How to Repair a Campbell Hausfeld Power Washer

Check the basics first. Make sure the hose supplying the washer with water is straight and free of kinks, confirm the water is switched on and that the unit has enough gasoline or a working connection to a grounded electrical outlet. Failing to make these checks could leave the unit unable to function.

Remove the hose from the pressure washer’s inlet valve and unscrew the brass swivel adapter. Inside the adapter is a metal screen that catches debris in the water line. Clean any obstructions in a sink of warm, soapy water and rinse before reattaching the piece to the unit. An obstruction in the water supply causes the pressure washer to run rough.

Look for water leaking while it is in use. One of the rubber seals used that connect the water pipes could be corroded, causing a drop in water pressure. Locate the leak’s source and replace the defective seal. There is a rubber seal in the opposite end of the brass swivel adapter to the filter screen at the hose connection.

Remove the sparkplug by pulling the rubber-coated ignition cable off the top and turning the sparkplug counterclockwise with a sparkplug wrench. Look for signs of rust or corrosion at the plug’s sparking end. If the plug is damaged, take it to your local hardware store and ask for an identical replacement. Install the new plug after completing the next step.

Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean with a rag, dip it back into the engine and remove again to check the oil level. Top up the engine with fresh SAE30 or 10W-30 detergent oil through the sparkplug opening. Try starting the engine again. A lack of engine oil is often to blame when the unit is hard to start or idle. Replace the sparkplug and ignition cable when you are finished.

Remove the air filter and brush off any dried leaves or other debris trapped in the material. If there is a tear in the filter, purchase a replacement from Campbell Hausfeld. A dirty or blocked air filter is a common cause of engine problems.