K 2.90 M
High Pressure Washer
Operator Manual
Overview.......................................... 2
Important Precautions ................ 3 - 4
Assembly Instructions ..................... 4
Operating Instructions ..................... 5
GFCI Instructions ............................ 6
Using the Accessories..................... 6
Working with Detergents ................. 7
Shut Down and Clean-Up ............... 8
Taking a Break................................. 8
Winterizing and Long-Term
Storage ............................................ 8
Care and Maintenance Instructions 9
Cleaning Tips ............................ 9 - 10
Optional Cleaning Accessories ..... 10
Troubleshooting ...................... 11 - 12
Specifications
Operating pressure, max. .. 1500 PSI
Water volume ...................... 1.3 GPM
Voltage ...................................... 120 V
Amp draw ........................... 10 AMPS
In USA call:
800-537-4129
or visit our website:
5.961-335.0 04/04
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS – Read First!
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
When using this product, basic precautions
should always be followed:
• Read all the instructions before using the
product.
• High pressure jets can be dangerous if
subject to misuse. The jet must not be
directed at persons, animals, electrical
devices, or the machine itself.
• To reduce the risk of injury, do not operate
the machine near children.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
(GFCI) Protection
This product is supplied with a Ground Fault Cir-
cuit Interrupter (GFCI) built into the power cord
plug. This device provides additional protection
from the risk of electric shock. If power is inter-
rupted in the line, the GFCI will automatically
re-close the circuit to the load after power is re-
stored. Depending on the GFCI model, it may
be necessary to manually operate the reset but-
ton to restore power to the GFCI load circuit. If
replacement of the plug or cord is needed use
identical replacement parts.
• Learn how to stop the machine and release
pressure quickly. Be thoroughly familiar with
the controls.
• Stay alert — watch what you are doing.
• Wear safety goggles.
• Do not use acids, solvents, or any flammable
material in this product. These products can
cause physical injuries to the operator and ir-
reversible damage to the machine.
• Do not operate the product when fatigued or
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Keep operating area clear of all persons.
• Do not stand on unstable surfaces.
Stand with both feet balanced at all times.
• To reduce the risk of electrocution, keep all
connections dry and off the ground.
Do not touch plug with wet hands.
• The Trigger Gun Safety Lock PREVENTS the
trigger from accidentally being engaged. This
safety feature DOES NOT lock trigger in the
on position.
Grounding Instructions
This product must be grounded. If it should mal-
function or breakdown, grounding provides a
path of least resistance for electric current to
reduce the risk of electric shock. This product is
equipped with a cord having an equipment-
grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The
plug must be plugged into an appropriate outlet
that is properly installed and grounded in accor-
dance with all local codes and ordinances.
DANGER- Improper connection of the equip-
ment-grounding conductor can result in a risk
of electrocution. Check with a qualified electri-
cian or service personnel if you are in doubt as
to whether the outlet is properly grounded. Do
not modify the plug provided with the product -
if it will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet
installed by a qualified electrician. Do not use
any type of adapter with this product.
3
Extension Cords
Use a sufficient gauge: Up to 25 ft. = 12/3AWG;
25 to 50 ft. = 10/3 AWG. Use only
Save these instructions!
extension cords that are intended for outdoor
use. These extension cords are identified by the
marking “Acceptable for use with outdoor appli-
ances; store indoors while not in use.”
Use only extension cords having an electrical
rating not less than the rating of the product.
Do not use damaged extension cords.
Caution
Examine extension cord before using and re-
place if damaged. Do not abuse extension
cord and do not yank on any cord to disconnect.
Keep cord away from heat and sharp edges. Al-
ways disconnect the extension cord from the re-
ceptacle before disconnecting the product from
the extension cord. If you are using an exten-
sion cord, it should always be completely un-
wound from the cable drum.
• Follow the maintenance instructions
specified in the manual.
• This machine has been designed for
use with cleaning detergent supplied or
recommended by the manufacturer. The
use of other cleaning detergents may
affect the operation of the machine and
void the warranty.
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS – continued
PRECAUTIONS
Water Supply (Cold Water Only)
• Water hose must be at least 3/4 inch in
diameter.
• Flow rate of water supply must not fall
below 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute).
• Flow rate can be determined by running
the water for one minute into an empty
5-gallon container.
