Pressure Washer Pump Oil Information Guide

The pump oil and the engine oil are very important in gas-powered pressure washers. Pressure washer pump oil protects pumps from rust and oxidation and as a lubricant when the water pump is under high pressure. On the other hand, engine oil is used to lubricate the engine and is designed to absorb water and burn it off. Pump oil and engine oil have many similarities in appearance and uses, but they are not considered interchangeable. If engine oil is used instead of pump oil, the oil color will be milky white. Most pressure washer pumps use non-detergent oil, while their engine uses detergent oil.

Non-detergent oil vs detergent oil

Stating the obvious, the main difference between detergent oil and non-detergent oil is the detergent content. Non-detergent oils are used in pressure washer pumps because additives are not needed. Some people believe that use of detergent oil in pumps instead of non-detergent oil will cause no problem. On the other hand, detergent oil can create bubbles do not lube well enough. And because the oil would be mixed with the other fluids in the system, the detergent can be toxic, causing the pump to fail. Pressure washer pump oil contains an anti-foaming agent, but this additive is non toxic.

Types of pressure washer pump oil

The  Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has established a numerical code system to identify the different types of pressure washer pump oil according to level of viscosity. A fluid’s viscosity is internal property that offers resistance to flow. This means that thicker fluids have the higher viscosity than the thinner ones. The different SAE viscosity levels include 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, and 60. These numbers are suffixed with a letter W, which means winter (not weight) or referring to viscosity at low temperature. For example, “0” is much thinner than “60”. Thinner oil moves faster in colder situations.

The second number is the oils viscosity at a high temperature. Such multigrade oils get thicker when cooled and thinner when heated. Therefore, the 10w30 oil has the same thickness (hot) as the strait 30w. On the other hand, both 10w30 and 5w30 oils run at the designated 30 weight in hot conditions. It therefore follows that 10w30 is applicable in warm weather, while 5w30 is better in cold weather. However, recommendations from pressure washer manufacturers should strictly be followed. Otherwise, the warranty will be void once the machine was damaged due to wrong use of oil.

Pressure washer pump oil change

Although some pressure washer pumps do not need oil change, most of them require pump oil to be changed at least once a year or after 50 hours of washing, whichever comes first. The change in color of the oil usually determines that the oil should be changed, but not always. A hard working pressure washer may require frequent oil change. Different pressure washer manufacturers have different procedures in changing oil. All water pumps have a sight glass on the side where the operator can view the oil level. It is also important the washer has no contaminants before doing the oil change.

Before performing oil change, running the machine for a few minutes is highly recommended. This is because warm oil traps dirt better then cold oil. Oil draining can be done in three different ways: Draining it from the bottom of the oil pan using the oil drain plug and an approved container; using a suction gun; using a suction pump (hand-operated or electrical). Tilting the pressure washer assures the operator that the old oil is drained completely. The drain plug should be properly secured before oil filling is done. Oil change procedure should be done only as recommended by the unit manufacturer.

Briggs & Stratton High Endurance Synthetic Pressure Washer Pump Oil

Briggs & Stratton pressure washer pump oil (Model 6033)[/easyazon_link] is applicable to all brands of pressure washers. The container contains 15 Fl. Oz. of 75W90 non-detergent oil. This premium full synthetic oil is notably one of the most preferred oil by leading pump manufacturers. Many buyers claim that this product is listed as oil replacement in their Owner’s Manual.

This Briggs & Stratton High Endurance pump oil has inherently high oxidation resistance, offering effective lubrication even during high-pressure, high-RPM operation. In addition, this oil is designed to effectively protect pressure washer pumps against rust and oxidation, extending their life span.

A lot of buyers claimed that their pressure washers run like new after using this product and had no problems whatsoever. Others emphasized that the oil keeps the engine noise very low. However, there are a few of them who think that this product is overpriced. Buyers who find the price reasonable noted the brand Briggs & Stratton as a maker of high quality products.

About Pressure washers

A pressure washer is a device which ejects a high pressure jet stream of water that is used for removing persistent stains, loose paint, grime, dust, mud, chewing gum and dirt from surfaces and objects such as buildings, vehicles and concrete surfaces. It uses a simple mechanism where the high power stream of water is generated via motor which powers the water pump and produces a high velocity water stream. For proper functioning of the water pump, here should be adequate water supply connected to it, otherwise the water starvation would lead to cavitation of motor and thus lead to damage.

