Briggs & Stratton 20262 User Manual [en, es]

020262

(3800 PSI)

Operator’s Manual

Manual del Operario

Questions? Help is just a moment away!

Preguntas? La ayuda es justa un momento lejos!

Call: Pressure Washer Helpline

Llame: Línea Directa del Lavador a Presión

1-800-743-4115 M-F 8-5 CT

web: www.briggsandstratton.com

BRIGGS & STRATTON POWER PRODUCTS GROUP, LLC

JEFFERSON,WISCONSIN, U.S.A.

PowerBOSS™ is a trademark of Briggs & Stratton Power Products.

PowerBOSS™ es una marca registrada de Briggs & Stratton Power Products.

Manual No. 199215GS

Revision 1 (01/31/2006)

Before using this product, read this

manual and follow all Safety Rules

and Operating Instructions.

WARNING

Antes de utilizar el producto, lea este manual

y siga todas las Reglas de Seguridad

e Instrucciones de Uso.

ADVERTENCIA

2

PowerBOSS™ 3800 PSI Pressure Washer SAFETY RULES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1 - Safety Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Section 2 - Features and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Section 3 - Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9

Section 4 - Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13

Section 5 - Product Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Section 5 - Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15

Section 6 - Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Section 7 - Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

EQUIPMENT

DESCRIPTION

Read this manual carefully and become familiar
with your pressure washer. Know its
applications, its limitations and any hazards
involved.

This manual contains information for a high pressure
washer that operates at 3,800 PSI at a flow rate of

4.0 gallons per minute.This powerful, high quality system
features large 13” wheels, a pump equipped with an
automatic cool down system, chemical injection system,
nozzle extension with quick connect nozzles, safety goggles,
heavy duty 50’ high pressure hose, and more.

Every effort has been made to ensure that information in
this manual is accurate and current. However, we reserve
the right to change, alter or otherwise improve the
product and this document at any time without prior
notice.

SAFETY RULES

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to
alert you to potential personal injury
hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow
this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

The safety alert symbol ( ) is used with a signal word
(DANGER, CAUTION,WARNING), a pictorial and/or a
safety message to alert you to hazards. DANGER indicates
a hazard which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious
injury. WARNING indicates a hazard which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury. CAUTION
indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, might result in
minor or moderate injury. CAUTION, when used
without the alert symbol, indicates a situation that could
result in equipment damage. Follow safety messages to
avoid or reduce the risk of injury or death.

Hazard Symbols and Meanings

The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

WARNING

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Copyright © 2006 Briggs & Stratton Power Products
Group, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this material
may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any
means without the express written permission of Briggs &
Stratton Power Products Group, LLC.

Fire

Explosion

Toxic Fumes

Hot Surface

Moving Parts

Electrical Shock

Slippery Surface

Fall

Kickback

Flying Objects

Fluid Injection

Operator’s Manual

3

SAFETY RULES 3800 PSI Pressure Washer PowerBOSS™

• Keep water spray away from electric wiring or fatal electric
shock may result.

Spray contact with electrical wiring can result in
electrocution.

WARNING

• Operate pressure washer ONLY outdoors.

• Keep exhaust gas from entering a confined area through
windows, doors, ventilation intakes or other openings.

• DO NOT operate pressure washer inside any building or
enclosure, even if doors or windows are open.

• Use a respirator or mask whenever there is a chance that
vapors may be inhaled.

• Read all instructions with mask so you are certain the mask will
provide the necessary protection against inhaling harmful vapors.

Running engine gives off carbon monoxide, an
odorless, colorless, poison gas.

Breathing carbon monoxide can cause nausea,
fainting or death.

Some chemicals or detergents may be harmful if
inhaled or ingested, causing severe nausea,
fainting or poisoning.

WARNING

• Keep spray nozzle between 8 to 24 inches away from cleaning
surface.

• Operate this unit on a stable surface.

• The cleaning area should have adequate slopes and drainage to
reduce the possibility of a fall due to slippery surfaces.

• Be extremely careful if you must use the pressure washer from
a ladder, scaffolding or any other relatively unstable location.

• Firmly grasp spray gun with both hands when using high
pressure spray to avoid injury when gun kicks back.

Use of pressure washer can create puddles and
slippery surfaces.

High pressure spray could cause you to fall if
you are too close to the cleaning surface.

WARNING

WHEN ADDING FUEL

• Turn pressure washer OFF and let it cool at least 2 minutes
before removing gas cap.

• Fill fuel tank outdoors.

• DO NOT overfill tank.Allow space for fuel expansion.