• Never use the pressure washer to draw in
water contaminated with solvents, e.g.
paint thinner, gasoline, oil, etc.
• Always prevent debris from being drawn
into the unit by using a clean water
source.
• The water supply temperature must not
exceed 104°F/40°C.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
4
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Pull out the locking slide from the right side of
the trigger gun handle, and insert the small end
of the high pressure hose into place. Push the
locking slide back into the trigger gun to lock
the hose in position.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Step 2
Step 1
Insert the spray wand or rotating wash brush into the
trigger gun. Press in against the spring tension and twist
into the locked position.
Connect the high pressure
hose to the high pressure
outlet.
5
Step 3
Step 4
Connect the garden hose to
the water inlet.
Connect garden hose to the cold water source and turn
water on completely.
Plug the power cord into the power outlet.
Step 6 Turn on the pressure
washer (1 /ON). The motor starts
only if the trigger of the gun is
pulled and shuts off when the
trigger is released.
Step 5 Unlock the lock of the trigger gun (A). Trigger
the gun (B) to eliminate trapped air, wait for a steady flow
of water to emerge from the spray nozzle.
GFCI INSTRUCTIONS
Note:
The actual
appearance
of the GFCI
may be
different
from this
illustration.
Plug the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
(GFCI) into a working outlet
Press “TEST”, then press “RESET” to
assure proper connection to power.
USING THE ACCESSORIES
Vario power spray wand
The spray wand allows you to adjust the cleaning pressure. To clean at maximum
pressure, the spray wand must be positioned to the high pressure setting (Max).
To apply detergent, the wand must be positioned to the low pressure setting (Min).
For higher pressure turn
wand collar in the
Max direction.
6
For lower pressure turn
wand collar in the
Min direction.
Rotating wash brush
Warning
This brush is ideal for removing stubborn dirt
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, NEVER
and stains from finished surfaces. Use with
POINT SPRAY NOZZLE AT YOURSELF,
detergents only.
OTHER PERSONS OR ANIMALS
WORKING WITH DETERGENTS
Karcher pressure washers operate only at two pressures. The high pressure setting is used
for cleaning, you cannot apply detergents when working at high pressure. To apply detergents
the washer must be operating at low pressure (Min).
Step 1 Install the Wash Brush or Vario spray wand. Set the Vario spray wand to
the low pressure setting (Min) by turning the wand collar. The wand must be set in
the low pressure position to apply detergents.
7
Step 3 Turn on the pressure washer.
Pull trigger to operate unit: Liquid detergent
is drawn into the unit and mixed with water.
Apply detergent to work area. Do not allow
detergent to dry on surface.
Step 2 Fill a container with Kärcher
detergent. Place the filter end of detergent
suction tube into the container.
For best results see Cleaning Tips on pages 9 & 10 for specific information on
how to clean different surfaces.
Always Use Karcher Detergents for Best Results.
Karcher biodegradable detergents are specially formulated to protect the environment and your
pressure washer. Our special formula won’t clog the suction tube filter and will protect the internal
parts of the pressure washer for a longer life. For Karcher Detergents, check your retailer or call:
In USA call:
The following Karcher detergents are
available:
800-537-4129
or visit our website:
--------------------------------------------------
One Gallon ready to use
• Vehicle Wash
• All Purpose Cleaner • House Wash
• Deck Wash
• Degreaser
Caution
Never use:
• Bleach, Chlorine products and other
corrosive chemicals
• Liquids containing solvents
(i.e., paint thinner, gasoline, oils)
• Trisodium phosphate products
• Ammonia products
-------------------------------------------------
Detergent Concentrate Tablets:
(10 Pack; makes 1 1/4 gallon RTU product)
• All Purpose
• Degreaser
• Deck and patio
• Windows and Siding
-------------------------------------------------
• Acid-based products
These chemicals will harm the unit and
will damage the surface being cleaned.
SHUTTING DOWN & CLEANUP
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Remove detergent suction
Turn the switch to
Turn off the water
source.
Press trigger to
release water
pressure.
tube from container and
off (0 /OFF)
insert into 1 gallon of fresh
position and unplug
water. Siphon water at low
cord from outlet.
pressure for one minute.
A
8
B
Step 7
Step 6
Step 5
Release trigger (A)
and engage gun
safety lock (B).
Disconnect the high pressure
hose from the high pressure
outlet.
