I have had this power washer for a few years and it never starts once it has been idle for a while. I am sure this is due to not being able to prime it but it does not have a manual prime anywhere... Once it starts and gets gas into the carb it is fine, and if I remove the spark plug and pour some gas in it will run momentarily so the ignition is fine. Is there an auto prime somewhere or is the button missing? When I first bought this unit it had been returned and I know why, but it did eventually start so I kept it. However, every time I haul it out I go through this. Any advise would sure be welcome...
Thanks,
Jack

Best I can tell, is the carb is one of these: http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/showSubComp.pd?imageUrl=http%3a%2f%2fc.searspartsd irect.com%2flis_png%2fPLDM%2fP0205027-00003.png

You can have a primer bulb, choke or both.

Item #109 is the choke. It might be sticking. Make sure it's free and spray some carb cleaner around it. Make sure it closes when you start the engine. The linkage may not be adjusted properly too.

In the start position, the choke should close.

Make sure all of the linkages on the carb are really free.

You can use some spray carb cleaner in the air filter prior to starting it.

One of the lawn mowers I have is about 35 years old and it's getting finicky to start. Because of wear, the choke doesn't operate properly.

Not sure about this engine, but it could be designed this way. Pushing the throttle to start causes the choke to engage. The governor helps open the choke.

Thanks, best I can tell is that I don't have a primer which seems to be the problem. Once I get it started the first time then everything works just fine. The choke and throttle linkage work, it is just getting gas into the carb after it has been sitting. Why would they build an engine without a primer?

Just make sure the choke sets fully closed in the start position.

For years, small engines didn't have a primer.