Winterizing a pressure washer pump

[Train]

Is there any reason a guy couldn't use the same antifreeze as you use to winterize a travel trailer?

 

[rlitman]

That's what I use (RV antifreeze).

 

[Bretny]

Blow it out with compressed air.

 

[matt_i]

Chuck in the basement

 

[nh_yota]

Nope but it's just as easy to blow it out with compressed air.

 

[gungatim]

I just unhook the hoses to let it drain then pull the motor over a couple times without starting it. never had an issue with the pump in a dozen years.

now the hose on the other hand, don't just coil it up and let it sit without blowing it out. I've seen more bad wands/hoses from freezing than pumps.

 

[crewchief888]

Chuck in the basement

that's what I do with mine

 

[Slednut]

Blow it out with compressed air.

This

 

[sberry]

You can blow it out, you can circulate some anti freeze with some practice and reuse it. I like the idea of putting it in the basement.

 

[laser3kw]

Chuck in the basement

first, I have to dig a basement.
I disconnect the wand and tie the trigger open, blow it out, then hang it up so any water drains out. I drain my pressure washer, shoot some fluid film in the inlet and run it for a second or two, then hang it up so the water drains out the inlet.
mine is electric, no motor to winterize.

 

[MarlynOC]

4 bolts and a keyway then remove and tuck away nice and warm.

 

[SGKent]

Perhaps I did not get enough sleep last night, am asleep, and dreaming. It was 107F here today, and I think this thread asked about winterizing a pressure washer. If so either the OP really likes to plan ahead, or maybe is a terrible procrastinator worrying about his pressure washer last winter.

 

[cantupshift]

I have an electric and use the briggs spray through the pump.

I would be more inclined to use this or fluid film over antifreeze. I would think you would want to protect the seals and I am not sure the antifreeze is going to do that.

I will try the compressed air on the line this winter but have been gravity draining otherwise.

 

[ddurrett896]

I use this. Cheap and quick.

Briggs & Stratton 6151 Pressure Washer Pump Saver Anti-Freeze and Lubricant Formul... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007TFF2PM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[tarmy]

I just unhook the hoses to let it drain then pull the motor over a couple times without starting it. never had an issue with the pump in a dozen years.

now the hose on the other hand, don't just coil it up and let it sit without blowing it out. I've seen more bad wands/hoses from freezing than pumps.

This...no problems in 15 years...

 

[rlitman]

I use this. Cheap and quick.

Briggs & Stratton 6151 Pressure Washer Pump Saver Anti-Freeze and Lubricant Formul... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007TFF2PM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Quick, yes. Cheap, not so much.

I got a bottle like this that you squeeze:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004S67CUS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And keep it refilled with RV antifreeze. Between the bottle (which has the hose fitting on it) and a GALLON of antifreeze, I'm right at the price of the Briggs aerosol bottle.

 

[ddurrett896]

Quick, yes. Cheap, not so much.

I got a bottle like this that you squeeze:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004S67CUS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And keep it refilled with RV antifreeze. Between the bottle (which has the hose fitting on it) and a GALLON of antifreeze, I'm right at the price of the Briggs aerosol bottle.

I guess "cheap" because I only use my pressure washer like once a year. Is the bottle you posted the link for refillable? Might just go that route since I use anti-freeze to clear out my sprayers.

 

[rlitman]

I guess "cheap" because I only use my pressure washer like once a year. Is the bottle you posted the link for refillable? Might just go that route since I use anti-freeze to clear out my sprayers.

It is, though my bottle has a ball valve in the cap like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LIUSWCO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I want to say I paid something like $8 for it a Lowes years back.

I will say though that the aerosol bottle (which I used before) has more pressure than you can get out of squeezing the plastic bottle. With the aerosol, just pressing the button would flush the pump most times, whereas with the plastic I need to pull the cord a bit.

 

[BruceMc]

Belt and suspenders. Run the antifreeze, then blow it out. You can recapture the antifreeze, but whatever small amount remains in the machine (and you'll have a tough time clearing every drop out) is now protected.

 

[greg13]

Pour some windshield washer in the pump and pull it over a few times & drain the hose.

 

[landry]

Hard to cheaper or easier than an air fitting screwed on a hardware water hose fitting, blow for a minute and you are done. I keep mine hanging on the pressure washer so I do not lose it.
Freeze prep thoughts in August...

 

[lilredex]

4 bolts and a keyway then remove and tuck away nice and warm.

My preferred method too. That way you can safely run the engine out of gas with no pump damage.