the like, it has threads that attach to the pressure washer. Use that until you run out and then maybe fill with the above mentioned products.

Does anyone know what the pressure washer pump concoction actually is?

That's what I bought last year. Most I've talked to just refill the bottle with RV antifreeze. That's my plan also so I saved the bottle.

 

[PT Doc]

That's what I bought last year. Most I've talked to just refill the bottle with RV antifreeze. That's my plan also so I saved the bottle.

Good plan. I would guess that there would be a bit or kerosene and some type of oil.

 

[Bretny]

I just blow air through it with a blow gun...the stuff isnfree and air dosnt freeze.

 

[trekgod3]

i use briggs and stratton pump saver, available at lowes, home depot.

Same here. Also available at Sears

 

[mikegt4]

I made up a little adapter for my PW. I used an old hose bibb with a threaded supply end and attached a 1-1/2" bell reducer to it. I screw the bibb's hose end into the pump input and tighten it in such a manner as the bell points up like a funnel. I fill the bell with RV antifreeze and use the engine's pull starter (ign off) to pump it through until the pump puts out pink fluid. Has worked for 23 years.

Something like these, PVC would be cheaper but I had iron pieces laying around.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-3-4-in-Brass-MPT-x-MHT-Hose-Bibb-VHBSTDF4EB/205812068
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Mueller...T-x-FPT-Reducing-Coupling-511-374HN/100548075

 

[NUTTSGT]

Rv antifreeze, cheap and it works. I usually push a half gallon through the pump and hoses.

You can buy RV antifreeze at home improvement and auto parts stores. Usually around $3 a GL.

That's what I did with mine last year, drained it out and it was fine. This thread reminds me that I still need to winterize mine soon. I don't think I'll be doing much power washing till Spring.

 

[jubilee]

I have air chuck/water hose connection made up to blow out 4 pressure washers I have. Takes about 5 minutes to blow out all 4.

 

[redmondjp]

I made up a little adapter for my PW. I used an old hose bibb with a threaded supply end and attached a 1-1/2" bell reducer to it. I screw the bibb's hose end into the pump input and tighten it in such a manner as the bell points up like a funnel. I fill the bell with RV antifreeze and use the engine's pull starter (ign off) to pump it through until the pump puts out pink fluid. Has worked for 23 years.

Something like these, PVC would be cheaper but I had iron pieces laying around.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-3-4-in-Brass-MPT-x-MHT-Hose-Bibb-VHBSTDF4EB/205812068
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Mueller...T-x-FPT-Reducing-Coupling-511-374HN/100548075

I've done almost the exact same thing for mine. And I use used automotive antifreeze that I drain out of cars and it has not caused any issues.

 

[Slednut]

I have air chuck/water hose connection made up to blow out 4 pressure washers I have. Takes about 5 minutes to blow out all 4.

This is also what I do, never had a problem.

 

[purplezr2]

This is also what I do, never had a problem.

I have the same, I spray alittle WD in after I blow the water out, just to be safe.

 

[MarlynOC]

4 bolts probably hold pump on with a woodrift key. Just take it off and store inside for winter.