What Oil Should You Use in a Honda Pressure Washer?

Use SAE 10W-30, detergent, four-stroke engine oil meeting API SJ or later (SP is fine) for the Honda engine, and use the pump manufacturer’s specified non‑detergent pump oil—or no oil service at all if the pump is sealed/“maintenance‑free.” In practice, most Honda-powered pressure washers take 10W-30 in the engine; the pump may require a specific pump oil (e.g., Cat, General Pump, AR) or no oil change. Check your owner’s manual and labels on both the engine and pump to confirm.

Why the “right oil” depends on two parts: engine and pump

Many consumers say “Honda pressure washer” when they mean a pressure washer powered by a Honda engine. The washer actually has two separate oil systems: the Honda gasoline engine and the high-pressure water pump (made by brands such as Cat, AR/Annovi Reverberi, General Pump, AAA/Comet, etc.). Each has different oil needs.

Recommended oil for the Honda engine

Honda specifies a high-quality, detergent, automotive-style four-stroke engine oil. The default recommendation works for most climates and uses, but you can choose viscosity based on ambient temperature.

• SAE 10W-30 (detergent) — best all-around choice across most temperatures.
• 5W-30 (detergent) — better starting and flow in very cold weather; may increase consumption in heat.
• SAE 30 (detergent) — acceptable in consistently warm/hot conditions; not ideal for cold starts.

Any oil should meet API Service Category SJ or later (current oils like API SN/SN+/SP qualify). Synthetic 10W-30 is acceptable and follows the same maintenance intervals unless your manual says otherwise.

Engine oil intervals, checks, and typical capacity

Staying within Honda’s service schedule protects the engine under varied loads typical of pressure-washing. Here are the standard intervals and common capacity ranges seen on popular Honda small engines.

• First oil change: at 5 hours (break-in).
• Thereafter: every 50 hours or annually, whichever comes first (heavy, hot, or dusty use may warrant 25-hour changes).
• Check level: before each use; keep between the dipstick marks with the engine level, do not thread the dipstick in on most Honda models when checking.
• Typical capacity range: roughly 0.5–0.6 L (about 18–20 fl oz) on many GC/GCV and GX160/GX200-class engines; larger GX270/GX390 engines hold more. Always confirm in your manual or on the engine decal.

Because capacities vary by engine family and specific model, use the dipstick or the manual’s spec rather than filling to a guessed volume.

How to change engine oil (quick guide)

The basic procedure is straightforward; prepare rags, a drain pan, and the correct oil before you start.

1. Warm the engine for 1–2 minutes, then shut it off and remove the spark plug wire for safety.
2. Level the unit and place a pan beneath the drain (or tilt to drain via the fill port if no drain plug).
3. Remove the drain plug or oil fill cap/dipstick and let oil drain completely.
4. Reinstall the drain plug (with a new washer if specified) and tighten to spec.
5. Refill with the recommended oil, a little at a time, checking the dipstick frequently.
6. Reattach the spark plug wire, run briefly, then shut off and recheck the level; top up as needed.

Dispose of used oil at a recycling center. Avoid overfilling—too much oil can cause smoking, fouled plugs, and hard starting.

What about the pump oil?

Your pressure washer’s water pump may be sealed (“maintenance‑free”) or serviceable. Many consumer axial-cam pumps are sealed—there’s no oil change, and opening them can damage seals or void warranties. Serviceable pumps require specific non‑detergent pump oils and have a sight glass or a fill/vent cap.

• Sealed/maintenance-free pumps (common on homeowner units, e.g., some AAA/Comet or OEM axial pumps): no oil changes; follow the washer manual for any inspection notes.
• Serviceable AR (Annovi Reverberi) pumps: use AR-branded pump oil or a compatible 30‑weight non‑detergent pump oil as specified by AR; change intervals per AR manual (often initial at ~50 hours, then at longer intervals).
• Cat Pumps: use Cat Pump Oil (ISO 68) per Cat’s spec; typical interval is initial change around 50 hours, then 300–500 hours, model-dependent.
• General Pump: use General Pump Series 100 oil (ISO 68) or manufacturer-specified equivalent; intervals similar to other pro pumps (check your model’s manual).
• Rule of thumb for serviceable pumps: never use engine oil with detergents; fill to the center of the sight glass (or to spec), avoid overfill, and change more often in heavy/hot use.

If you can’t find your pump brand or model, look for a tag or casting on the pump housing, or consult the pressure washer’s manual—using the wrong pump oil (or adding oil to a sealed unit) is a common cause of premature failure.

Quick reference for common Honda engines on pressure washers

These Honda engines frequently power residential and commercial washers; they share the same oil type recommendation, with capacities that differ by model.