Different types of nozzles are designed for various applications and thus ensures efficient cleaning guaranteed for every use. In some washers there are provisions for detergent to be added for more penetrated cleansing action. In most of the consumer washer, they are powered by electric- or petrol. An Electric washer is plugged into a normal outlet, connected to the water supply, and deliver a pressure up to about 2,000 psi (140 bar). Petrol washers can deliver twice that pressure, but due to the hazardous nature of the engine exhaust they are deemed unsuitable for enclosed or indoor areas. Some models can generate hot water, which can be ideal for loosening and removing oil and grease.

At extreme high pressure, these washers are used in many industrial cleaning applications which requires the removal of surfaces of different layers of oil and grease and for dust-free cutting of some metals and concrete. For exterior applications, the use of gas or propane powered washers are considered as they provide greater mobility than electric ones, and they do not require the use of an electrical outlet, which often restrains the mobility, For indoor applications, electric washers produces no exhaust and are much quieter than gas or propane washers and thus are more preferred than their alternatives.

Nowadays the majority of pressure washers connect to an existing water supply, like a garden hose, but there are some models available in the market which stores water in an attached tank. Usually there is an on/off button that controls the water stream and many models allow the user to adjust the water pressure according to their need.

They are used for removing graffiti off the wall with the help of a mixture of sand and water, which etches the surface and often removes a permanent mark. Apart from this, they are used in airports, specifically in runways to remove rubber and oil from tarmac in order to provide friction to the planes so they don’t skid off the runway. There are several other uses to it which are both domestic and industrial use as well.

One needs to be careful while operating these devices as the pressure is high and if not used with excessive care, this can also lead to damaged surface of whatever it is applied on. Any time a rigid surface, such as asphalt, concrete or metal, needs to have a coating applied the surface is first prepared by the process of hydro cleaning. Hydro cleaning has been used to prepare for the application of such coatings. Coatings are used to protect concrete from rain and salt, and to create a smoother surface for human use. Concrete can also be covered with carpet or tiles using a heavy duty glue or mastic. Asphalt and concrete can be painted to communicate acceptable travel patterns, potential hazards, or for aesthetics. Hydro cleaning is used to remove such materials off.

It is a great equipment which have made a tedious job into a very easy and fun to do process.

Pressure Washers

A pressure washer or a power washer as it is also popularly called, is a high pressure water spray device which is used for multiple purposes like to remove mud, dust, loose paints and also the dirt from the buildings, vehicles and concrete surfaces. The hot water high pressure washer was first invented by a German family owned company named Alfred Karcher in 1950.The volume of a pressure washer is measured in gallons or litres per minute but are not variable. Whereas, the ones which are measured in pounds per square inch, Pascal, or bar can be adjusted by the unloader valve.

A pressure washer generally includes a motor which is electric, internal combustion, or hydraulic that can easily drive a high-pressure water pump , a high-pressure hose and a trigger. A pressure washer can create high pressure and velocity. However, not much water from the pipe can be drawn than the source can actually provide. But it must be noted that the water supply should be adequate enough for the machine or else water starvation might lead to the damage of the elements of the pump.

High pressure water is used in several factories and industries for cleaning and washing appliances, surface layer removals and the cutting of certain metals dust free. Selecting a right machine is very important. The machines which are powered by gas or propane provide a much better mobility than the ones powered by electric for the exterior appliances but the electric driven power washers are much valid and provide better service for the appliances inside and are less noisy than the propane washers for the exterior purposes. For domestic purposes like washing of cars, grills, plastic play sets, one should opt for a light weight and a compact machine which is flexible with a variety of nozzles and a detergent tank onboard. While for commercial purposes, like site cleaning job of constructions or removal of the graffiti, one should opt for Commercial-series engine, with a triplex pump; heavy-gauge welded steel frame and axle, a steel-braided high-pressure hose with a variety of spray tips.

 

These washers are dangerous tools and should be carefully utilized. The water pressure near the nozzle is extremely high and powerful  to rip out flesh from bone. The water supply eject particles from the nozzle at great velocities.