Generac 1538-0 Owner’s Manual

GEN RAC °]

Portable Products

High Pressure Washer Owner's Manual

/

Model No. 1538-0 (2,500 PSIHigh Pressure Washer) Manual No. 187700 Revision I (12/12/2000)

Visit our Generac website: www.generac-portables.com

A This is the safety alert symbol. It isusedto alert you to potential personal injury hazards.

Obey all safety messagesthat follow this symbol to avoidpossible injury or death.

Generac Portable Products 2,500 PSIHigh PressureWasher

EQUIPMENT

DESCRIPTION

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a

GENERAC high pressure washer. It has been designed,
engineered and manufactured to giveyou the best possible
dependability and performance.

This manual contains information for a high pressure
washer that operates at 2,500 PSIat a flow rate of

3.0gallons per minute. This powerful, high quality
professional system features large 10" wheels, apump

equipped with an automatic cool down system,chemical
injection system, adjustable unloader, nozzle extension with

quick connect nozzles, safety goggles,heavyduty 50' hose,
and more.

Pleaseread and retain this manual.The instructionswill

enable you to assembleyour unit without tools, and
maintain your high pressure washer properly.

Every effort hasbeen made to ensure that the information

in this manualis both accurate and current. However,
Generac reserves the right to change,alter or otherwise

improve the product and its documentation at any time
without prior notice.

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily

remedy,call the pressurewasher helpline at

1-800-270-1408.

SAFETY RULES

_ AUTION! When setting up,transporting,

adjusting or making repairs to your high pressure
washer,alwaysdisconnect the spark plug wire from
the spark plug and place the wire where it cannot
contact spark plug.

_ DANGER! Engineexhaust gasescontain DEADLY

carbon monoxide gas.This dangerousgas,if
breathed insufficient concentrations, can cause

unconsciousness or even death. Operate this

equipment only in the open air where adequate
ventilation isavailable.

_ ANGER! Gasoline is highly FLAMMABLE and its

vapors are EXPLOSIVE.Do Not permit smoking,
open flames, sparks or heat in the vicinity while
handling gasoline. Avoid spilling gasolineon a hot
engine.Allow unit to coot for 2 minutes before
refueling. Comply with all laws regulating storage
and handlingof gasoline.

Read this manual carefully and become familiar

with your pressure washer. Know its applications,

its limitations, and any hazards involved.

CUSTOMER

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Readand observe the safetyrules.

• Follow regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and
usingyour high pressure washer.

• Foroff-season storage, review "Preparing the Unit for
Storage" on page 14.

Locate this pressure washer in areasawayfrom

combustible materials, combustible fumes or dust.
The high pressure equipment is designedto be used with

Generac authorized parts only. Ifyou use this equipment

with parts that do not comply with minimum
specifications, the user assumesall risks and liabilities.

Some chemicals or detergents may be harmful if inhaled
or ingested,causingsevere nausea,fainting or poisoning.
The harmful elements maycause property damageor
severe injury.

Do Not allow CHILDREN to operate the pressure

washer at any time.

/

2

Generac Portable Products 2,500 PSIHigh PressureWasher

• Operate engine only at governed speed.Runningthe
engine at excessive speeds increasesthe hazardof
personal injury. Do Not tamper with parts which may
increase or decreasethe governed speed.

• Do Not wear loose clothing, jewelry or anythingthat
may be caught in the starter or other rotating parts.

• Beforestarting the pressurewasher in cold weather,
check all parts of the equipment and be sure ice has not

formed there.

• Never useaspraygunwhichdoesnot havea trigger lock
or trigger guard in placeandin working order.

• Keepthe hose connected to machine or the spraygun
while the system is pressurized. Disconnecting the hose

while the unit is pressurized is dangerous.

• Never operate units with broken or missingparts, or
without protective housing or covers.

• Operate and store this unit on astable surface.

• Check the fuel system for leaksor signs of deterioration,
such as chafed or spongy hose, loose or missing clamps,

or damagedtank or cap. Correct alldefects before
operating the pressurewasher.

• Do Not spray flammableliquids.

• Do Not secure the spraygun in the open position.

• Use a respirator or maskwhenever there isachance
that vaporsmaybe inhaled.Read all instructionswith
mask so you are certain the mask will provide the
necessary protection againstinhalingharmful vapors.

• Never aim the spray gun at people, animals or plants.
The high pressure stream of water that this equipment
produces can pierce skin and its underlying tissues,
leading to serious injury and possible amputation.

