What Kind of Oil Does a Pressure Washer Use?
Pressure washer oil changes are among the most vital maintenance tasks. But when you first go to change engine or pump oil for pressure washers, you might get tripped up.
Several questions immediately come to mind: what kind of oil does a pressure washer use, how much oil does a pressure washer take, how often should I change the oil…
This guide will cover how to change oil in a pressure washer, turning you into a seasoned upkeep pro in no time.
We’ve done our best to make the process as simple as possible. But if you want more personalized advice or need help refilling oil for pressure washers, visit RJP Hotsy New Jersey.
We have a fantastic team of pressure washing repair experts in the Garden State. We’ve helped thousands of local businesses with pressure washer troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs, with friendly and speedy service to help you avoid downtime.
The Importance of Choosing the Proper Pressure Washer Oil Type
We know that oil for pressure washers isn’t necessarily the first thing you think about for your business.
But choosing the right pressure washer oil type is an essential decision that you don’t want to get wrong. Figuring out the best oil for pressure washer pumps and engines is the difference between powerful and speedy cleaning and a machine that falls apart at the first sign of danger.
The Role of Oil in a Pressure Washer Pump
Did you know that your pressure washer pump is the heart of your machine?
These pumps work hard to keep your machine well-lubricated. An efficient pump helps you avoid overheating, rust, and sealant leaks.
Without the right pump oil for pressure washers, your internal parts will grind against each other with every water spray. Soon, you’ll find yourself shelling out hundreds of dollars for repairs.
The best oil for pressure washer pumps helps you avoid these costly repairs. Regular pressure washer oil changes keep your machine firing without accumulating damage.
Consequences of Using the Wrong Oil
What kind of oil does a pressure washer use?
If you aren’t asking yourself this question, you’re doomed to fail.
Using the wrong engine or pump oil for pressure washers has a laundry list of consequences, each more frustrating than the last.
Getting the wrong pressure washer oil type may initially seem like an innocent decision. But then your pump starts making noises straight out of a horror movie. Your machine starts leaking everywhere, drenching you and your employees in water.
And before you know it, your machine refuses to work, leaving you with a giant repair bill.
Not learning how to change oil in a pressure washer correctly is a costly mistake.
What Kind of Oil Does a Pressure Washer Use?
You want to avoid the worst consequences of not finding the best oil for pressure washer pumps and engines.
But what kind of oil does a pressure washer use? And how much oil does a pressure washer take?
We must examine your machine’s specifics closely to answer these questions.
Understanding Gas vs Electric Pressure Washers
Did you know there’s a way to lower the need for regular pressure washer oil changes?
Electric pressure washers don’t require engine oil like their gas counterparts. You can plug them in and get to work without the extra maintenance.
However, you still need pump oil for pressure washers, even with an electric motor.
What about the other side of the electric vs gas pressure washer debate? What kind of oil does a pressure washer use if it has a gas engine?
Gas pressure washers require both pump oil and engine oil. It’s important to note that the best oil for pressure washer pumps isn’t necessarily the best for engines.
Recommended Oil for Gas Pressure Washer Engines
Gas power washer engines can vary based on your brand. The first resource to go to to figure out the correct type of oil will always be the company itself. Check your owner’s manual, and talk to your retailer for personalized recommendations.
Most gas pressure washers use SAE 30-weight oil for general use. However, if operating below 40 degrees, you may need to switch to 10W-30 to avoid freezing your pipes.
Oil Types for Pressure Washer Pumps
As noted, pump oil for pressure washers is slightly different from engine oil. You want to look for SAE 30 non-detergent oil. You may need the mineral version for higher-end pumps, so double-check with your retailer or owner’s manual for specifics.
What to Look for in High-Quality Pressure Washer Oil
Before we get into how to change oil in a pressure washer, there’s one more thing you need to consider while shopping.
You want to ensure the oil you buy suits your industrial power washer. Look for oils with suitable viscosity, anti-wear additives, and rust inhibitors to keep your internal parts healthy. These additive ingredients may not seem like much, but you’ll notice the payoff when your repair bills get smaller.
We also recommend investing in synthetic oil, especially if you’re working in extreme temperatures. This will keep your parts safe from freezing and cracking.
How to Change Oil in a Pressure Washer: Step-by-Step Guide to the Pressure Washer Oil Change
Once you’ve identified your ideal oils, let’s discuss how to change them. How much oil does a pressure washer take to fill fully, and how does the process work?
How Often Should You Change Pressure Washer Oil?
Regular oil changes are crucial to maintaining a pressure washer. Figuring out a regular groove to replace oil will help you avoid the consequences of low oil.
We recommend changing the pump oil after the first 50 hours when you have a new machine.
Once you’re past that break-in period, you should replace the oil every 3 months or 200-500 hours of use. The more frequently you change your oil within that range, the better your lubrication.
As always, check your manual or with your retailer for specific requirements your model may have.