• Keep fuel away from sparks, open flames,pilot lights, heat,and
other ignition sources.

• DO NOT light a cigarette or smoke.

WHEN OPERATING EQUIPMENT

• DO NOT tip engine or equipment at angle which causes fuel
to spill.

• DO NOT spray flammable liquids.

WHEN TRANSPORTING OR REPAIRING EQUIPMENT

• Transport/repair with fuel tank EMPTY or with fuel shutoff
valve OFF.

WHEN STORING FUEL OR EQUIPMENT WITH FUEL
IN TANK

• Store away from furnaces, stoves, water heaters, clothes
dryers or other appliances that have pilot light or other
ignition source because they can ignite fuel vapors.

Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and
explosive.

Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or
death.

WARNING

4

PowerBOSS™ 3800 PSI Pressure Washer SAFETY RULES

• DO NOT wear loose clothing, jewelry or anything that may
be caught in the starter or other rotating parts.

• Tie up long hair and remove jewelry.

Starter and other rotating parts can entangle
hands, hair, clothing, or accessories.

WARNING

• ALWAYS point gun in safe direction and squeeze spray gun
trigger, to release pressure and avoid kickback each time,
before starting engine. Engage trigger lock when not in use.

• When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance is felt
and then pull rapidly to avoid kickback.

• After each starting attempt, where engine fails to run,always
point gun in safe direction and squeeze spray gun trigger to
release high pressure.

• Firmly grasp spray gun with both hands when using high
pressure spray to avoid injury when gun kicks back.

Rapid retraction of starter cord (kickback) will
pull hand and arm toward engine faster than
you can let go.

Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains could
result.

WARNING

• NEVER aim spray gun at people, animals or plants.

• DO NOT allow CHILDREN to operate pressure washer.

• NEVER repair high pressure hose. Replace it.

• NEVER repair leaking connections with sealant of any kind.
Replace o-ring or seal.

• Keep high pressure hose connected to pump and spray gun
while system is pressurized.

• ALWAYS point gun in safe direction and squeeze spray gun
trigger, to release high pressure, every time you stop engine.
Engage trigger lock when not in use.

The high pressure stream of water that this
equipment produces can pierce skin and its
underlying tissues, leading to serious injury and
possible amputation.

Spray gun traps high water pressure, even when
engine is stopped and water is disconnected,
which can cause injury.

WARNING

WHEN ADJUSTING OR MAKING REPAIRS TO YOUR
PRESSURE WASHER

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire
where it cannot contact spark plug.

WHEN TESTING FOR ENGINE SPARK

• Use approved spark plug tester.

• DO NOT check for spark with spark plug removed.

Unintentional sparking can result in fire or
electric shock.

WARNING

• DO NOT touch hot surfaces and avoid hot exhaust gases.

• Allow equipment to cool before touching.

• Keep at least 5 ft. (152 cm) clearance on all sides of pressure
washer including overhead.

• Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Title 36 Parks, Forests, and
Public Property require equipment powered by an internal
combustion engine to have a spark arrester, maintained in
effective working order, complying to USDA Forest service
standard 5100-1C or later revision. In the State of California a
spark arrester is required under section 4442 of the California
Public resources code. Other states may have similar laws.

Running engines produce heat.Temperature of
muffler and nearby areas can reach or exceed
150°F (65°C).

Severe burns can occur on contact.
Exhaust heat/gases can ignite combustibles,

structures or damage fuel tank causing a fire.

WARNING

• Always wear safety goggles when using this equipment or in
vicinity of where equipment is in use.

• Before starting the pressure washer, be sure you are wearing
adequate safety goggles.

High pressure spray can cause paint chips or
other particles to become airborne.

WARNING

5

SAFETY RULES 3800 PSI Pressure Washer PowerBOSS™

• DO NOT point spray gun at glass when in jet spray mode.

• NEVER aim spray gun at plants.

High pressure spray may damage fragile items including
glass.

CAUTION

• DO NOT tamper with governed speed.

• DO NOT operate pressure washer above rated pressure.

Excessively high or low operating speeds increase risk
of injury and damage to pressure washer.

CAUTION

• DO NOT secure spray gun in open position.

• DO NOT leave spray gun unattended while machine is
running.

• NEVER use a spray gun which does not have a trigger lock or
trigger guard in place and in working order.

• Always be certain spray gun, nozzles and accessories are
correctly attached.

A pressure washer produces a high pressure spray
which increases risk of injury and damage to unit.

CAUTION

• If you have questions about intended use, ask dealer or
contact Briggs & Stratton Power Products.

