Pressure washer hard to pull start

[jgradyc]

A friend of mine bought a new pressure washer. Apparently, it is very hard to pull the rope to start it. 

I haven't tried it myself, so I don't know if it's really hard to start. Maybe it's just a lack of upper body strength, but I was wondering... will it get easier to pull start as the engine gets a few hours on it? Is there anything I can do to help make it easier to pull? Hopefully, I'll get by to check it out personally in the next few days.

[Johnny Rotten]

pull the handle on the wand to blow off water pressure, then try again.

[peejman]

Read the manual and see if there's a compression release. 

[Ugly]

It shouldn't be harder to start than it would be once broken in. 

Water pressure will be a show stopper. Have them start it with the water either turned off or with the pressure relieved. 

 

[jpx2rk]

Doubt there is a compression release, it's probably a 5hp motor which should not be much harder than a push mower BUT, you do have the water pressure & pump to spin it up.  Since it's new, make sure there is oil in the motor, water hose is connected AND turned on, then release all air thru the pump and hose until you get a steady stream of water coming from the wand/nozzel.  Then start to pull the starter rope.  Without releasing all the air in the pump it will be difficult to pull..  Since it's new, it might be just cold blooded.  

[-boatman-]

1 hour ago, Johnny Rotten said:

pull the handle on the wand to blow off water pressure, then try again.

Do this. If mine does not start in two or three pulls I have to let the pressure off and start again or I can't pull it anymore. If it starts right off, no problem

[tacops]

Like above answers, pull the wand handle to release pressure on hose.  If that doesn't work, just for kicks, since it is new and he may not have been the one to put oil in it, check the oil level to make sure it is not over filled.

[Wingshooter]

Yep, as stated...  hold the handle on the wand while you pull the cord to release the pressure. It's actually possible to blow the seals on the pump if you don't (guess how I know )

Edited September 27, 2017 by Wingshooter