Why I Bother With This Stuff

Alright so last weekend my pressure washer started sounding like a dying lawnmower. Made this weird grinding noise that scared my neighbor's cat. Figured it's time to stop avoiding basic maintenance before I gotta buy a whole new rig.

My Step-by-Step Tinkering Session

First thing I grabbed was the manual that came with the washer - you know, that booklet nobody reads? Could've been in Chinese for all I understood. But pictures helped. Started by unplugging the damn thing cause I almost zapped myself last time messing with appliances.

Disassembly Part

• Unscrewed the four bolts holding the cover on with my rusty wrench
• Fished out what looked like a dead mouse nest from the filter area (yuck)
• Took photos with my phone before pulling parts out cause I always forget how stuff goes back

Found gunk thicker than peanut butter clogging the inlet valve. Scraped it out with an old toothbrush while getting misted by leftover water. Should've worn goggles.

The Real Cleaning Process

• Dumped white vinegar into the detergent tank and ran it for a few minutes
• Let the vinegar sit overnight to eat through mineral buildup
• Flushed everything with clean water next morning till it stopped smelling like salad dressing

Almost snapped the oil dipstick checking lubricant levels. Topped it up with cheap motor oil that cost me two bucks at the gas station.

Final Assembly Test

Got all screws back in except that tiny one that vanished into the garage void. Plugged it in holding my breath - and man that baby purred smoother than my uncle's new truck! Spray pattern looked like new too. Whole thing took half a Saturday with beer breaks.

Key Stuff I Figured Out

• Do this crap twice a year whether it needs it or not
• Wear trash bags if you're messy like me - saved my jeans
• Skip fancy cleaners - basic vinegar works magic for mineral gunk
• Take pictures during disassembly unless you enjoy puzzle games