Reliable means to winterize?

[Mike Hughes]

Is using an air compressor to blow the water out of a pump/hoses a reliable way to winterize a power washer?

I have two washers side by side on my trailer. About a month ago, the connecting rod broke on one of my B&S Vanguard 18hp engines. I did not repair or replace that engine yet, so that power washer is inoperable, and I can't run antifreeze through it like I usually would.

I do have a schrader valve installed........would it be good enough to blow it out? I dont care to take any chances........since it had a brand new pump put on under a year ago......

(Picture by Greg Rentschler)

Thanks,

 

[Russ Johnson]

Mike, as far as I'm concerned, blowing a machine out is inadequate for winterizing. No matter how much air you pump through it, there will be residual water in the systemwhich will pool up in the lowest spots. Look where your air valve is. You'll be blowing air theough thehigh pressure side of the pump, the coil, and hoses. You get no air through the suction side or parts of the unloader. My suggestion would be to plumb the outlet of the machine that runs into the suction side of the one with the blown engine and run antifreeze through both at once. Antifreeze will also lubricate the insides of the broken machine and prevent corrosion in the coil while it's sitting idle, making it easier to get going once you get the engine fixed.

 

[Stever]

Mike, I just built a truck this summer, dont plan on using it till spring. A couple of weeks ago I blew out all the lines, blew out the pumps and emptied the water filters, thinking that was good enough. This morning I decided to check everything as we have had a couple of cool nights and days (20's/30's). Sunday they are forcasting single digits, good thing I checked. Ice in supply hoses and unloaders, a little ice in one of my brand new pumps! Had to put a little elec. heater in the back of the truck to thaw (didn't take long, maybe 5 min) then I anti-freezed everything. So, my take of it is blowing air is not good enough. Do what-ever it takes to anti-freeze or move your equip to a heated area.

Steve

 

[Grant]

Compressed air has a large amount of moisture in it!

 

[beyoungsr]

Mike,
Uncouple the the coil from the pump. Use air to blow out as much water as possible from each one.

Use a shurflo and pump in 50/50 green antifreeze(protects to -20 F). I have made plugs to go on each end of the pump and coil after filling.

Next time you need to run use air to push out the antifreeze and collect it for reuse.

The whole process only takes a couple of minutes and it works great.

As Russ said, you get seal lubrication in the pump and a rust inhibitor for the coil.

The biggest thing you get is piece of mind!