• Never allow any part of the body to come in contact
with the fluid stream. Do Not come in contact with a

fluidstream created by a leakin the high pressure hose.

• Always wear eye protection when you usethis
equipment or when you are in the vicinitywhere the
equipment is in use.

• Highpressure spraycan causepaint chipsor other
particles to become airborne.

• Do Not operate the pressurewasher above the rated
pressure.

• Never move the machine by pulling on the highpressure
hose. Use the handle provided on the unit.

• Always becertain the spraygun, nozzles andaccessories

are correctly attached.

• High pressure spray maydamagefragile items including

glass.Do Not point spraygun at glasswhen in the jet
spray mode.

• Hold the spraygun firmly inyour hand before you

squeeze the trigger. Failure to do so could result in an

injuryfrom a whipping spray gun. Do Not leave the

spray gun unattended while the machine is running.

• The cleaningareashould haveadequate slopes and

drainage to reduce the possibility of a fall due to slippery
surfaces.

• Keepwater spray awayfrom electric wiring or fatal

electric shock may result.

• Do Not by-passany safety deviceon this machine.

• The muffler andengineheat up during operation and
remain hot immediatelyafter shutting it down. Avoid

contact with a hot muffler or engine asyou could be
severely burned.

• High pressure hose can develop leaks from wear, kinking,

abuse, etc. Water sprayingfrom a leak is capable of

injectingmaterial into skin. Inspect hose eachtime before
usingit. Check all hosesfor cuts, leaks, abrasions or
bulgingof cover, or damageor movement of couplings. If

any of these conditions exist, replace hose immediately.

Never repair high pressure hose. Replace it with

another hose that exceeds maximum pressure rating of
your unit.

• The muffler andair cleaner must be installedandin good

condition before operating the pressurewasher.These
components act as spark arresters if the engine backfires.

In the State of California a spark arrester is required by law
(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code).

Other states may have similar laws.Federal laws applyon
federal lands.

NOTE: If you equip the muffler with a spark arrester, it
must be maintained in effective working order. You can

order a spark arrester through your authorized Honda
service dealer.

/

3

GeneracPortableProducts2,500PSIHighPressureWasher

KNOW YOUR PRESSURE WASHER

Read this owner's manual and safety rules before operating your high pressure washer.

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

Spray Gun Spray Nozzles

Chemical Injection Siphon/Fitter

High Pressure Hose

Gas Tank

SafetyGoggles

Nozzle Extension with

Quick Connect Throttle Lever

Choke Lever

FuelValve

Pressure Recoil Starter

Control Knob (on front of engine)

Air Filter

Water Inlet

Pump equipped with

Automatic Coot Down System

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

Automatic Cool Down System -- Cycles water through
pump when water reaches 140°-145°E Warm water will

discharge from pump onto ground. This system prevents
internal pump damage.

Chemical Injection Siphon/Filter -- Use to siphon
detergent or other pressure washer chemicals into the low

pressure stream.

Choke Lever -- Prepares a cold engine for starting.

Fuel Valve -- Used to turn fuel on and off to engine.

Gas Tank -- Fill tank with regular unleaded gasoline. Always
leave room for fuel expansion.

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.

High Pressure Outlet

with Quick Connect

Nozzle Extension with Quick Connect -- Allows you to
switch between four different spray nozzles.

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

pressure spray.
Pump -- Develops high pressure.

Recoil Starter -- Use for starting the engine manually.
Safety Goggles -- Always use the enclosed goggles or

other eye protection when running your pressure washer.
Spray Gun -- Controls the application of water onto

cleaning surface with trigger device. Includes safety latch.
Spray Nozzles -- Chemical injection (25°), 0°, 15°, 25°, and

40°: for various high pressure cleaning applications.
Throttle Lever_Sets engine in starting mode for recoil

starter and stops a running engine.

Water Inlet -- Connect garden hose here.

Oil Fill Cap

/

4

Generac Portable Products 2,500 PSIHigh PressureWasher

IMPORTANT: Read entire owner's manualbefore you

attempt to assembleor operate your new pressure washer.

REMOVE PRESSURE

WASHER FROM

CARTON

• Removethe parts box packedwith pressure washer.

• Slicetwo corners at the end of carton from top to
bottom so the panel can be folded down fiat, then

remove all packing material.

• Roll pressure washer out of carton.