• Honda GC/GCV160 and GCV190: use 10W-30 detergent oil; typical capacity is in the ~0.5–0.6 L range.
• Honda GX160/GX200: use 10W-30 detergent oil; typical capacity is around the ~0.5–0.6 L range.
• Honda GX270/GX390: use 10W-30 detergent oil; larger sump—consult the model’s manual for exact capacity.

Exact capacities vary by engine code and crankcase design; always fill to the dipstick mark rather than a fixed volume.

FAQs and best practices

Owners often ask about synthetic oils, mixing brands, and climate effects. The following points address the most common concerns.

• Can I use synthetic? Yes. A quality synthetic 10W-30 meeting API SJ or later is acceptable; follow the same change intervals unless Honda specifies otherwise.
• Do I need a special “small engine” oil? Not required. Any reputable 4-stroke automotive oil meeting the API spec is fine; avoid 2-cycle oil.
• Cold or hot climates? 5W-30 helps in very cold starts; SAE 30 can work in consistently hot weather. For mixed seasons, 10W-30 is the safe bet.
• Additives? Not recommended. Use the correct oil without aftermarket additives.
• Pump oil vs engine oil? Do not use detergent engine oil in the pump. Use the pump maker’s specified non-detergent pump oil or ISO 68 pump oil as directed.

Following these practices will keep both the engine and pump lubricated correctly, improving longevity and performance under varying loads and temperatures.

Summary

For the Honda engine on your pressure washer, choose a quality 10W-30 detergent four-stroke oil meeting API SJ or later; adjust viscosity only for extreme temperatures. For the water pump, either do nothing if it’s sealed or use the pump maker’s specified non‑detergent pump oil (e.g., AR, Cat, or General Pump products) at the recommended intervals. Always confirm with your specific engine and pump manuals, fill to the indicated level—not a guessed volume—and service on schedule to avoid costly failures.

What kind of oil does a Honda 3200 pressure washer take?

10W-30
Key Specs

Attribute	Specification
Engine Oil Type	10W-30
Fuel Capacity	0.8 Gal
Chemical Injector	No
Hose Length	50 ft

Can I use SAE 5W-30 in a pressure washer?

Yes, 5W30 oil is generally suitable for use in pressure washer engines, particularly in colder temperatures. However, it’s crucial to check your pressure washer’s manual for the manufacturer’s specific recommendations, as some models may require different oil types. 
This video explains the best oil for your pressure washer, including the difference between engine and pump oil: 58sDoug RuckerYouTube · Sep 27, 2024
Here’s a more detailed explanation:

• 5W30 is a multi-viscosity oil: This means it performs well across a range of temperatures. 
• The “5W” indicates cold-weather performance: The “W” stands for “winter,” and the lower the number, the better the oil performs in cold temperatures. 
• The “30” indicates the oil’s viscosity at operating temperature: A 30-weight oil is suitable for many pressure washer engines, but always check your manual. 
• Consult your owner’s manual: The most reliable way to determine the correct oil for your pressure washer is to consult the owner’s manual. It will specify the recommended oil type, viscosity, and other important factors. 

This video shows an oil change on a pressure washer and explains why it’s important to use the correct oil type: 58sMike MoncriefYouTube · Sep 15, 2021
In summary, while 5W30 can be a good choice for pressure washers, always verify the specific requirements of your model before use.

What kind of oil do you put in a high pressure washer?

Some of the most popular oil types for high-pressure cleaners are: SAE 30 oil, one of the most recommended for gasoline models and moderate temperatures; SAE 10W-30 oil, very versatile and suitable for different weather conditions.

What kind of oil do you use in a Honda pressure washer?

For the engine, most Honda pressure washers use SAE 10W-30 or SAE 30 oil, depending on the ambient temperature and your specific engine model. Always check your owner’s manual for the exact recommendation for your model, as using the correct oil viscosity is crucial for proper lubrication and longevity. 
Specific Recommendations

• SAE 10W-30: This is a common recommendation for a wide range of temperatures and is often the default choice for Honda engines. 
• SAE 30: In hotter climates or for heavy use, a straight SAE 30 weight oil may be more appropriate. 

Important Considerations

• Consult your owner’s manual: This is the most critical step, as it provides the precise oil type and weight chart for your specific pressure washer model and climate. 
• Use quality engine oil: High-quality, non-synthetic, 4-cycle engine oil is generally sufficient for Honda small engines. 
• Don’t forget the pump: While the engine uses motor oil, the pressure washer pump itself requires a specific type of oil, typically a SAE 30 non-detergent oil.