Pressure Washers And Ethanol: What You Should Know And Preventing Engine Problems

Gas-powered pressure washing equipment provides a durable and portable solution for those heavy-duty cleaning projects

. Gasoline, however, is allowed by regulation to contain a variety of additives, including alcohol.

While an industrial pressure washer is meant to withstand the daily burdens of the job, a few additional maintenance practices for gas-powered models can limit potential harmful effects of these fuel blends. These tips can also ease the impact on the life and performance of your professional power washing equipment.

What You Should Know about Ethanol in Pressure Washing Equipment

Ethanol is a solvent and dissolves engine parts. Rubber fuel lines, gaskets and other plastic engine components can swell or break apart faster when exposed over time to ethanol blends. Fuel permeation through fuel lines, O-rings or membranes can damage an otherwise solid engine. While some fuel injection engines have specialized fuel lines made of corrosive-resistant materials that slow the process, higher ethanol concentrations accelerate the deterioration of essential pressure washer engine components over time.

Smaller power washing units for home use are especially susceptible to ethanol blends because the alcohol content disperses the mixed oil as it hits the piston which washes away the oil before it can properly provide lubrication. This accelerates the wear on the intake side of the piston, resulting in a loss of compression and the inability to restart the engine. Larger professional power washing equipment is less affected, but the corrosive effects of ethanol remain.

Ethanol is hydroscopic, which means it absorbs water. With enough moisture, ethanol becomes heavier than gasoline. It sinks to the bottom of the fuel tank and causes the pressure washing equipment to not start. In colder or more humid climates, the problems associated with the presence of water in ethanol-blended gasoline can be worse if the proper precautions are not taken.

Ethanol fuel does not burn as well as 100 percent gasoline. It has a lower boiling point and less potential energy than normal gasoline. If an engine is not running perfectly on regular gasoline, it will have more problems with an ethanol blend and may require more maintenance.

How to Prevent Ethanol-Related Engine Problems

Do not use gasoline with more than 10 percent ethanol. Ethanol-related problems increase dramatically with higher-concentration ethanol blends. Some gasoline engine warranties are voided when a concentration higher than E10 is used. Ethanol gasoline testers are available to determine the percentage of ethanol at the pump.

Replace fuel lines and fuel filters often. Change air filters in your pressure washer according to the manufacturer's recommendations, or even better, more often than is recommended.

Store ethanol gasoline in a clean, plastic, sealed container made for fuel storage. Ethanol gasoline has a short shelf life and should be stored out of the sun. Therefore, the more it sits, the more problems can arise.

Though professional-grade power washing equipment is built for constant use, the gasoline should be drained from the tank or a stabilizer should be added if is stored for longer than a couple of months.

by: Ron Harbaugh

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