Generac Portable Products 2400PSI User manual

Model No. 1450–3 (2400 PSI Pressure Washer) Manual No. 193849GS Revision 0 (04/12/2004)
Pressure Washer Owner’s Manual
2400PSI
Questions? Help is just a moment away!
Call: Generac Pressure Washer Helpline - 1-800-270-1408 M-F 8-5 CT
Web: www.generac-portables.com
Generac Portable Products is a licensed trademark of Briggs & Stratton Power Products.

Generac Portable Products 2400 PSI Pressure Washer
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Know Your Pressure Washer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-13
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19
Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Last Page
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 pressure washer
that operates at 2,400 PSI at a flow rate of 2.2 gallons per
minute.This high quality residential system features an axial
cam pump with stainless steel pistons, an automatic cool
down system, chemical injection system, nozzle extension
with quick connect fitting, four spray tips and extension
with turbo nozzle. Includes safety goggles, heavy-duty
25' 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
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 apply on
federal lands. If you equip the muffler with a spark arrester,
it must be maintained in effective working order.
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
Fire Explosion
Toxic Fumes
Hot Surface
Moving Parts
Electrical Shock
Slippery Surface Fall
Kickback
Flying Objects
Fluid Injection

Generac Portable Products 2400 PSI Pressure Washer
3
• 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.
• 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.
Some chemicals or detergents may be harmful if
inhaled or ingested, causing severe nausea,
fainting or poisoning.
Breathing carbon monoxide will cause nausea,
fainting or death.
DANGER
• 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 if 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
• NEVER aim spray gun at people, animals or plants.
• DO NOT allow CHILDREN to operate pressure washer.
• NEVER repair high pressure hose. Replace it.
• Keep high pressure hose connected to pump and spray gun
while system is pressurized.
The high pressure stream of water that this
equipment produces can pierce skin and its
underlying tissues, leading to serious injury and
possible amputation.
WARNING

Generac Portable Products 2400 PSI Pressure Washer
4
• 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
WHEN ADJUSTING OR MAKING REPAIRS TOYOUR
PRESSURE WASHER
• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire
where it cannot contact spark plug.
Unintentional sparking can result in fire or
electric shock.
WARNING
• 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 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 wear eye protection when using this equipment or in
vicinity of where equipment is in use.
High pressure spray can cause paint chips or
other particles to become airborne.
WARNING
• 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 Generac Portable 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 high pressure hose. 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
• DO NOT touch hot surfaces.
• Stay clear of exhaust gases.
• Allow equipment to cool before touching.
Running engines produce heat and hot exhaust
gases.Temperature of muffler and nearby areas
can reach or exceed 150°F (65°C).
Fire or severe burns can occur.
WARNING

Generac Portable Products 2400 PSI Pressure Washer
5
Air Cleaner — Dry type filter element limits the amount of dirt
and dust that gets in the engine.
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 Tube — Used to siphon chemical from the
detergent container to the pump.
Chemical Spray Tip — Use this spray tip to apply chemical.
Choke Rod— Prepares a cold engine for starting.
Extension with Turbo Nozzle — The turbo nozzle rotates the
high pressure stream in a rapid circular pattern for aggressive
cleaning.
Fuel Tank — Fill with regular unleaded gasoline here.
Goggles — Always use the goggles or other eye protection when
running your pressure washer.
High Pressure Hose — Connect one end to water pump and
the other end to spray gun. Store hose on hook on the rear of
the unit
High Pressure SprayTips — Use these spray tips to clean and
scour a surface.These spray tips vary the spray pattern of the high
pressure stream and cannot be used to apply chemical.
High Pressure Outlet — Connection for high pressure hose.
Nozzle Extension with Quick–Connect Fitting — You must
attach this device to the spray gun to use the spray tips.The
quick–connect fitting lets you quickly exchange the four provided
spray tips to adjust the spray pattern of the high pressure spray
and apply chemical.
Oil Fill Cap — Fill engine with oil here.
Pump — Develops high pressure.
Recoil Starter — Used for starting the engine manually.
Spray Gun — Controls the application of water onto cleaning
surface with trigger. Includes safety latch.
Throttle Lever — Sets engine in starting mode for recoil
starter and stops a running engine.
Water Inlet — Connection for garden hose.
KNOWYOUR PRESSURE WASHER
Read this owner’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 Spray Tip
High Pressure Spray Tips
Nozzle Extension
with Quick Connect
Fitting
Choke Rod
High Pressure Outlet
Pump equipped with
Automatic Cool Down
System
Spray Gun
Water Inlet
Oil Fill Cap
Fuel Tank
Recoil Starter
Throttle Lever
Air Cleaner
Chemical Injection Tube
Extension with
Turbo Nozzle
High Pressure Hose
Goggles

