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old Honda power washer question (update)

Posted on 1/29/23 at 2:25 pm
Posted by cbdman
New Orleans
Member since Feb 2015
1183 posts
Posted on 1/29/23 at 2:25 pm
Need some advice on a power washer my dad bought in the mid-1980s that I now have. It's a Honda GX 140 5 hp generator on wheels with a Landa T911GR pump attached. Setup looks similar to this image (not the exact model):
We used the hell out of it back in the day, was well-maintained, but my best guess is that it's been sitting, unused, unstarted over at least the past 10 years. Other than being very dirty it appears to be in good condition.

Question I have is, should I change the oil, check the air filter, gas it up and try to start it? Or bring it to a small engine shop for them to check it out. I wouldn't want to do anything to damage the unit and my proficiency with engine maintenance is pretty limited. Also, if you have any recommendations for shops in the N.O. area, would appreciate that. I used East Bank Cyclery to repair generator last year and was happy with their work. TIA

Update: I replaced the carburetor and the spark plug and she cranked right up. I found the old carburetor was rusted and spark plug filthy/burned end. Thanks all for the advice.

I do have a question. After starting, when I opened the choke the engine seemed to revv too much and was very loud. I didn't run it very long as it was raining yesterday. Could that be due to it sitting for years and I should let it run some more? Perhaps replace the muffler?

Thanks in advance.
This post was edited on 2/12/23 at 1:37 pm
Posted by ItzMe1972
Member since Dec 2013
9766 posts
Posted on 1/29/23 at 2:56 pm to
Put some fresh gas in and give it a go.

If you get it running, change oil and filters.
Posted by cbdman
New Orleans
Member since Feb 2015
1183 posts
Posted on 1/29/23 at 2:58 pm to
thanks
Posted by achenator
Member since Oct 2014
2944 posts
Posted on 1/29/23 at 3:51 pm to
dont let it run long without water circulating through the pump
Posted by cbdman
New Orleans
Member since Feb 2015
1183 posts
Posted on 1/29/23 at 4:35 pm to
thanks
Posted by gerald65
Moss Bluff, LA
Member since Jul 2020
710 posts
Posted on 1/29/23 at 4:45 pm to
First.... I would take off the oil fill cap, and see what the oil looks like. If it looks "black" change the oil. Add oil if not full.
Get a bright light, and look in the gas tank. If it had any gas [not likely] it needs to be drained ... take off bottom of carburetor to drain. If there is loose flakes in the tank, vacuum them out.

Fill with non-ethanol gas and see what happens.

If it does not start or "sputter", pull the spark plug and check to see if it sparks when you pull the rope. You might need to put a little gas on the air filter to get it to start.
Posted by WB Davis
Member since May 2018
2036 posts
Posted on 1/29/23 at 5:33 pm to
The T911GR could be this popular General Pump model that requires detergent-free oil in its crankcase, filled by that yellow cap on top.

If you operate the pump without crankcase oil you'll ruin it.

That's an industrial grade pump, designed to operate for many decades if properly maintained.

Posted by CrawDude
Baton Rouge
Member since Apr 2019
5264 posts
Posted on 1/29/23 at 6:45 pm to
If the carb was not run out of gasoline before it was stored for the last 10 years, and you can’t start it with fresh gasoline, there is a high probability you’ll need to replace the carburetor, but those are readily available, inexpensive, and a easy DYI job. Being a Honda engine, I’d be surprised if you can’t get it running, particularly with a new carb.
Posted by cbdman
New Orleans
Member since Feb 2015
1183 posts
Posted on 1/29/23 at 8:58 pm to
thanks all - very helpful
Posted by ItzMe1972
Member since Dec 2013
9766 posts
Posted on 1/29/23 at 9:18 pm to
We need to all meet up and get this thing going.

OP brings the beer!
Posted by cbdman
New Orleans
Member since Feb 2015
1183 posts
Posted on 2/3/23 at 8:04 pm to
update - changed the motor and pump oil, replaced air filter, drained gas through carbeurator and put in premium gas. Pulled the hand start and it would start for a few seconds and stop. Plan to take it for repair.

Anyone have ideas what the problem may be - perhaps sparkplug?
Posted by CrawDude
Baton Rouge
Member since Apr 2019
5264 posts
Posted on 2/3/23 at 9:05 pm to
quote:

update - changed the motor and pump oil, replaced air filter, drained gas through carbeurator and put in premium gas. Pulled the hand start and it would start for a few seconds and stop. Plan to take it for repair.

In my experience, with small gasoline engines, sounds like a gummed up carburetor from sitting up and non-use. Either removing and cleaning the carb, or replacing it will likely get it running - always worked for me.

As a last ditch try, before taking in for repair, you could try adding Seafoam, solvent, to the fresh gasoline gasoline to see if it will clean the carb - but you need to get it inside the carb. Many people have had success with the product, including myself, but if I had to put $ on it, you’ll likely need to replace the carb.
Posted by East Coast Band
Member since Nov 2010
62717 posts
Posted on 2/3/23 at 10:39 pm to
I have issue with gas getting mixed with the oil reservoir due to the gas tank located above the engine.
Be wary of this, it won't run well in this situation
Posted by DMAN1968
Member since Apr 2019
10144 posts
Posted on 2/4/23 at 3:45 am to
quote:

Anyone have ideas what the problem may be - perhaps sparkplug?

Just get a new carb off Amazon and throw it on there. It's been sitting up so long that you will have a hard time cleaning all the crap out of the old one.

Cost all of about $19 and can get it in one day...with additional new spark plug and air filter, gaskets and fuel line.

Amazon carb

I bet the repair place is going to charge you a hell of a lot more to do the same thing.

Youtube video on replacement.

It's easier than you think.
Posted by cbdman
New Orleans
Member since Feb 2015
1183 posts
Posted on 2/4/23 at 5:58 am to
Thanks again
Posted by cbdman
New Orleans
Member since Feb 2015
1183 posts
Posted on 2/4/23 at 9:04 am to
Good video. Have a question. Does the gas tank need to be emptied before replacing the carburetor?
Posted by ItzMe1972
Member since Dec 2013
9766 posts
Posted on 2/4/23 at 9:40 am to
The gas line may have a shutoff on it. If not, pull the line and let the gas flow into a glass/can etc. Or put an old pencil in the line to plug it.
Posted by DMAN1968
Member since Apr 2019
10144 posts
Posted on 2/4/23 at 3:46 pm to
I would probably do like ItzMe1972 said and just drain it. It would give you a good chance to see if it comes out with a bunch of funk in it or not. I just use a pair of long nose vice grips and crimp the rubber hose, just tight enough, to stop the flow...get the work done and remove them.
Posted by cbdman
New Orleans
Member since Feb 2015
1183 posts
Posted on 2/5/23 at 2:02 pm to
thanks again
Posted by cbdman
New Orleans
Member since Feb 2015
1183 posts
Posted on 2/5/23 at 2:03 pm to
another question: If this unit has crapped out, what would ya'll recommend if buying a new pressure washer for home use?
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