Step 1: Gather the Required Tools and Materials
To begin the oil change, gather a few tools: oil, a funnel, a wrench, some rags, and an extra container for the old oil.
You’ll also need a new oil filter if you’re working with a gas engine.
The whole process can be messy, so make sure the area is clear of any tools, equipment, or clothing you can’t afford to get dirty.
Step 2: Draining the Old Oil
Your first move is to remove the old oil from your machine. You want to make way for all the fresh oil to ensure everything is adequately lubricated.
Fire up your pressure washer. Let it warm up for a few minutes so it’s warm enough to loosen the oil. Let it sit there for around 10 to 15 minutes.
You’ll then find the drain plug, usually located on the underside of the pump. Place your container underneath, and start loosening the drain with the wrench you grabbed earlier.
It might start spewing out fast, so give yourself room to stay out of the splash zone.
Take a moment to inspect the old oil. If it’s incredibly dark and has a gritty, sandpaper-like texture, you’ve probably gone too long without a change.
Step 3: Replacing the Oil Filter (For Gas Engines)
You’re now halfway there, but there’s an extra step for your gas engines. You must replace the oil filter to ensure your machine operates smoothly. Lift it off with your wrench, ideally with a rag nearby.
We recommend smearing a little bit of new oil on the new filter before installing it. This will help it seal properly.
Then, just screw it on snugly to the engine, and you can move on to the next step!
Step 4: Refilling with Fresh Oil
It’s time to give your power washer the TLC it deserves by adding fresh oil. But how much oil does a pressure washer take to fill fully?
You’ll want to check your manual for specifics. Overfilling and underfilling are equally bad outcomes here, so approach things with precision.
Once you’ve measured out that oil, grab your funnel. You’ll place it in your pump or engine and start filling. Watch the dipstick, waiting for the oil to hit the full mark.
After hitting the sweet spot, take out the funnel, screw the caps back on tightly, and you’re good to go.
Step 5: Running the Engine
Now is the perfect time to test your engine. After filling it up, let it run for a few minutes. This will circulate the fresh oil and lubricate all of the internal parts.
Look for signs of leaks. If you notice anything amiss, you must backtrack and retighten your parts.
From there, shutting off the engine and re-checking your oil levels is a good idea. If your engine drained more oil than you expected, re-filling it to the top with a few more drops can keep your machine running smoothly.
You know exactly how to change the oil on your machine. But what if you and your crew don’t have the time to perform this maintenance in your chaotic business schedule?
That’s where a reputable pressure washer repair shop can help.
RJP Hotsy Can Handle the Pressure Washer Oil Change and All Your Other Service Needs!
If your power washer needs some TLC after all the fantastic cleaning results it’s given your business, look no further than RJP Hotsy!
As the #1 home for industrial pressure washers in New Jersey, we’ve assisted thousands of Jersey businesses with their power washing needs. We’re the only Hotsy-authorized shop for industrial pressure washer repair in NJ.
Our team has mastered the art of how to repair pressure washers over the years. We have a
24-point inspection process to nip any issues before they become expensive repairs for your business. There’s no better way to save on pressure washer repair costs than with our team.
And with our showroom full of quality machines from the industry leader Hotsy, you won’t have to worry about maintenance downtime.
You can count on us rather than scrambling to determine where to rent a pressure washer. We’re the #1 home for industrial pressure washer rental in NJ, including drop-off and pick-up services to help you avoid delays.
Our friendly team has seen it all, and we’re happy to share our knowledge of the pressure washing world with you.
We’ll answer all of your questions, including how much it costs to rent a pressure washer, how to rent a pressure washer, pressure washer storage tips, how to pressure wash concrete, how to use a soap dispenser on a pressure washer, and what soap to use in a pressure washer.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Pressure Washer Oil Type
Changing the oil on your pressure washer is a necessity. But there’s a big difference between throwing oil into your pump and figuring out the right type for your machine.
While we’ve covered enough to get you started, we recommend consulting your owner’s manual or retailer with specific questions.
Whether you want us to handle oil changes for you, or you’re in the market for leasing, buying, or renting a pressure washer, RJP Hotsy has your back!
We’re the best place to find industrial pressure washer leasing in NJ as the state’s only authorized Hotsy dealer.
Our team will help you choose the perfect machine at every step in the process.
Starting with what size pressure washer you need, we’ll explore how much pressure washer PSI and pressure washer GPM you need for your usual stains.
We’ll also discuss water temperature to help you decide between hot vs cold water pressure washers. Our store is the best place to find industrial cold water pressure washers in New Jersey and hot models so that you can clean your property in any season.
And if you need industrial pressure washer trailers in NJ, we can set you up to handle any job. You can ditch the idea of creating a DIY pressure washer trailer. No more mounting a pressure washer to a trailer or figuring out how to plumb a pressure washer trailer; you can let our team create a custom build just for you!
So whether you need industrial hot water pressure washers in New Jersey, an oil change, or the best pressure washer chemicals, RJP Hotsy is right by your side. Contact us today or stop by our New Egypt store to get started.
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