• NEVER operate units with broken or missing parts, or
without protective housing or covers.

• DO NOT by–pass any safety device on this machine.

• Before starting pressure washer in cold weather, check all
parts of the equipment to be sure ice has not formed there.

• NEVER move machine by pulling on hoses. Use handle
provided on unit.

• Check fuel system for leaks or signs of deterioration, such as
chafed or spongy hose, loose or missing clamps,or damaged
tank or cap. Correct all defects before operating pressure
washer.

• This equipment is designed to be used with Briggs & Stratton
Power Products authorized parts ONLY. If equipment is used
with parts that DO NOT comply with minimum specifications,
user assumes all risks and liabilities.

Improper treatment of pressure washer can damage it
and shorten its life.

CAUTION

6

PowerBOSS™ 3800 PSI Pressure Washer FEATURES AND CONTROLS

KNOW YOUR PRESSURE WASHER

Read this Operator’s Manual and safety rules before operating your pressure washer.

Compare the illustrations with your pressure washer to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls
and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

Chemical Injection Siphon/Filter

Air Filter — Protects engine by filtering dust and debris out
of intake air.

Automatic Cool Down System — Cycles water through
pump when water reaches 125°-155°F.Warm water will
discharge from pump onto ground.This system prevents
internal pump damage.

Chemical Injection Siphon/Filter — Used to siphon
detergent or other pressure washer chemicals into the low
pressure stream.

Choke Lever — Prepares a cold engine for starting.

Fuel Tank — Fill tank with recommended fuel.
High Pressure Hose — Connect one end to the water

pump and the other end to the spray gun.
High Pressure Outlet with Quick Connect— To connect

high pressure hose.

Nozzle Extension with Quick Connect — Permits easy
switching between five different spray tips.

Oil Fill Cap — Fill engine with oil here.
Pressure Control Knob — Varies pressure of high pressure

spray.

Pump — Develops high pressure.
Recoil Starter — Use for starting the engine manually.

Run/Stop Switch — Set this switch to "Run" before using
recoil starter. Set switch to "Stop" to switch off engine.

Spray Gun — Controls the application of water onto

cleaning surface with trigger device. Includes safety latch.
Quick Connect Spray Tips — Chemical injection, 0°, 15°,

25°, and 40°: for various cleaning applications.

Throttle Lever—Sets engine in starting mode for recoil
starter.

Water Inlet — Connect garden hose here.

Spray Gun

Nozzle Extension with

Quick Connect

High Pressure Hose

Throttle Lever

Choke Lever

Fuel Valve

Recoil Starter

Run/Stop Switch

(on front of engine)

Air Filter

Fuel Tank

Water Inlet

Pump equipped with
Automatic Cool Down System

High Pressure Outlet
with Quick Connect

Oil Fill Cap

Quick Connect Spray Tips

Pressure Control
Knob

7

ASSEMBLY 3800 PSI Pressure Washer PowerBOSS™

ASSEMBLY

IMPORTANT: Read entire operator’s manual before you

attempt to assemble or operate your new pressure washer.

Unpack the Pressure Washer

1. Remove everything from carton except pressure
washer.

2. Open carton completely by cutting each corner from
top to bottom.

3. Remove pressure washer from carton.

Carton Contents

Items in the carton include:

• Main unit

• High pressure hose

• Handle

• Engine oil

• Spray gun with quick connect fitting

• Nozzle extension with quick connect fitting

• Parts bag (includes the following):

• Owner’s registration card

• Safety goggles

• Bag containing 5 multi–colored quick connect spray
tips

• Operator’s manual

• Engine operator’s manual

• Emissions control warranty sheet

• Handle Fastening Hardware Kit (which includes):

• Carriage Bolts (2)

• Plastic Knobs (2)

If any of the above parts are missing or damaged, call the
pressure washer helpline at 1–800–743–4115.

PREPARING PRESSURE

WASHER FOR USE

If you have any problems with the assembly of your
pressure washer or if parts are missing or damaged, call the
pressure washer helpline at 1-800-743-4115.

To prepare your pressure washer for operation, you
will need to perform these tasks:

1. Fill out and send in registration card.

2. Verify oil dipstick has been installed into pump (Figure 1).

3. Attach handle to main unit.

4. Add oil to engine.

5. Add fuel to fuel tank.

6. Connect high pressure hose to spray gun and pump.

7. Connect water supply to pump.

8. Connect nozzle extension to spray gun.

9. Select/attach quick connect spray tip to nozzle extension.

Figure 1 — Pump Dipstick

Pump Oil Dipstick

8

PowerBOSS™ 3800 PSI Pressure Washer ASSEMBLY

Attach Handle

1. Place handle assembly onto handle supports connected
to main unit. Make sure holes in handle align with holes
on handle supports (Figure 2).