Generac Portable Products 2400 PSI Pressure Washer
6
ASSEMBLY
IMPORTANT: Read entire owner’s manual before you
attempt to assemble or operate your new pressure washer.
Remove Pressure Washer From
Carton
• Remove the handle, high pressure hose, and parts box
included with pressure washer.
• Slice two corners at the end of carton from top to
bottom so the panel can be folded down flat, then
remove all packing material.
• Roll pressure washer out of carton.
Carton Contents
Items in the carton include:
• Main Unit
• Handle
• High Pressure Hose
• Safety Goggles
• Nozzle Extension with Quick–Connect Fitting
• Oil Bottle
• Spray Gun
• Extension with Turbo Nozzle
• Parts Bag (which includes the following):
• Maintenance Kit
• Owner’s Manual
• Engine Manual
• Owner’s Registration Card
• Bag containing 4 Multi–Colored Spray Tips
• Handle Fastening Hardware Kit (which includes):
• Carriage Bolts (4)
• Locknuts (4)
• Spring Clips (2)
• Self Tapping Screws (2)
If any of the above parts are missing or damaged, call the
pressure washer helpline at 1–800–270–1408.
PREPARE 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 1–800–270–1408.
Perform these tasks to prepare unit:
1. Attach handle to main unit.
2. Add oil to engine.
3. Add fuel to fuel tank.
4. Connect high pressure hose to spray gun and pump.
5. Connect water supply to pump.
Attach Handle to Pressure Washer
To attach handle to the pressure washer:
1. Slowly tip pressure washer forward and gently rest it
on the front bumper, as shown in Figure 1.
2. Align holes on handle with holes on base.
3. Insert carriage bolts provided to hold handle in place.
4. Secure handle to pressure washer using the four
provided flange nuts.
5. Slowly tip pressure washer back in place and insert
multi–colored spray tips in the spaces provided in handle.
Attach Spring Clips to Handle
1. Attach spring clips to left side (viewing from rear of unit)
of handle with self tapping screws in holes provided.
2. Place extension with turbo nozzle in spring clips, as
shown in Figure 2.
Figure 1 — Attach Handle to Pressure Washer
Figure 2 — Place Extension with Turbo Nozzle in Spring Clips
Spring Clips

Generac Portable Products 2400 PSI Pressure Washer
7
Add Engine Oil and Fuel
• Place pressure washer on a level surface.
• Refer to engine owner’s manual and follow oil and fuel
recommendations and instructions.
NOTE: Check oil often during engine break–in. Refer to
engine owner’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 one end of hose
to base of spray gun. (Figure 3).Tighten by hand.
NOTE: Remove and discard all pump shipping caps before
attaching hoses.
2. Attach other end of high pressure hose to high
pressure outlet on pump (Figure 4).Tighten by hand.
3. Before connecting garden hose to water inlet, inspect
inlet screen (Figure 5). Clean screen if it contains
debris, replace it 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 5).
6. Turn ON water and squeeze trigger on spray gun to
purge pump system of air and impurities.
CHECKLIST BEFORE
STARTING ENGINE
Review the assembly to ensure you have performed all of
the following.
1. Make sure handle is in place and secure.
2. Check that oil has been added to the proper level in
engine crankcase.
CAUTION
• Refer to engine 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.
Connect high
pressure hose
here
Figure 3 — Connect High Pressure Hose to Spray Gun
Figure 4 — Connect High Pressure Hose to Pump
Figure 5 — Connect Garden Hose to Water Inlet
Inspect inlet
screen, DO
NOT use if
damaged, clean
if dirty.
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.
• Always wear eye protection when using this equipment or in
vicinity of where equipment is in use.
• Before starting the pressure washer, be sure you are wearing
adequate eye protection.
High pressure spray can cause paint chips or
other particles to become airborne.
WARNING

Generac Portable Products 2400 PSI Pressure Washer
8
3. Add proper fuel to fuel tank.
4. Check for properly attached hose connections.
5. Check to make sure that there are no kinks, cuts, or
damage to high pressure hose.
6. Provide a proper water supply at an adequate flow.
7. Be sure to read “Safety Rules” and “How To Use
Pressure Washer” before using the pressure washer.
HOW TO USE PRESSURE
WASHER
If you have any problems operating your pressure washer,
please call the pressure washer helpline at 1-800-270-1408.
To Start Pressure Washer
To start your pressure washer for the first time, follow
these instructions step-by-step.This starting information
also applies if you 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
3.2 gallons per minute and no less than 20 PSI at
pressure washer end of garden hose.
2. Check that high pressure hose is connected to spray
gun and pump. See “Preparing Pressure Washer for
Use” for illustrations.
3. Make sure unit is in a level position.
4. Connect garden hose to water inlet on pressure
washer pump. Turn ON the water.
5. Squeeze trigger on gun until you have a steady stream
of water.This purges the pump of air and impurities.
6. Attach nozzle extension to spray gun (Figure 6).
Tighten by hand.
7. Choose the spray tip you want to use and insert it into
the nozzle extension. See “How to Use Spray Tips”.
8. Engage safety latch to spray gun trigger (Figure 7).
9. Start engine according to instructions given in engine
owner’s manual.
NOTE: If the recoil starter is hard to pull, it may be
necessary to squeeze the gun trigger to relieve internal
pump pressure.
NOTE: Always keep the Throttle Control 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 owner’s manual.
3. Squeeze trigger on spray gun to relieve
pressure in hose.
NOTE: A small amount of water will squirt out when
pressure is released.
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 6 — Connect Nozzle Extension to Spray Gun
Safety Latch
Figure 7 — Spray Gun with Safety Latch Engaged
CAUTION
• Squeeze trigger on spray gun each time recoil starter is
pulled and engine fails to start.
Avoid injury from kickback.

