I just picked this pressure washer up from Costco and wanted to share my thoughts on it as well as list information about it as Costco usually takes this information down once they have sold out of this model.
After some research on this model I decided I wanted to try it out. My local Costco stores had all sold out of this pressure washer so I had to drive an hour away to Rochester MN to pick it up.
The PowerStroke Subaru 3100 PSI Electric Start Pressure Washer w/ Battery features 3100 PSI and outputs 2.4 GPM. This model includes 4 different nozzles so that you can tackle almost any project. The blue is used for soap and gentle rise. It has an onboard soap tank that will auto dillute the mixture as well. I just bought a jug of Zep cleaning soap and dumped it in. The White nozzle provides a 40 degree angle. The Green provides a 25 degree angle and lastly the Red nozzle provides a zero degree angle that can do a lot of damage if you are not careful.
You rarely see any pressure washer that have an electric push button start. This is very convenient as pulling the cord can be troublesome for certain people, especially my wife. She loves that she can just turn it on with a push of a button. There is still the original pull cord in case the battery is dead and the electric start does not work. Having the push button electric start is like having the convenience of an electric pressure washer with the power of a gas pressure washer.
The Subaru EA190 Vertical Shaft Engine has a chain-driven overhead cam design. The engine comes with durable commercial features including steel rocker arms, heavy-duty piston rings and a cast-iron cylinder liner, all combining to give the engine longer life.
This pressure washer comes with a built in battery for the electric start. All you have to do is plug it in when you are not using it and it will trickle charge so that it is ready with one push of a button to start when you need it to.
This PowerStroke pressure washer comes with convenient on-board storage for the 25’ high pressure hose and all 4 of the professional-style nozzles; allowing users to easily switch between nozzles and complete their project quickly. It also includes a bottle of oil that you need to dump in at the beginning. The lance is great but I would recommend getting a longer lance like a 28″ lance. It makes your life so much easier.
I would have to say that for the price I paid and Costco’s lifetime warranty this was a great buy. Most pressure washers only have a 1-2 year warranty, but since Costco has a no questions asked satisfaction guarantee warranty, you basically have a lifetime warranty. I paid $300 for this unit and missed the sale that they had a week before. In the Costco coupon book there was a $30 off coupon for this pressure washer. I figured it was still a great deal all because of the excellent warranty.
Starting the PowerStroke Subaru engine is a breeze with the electric start. I really enjoy it even though you have to play with the choke every now and then, but I guess that is expected. Assemble was very easy. All I had to do was attach the arm to the frame, plug in the hoses, add the included bottle of oil and lastly add the gas.
The first use with this power washer was to pressure wash my concrete driveway. I needed to clean it so that I could seal it. With 3100 PSI it did an amazing job at cleaning it. I also used a surface cleaner to finish it 10x faster.
The only thing that I do not like is the included hose it tangled really easily and liked to coil up. I am guessing it will uncoil more over time so its not that big of a deal. I could also just buy a better one, but I will wait until this one fails. Overall I would give this pressure washer a 5 out of 5 stars mainly because it features 3100 PSI at $300 with Costco’s lifetime warranty. You really can’t beat that.
Here are some PDF documents in case you lost yours.
I got this from Costco and ended up returning it a week later. It does not have enough power and the engine sputters a lot. The electric start is nice, but not worth the hassle as it never works the first time. You have to keep messing with the choke. I ended up getting the MSH3125-S from Amazon based on your review. This is a way better engine and has been working so much better.
If it “sputters” It’s because you did not bleed the air out of the hose. To do this, attach the hose. run the water, turn on the engine and then squirt water out of the hose without a pressure nozzle attached, until it stutters. That is the air being pushed out of the hose. Then attached a nozzle and go to work. This is true of all pressure washers. The pump is not fully primed, until the air in the hoses (garden and washer hose) has pushed the tire out. The symptom of this is the force of water will vacillate if the pump is not properly primed.
I couldn’t disagree more with your review. It has more than enough power to do any job a typical consumer would use it for. This is so much better than comparable machines that cost more from other places. The sputtering is normal for any pressure washer if you don’t release the air pressure, as Terry explained. The electric start is an awesome feature & has worked every time for me. If it doesn’t work, assuming battery is charged, you just have the relieve the pressure by spraying water for up to 30 seconds. From all of my research & then using it for my house, driveway, patio, etc…, this is by far the best overall buy out there. Where else could you return something if needed after the manufacturer warranty expires. You essentially get a lifetime warranty with this & is a great machine.
