I'm an idiot.. Oil put into air cleaner of a new petrol power washer

Blub123

OK, hands up I'm an idiot.

Bought a new petrol power washer.

Petrol in, fine.

There was a red tag attached got the air filter/cleaner compartment warning that the machine should not be started without adding oil.

So I undid the air filter and put oil into it, only realising what I'd done when I went to put the filter back on.. Honestly don't know where my head was, completely distracted.

So now the oil has travelled to the piston etc. (I think that's the name for it)

I've removed the spark plug and shot a load of oil out by pulling the starter cord etc however there is stillsome in it and i can't clean it sufficiently.

Is it buggered or can it be fixed.

Big job by a professional, ie is it an economical fix.

Thanks,

The idiot

T-Maxx

Not a big deal at all. You did the right thing by removing the plug and draining it out otherwise the hydraulic lock could've caused more serious damage. Start it up, might be a bit smoky and you may have to clean the plug but otherwise that's it.

BorneTobyWilde

Putting oil in the actual engine is most important thing before you do anything else,

Blub123

Can't seem to get all of the oil out of where the piston is I'm afraid and can't start it as a result..

Thanks

Blub123

John.G

Are you saying that it won't start with plug re installed or you are afraid to try it?. If it spins over without the spark plug then there wont be a problem with the plug re installed from a hydraulic locking point of view, also it might help if you can heat the plug end, re install and try starting it immediately. I have done this with a neighbours who stored his lawn mower on its side and 1/2 upside down with similiar results.

Toyotafanboi

Take the plug out.

If it's a pull cord starter pull it to turn it over 5 or 10 times with the plug out, until you get no more oil splashes coming out of the spark plug bore.

You'll never get 100% of it out but dont worry, just the bulk of it.

Put the plug back in, prime it and start it. It'll be smokey for a minute or two but be grand afterwards. Cant see you having done any lasting damage.

If you're really fussy, take the plug back out after running it and give it a clean up.

Blub123

Hi thanks, it's now turning with plug installed, I've dried it with a lighter to make sure it's bone dry however there still seems to be oil in and around the piston which I can't get out via pulling cord and expelling out of the spark plug hole.

Am thinking the remaining oil is causing it to not start.

Thanks

Toyotafanboi

It's unlikely that'd hold it back from starting now tbh. Check your basics and try again. Have you fuel? Is it primed properly? Choke open or closed etc.

John.G

Remove plug, reconnect the ignition lead and earth the (metal) side of the plug to the the engine with a bit of flex, see have you a spark when you pull the starting cord, easier to see in the dark. If no spark maybe try a new plug, but test again likewise before installation.

Also, if you do get a spark above, ensure the air filter isn't soaked in oil, if so just try it with filter removed then renew filter immediately if it does start.

T-Maxx

...and remember to fill the crankcase before starting...

CoBo55

It might have a low oil level safety cut off, is the engine oil at the correct level?