Generac Portable Products 2400 PSI Pressure Washer
9
How to Use Spray Tips
The quick–connect on the nozzle extension allows you to
switch between several different spray tips.The spray tips
vary the spray pattern as shown below (Figure 8).
Follow these instructions to change spray tips:
1. Engage safety latch on spray gun.
2. Pull back collar on quick–connect and pull current
spray tip off. Store spray tips in space provided on
handles storage panel.
3. Select desired spray tip:
• For gentle rinse, select white 40° spray tip.
• To scour surface, select yellow 15° or red 0° spray
tip.
• To apply chemical, select black spray tip.
3. Pull back on collar, insert new spray tip and release collar.
Tug on spray tip to make sure it is securely in place.
4. For most effective cleaning, keep spray tip from 8 to
24 inches away from cleaning surface. If you get spray
tip too close, you may damage cleaning surface. DO
NOT get closer than 6 inches when cleaning tires.
Using the Turbo Nozzle
The turbo nozzle rotates the high pressure stream in a
rapid circular pattern.The high pressure spray is most
effective when the tip of the nozzle extension is held
between 8 to 24 inches from the surface being cleaned.
To attach the turbo nozzle to the spray gun:
1. Engage safety latch to spray gun trigger.
2. Remove the nozzle extension from the spray gun, if
attached.
3. Attach the turbo nozzle extension to spray gun
(Figure 9).Tighten by hand.
4. Disengage safety latch to spray gun trigger.
5. Always start the turbo nozzle at a distance, gradually
getting closer to the surface until you get the cleaning
force you want.
NOTE: Detergent cannot be applied with turbo nozzle.
40° White 15° Yellow 0° Red
Black
Use to apply
chemical
Figure 8 — Spray Tip Spray Patterns
Low Pressure
High Pressure
• NEVER exchange spray tips without locking the safety latch
on the trigger.
A pressure washer produces a high pressure spray
which increases risk of injury and damage to unit.
CAUTION
Figure 9 — Connect Turbo Nozzle Extension to Spray Gun
CAUTION
• Always make sure the surface you will clean will not be
damaged by the high pressure spray by testing in a hidden area.
The turbo nozzle produces an extremely high pressure
spray which is capable of removing paint and cutting
holes through surfaces if held too close.

Generac Portable Products 2400 PSI Pressure Washer
10
Cleaning and Applying Chemical
IMPORTANT: Use soaps designed specifically for
pressure washers. Household detergents could damage
the pump.
To apply detergent follow these steps:
1. Review spray tip use.
2. Prepare detergent solution as required by
manufacturer.
3. Place small filter end of detergent siphoning tube into
detergent container.
4. Make sure black spray tip is installed.
NOTE: Detergent cannot be applied with the high
pressure spray tips (White,Yellow, or Red).
5. Make sure garden hose is connected to water inlet.
Check that high pressure hose is connected to spray
gun and pump and start engine.
6. Apply detergent to a dry surface, starting at lower
portion of area to be washed and work upward, using
long, even, overlapping strokes.
7. Allow detergent to soak in between 3–5 minutes
before washing and rinsing. Reapply as needed to
prevent surface from drying. DO NOT allow detergent
to dry on (prevents streaking).
IMPORTANT: You must flush the chemical injection
system after each use by placing the filter into a bucket of
clean water, then run the pressure washer in low pressure
for 1-2 minutes.
Pressure Washer Rinsing
After you have applied detergent, scour the surface
and rinse it clean as follows:
1. Apply safety latch to spray gun.
2. Remove black chemical spray tip from nozzle
extension.
3. Select and install desired high pressure spray tip
following the instructions “How to Use Spray Tips”.
4. Apply a high pressure spray to a small area and check
surface for damage. If no damage is found, assume it is
okay to continue rinsing.
5. Start at the top of the area to be rinsed, working down
with same overlapping strokes as you used for cleaning.
Automatic Cool Down System
(Thermal Relief)
If you run the engine on your pressure washer for
3-5 minutes without pressing the trigger on the spray gun,
circulating water in the pump can reach temperatures
above 125°F.The system engages to cool the pump by
discharging the warm water onto the ground.
CAUTION
• Starting the engine without all the hoses connected and
without the water turned ON will damage the pump.
• Damage to equipment resulting from failure to follow this
instruction will void warranty.
You must attach all hoses before you start the engine.
CAUTION
• When inserting the filter into a detergent solution bottle,
route the tube so as to keep it from inadvertently contacting
the hot muffler.
Keep the chemical injection tube from coming in contact
with the hot muffler.
• Keep spray nozzle between 8 to 24 inches away from cleaning
surface.
• Operate this unit on a stable surface.
• 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 if gun kicks back.
High pressure spray could cause you to fall if
you are too close to the cleaning surface.
WARNING