Carton Contents

Items in the carton include:

• Main Unit

• Parts Box (which includesthe following):

SafetyGoggles

Handle Assembly

Handle FasteningHardware (which includes):

Carriage Bolts (2)

PlasticKnobs (2)

"J" Hook

Chemical Hose Clip
Nozzle Cleaning Kit
High Pressure Hose

Owner's Manual

PREPARING PRESSURE

WASHER FOR USE

If you have any problems with the assemblyof your
pressure washer or if parts are missingor damaged,call the
pressure washer helpline at 1-800-270-1408.

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

• Fill out and send in the registration card.

• Attach the handle.

• Add oil to the engine crankcase.

• Add fuel to the fuel tank.

• Connect the high pressure hoseto the spray gunand the
pump.

• Connect the water supply to the pump.

• Attach the nozzle extension to the spray gun.

• Selectand attach quick connect nozzle to the nozzle
extension.

Attach Handle

NOTE: All assembly operations given in this section will
be described from the perspective of viewing the pressure

washer from the rear.

• Placethe handle assemblyonto the handle supports
connected to the main unit. Makesure the holes in the

handle align with the holes on the handle supports
(Figure I).

EngineManual
EngineWarranty Card

EmissionsControl Warranty Card

Owner's Registration Card
SprayGun with Quick Connect Fitting

Nozzle Extension with Quick Connect Fitting
Bagcontaining5 mult_olored Quick Connect Nozzles

Oit Bottle
O-Ring MaintenanceKit

If any of the above parts are missingor damaged,call the

pressure washer helpline at 1-800-270-1408.

Supports

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

/

5

GeneracPortableProducts2,500PSIHighPressureWasher

• Insertthecarriageboltthroughtherightsideholefrom
theoutsideoftheunit.Slidethespringcllpupthe
chemicalhoseandslideit ontothecarriagebolt.Attach
aplasticknobfromtheinsideoftheunit.Tightenby
hand(Figure2)

• Insertthecarriageboltthroughtheleftsideholefrom
theoutsideoftheunitandattachaplasticknobfromthe
insideoftheunit(viewingunitfromtherear).Tightenby
hand(Figure3).

• Attachthecllptothelowerfrontaccessorytrayflange
topreventchemicalhosefromcontactingenginemuffler
(Figure6).Slidethechemicalhosethroughthemetalclip
sothatit istightbutnotkinked.

Add Engine Oil

IMPORTANT: Any attempt to crank or start the engine

before it hasbeen properly serviced with the
recommended oil may result in anengine failure.

• Insertthe"J"hookintothesecondfromtheleftslotin
theaccessorytray(Figure4).

• Placepressure washer on a levelsurface.

• Refer to the engine owners manual to add recommended
oil to engine.

NOTE: Check oil often during enginebreak-in. Refer to
engine owner's manual for recommendations.

Add Gasoline

_ ANGER! Never fill fuel tank indoors. Never fill

fuel tank when engine is running or hot. Do Not

smoke when filling fuel tank.

• Pinchthe chemical hoseand slide it intothe metal clip as _, WARNING! Never fill fuel tank completely full.
shown in Figure 5. _ Provide spacefor fuel expansion. Wipe away any

fuel spillagefrom engine and equipment before
starting.

/

6

GeneracPortableProducts2,500PSIHighPressureWasher

• Usefresh,cleanunleadedautomotivegasolineandstorein
approved,clean,coveredcontainers.Usecleanfill
funnels.Neveruse"stale"gasolineleftoverfromlast
seasonorgasolinestoredforlongperiods.

• Cleanareaaroundfuelfillcap,removecap.

• Slowlyaddgasolinetofueltank.Useafunneltoprevent
spillage.Filltankto"MaximumFuelLevel"(Figure7).

_/ MaximumFuelLevel

• Before you connect your garden hose to the water inlet,
inspect the inlet screen (Figure 10).Clean the screen if it
contains debris, replace it if it isdamaged.DO NOT

RUN THE PRESSUREWASHER IF THE SCREENIS
DAMAGED.

• Installfuelcapandwipeupanyspilledgasoline.

Connect Hose and Water Supply to

Pump

IMPORTANT: You must assemblethe nozzle extension

and attach all hoses before you start the engine. Starting
engine without all hosesconnected and water supplied will

damagethe pump.

• Uncoil high pressure hose and attach quick connect end
of hoseto the baseof the spray gun (Figure 8). Pull
down on the collar of the quick connect, slide onto the
gun and let go of collar. Tugon hose to be sure of a tight

connection.