NOTE: It may be necessary to move the handle supports
from side to side in order to align the handle so it will slide
over the handle supports.

2. Insert carriage bolts through holes from outside of unit
and attach plastic knob from inside of unit (Figure 3).
Tighten by hand.

3. Insert multi–colored spray tips in spaces provided in
handle.

Add Engine Oil and Fuel

• Place pressure washer on a level surface.

• Refer to engine operator’s manual and follow oil and fuel
recommendations and instructions.

NOTE: Check oil often during engine break–in. Refer to
engine operator’s manual for recommendations.

Connect Hose and Water Supply to

Pump

IMPORTANT:To avoid pump damage, you must assemble

the nozzle extension to the spray gun and attach all hoses
before you start the engine.

1. Uncoil high pressure hose and attach quick connect

end of hose to base of spray gun (Figure 4). Pull down
on collar of quick connect, slide onto spray gun and let
go of collar.Tug on hose to be sure of tight connection.

CAUTION

• Refer to engine operaor’s manual for oil and fuel fill
information.

• Damage to equipment resulting from failure to follow this
instruction will void warranty.

Any attempt to crank or start the engine before it has
been properly filled with the recommended oil will result
in equipment failure.

Align Holes

Handle

Handle

Supports

Figure 2 — Attach Handle to Base

Figure 3 — Secure Handle

Connect high
pressure hose
here.

Figure 4 — Connect High Pressure Hose to Spray Gun

9

ASSEMBLY 3800 PSI Pressure Washer PowerBOSS™

NOTE: Remove and discard all pump shipping caps before
attaching hoses.

2. Similarly, attach other end of high pressure hose to
high pressure outlet on pump (Figure 5). Pull down on
collar of quick connect, slide onto pump and let go of
collar. Pull on hose to be sure of tight connection.

3. Before connecting garden hose to water inlet, inspect
inlet screen (Figure 6).
Clean screen if it contains debris, replace if damaged.
DO NOT RUN PRESSURE WASHER IF SCREEN IS
DAMAGED.

4. Run water through garden hose for 30 seconds to
clean out any debris.Turn off water.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT siphon standing water for the
water supply. Use ONLY cold water (less than 100°F).

5. Connect garden hose (not to exceed 50 feet in length)
to water inlet.Tighten by hand (Figure 6).

6. Turn ON water, point gun in a safe direction and
squeeze trigger to purge pump system of air and
impurities.

Checklist Before Starting Engine

Review the unit’s assembly to confirm you have performed
all of the following:

1. Make sure handle is in place and secure.

2. Check that oil has been added to proper level in
engine crankcase.

3. Add proper fuel to fuel tank.

4. Check for properly attached hose connections.

5. Check to make sure there are no kinks, cuts, or
damage to high pressure hose.

6. Provide a proper water supply (not to exceed 100°F)
at an adequate flow.

7. Be sure to read “Safety Rules” and “How To Use
Pressure Washer” before using pressure washer.

CAUTION

• Damage to equipment resulting from failure to follow this
instruction will void warranty.

There MUST be at least ten feet of unrestricted garden
hose between the pressure washer inlet and any flow
shut off device, such as a ‘Y’ shut-off connector or other
convenience-type water shut-off valve.

Connect high

pressure hose here

Figure 5 — Connect High Pressure Hose to Pump

Inspect inlet

screen, DO NOT

use if damaged,

clean if dirty.

Figure 6 — Connect the Garden Hose to Water Inlet

• Always wear safety goggles when using this equipment or in
vicinity of where equipment is in use.

• Before starting the pressure washer, be sure you are wearing
adequate safety goggles.

High pressure spray can cause paint chips or
other particles to become airborne.

WARNING

10

PowerBOSS™ 3800 PSI Pressure Washer OPERATION

HOW TO USE PRESSURE

WASHER

If you have any problems operating your pressure washer,
please call the pressure washer helpline at 1-800-743-4115.

Pressure Washer Location

Pressure Washer Clearance

Place pressure washer in a well ventilated area, which will
allow for removal of deadly exhaust gas. DO NOT place
pressure washer where exhaust gas could accumulate and
enter inside or be drawn into a potentially occupied
building. Ensure exhaust gas is kept away from any
windows, doors, ventilation intakes or other openings that
can allow exhaust gas to collect in a confined area
(Figure 7). Prevailing winds and air currents should be taken
into consideration when positioning pressure washer.