Disconnect the garden hose
from the water inlet on the unit.
TAKING A BREAK... five minutes or more
A
Step 1
Step 2
Release trigger (A)
and engage gun
safety lock (B).
Turn pressure washer
to off (0 /OFF)
position.
B
WINTERIZING AND LONG-TERM STORAGE
1. Disconnect all water connections.
4. Store the machine and accessories in
a room which does not reach freezing
temperatures.
Caution: Failure to follow the above
directions will result in damage to the
pump assembly and accessories.
2. Turn on the machine for a few seconds,
until the water which had remained in
the pump exits. Turn off immediately.
3. Do not allow high pressure hose to
become kinked.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Maintenance
Theunitismaintenance-free.
Cleaning the water inlet filter
Pulloutthewaterinletfilterwithflat-nose
pliers and rinse out in warm water.
CLEANING TIPS
Deck Cleaning
(with or without detergent)
Cement Patios, Brick and Stone
(with or without detergent)
Pre-rinse deck and surrounding area with
fresh water. If using Kärcher Deck and Patio
Cleaner, place detergent suction tube directly
into cleaning solution and apply to surface at
low pressure. For best results, limit your work
area to smaller sections of approximately 25
square feet. Allow Kärcher Deck and Patio
Cleaner to remain on surface 1-3 minutes. Do
not allow detergent to dry on surface. Rinse at
high pressure in a long sweeping motion
keeping the spray nozzle approximately 3-6
inches from the cleaning surface. Always
clean from top to bottom and from left to right.
When moving on to a new section of the
cleaning surface, be sure to overlap the
previous section to eliminate stop marks and
ensure a more even cleaning result.
Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water. If
using Kärcher Deck and Patio or All Purpose
Cleaner, place detergent suction tube directly
into cleaning solution and apply to surface at
low pressure. For best results, limit your work
area to smaller sections of approximately 25
square feet. Allow Kärcher Deck and Patio or
All Purpose Cleaner to remain on surface 1-3
minutes. Do not allow detergent to dry on
surface. Rinse at high pressure in a sweeping
motion keeping the spray nozzle approxi-
mately 3-6 inches from the cleaning surface.
Always clean from top to bottom and from left
to right.
9
For removing extremely stubborn stains,
use the rotary spray wand.
Caution: Do not use rotary spray wand on
wood surfaces as it may cause damage.
House Siding
Cars, Boats & Motorcycles
(with or without detergent)
Pre-rinse vehicle with fresh water. If using
Kärcher Vehicle or All Purpose Cleaner, place
detergent suction tube directly into cleaning
solution and apply to surface at low pressure.
For best results, clean one side of vehicle at a
time and always apply detergent from bottom
to top, do not allow detergent to dry on
surface. If needed, use special Wash Brush
Attachment to remove stubborn dirt. Rinse at
high pressure in a sweeping motion keeping
the spray nozzle approximately 6-8 inches
from the cleaning surface (distance should
increase when rinsing pin-striping or other
sensitive surfaces). Always clean from top to
bottom and from left to right. For best results,
wipe surface dry with a chamois or soft dry
cloth.
(with or without detergent)
Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water. If
using Kärcher House or Window and Siding
Cleaner, place detergent suction tube directly
into cleaning solution and apply to surface at
low pressure (for best results, limit your work
area to sections of approximately 6 feet and
always apply detergent from bottom to top).
Allow Kärcher House or Window and Siding
Cleaner to remain on surface 1-3 minutes. Do
not allow detergent to dry on surface, if
surface appears to be drying, simply wet down
surface with fresh water. If needed, use
special Wash Brush Attachment to remove
stubborn dirt. Rinse at high pressure from top
to bottom in an even sweeping motion keeping
the spray nozzle approximately 6 inches from
the cleaning surface.
Caution: Do not use the rotary spray wand
on vehicles as it may cause damage.
Caution: Do not use rotary spray wand on
siding as it may cause damage.
CLEANING TIPS –
Purpose Cleaner to remain on surface 1-3
minutes. Do not allow detergent to dry on
surface. If needed use special Wash Brush
Attachment to remove stubborn dirt. Rinse
at high pressure in a sweeping motion
keeping the spray nozzle approximately 3-6
inches from the cleaning surface. For best
results, clean from top to bottom and from
left to right. Caution: Do not use rotary
spray wand on patio or lawn furniture as
it may cause damage.
