You must perform two separate oil changes on a Craftsman power washer. The pump in front of the engine requires regular oil changes just as the engine does. Changing the engine oil can be a bit tricky. There isn't enough room to place a container under the drain plug, so the job requires some ingenuity to prevent a mess. Craftsman recommends changing the engine and pump oil after every 50 hours of operation.
Change Engine Oil
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Step 1
Start the Craftsman power washer and let the engine warm for five minutes. This warms up the oil and makes draining the oil quicker. Shut off the engine and clean the area around the drain plug and dipstick with a rag. The drain plug is to the right of the dipstick/fill tube on the lower side of the crankcase.
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Step 2
Cut a piece of thick cardboard with a pair of household scissors or utility knife. Make the piece 6 inches long and 4 inches wide. Bend the cardboard in half lengthwise to form a channel. Wedge one end of the cardboard between the bottom of the crankcase and the power washer deck under the drain plug. Place a container to catch the oil under the other end of the cardboard.
Step 3
Turn the dipstick/cap on the fill tube counterclockwise to remove it from the fill tube. Turn the drain plug bolt counterclockwise with a wrench and remove the bolt to drain the oil. Go to the side opposite the drain plug and lift the side up 6 inches. This helps remove most of the oil from the crankcase. Lower the side when the oil is no longer draining from the crankcase.
Step 4
Pull the cardboard channel away from the power washer and thread the bolt back into the drain hole. Tighten the bolt with the wrench. Wipe up any drips and spills with a rag.
Step 5
Pour SAE 30-weight motor oil into the fill tube. Wipe off the dipstick with a clean rag and insert the dipstick fully into the fill tube. Pull the dipstick out and check the oil level. Continue adding oil until the oil reaches the fill mark on the dipstick. Insert the dipstick and turn the cap clockwise to secure the dipstick cap to the fill tube.
Change Pump Oil
Step 1
Place a container under the drain bolt on the bottom of the washer pump.
Step 2
Remove the drain bolt with a wrench and allow the oil to drain into the container. Place the drain bolt back into the bottom of the pump and tighten with the wrench. Wipe the area with a clean rag to remove drips.
Step 3
Turn the oil cap on top of the pump counterclockwise to remove it from the pump. Clean the sight glass on the side of the pump with a rag.
Step 4
Pour SAE 30 motor oil into the pump until the oil level is halfway across the sight glass. Insert the oil cap into the pump and turn the cap clockwise to secure.