• Run water through the garden hose for 30 secondsto
cleanout any debris. Turn off water.

• Connect the garden hose to the water inlet. Tighten by
hand (Figure 10).

_ll ARNING! There MUST be at leastten feet of

unrestricted garden hose between the pressure
washer inlet and any flow shut off device, suchasa

'Y' shut-off connector or other convenience-type
water shut-off valve. Damage to pressure washer

resulting from disregarding this warning will not be

covered by the warranty.

• Turn ON the water and squeeze the trigger on the spray

gun to purge the pump system of air and impurities.

• Attach the other end of the high pressure hose to the
high pressure outlet on the pump (Figure 9). Pull down

on the collar of the quick connect, slide fitting into the
pump and let go of collar. Pullon hose to be sure of a

tight connection.

_ll AUTION! Before starting the pressure washer,

be sure you are wearing adequateeye protection.

/

7

Generac Portable Products 2,500 PSIHigh PressureWasher

Checklist Before Starting Engine

Reviewthe unit's assemblyto confirm you have performed

alt of the following:

• Make sure the handle is in place and secure.

• Check that oit has been added to the proper level inthe
engine crankcase.

• Add the proper gasolineto fuel tank.

• Check for properly attached hose connections.

• Check to make sure that there are no kinks, cuts, or
damageto the high pressure hose.

• Provide a proper water supply(not to exceed 140°F)at
an adequate flow.

• Be sure to read "Safety Rules" and "How To Use Your

PressureWasher" before usingthe pressure washer.

HOW TO USE YOUR

PRESSURE WASH ER

If you haveanyproblems operating your pressurewasher,

pleasecatl the pressure washer helpline at 1-800-270-1408.

• Attach the nozzle extension to the spray gun (Figure I I).
Tighten by hand.

• Choose the nozzle you want to use and insert it into the
nozzle extension. See "How to Use the Nozzles" on

page IO.

• Engage the safety latch to the spray gun trigger
(Figure 12).

SafetyLatch

• Rotate the fuel valvelever to the "On" position
(Figure 13).

To Start Your Pressure Washer

To start your pressure washer for the first time, follow
these instructionsstep-by-step. This starting information
also applies ifyou havelet the pressure washer sit idlefor
at least a day.

• Placethe pressure washer in an area close enough to an
outside water source capableof supplying water at a flow

rate greater than 3.3gallons per minute.

• Check that the high pressure hose is connected to the
spray gun and to the pump. See"Preparing Pressure

Washer for Use" for illustrations.

• Make sure unit isin a levelposition.

• Connect the garden hose to the water inleton the
pressure washer pump. Turn ON the water.

_ AUTION! Oo Not run the pump without the

water supply connected and turned on. You must
follow this caution or the pump will be damaged.

• Squeezethe trigger on the gun until you havea steady
stream of water. This purges the pump of air and

impurities.

off

• Move the throttle lever to the "Fast" position
(Figure 14).Controls are shown in the desired operating

condition.

/

8

GeneracPortableProducts2,500PSIHighPressureWasher

• Move the choke lever to the "Closed" position
(Figure 15).

Closed /

NOTE: For a warm engine, be sure the choke lever is in
the "Open" position.

Setthe engine switch to the "On" position (Figure 16).

EngineSwitch

.off

• Move the engine switch to the "Off' position.

• Simplyshutting off the engine will not releasepressure in
the system. Squeeze trigger on the spray gun to
relieve pressure in the hose.

How to Use Accessory Tray

The unit is equipped with an accessory tray with places to
store your nozzle extension and quick connect nozzles, and
slots to hold the cleaning solution bottle and the detergent
siphoning filter. There are also two hooks on the handle to
hold your spray gun and high pressure hose.

NOTE: The extra holes in the tray are for storing a brush
and a turbo wand. The brush and turbo wand are NOT

included with your pressure washer. You can buy these
items as optional accessories.

• Place the nozzle extension through the hole on the

accessory tray as shown in Figure 17.

Grasp starter grip and pull slowly until you feel some
resistance. Then pull cord out with rapid full arm stroke.
Let rope return slowly. Do Not let rope "snap back"

against starter.

• If the choke lever has been moved to the "Closed"
position to start the engine, gradually move it to the

"Open" position as the eng{ne warms up.

NOTE: If the recoil starter is hard to pull, it may be

necessary to squeeze the gun trigger to tel{eve internal

pump pressure.