Bought ours in late 2016 and due to unforeseen happenings we wasnt able to use it for the 1st rime until recently. It ran for awhile and became DOA . Talked to our Costco today and they said YOU CAN NOT RETURN. They claim now their return policy unlimited time frame is for food and clothing. So you xan see if you like it he said. So maybe I should have took back food items that I recently bought and got ruined by the power outage from Hurricane Micheal.
They still sell same exact model in our warehouse for $299 as of 11/07/2018. They had atleast 20 on the shelf.
My washer engine went out and after extensive research today, Subaru power equipment has gone out of business, they refer you to and another company for service with another dead end
I need a new battery chargerRichard S., here is the web link for the pdf Parts list: file:///D:/Power%20Washer/f-12-57-8122135_0f1EA81x_PS80310E_Replacement_Parts.pdf Page 3, Key #63 list part number for Battery Charger. Page 4 (bottom), list phone number to order part. Hope this helps!
I need the charger and connector as well Do you have a web site where I can identify and order these parts thanks in advance for your help
Suburu sells replacement chargers for around $30. I was about to order one when I found the one I thought I’d lost.
I purchased this because of the electronic start. The unit worked great but I cannot start it so if I can’t get the electronic start to work, it is no good to me. It was hard for my friend to start but he did get it started. I thought maybe it was because the battery was not charged so I am doing that and will see if I can get it to work after being charged. Any comments about the electronic starter would be appreciated.
I found that you have to pull the choke out. Hold down the spray button and while you are holding it down press the electronic start and hold it too.
The push start on my machine only worked for a few days, then something went wrong: when I re-started after using for a while, the machine started by itself once I switched the choke to run position without pushing the start button….
Updste on my original comment. It was my lack of knowledge on how to start the power washer. After charging the unit properly and holding down on the wand, it starts with no problem. I am still using my power washer three years later. However I cannot start it manually so if the electronic starter fails I won’t be able to start it.
There is a tiny wire you can’t see unless you’re on your knees that needs to be connected to make the electric start work after you’ve charged the battery. Even those wires aren’t clearly described in the manual. Subaru needs to hire people with better language skills to write their manuals. If you can figure out how to connect the battery then everything works.
As for the hose kinking just lay it out straight before you attach and pay attention to all the turns you make or any hose will kink.
It seems it’s a good product but instructions are poor.
Where are the wires you are referring to? We are trying to start our power washer but are charging it first. I guess a half-hour charge should be good? We’ll try again but we’re having a hard time starting it up.
I’ve given up on this item. The power start has never worked; never even made a sound indicating some sort of electrical connection. This was after leaving it plugged in overnight as well as after running (hand cranked) for hours. Handling the oil is just ridiculously difficult for such a simple operation. The cap is situated at about a 50% angle to vertical and the engine cover is very close overhead. This means you need some significant finger contortions just to get the cap screwed back on. I didn’t get the funnel with mine; didn’t even see an indication that there was such a thing. I bought a plastic oil funnel, but what’s needed is a sort of flexible narrow spout — couldn’t find such a thing to buy. So, I mostly try to pour sideways, this means about half the oil I’m pouring goes over the wheel cover and the surface below — this is the surface you’re likely interested in cleaning! And the engine appears to need a LOT of oil refills! Mine is now seized up (after running it maybe 30 hours); won’t even hand crank. What a waste of time and money. Stay away from this turkey!
The connectors between the battery and starter come disconnected, you have to connect them probably. I thought the battery was dead at first before realizing.
I thought my washer seized up. We checked oil. Still showed on dip stick. Was still worried. Could not hand crank.
Then I discovered the pressure in the system was too high for me to manually pull. I squeezed the wand trigger to relieve the water pressure. That did it. Easy pull and start. Another thing that gets me is remembering to open the fuel flow valve on the side.
I am enjoying this machine. It is powerful enough for a variety of jobs. I tried the electric start initially after letting it charge for a few hours until the green light came on the plug but it did not start so I used the pull cord. However after having it on the battery charger for 24 hours the electric start works like a charm. I give it a 5 out of 5 stars.
Returned mine after owning it less than a year and had only used it 4 times at most. 2 bolts snapped off of the pump. Should not have happened. Costco took it back with no questions asked but they also no longer sell this model and only the Honda version.
Costco does still sell the Subaru and during May 2016, it is on sale for $269. I bought the Honda from Costco in May 2013 and its pump chamber now spews out water. There are some good reviews for this on the Costco site but a couple bad ones also. But you have to love their return policy.
