Why Is My Pressure Washer Pump Leaking Oil ?
The oil seals sill against the pump's pistons which are very important in running the process of pressure washers. They prevent the pump oil from leaking out and prevent water from entering the oil reservoir.
Over time the oil seals can wear and fail that is the reason why your pump leaks oil. This will eventually lead to damage to the piston's wobble plate and the shaft bearing.
Replacing the oil seals is a repair that you can do yourself and I'm going to show you how.
How to Replace a Faulty Oil Seal on Your Pressure Washer Pump
A pressure washer pump can start leaking oil for many reasons, but fixing it by replacing the seal is usually pretty straightforward.
But make sure you've got a replacement seal kit from the manufacturer, I mean those replacement parts must be compatible with the product (preferably according to the manufacturer's recommendations).
In order not to have a lot of trouble in choosing and finding replacement parts, we recommend using products of famous brands such as Simpson, Sun Joe, Karcher, etc…
To replace you need to open to get the old seal and you need tools you'll need like wrenches. Follow these quick steps:
Step 1: Drain the Oil
To avoid the oil clinging to your hand during the fixing process, you should drain the oil from the pump into a container by removing the drain plug on the bottom. Set the old oil aside.
Step 2: Located and Replace Pump Oil Seal
Take the pump off the washer housing to make accessing the seal easier. The machine is secured with four bolts and the pump is under spring tension. So first you remove bolts and remove the pistons from the housing slowly. With the pistons removed, now you can remove the oil seals. Unscrew the cover holding the seal housing and install the new oil seals. You must insert the oil seal into the pump housing firmly.
Step 3: Reattach the Pump to Housing
Screw the seal housing cover back on and tighten the screws in an X pattern. Tighten any loose fittings then run the pump for a few minutes to circulate the new oil before using it. Pour the same type and amount of oil back into the pump and replace the drain plug.
How to Prevent Pump Oil Leaks
Over time, the pump seal and other parts will wear out and need replacing. This is normal wear and tear so don't panic! But there are things you can do to make the pump last longer between replacements.
The most important thing is only to use parts specifically made for your exact pressure washer model. Your owner's manual will list the oil type and replacement parts the manufacturer recommends. Using anything else risks damaging your washer. For example, using the wrong oil could make the pump run improperly, or an off-brand seal may not fit correctly.
Regularly lubricate your pump as recommended in the manual. The manufacturer will specify the right oil or grease for the pump.
Use your pressure washer in the appropriate temperature range. The seals can expand and no longer fit properly if it gets too hot. And operating in cold temperatures can cause unnecessary wear. In addition, storage and wintered properly also keep the long-lasting oil seal for next season.
Follow any scheduled maintenance procedures listed by the manufacturer. This may include inspecting and replacing worn parts like valves and gaskets at certain hour intervals.
With proper maintenance and care, you'll extend the life of your pump and other components. But don't hesitate to replace parts when needed – that's the sign of a pump doing its job! Replacing the seal or other worn parts is straightforward as long as you stick to manufacturer-recommended products.
