How to Start Simpson Pressure Washer
You chose the Simpson pressure washer because you knew about its strength and durability. It gave the pressure you expected to clean the surfaces at your home. And you had the confidence that it will never disappoint you because of the manufacturer’s versatile experience in building different pressure washers.
But you are still not sure. Are you getting the instructions right? What is the most accurate and less risky method to start the washer?
It’s easy to start an electric pressure washer. But when you get a stronger pressure washer, you go for a gas-powered model. And this choice brings the risk of the starter cord’s kickback as well. How can you circumvent this issue?
We shall explore the whole process of how to start Simpson pressure washer in detail in this post.

Safety Instructions
Before we begin this post about how to start Simpson pressure washer, understand that gas-powered pressure washers carry different risks than electric pressure washers. They demand separate precautionary measures.

- First, you shouldn’t use a gas-powered pressure washer indoors. It emits a deadly amount of carbon monoxide that cannot be diffused with open windows and fans. Always operate the machine outdoors. Don’t use a Type B gas vent.
- Operations shouldn’t be carried out in the proximity of other humans or animals. And this pressure washer is not for use by children.
- Only add fuel to the tank when the machine is turned off and is cool to avoid the risk of fire.
- Explosion risk arises out of fuel expanding in the tank causing spillage and burning. You can minimize this risk by keeping the fuel level below the filler neck by half an inch.
- Never use this washer to spray flammables including kerosene and gasoline. It can cause a fire.
- Recoil starter grip kickback can happen when you pull the cord to start the engine. You can minimize this risk by maintaining proper footing and pulling the cord with both hands.
- Wear proper clothes. Don’t dress in loose clothes and jewelry. And wear personal safety equipment including footwear, goggles, and gloves. Only use it when you can attend to its operations mindfully.
- You wouldn’t want to use fuel that has more than 10% of ethanol as it can damage the unit.
Things You Will Need
You will need the following things to start the engine and run the machine:
- Fuel
- Simpson’s gas-powered pressure washer
- Water supply
Adding Fuel
The first step you need to accomplish to use this machine is assembling it and filling it up with the required fuel. As you unpack the machine, you should assemble its handle.
When the machine arrives it isn’t oiled. Instead, the oil is provided within the package. Only use the provided oil for this washer. And always check oil levels when you commence using the unit. If the engine oil or pump oil level isn’t sufficient add more oil.
Now, you should add gasoline to the fuel tank. Only use gasoline that has less than 10% ethanol to avoid the risk of damage to the machine. Refill the tank in a ventilated area only. And fill to half an inch below the tank neck.
After filling the fuel, take care to clean the spillage.
Preparing the Unit
Now the machine is filled with the right amount of fuel and is oiled, you can prepare it for operations. Start with assembling its hoses and supplies.
The first step is connecting the garden hose with the water inlet. Before you connect the two parts, check if the filter screen is inserted into the inlet. You should only use the water source that is not connected with the drinking water line to avoid contamination. Also, the pressure of this supply should match the pressure given by the pressure washer.
Remember that pressure washers aren’t meant to use water that is siphon supplied. And you cannot supply water out of a bucket.
After connecting the garden hose, connect the spray wand with the nozzle and the gun. You can select the nozzle from the variety provided in the pressure washer package. Different nozzles offer different water pressures and are suitable for different cleaning jobs. You should get a nozzle with a wider angle to get lower water pressure for a mild cleaning job. Go for a narrower angle to remove tough stains on a hard surface.
Then, attach the gun with the high-pressure hose. Connect the other side of the hose to the water outlet of the washer.
You would need to get rid of air bubbles and debris by pressing the trigger to release water until a steady stream is achieved. Once you have released the trapped air, you should engage the safety lock on the gun to prevent accidental sprays.
Preparing the Engine
Before you start the washer’s engine, make sure that you have placed it in a leveled position.
Now you have to turn the fuel and the engine switches to the ON position. Turn the choke to the close position. These steps will prepare your engine to start pulling the starter cord.
Starting the Engine
Now, you have prepared the engine for starting. The next step is to pull the starter cord to start it. Start the process by pulling the recoil starter grip slowly until the resistance is felt. Once you feel the resistance, you have to use both hands to pull the grip rapidly. One or two pulls should start the engine without fail. If it’s still not started, you should let it rest because the engine might be flooded now. After two pulls, release the pressure built up within the pump.
Note that the step of pulling the starter cord is accompanied by the risk of kickback. Kickback occurs when the cord pulls back quickly before you can let it go. It may sometimes pull your hand as it pulls back resulting in injuries and bruises.
You can mitigate this risk by being careful about the operations, maintaining proper footing, and holding the cord with both hands firmly.
Troubleshooting

There can be times when your engine refuses to start. Several reasons can cause this situation. If that happens, you should look for reasons that are easiest and quickest to solve. Examples include checking the engine and fuel switches for their positions. You may want to check if the power switch is faulty. If it is, get it replaced. Never try to run a washer with a faulty engine switch.
Also, see if you have oiled the machine enough. Pump oil level should be seen to the dot, for example. When you have activated the low oil shut down, it will prevent the engine from starting when oil levels are low.
The engine may also not start if the fuel is insufficient in it. Check the tank and refill if needed.
Check the fuel filter for clogging. If clogging is detected, you should replace it.
If you pull the starter cord several times, you may get a flooded engine. In that case, it wouldn’t start or crank if it does. You can counter the issue by letting the engine rest for a few minutes before you restart pulling the coil to start the engine.
You may experience the faulty function of the engine because of major problems with the engine or unit. If the engine needs repairing, it may not work efficiently or even refuse to start. The best strategy against a faulty engine is servicing it from the authorized service center.
The Best Simpson Pressure Washer
In Conclusion
Simpson’s pressure washers are demanded by household users just as much as they are liked by commercial users because of their strength and durability. Luckily, the company offers both electric and gas-powered pressure washers. Latter of these two types requires more caution and effort to get started.
This post detailed the process of how to start Simpson pressure washer. If you are looking to start an electric pressure washer, see the FAQs.
FAQs
Q. How to start Simpson’s electric power washer?
A. Starting the electric washer of Simpson is easy. You start with assembling the unit, its handle, hoses, water supply, and trigger gun. Then, you connect the power supply with the right power outlet as defined in the instructional manual of each model.
After you have released air from the high-pressure hose, your washer is ready to spray the water and detergent at the required pressure.
Q. Why does my Simpson pressure washer’s electric motor doesn’t start?
A. There can be several reasons that may prevent the motor of an electric washer from starting. For example, you may not have plugged the power cord into the outlet or haven’t switched it on.
If the thermal overload is tripped, your motor may not start. If this is the case, you have to let the machine cool down before pressing the thermal switch present on the outside of the motor.
The water supply might not be supplying enough water. The problem should be solved by connecting with an adequate water supply.
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