AS of DEC 2 2016 IT IS STILL FOR SALE at the Costco in phx AZ. Have not bought any as still doing lots of research. I am finding that EVERY pressure washer has it’s complaints. WAY to many to list here.
Not happy with this unit. Hooking the battery up was a pain which may explain the above comments. Hard to start even using choke. Requires starting fluid every time. Won’t hold pressure. Takes 20+ minutes to build pressure. The hose is cheap plastic and kinks constantly. But a rubber one. Overall, it’s junk. Should have bought the Honda.
mine lasted less then 6 months and only used it 3 times. The engine stopped running, even after i tried cleaning the carb (why would it be dirty in 3 attempts right?).. took it back got my money back. Now looking at the ford version they are selling online.
Not sure why all the hate on this… Putting oil in the unit isn’t hard. In fact if you are spilling half the contents then perhaps stay away from power tools. And if your unit goes through oil and you haven’t checked it the motor will seize, just like a car motor. Hence why in the manual it states to check the oil level before use… Isn’t that common sense with anything with a motor? Lawnmower, car…etc. I have this model with the red starter button. It does not start on the first push of the button, but cranks on the second button push. Not a big deal as it always starts. I went to Costco today and it appears they have improved the design from this model. The older model had a thing metal rod/ring that you would push in /out for the choke. The newer model has a front facing slider button for the choke/off. Much better design. The older model has the front facing red push start button that you have to click and then push down. The newer model simply had a “start push button that appeared much easier/better way to start the unit. I bought mine last year so I can’t justify taking it back to get these two features even though it does appear better. If the pressure washer dies then I will take it back and get the newer one. Overall though this is a decent unit. Has done everything I’ve asked it to do.
The new version is model #PS80312E and the new Costco item number is #962798. The main difference are:
• Updated starting procedure (simplified start button toggling)
• Longer oil fill neck (hope this answers Nigel’s oil fill concerns though it should not require adding oil)
• Improved battery connection (I will have the supplier look at making it clearer how to connect battery as a running change) Thank you all for the valuable comments!
model no EA190. the battery cable on the battery must be connected to the pressure washer before the electric start feature of the pressure washer can be operated. Remove the cap from the battery side of the cable. Plug the two ends of the battery cable together as shown to connect
Just looking at Costco power stroke 3100 psi pressure washer, this one has a Yamaha engine, why is this? Also what kind of pump is on this unit? Unable to find any reviews or information on this unit. Is it more reliable than the previous motor.
Just bought ours on from Costco Canada on 28/4/16 and the manufacture date indicates it was manufactured on 9 March 2016; however, the choke is similar to the older model as is the electric starter switch.
Tried it out yesterday and it started on second press with the starter – no problem. Had it on and off a few times. Concerning adding the oil, well it’s not rocket science to know one must use a funnel – slow pouring though owing to the angle. Subaru really could have had the filler tube out further – but not a show stopper.
Nice that they supplied initial oil, but would have been nice to have had a small bottle of first application pump protector included, too.
We’ll see how it performs this summer and if it doesn’t continue to perform it’s back to Costco.
Paid $449.99 CAD
I wish mine started as easily as yours. These seem to be very hit or miss. I have used mine twice and had to use carb cleaner both times to get started.
I just bought one , added the oil with no problem I did use a funnel add fuel moved the lever to start pushed the red button for 2 seconds and it started then moved lever to run and started power washing greate pressure like many I bought it from Costco because of their warrantee I hope it has a long life I will be sure to post any problems should they occur I hope this is the last time you all hear from me
Pete says – electric starter is very difficult. Now the charger does not work. May exchange it for the Honda.
Not terribly pleased, Electric starter does not work. Battery charger does not work. Will ;look at a Honda.
I hear you I have the exact same problem right out of the box it won’t start. I have a Honda that starts every time. I’ve called their tech department three times never got a call back save your money don’t buy the Subaru.
I have the same issue with the battery. I bought one on March 30, 2018. The battery won’t start the thing, and the charger appears not to do anything. I charged it for 36 hours and it was still dead. I e-mailed PowerStroke’s customer service about diagnosing the issue. I’m handy enough to deal with an issue like this, or at least diagnose if I likely have a bad battery (brand new??) or charger (again, brand new??). They wrote back and said that they don’t provide written instructions beyond what’s in the manual, and that I should bring it to a service center. I’m in Alaska and guess what, there’s not a service location within 100 miles of my house. I’d be happy if the battery would work as it’s supposed to. I’m marginally happy with the unit with just a manual start (easy enough and it pulls smooth). But I’m also seriously thinking about returning it due to (a) it doesn’t work brand new out of the box, (b) customer service is not helpful, and (c) there’s no in-person support either now or in the future if I have an issue with it.