How to Stop Your Pressure Washer

• Move the throttle lever to the "Slow" position.

• Wait for the engine to idle down.

Hang your chemical solution bottle on the "J" hook and
place the detergent siphoning filter in the last slot on the
left (Figure 17).

• Place the spray gun on the hook attached to the handle
on the right side of the unit (Figure 17).

• Hang the high pressure hose on the hook attached to
the handle on the left side of the unit as shown on

page 4.

/

9

Generac Portable Products 2,500 PSIHigh PressureWasher

How to Use the Nozzles

_ ANGER! Never exchange nozzleswithout

lockingthe safety latch on the trigger.

The quick-connect on the nozzle extension allows you to
switch between five different nozzles.The nozzlesvary the
spray pattern as shown below (Figure 18).

Follow these instructions to change nozzles:

• Engagethe safety latch on the spray gun.

• Pull back the collar on the quick-connect and pull the
current nozzle off. Store the nozzle in the space

provided on the handle'sstorage panel.

NOTE: For a more gentle rinse, select the white 40° or

green 25° nozzle. To scour the surface, select the yellow

15° or red 0° nozzle. To apply chemical, select the black

nozzle.

• Pull back on the collar,insert the new nozzle and release
the collar. Tugon the nozzle to make sure it issecurely

in place.

• For most effective cleaning, keep the spray nozzle
between 8 to 24 inchesaway from the cleaningsurface. If
you get the spray nozzle too close, you may damagethe
cleaningsurface.

Cleaning and Applying Chemical

_i WARNING! You must attach all hoses before

you start the engine.Starting the engine without all
the hoses connected and without the water turned

ON will damagethe pump.

IMPORTANT: Use soaps designed specifically for
pressure washers. Household detergents could damage

the pump.

To apply detergent follow these steps:

• Reviewthe useof the nozzles.

• Preparethe detergent solution as required by the
manufacturer.

• Hangthe detergent solution on the "J" hook attached to

the accessory tray, asshown in Figure 19.

Low Pressure

Black

25°

• Placethe small filter end of the detergent siphoning tube

intothe detergent container.

High Pressure

White Green Yellow Red

40° 25° 15° 0°

/

I0

Generac Portable Products 2,500 PSIHigh PressureWasher

_ AUTION! Keepthe chemical injectiontube

from coming in contact with the hot mumer.

• Makesure the black nozzle is installed.
NOTE: Detergent cannot beapplied with the high

pressure nozzles (White, Green, Yellow, or Red).

• Makesure the garden hose isconnected to the water
inlet.Check that the high pressure hose isconnected to

the spraygun and the pump and start the engine.

• Apply the detergent to a dry surface, starting at lower
portion of area to be washed and work upward, using

long, even, overlapping strokes. Do Not allow the

detergent to dry on (prevents streaking).

• Allow the detergent to soak in between 3-5 minutes
before washing and rinsing. Reapplyas needed to prevent

surface from drying.

• Increaseor decrease spray pressure by turning the
pressure control knob counterclockwise or clockwise
respectively (Figure 20). Use lower pressure to wash
itemssuch a as a car or boat. Use higher pressure to

strip paint and degrease driveways.

Pressure

Control

Knob

Pressure Washer Rinsing

_ ARNING! Be extremely careful ifyou must

use the pressure washer from a ladder,scaffolding
or anyother relatively unstable location. Hose
water pressure builds as you climb. When you press
the trigger, the recoil from the initialspray can be
very strong. The high pressure spray could cause
you to falt if you are too close to the cleaning

surface.

After you have applied detergent, scour the surface
and rinse it clean as follows:

• Apply safety latch to spray gun.

• Remove the black chemical nozzle from the nozzle
extension.

• Select and instaltthe desired high pressure nozzle
following the instructions"How to Use the Nozzles" on

page 10.

• Keepthe spray gun a safedistance from the area you

plan to spray.

• Apply a high pressure spray to a smallarea andthen
check the surface for damage.If no damageisfound, you
can assumeit isokay to continue cleaning.

• Start at the top of the area to be rinsed, working down
with same overlapping strokes asyou usedfor cleaning.

Automatic Cool Down System

(Thermal Relief)

Ifyou run the engineon your pressure washer for

3-5 minutes without pressingthe trigger on the spray gun,

circulating water in the pump can reach a temperature

between 140-145°E At this temperature, the system
engagesand cools the pump by discharging the warm
water onto the ground. This system prevents internal
damageto the pump.

/

II