So I have a Homelite Pressure 2.3GPM 2700psi pressure washer Model UT80993 with a Honda Engine (Link), that's giving me trouble. Since it was a nice day yesterday here in NY I decided to power wash the deck. She started fine after two pulls considering she was hibernating for months due to winter in my garage. I was able to do 1/4 on my deck till she decided to stop.

I checked gas and added as it was low,I tried starting it again but the string just got harder and harder to pull. So I pressed the trigger on the wand till she started right up, but just dies after 5 minutes or less which kept on happening all the time. After that it just wouldn't start even though there was enough gas. So I ran quickly to HomeDepot to pick up new spark plugs. After I replaced the plugs the pressure washer started again without any struggle. Then it died after 25 mins of power washing. I checked on the gas and added as it was low. She started right up again. Then at some point it sounded like it was going to die so I pushed the choke lever in then it died then the engine revved then it popped and a small black smoke came out of the exhaust.

Tried cranking her again but nothing happens. Did I break it? Help?

 

How long was it sitting with "old" gas in the tank?

 

I emptied the gas in the washer just before winter. The gas I have in the 2 gal container is about 4 months old. Should I try new gas?

 

4 months is borderline for "old gas"....depending on how you stored the gas as well.

 

1) Drain out the old gas
2) Pour some Seafoam in the tank before adding fresh gas (an ounce or two max)
3) Prime engine a few times to get to the Seafoam into the line and carb
4) Fill tank with super unleaded gas
5) Start engine and let run for several minutes
6) Check the spark plug after you do this. If it were me I'd replace it with a new one

 

We'll try it out this weekend. Now when you say fill with super unleaded gas, do you mean 93 octane instead of the regular 87 octane? And how can I prime it when there is no primer bulb? Just has a choke switch (Start and Run), power switch,gas switch supply, and pull cord starter. Sorry to sound like a noob but just want to make sure since it's my first pressure washer. (Given by a friend last year - assuming he didn't maintain it well)

 

Also, when was the last time the oil was changed?

Considering it was given to you....it may have been "forever" since it was changed.

You might want to do that at well.

 

Thanks might do that as well, hoping this will all fix it.

 

BTW, don't store gas in a can/container that is sitting directly on a concrete slab/floor.

It produces an environment that creates condensation in the gasoline.
Always store your gasoline on a shelf, or at least not directly on a concrete slab/floor.

 

Thanks! Moog I didn't know that...That's exactly how I stored it btw, sitting on the garage concrete floor. I'm going to move it up hoping it still a good gas.

 

neat tip.
thanks moog.

 

I don't think the problem is old gas. That would only cause starting problems as far as I know.

You could have a bad fuel cap. If it's not letting air into the tank the engine will eventually not get fuel and die. Run it with the cap loose (or off if safe) and see if it dies. If it doesn't die then you need a new cap.

Also check oil level. The engine may have a low oil level sensor that shuts down the engine if the oil is low.

 

If no primer bulb then just fill with SF and gas and then run it.

 

So i was able to get it started with the help of my dad in law. He said it might be that the carburetor was dirty since it would die if the choke is fully in, has to be ran at half choke. I'll be putting sea foam in it the next time I'll use it.

Thanks for all your help guys