To add a detail: the charger is supposed to have a different color come on for good, charging, and bad battery statuses. Mine is green all the time, not even a flicker of red when I plug it in.
The soap dispenser is a joke too, you can only soap with that weak blue nozzle. I would like to high pressure soap wash with the other nozzles as well. It’s unfortunate cause the unit has a lot of pressure and started great but I only just purchased it.
Very few washers do high pressure soap as the pickup is usually a venturi style and only works with lower pressure/higher flow characteristics. I plan to find a way to inject the soap solution into the hose BEFORE it enters the washer – if that’s even advisable without ruining the pump. It’s really the only way around the limitation you note. Check around – don’t think you’ll find many (any?) that do what you are looking for.
Pressure washer model numbers, Costco tells me soap will dispense with ALL NOZZLES not just the soap one
#392892
#1314213
#1314212
Doing A LOT OF RESEARCH most units WILL NOT add soap unless a low pressure tip is used. There are exceptions but found they ALSO HAD OTHER ISSUES.
I bought the newer version (#PS80312E) and it works great. The battery connectors are not connected when you take it out of the box so the battery doesn’t drain (you must connect and charge). Starting it with the recoil is very easy (the engine started on the very first pull). I have had several pressure washers and I like the PS Subaru 190cc the best. I have had a Powerstroke 2300psi with Honda 160cc; Husqvarna 3100psi with B&S 205cc & Simpson 3000psi with Honda 160cc and this Subaru 190cc is the easiest to start with the recoil. I also have a Husqvarna mower with the Honda 190cc and it is easy to start also but the Subaru is slightly easier. Once I had the battery charged, it started right up using the push button. The Subaru 190cc idles quieter and runs smoother than the Honda 160cc pressure washers. The Honda seems to be at a higher rpm than the Subaru so it seems like it has to work harder. If you use the pressure washer on a regular / daily basis, the Subaru is built for commercial use where the GC Honda’s are for residential use. If you want a commercial Honda you will need to purchase the GX series which will run around $600 for the 200cc. Don’t get me wrong, Honda makes a great engine but so does Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru). The high pressure hose is the most flexible compared to the other pressure washers I’ve owned. I would caution though that the exhaust seems to push more hot air out than others and the soft hose material could melt quickly if it is too close. Overall, it has been a great pressure washer.
Took the first one back, electric starter would not work, The second one same problem.Talked to several techs at Power Stroke they were no help repeating the start instructions. Starts easy enough just trying to figure out is worth it to take it back.
Simple mistake but did you plug the starter wires in and make sure the connection is good? Also may need to charge the unit overnight.
Exact same issue I had! 36 hours on the charger and the battery could barely turn over the engine, much less start it. And useless customer “service.”
Did you hold the water spray trigger before and during the time you pressed the start button? You need to do this to relieve the pressure.
Get on your knees and plug in the little red cable to the batter (after fully charged). It’s hard to see that’s why everyone is having trouble with the electric starter. The instructions they provide are not very concise. Need to hire more competent people to write the manual and clear pictures of how to connect.
I thought my starter did not work also. You MUST plug in the wires coming from the starter to the wires at the battery. I had to unplug the wires located at the battery (not the wires plugged directly into the battery) and plug one end into the wires from the starter. I actually found the wires from the starter hanging under the unit when I looked under the washer. A little confusing. The units are shipped this way on purpose.
Not sure what the complaints are about. Pulled my unit out of the box, attached the handle, added the oil and gas, and hooked up the hoses and water. Unit starts real easy battery charges with no issues. Never had problem with the electric start even after multiple starts off one charging. Develops good pressure.
Here is a tip for you that use one of these infrequently, USE ETHANOL FREE FUEL ONLY (or drain the fuel tank and carburetor after each use). Not just in this machine, but all your lawn and garden equipment. You will be amazed at how much easier they will be to start. If you use regular blended gas and let your machine sit for more than 30 days, you deserve what you get.
If you want to complain about a piece of junk, buy a Troy built from Lowes. Then you will know what a bad pressure washer is.
I looked at the Troy Built at Lowes before buying the Subaru at Costco. They had it stopped down to the shelf with wire ties so it couldn’t be moved. $399 and I swear it looked like the axles for the wheels were separate, and vividly bowed under the weight of the machine. I looked at the back from the next aisle past the strapped down lawn mowers to see the 1/2 gallon soap reservoir and decided it looked like a toy. Back to Costco for the Subaru.
