Winterizing pressure washer

[Farmall 1066]

Figured I'd better get my Hotsy winterized. Got down to mid 20's last night.
My shop is insulated but I don't heat it. It rarely gets to freezing in there, butbetter safe than sorry.
Was trying to figure out best way to fill it with RV antifreeze, and hit on an idea that worked great.
Used air to blow out all the water, then hooked it up to a bucket with about 3 gallons of RV antifreeze in it. Connected a cheap assed drill pump from Harbor freight, stuck the Hotsy hose and pump suction hose in the bucket, and just let it all circulate for a few minutes.

Just thought I'd share.

 

[kctyphoon]

If you purge all the water, is the anti freeze necessary? I use that pump saver oil on my small portable unit.

 

[Dynasty]

Perfect timing. I have a 2,000 psi electric pressure washer that I was going to winterize. Is there anything specific to electric motors that require special attention?

 

[Richard Cranium]

My airless paint gun gets pump lube, But the power washer gets r.v. anti freeze.

 

[Farmall 1066]

If you purge all the water, is the anti freeze necessary? I use that pump saver oil on my small portable unit.

I just blow my little Karcher out with air, but I've used RV antifreeze on the Hotsy for several years with no issues.
Peace of mind for cheap.

 

[stikman56]

I've had mine for more than a dozen years,never done anything to it,just put it in the shed. Used it today as a matter of fact.

 

[redmondjp]

You don't have to use RV antifreeze - I used a 50/50 mix of (used) regular automotive antifreeze in mine - I have a funnel going into an elbow that screws onto the water inlet. I fill up the funnel, and use the pull cord to cycle the engine/pump by hand until I get green out of the discharge.

 

[bob15]

I just put it in the basement. Doesn't freeze down there and no need to buy anything

 

[sberry]

Take a 5 gallobn bucket with good used anti freeze or RV stuff, new freeze works but **** it thru, ewhen it gones out green stick the hose back in the bucket and you can circulate if you want but when its time to use it put hose back in bucket, when it purges the green out remove,,, clear??? Can use it over and over.
Obviously you take the gun off when you do this, the machine IS a pump.
I heat the one in my truck. It has 500 gallons of water on it plus another fire pump. The one in my shop is in continuous use, hose goes thru the wall and has outside switches for winter. It makes 5 gpm and really removes dirt and has enough hot to cut ice in below freezing weather. 4th shot was after a new hose, I keep 100 ft on it. I have 100 on the truck too, if I was really working steady would have 150.

 

[CJM8515]

I just put it in the basement. Doesn't freeze down there and no need to buy anything

I do the same, much easier.

 

[sberry]

If you get the hang of the bucket thing it will last all winter if not diluted and you can use it if needed. I have done it for portable equipment, takes just a minute.

 

[sberry]

Lots of units have blow down valves, mine has a Schrader plumbed in.

If you purge all the water, is the anti freeze necessary? I use that pump saver oil on my small portable unit

.