Using your Hotsy pressure washer and suddenly encountering problems on your pressure washer burner can be challenging to fix, especially if you have no prior experience. 

In this article, you’ll learn about the fundamental concepts you need to know, including what is a pressure washer and how it works, common burner issues, and basic burner troubleshooting tips when your Hotsy Pressure Washer Burner won’t ignite.


Hotsy Pressure Washer Overview

Hotsy is a brand manufactured by Kärcher, a company that offers high-quality cleaning equipment. Hotsy was started in 1970 by Bob Cohen, and its name was derived from ‘Hot Systems.’

Now, Hotsy has gained popularity as one of the industry-leading industrial cleaning equipment brands. They provide Pressure Washers, trailers, Water Recovery systems, Detergents, and Parts & Accessories. 

Hotsy Pressure Washers are available in two categories: Hot Water and Cold Water Pressure Washers.

They come in three pressure washer power types, including electric, gas or diesel, and heating modules.

Hotsy’s Electric Powered Hot Water Pressure Washers are available in nine product series, including 333 Model, 555HE Model, 500 Series, 700 Series & Model 895SS, 800 Series, 900/1400 Series, 1800 Series, 5700/5800 Series, and HWE Series.

Their gas or Diesel Hot Water Pressure Washers are available in four product series, including Gas Engine Series (Direct-Drive), Gas Engine Series (Belt-Drive), 1200 Series, and HSS Series & HSDS Series. For their heating modules, the 9462 Model is the only available product series.


What is a Pressure Washer Burner?

Using hot water for stubborn elements on hard surfaces, such as graffiti, grease, or gum will make cleaning easier, and a hot water pressure washer is the best choice for that as it uses a pressure washer burner to create hot water.

A hot water pressure washer burner has three main components to function, namely fuel, air supply (oxygen), and spark. It is used to heat the outgoing water that flows from the pump and to the unloader valve of the pressure washer.

The generated heat is rated is at the amount of British Thermal Units (BTU) or the measurement of the needed energy to heat a thing based on its size.

Today’s Homeowner Tips

The three fuel options that are commonly used for pressure washer burners are diesel, kerosene, and home-heating oil (fuel oil), and the voltages they supply come in three common variations: 12-volt, 120-volt, and 240-volt. The varying voltages help the burner draw power for electricity by having adequate horsepower. 

Having sufficient voltage is important as it helps keep the burner running and also provides enough power needed by the engine of the pressure washer itself.


How a Pressure Washer Burner Works

So how does a pressure washer works?

A pressure washer burner works by generating enough fire to heat the ongoing water. It needs a variety of parts for it to work and effectively and efficiently combust the fuel. The three main things are fuel, air, and spark or ignition. It also includes fuel nozzles, electrodes, and burner blower wheels. 

The burner has a fire chamber, which can be connected inside the pressure washer with its plate bolted to the burner head or back of the machine. The burner motor is responsible for turning the fuel pump and the burner blower fan.

The blower fan, also known as the squirrel cage or the blower wheel, is comprised of rotating small vanes that suck air from the housing assembly to the air tube where the burner fuel nozzle and electrodes are mounted. It provides adequate combustion air for the burner, which creates proper ignition of the fuel inside the combustion chamber.

The fuel nozzles turn the fuel into tiny droplets and are then sprayed into the combustion chamber mixed with air. The igniter or transformer provides the electrical current to the electrodes, which then ignites a spark from the mixture of fuel and air supplied into the combustion chamber.

The fuel is sprayed continuously into the chamber, providing fire or flame that heats the water inside the heating coil, thus creating hot water and a constant supply for the pressure washer. 

Moreover, the fuel burned per minute controls the generated amount of heat, while the oil nozzle size and oil pump pressure control the fuel amount

Hotsy Pressure Washer Burner Troubleshooting Tips

There are many reasons why your Hotsy Pressure Washer burner won’t ignite, and these could be because of defects on the burner’s parts, including the fuel, air, spark or ignition, fuel nozzles, electrodes, and burner transformer.

Check the Burner Fuel Tank

One way to determine is to check if your Hotsy Pressure washer burner is getting enough fuel in your burner fuel tank. Next is to turn your burner on and look at the fuel filter, and if you see it bubbling inside, you’ll know it’s moving fuel.

Another test is to look at the bleeder valve, which is located in the lower right corner of the fuel pump, and then break it loose. If fuel spews out, it means that there is adequate fuel inside the burner fuel tank.

You can also check if there is air in the fuel line of the burner as the burner will not ignite or fire correctly. One troubleshooting tip to do is bleed the burner by cracking the bleeder valve open, turn the machine and burner one—spitting a little bit of air and once you have a good flow of fuel, you can shut it off, making the burner ignite.

Ensure there is adequate fuel inside the tank and the fuel line has no air inside.

Check the Electrodes Assembly

Checking the electrodes is important since it’s responsible for igniting the fuel oil sprayed by the fuel nozzle into the combustion chamber. If it’s not clean or adjusted properly, the pressure washer burner won’t ignite. 

The first thing you need to do is loosen the screws, pivot the igniter back, and take the fuel line and the retaining nut off to allow the electrode to come out of the burner box for inspection. You can slide and pull the electrodes out and then check for residues on its ends.

Make sure to check the ceramic coating around the electrodes for cracks, as those will let the burner bleed the electricity off. If there are cracks, it’s best to replace the electrodes instead. Also, you can set it to the appropriate measurement provided in the manual.

If it needs adjustment, you can loosen the screw and move the electrodes to adjust its assembly and to set the proper distance from the nozzle. Don’t forget to check the nozzle’s filter for residue. 

Check the Burner Transformer

One of the steps you can do to know if you need repairs or replacement is to check for the burner’s transformer. Take the latch screw loose, release the retainer clip and open the transformer. Next is to check using a screwdriver with an insulated handle to the two output terminals.

If it makes a spark or an arc that is at least three-quarters of an inch, then you have a good burner transformer. If it creates a shorter arc, it indicates a defective or weaker transformer that can cause the burner to not ignite properly.

Remember to make sure you are careful to avoid accidents as you can be exposed to high voltages before doing the test.


Final Thoughts

When you experience problems with your pressure washer’s burner, it’s a good practice to go back to the fundamental concepts first, as it can help you understand how to fix them properly.

If you’ve been operating your burner without problems for quite some time and then it suddenly didn’t ignite, you can inspect the burner’s main parts or components—fuel, air, spark or ignition, fuel nozzles, electrodes, and burner transformer.

Use the troubleshooting tips we shared above to help you identify the cause of the problem and repair it effectively.

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avatar for Matt Greenfield

Matt Greenfield

Matt Greenfield is an experienced writer specializing in home improvement topics. He has a passion for educating and empowering homeowners to make informed decisions about their properties. Matt's writing focuses on a range of topics, including windows, flooring, HVAC, and construction materials. With a background in construction and home renovation, Matt is well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in the industry. His articles offer practical advice and expert insights that help readers tackle their home improvement projects with confidence. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, Matt's writing is sure to provide valuable guidance and inspiration.

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