How long Can Gas Stay in a Pressure Washer without being Used?
There is no set time limit that you can use to determine how long gas can stay in a pressure washer without being used. However, the typical range of time is between three months and one year.
To avoid any issues with your pressure washer’s accessories, it is recommended not to store it with fuel for a period longer than six months.
The quality of the fuel largely determines its shelf life. This means that if you add premium fuel, you need to use it within 30 days. If you use regular fuel, you must drain the tank after 60 days. Ethanol-free gasoline can stay in the tank for up to 90 days without being used.
When storing your pressure washer, make sure to leave the gas cap off so that air flows freely into the tank. You should also clean your pressure washer before storing it and then wipe it down with a coat of silicone spray before covering it for storage.
Why Drain Pressure Washer Gas When keeping it Idle?
Once you finish using the pressure washer, what do you usually do? Do you just leave it that way without doing anything else? Or do you drain the remaining gasoline first? This can be an important matter as you try to take care of your new cleaning equipment.
You might not know this but, in most cases, it is recommended that you empty the gas tank of your pressure washer before traveling or storing it long-term. Why is this so?
One of the reasons for this would be that leaving the fuel in the tank can cause some problems. If left unused for a long time, this can result in excess fuel evaporation from the tank. This, in turn, can lead to several issues associated with starting the engine. In some cases, this can even damage certain parts of the machine due to corrosion and rusting.
In addition to these possible problems, leaving gasoline inside your pressure washer's tank can also pose safety hazards. This is especially if the machine is placed around high voltage electricals or certain fire zones.
You must know that the gas in your pressure washer has ethanol in it. Ethanol loves to attract moisture and when you leave your pressure washer sitting, the ethanol will absorb the moisture out of the air causing a residue on the bottom of the tank.
This residue can cause problems with your engine and carburetor that may lead to engine failure. The best way to keep this from happening is to drain all of the gas out of your pressure washer before storing it for long periods of time.
How to Drain Gas out of a Pressure Washer
To drain the gas out of a pressure washer, make sure you have an approved container to catch the gas and follow these steps:
1. Remove the fuel cap from your pressure washer. Let any excess fuel drain into your container until it stops flowing.
2. By removing the spark plug wire away you can remove it. This will isolate the spark plug, preventing electricity from flowing through it when you pull it.
3. Pull your spark plug to release any remaining fuel in the tank. If there isn't a lot of gas left in the tank, you may need to use a siphon or pump to remove it completely. If you are unsure, make sure you follow your manual or contact the Giraffetools collections professionals for help.
