Storing OPE and a pressure washer.

[Chris B.]

Normally I change out all fluids after the season and store everything dry for the winter. I added fresh pump oil and engine oil to my Honda Excell pressure washer this past spring but I only used it twice for a total of about 2 hours. Should I drain the fluids again for winter storage or keep them and use again next summer with out changing fluids? I fear they will go bad during the winter and possibily get moisture in the fluids?

Also should I be adding antifreeze to my presure washer pump? I have not in the past and all seems fine. My garage is not heated so it can get pretty cold but I'm not sure the water in the pressure washer can freeze?

 

[Donald]

You should be fine with the fluids. They do not go bad by sitting over the winter.

As for antifreeze for the pump itself, it surely can freeze and break something given cold enough weather and some water in the pump. They sell a little can of overpriced antifreeze for pressure washer pumps that has a short hose and a garden hose connector, never used one but I know they sell them at Lowes and HD. At Lowes I believe they would be at the beginning of isle 27 on the left hand side.

I just keep mine in the basement.

 

[itguy08]

I agree with Donald - the fluids will be fine sitting over the winter. I always change the oil in my OPE in the spring and have gotten good life out of all of them. The other stuff (mower deck, self propel mechanism, etc) wore out before the engines.

I use the pump saver stuff all the time after each use of the pressure washer. It's more an oil than an antifreeze. From what I was told it will ensure that water deposits (like hard water deposits) and detergent residue don't mess with the pump. I think the added benefit is that it's oil so it will displace the water in the pump. For the $9.99 or so I spent on the bottle it lasted all summer so I figure it's cheap insurance.

 

[Chris B.]

Originally Posted By: itguy08
I agree with Donald - the fluids will be fine sitting over the winter. I always change the oil in my OPE in the spring and have gotten good life out of all of them. The other stuff (mower deck, self propel mechanism, etc) wore out before the engines.

I use the pump saver stuff all the time after each use of the pressure washer. It's more an oil than an antifreeze. From what I was told it will ensure that water deposits (like hard water deposits) and detergent residue don't mess with the pump. I think the added benefit is that it's oil so it will displace the water in the pump. For the $9.99 or so I spent on the bottle it lasted all summer so I figure it's cheap insurance.


Got a link to the exact product you use? Thanks!

 

[itguy08]

I used a can of this:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07174403000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

It appears to be the same as the Briggs & Stratton pump saver product.

I just picked up a can of this at Lowes since I used the can of the Craftsman stuff and I was at Lowes:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_156904-348-6039_0__?productId=1036935&Ntt=pump+saver&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dpump%2Bsaver&facetInfo=

Hope that helps!

 

[Chris B.]

Originally Posted By: itguy08
I used a can of this:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07174403000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

It appears to be the same as the Briggs & Stratton pump saver product.

I just picked up a can of this at Lowes since I used the can of the Craftsman stuff and I was at Lowes:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_156904-348-6039_0__?productId=1036935&Ntt=pump+saver&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dpump%2Bsaver&facetInfo=

Hope that helps!


Thanks! Appreciate it!

 

[dave123]

I just fill with what ever pre mix antifreeze i have around in gallons fill after evey use as our water is so hard. I have a 3 foot whip hose I keep attached to the pump fill with atifreeze and pull engine over and repeat 2 to 3 times. Been doing this for over 4 years on my CAT pump runs like new. I also change pump oil once a year with CAT pump oil only.