Winter's Coming!

Winterize pressure washers

Before you put your pressure washer away for the winter or prepare for the winter work out, it really must be winterized.

Winterization protects the pump and other components from damage due to cold weather.

• First, disconnect the water supply and run the unit until water in the tank is gone down to bottom. Be sure you are watching carefully as you drain the tank as running the pump dry even for less than a minute can cause harm.  Some people have gone as far as to use a compressor to dry the unit.

• Then add 50/50 antifreeze. CAUTION! Do not use windshield wiper fluid or RV antifreeze. This is one of the most common mistakes and causes numerous repair issues down the road.

• Once you've completed the winterization, cover the pressure washer with a tarp or heavy duty plastic to keep dust from settling in the unit.

• Storing your pressure washer in a warm place is also beneficial, although not always possible.

Failure to winterize can cause pump failure, slowed flow and an overall sluggish engine.

Some climates don't get as cold as others so winterizing may seem necessary. But if you are putting the pressure washer away for more than 30 days it's highly recommended that you go through the winterization process.

If you need assistance with repairs or ordering parts, please contact us! We've got the experience to keep your pressure washer running for years to come.

Diesel Engines & Diesel Fuel

Alkota offers a variety of engines with it's pressure washer line including diesel.

Diesel engines burn less fuel to generate horsepower than their gasoline counterparts.  Because of this they are 20 to 30% more efficient than gas.  And, since the diesel engine is built heavier to withstand the engine pressure, it will last longer. 

They are also more environmentally friendly, issuing lower levels of toxins than gas engines. Even though they may smoke more, the smoke is made primarily of particles, carbon and soot.

Diesel fuel is less volatile than gas but possesses a greater number of BTU's per gallon, so more horsepower comes from a gallon of diesel.  Diesel fuel is ignited by compression of fuel & air instead of spark plugs.

They may be more difficult to start in the winter months because it takes longer for the air to compress and become warm (which is where the spark comes from to start the diesel engine).  Diesel also becomes thick when it's cold.

Because of diesel thickening, it's especially important that you use fresh diesel in your engines.  When you see a gas station that has diesel fuel listed, don't assume that's the best place to buy.  Instead, watch for gas stations that have frequent diesel fuel sales like those near the highway where big rigs fuel up. This way you can be sure to get the freshest, least contaminated fuel.

If you ever have a problem with your fuel lines or any other questions feel free to contact us! We're here to help.

Welcome!

Welcome to the new Alkota Blog! Here you'll find money saving maintenance tips and featured product information from the pressure washer experts at Alkota of Kansas to help you get the most from your new equipment ~ Be sure to check back often for the latest news