Winterizing pressure washer pump

[Jay1981]

Not sure if this post is better suited for the antifreeze section, but it is sort of small engine related.
I have an older craftsman pressure washer with a B&S engineI bought off craigslist 5 or 6 years ago and have used it maybe 3 times. It usually sits a couple years between uses. I bought Pump Saver to winterize it the first season I used it and there was enough left to winterize again in the other seasons it got used. I think I paid like $12 for the small can of it. I have been wondering if RV antifreeze would work since I can get a gallon for $3. B&S website says RV antifreeze is ok as long as it doesn't contain alcohol.
My question is has anyone used RV antifreeze (or marine for that matter) in their pressure washer pump to winterize it? I'm thinking marine antifreeze might be better, but I have seen some brands that say its for either RV or Marine use. Thoughts?

 

[dave123]

After every use and over winter the pump gets premix WM all make ethylene glycol antifreeze.

 

[OtisBlkR1]

Im using the screw on can of pump saver myself, its cheap enuff that i will continue to use it. I like the fact that its aerosol pressure and forces the chemicals into the nooks and corners of the inside of the pump. I cant comment on if the other stuff will work or not, but i will say ive had great luck with B&S pump saver and will continue to use it.

 

[demarpaint]

After fogging the engine on my power washer, I pull the cord a few times with the fuel gate valve I installed in the off position. That forces out water, then I pour in some anti-freeze and pull the cord until the anti-freeze comes out. I cap it up and call it done. I haven't lost a pump due to freezing or anything else for that matter.

 

[Recalculating]

Originally Posted By: dave123
After every use and over winter the pump gets premix WM all make ethylene glycol antifreeze.


What?

 

[Donald]

The stuff in the can for pressure washers has some lubricants in addition to an antifreeze. Some people use it after every use.

I am not sure how much suction a pressure washer pump has. Its designed to take water already under some pressure and boost the pressure significantly. Its not designed to suck water out of a container.

Given the stuff in the can costs about $8-$10 and is good for a few shots, I am not sure why bother with other products.

Keeping it in the basement is another solution.

 

[nitehawk55]

I usually just start mine up and run it without water for about 15 seconds to get the water that might freeze out, never had a problem . Fuel gets a bit of Stabil . It's about 10 years old .