How to Start Engine

The best way to start your pressure washer for the first
time is to follow these instructions step–by–step.This
starting information also applies if have let the pressure
washer sit idle for at least a day.

1. Place pressure washer near an outside water source
capable of supplying water at a flow rate greater than

5.0 gallons per minute and no less than 20 PSI at
pressure washer end of garden hose.

2. Make sure unit is in a level position.

3. Check that high pressure hose is connected to spray
gun and pump. See “Preparing Pressure Washer for
Use” for illustrations.

4. Connect garden hose to water inlet on pressure
washer pump.

5. Turn ON water, point gun in a safe direction and
squeeze trigger to purge pump system of air and
impurities.

6. Attach nozzle extension to spray gun (Figure 8).
Tighten by hand.

7. Choose spray tip you want to use and insert it into
nozzle extension. See “How to Use Spray Tips”.

8. Engage trigger lock on spray gun trigger (Figure 9).

Trigger Lock

Figure 9 — Spray Gun with Trigger Lock Engaged

Figure 8 — Connect Nozzle Extension to Spray Gun

CAUTION

• Damage to equipment resulting from failure to follow this
instruction will void warranty.

DO NOT run the pump without the water supply
connected and turned on.

Figure 7 — Pressure Washer Clearance

Exhaust Port

Typical Pressure Washer Shown

• Operate pressure washer ONLY outdoors.

• Keep exhaust gas from entering a confined area through
windows, doors, ventilation intakes or other openings.

• DO NOT operate pressure washer inside any building or
enclosure, even if doors or windows are open.

Running engine gives off carbon monoxide, an
odorless, colorless, poison gas.

Breathing carbon monoxide can cause nausea,
fainting or death.

WARNING

• Keep at least 5 ft. (152 cm) clearance on all sides of pressure
washer including overhead.

Exhaust heat/gases can ignite combustibles,
structures or damage fuel tank causing a fire.

WARNING

11

OPERATION 3800 PSI Pressure Washer PowerBOSS™

9. When starting engine, position yourself as recommended
in Figure 10 and start engine according to instructions
given in engine operator’s manual.Also see operating
instructions tag located on the pressure washer.

NOTE:Always keep the throttle lever in the “Fast”
position when operating the pressure washer.

How to Stop Pressure Washer

1. Let engine idle for two minutes.

2. Turn engine off according to instructions given in
engine operator’s manual.

3. ALWAYS point gun in a safe direction and squeeze
spray gun trigger to release retained high water
pressure.

IMPORTANT: Spray gun traps high water pressure, even
when engine is stopped and water is disconnected.

4. Engage trigger lock on spray gun when not in use.

Figure 10 - Recommended Starting Position

• DO NOT touch hot surfaces and avoid hot exhaust gases.

• Allow equipment to cool before touching.

• Keep at least 5 ft. (152 cm) clearance on all sides of pressure
washer including overhead.

• Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Title 36 Parks, Forests, and
Public Property require equipment powered by an internal
combustion engine to have a spark arrester, maintained in
effective working order, complying to USDA Forest service
standard 5100-1C or later revision. In the State of California a
spark arrester is required under section 4442 of the California
Public resources code. Other states may have similar laws.

Running engines produce heat.Temperature of
muffler and nearby areas can reach or exceed
150°F (65°C).

Severe burns can occur on contact.
Exhaust heat/gases can ignite combustibles,

structures or damage fuel tank causing a fire.

WARNING

• ALWAYS point gun in safe direction and squeeze spray gun
trigger, to release pressure and avoid kickback each time,
before starting engine.

• When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance is felt
and then pull rapidly to avoid kickback.

• After each starting attempt, where engine fails to run,always
point gun in safe direction and squeeze spray gun trigger to
release high pressure.

• Firmly grasp spray gun with both hands when using high
pressure spray to avoid injury when gun kicks back.

Rapid retraction of starter cord (kickback) will
pull hand and arm toward engine faster than
you can let go.

Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains could
result.

WARNING

• Keep high pressure hose connected to pump and spray gun
while system is pressurized.

• ALWAYS point gun in safe direction and squeeze spray gun
trigger, to release high pressure, every time you stop engine.
Engage trigger lock when not in use.

The high pressure stream of water that this
equipment produces can pierce skin and its
underlying tissues, leading to serious injury and
possible amputation.

Spray gun traps high water pressure, even when
engine is stopped and water is disconnected,
which can cause injury.

WARNING