Barbecue Grills, Outdoor Power
Equipment & Gardening Tools
(with or without detergent)
Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water.
If using Kärcher All Purpose Cleaner or
Degreaser, place detergent suction tube
directly into cleaning solution and apply
detergent at low pressure. Allow Kärcher
detergent to remain on surface 1-3 minutes.
Do not allow detergent to dry on surface.
Rinse at high pressure keeping the spray
nozzle approximately 3-6 inches from the
cleaning surface. For removing extremely
stubborn dirt, it may be necessary to move
the spray nozzle even closer to the surface
for greater dirt cutting action.
Recommendations
• Before cleaning any surface an incon-
spicuous area should be cleaned to test
spray pattern and distance for maximum
cleaning results.
Caution: Do not use rotary spray wand
on cloth, plastic or other sensitive
surfaces as it may cause damage.
• If painted surfaces are peeling or chip-
ping, use extreme caution as pressure
washer may remove the loose paint from
the surface.
• While using on surfaces which might
come in contact with food, flush surfaces
with plenty of drinking water.
Patio & Lawn Furniture
(with or without detergent)
Pre-rinse furniture and surrounding area with
fresh water. If using Kärcher All Purpose
Cleaner, place detergent suction tube
directly into cleaning solution and apply to
surface at low pressure. Allow Kärcher All
10
OPTIONAL CLEANING ACCESSORIES
Optional cleaning accessories are available to further enhance your cleaning capabilities: See
accessories order form for product descriptions and ordering instructions.
• Rotary Spray Wand
• House Washing Wand
• Extension Wand, 20 inches
• Flexible Spray Wand
• Underbody Spray Wand
• 4 Piece Extension Wand, 66 inches
• Wet Sandblasting Attachment
• Pipe Drain Cleaner
• Water Suction Hose With Filter
• Extension Hose 25’
• Wash Brush
• T-Racer
In USA call:
800-537-4129
TROUBLESHOOTING
Disconnect the machine from the power source before making any repair.
Symptom
Cause
Solution
Motor will not start
On/Off switch is in the 0 / OFF
position.
Turn switch to the 1 /ON position
Power cord is not plugged in.
Extension cord is too long.
Plug in power cord.
Replace extension cord with either
Extension cord is not proper gauge. a 25 ft. 12/3 gauge cord or a 50
Extension cord is damaged.
ft. 10/3 gauge cord.
Try a different outlet.
Electrical outlet does not supply
adequate power.
Tripped circuit breaker
Reset breaker (power supply) or
ground fault circuit interrupter.
Unit does not reach high
pressure.
Diameter of garden hose is too
small.
Replace with a 3/4 inch garden
hose.
Check garden hose for kinks,
leaks and blockage.
Water supply is restricted.
Not enough inlet water supply.
Water inlet filter is clogged.
11
Open water source full force.
Remove filter and rinse out in
warm water.
Spray wand is in low pressure
position.
Turn spray wand to high pressure
position.
Output pressure varies
high and low.
Not enough inlet water supply.
Turn water on full force. Check
garden hose for kinks, leaks or
blockage.
Pump is sucking air.
Check that hoses and fittings are
air tight. Turn off machine and
purge pump by squeezing trigger
gun until “a steady flow of water
emerges through the nozzle.
Water inlet filter is clogged.
Remove filter and rinse out in
warm water.
Discharge nozzle is obstructed.
Blow out or remove debris with a
fine needle.
Calcified gun, hose or spray wand. Run distilled vinegar through
detergent suction tube.
TROUBLESHOOTING –
Symptom
Cause
Solution
No detergent.
Detergent suction tube not properly Check connection.
connected to the machine.
Detergent is too thick.
Dilute detergent, for best results
use Kärcher detergent.
Filter on detergent suction tube is
clogged.
Run warm water through filter to
remove debris.
Damaged or clogged detergent
suction tube.
Remove obstruction or replace
detergent suction tube.
Spray wand is in high pressure
position.
Turn spray wand tip to low
pressure position.
Discharge nozzle is obstructed.
Blow out or remove debris with
fine needle.
Garden hose
Loose fittings.
Tighten fittings.
connection leaks.
Missing/worn rubber washer.
Spray wand not properly attached.
Insert new washer.
12
Spray wand leaks.
Insert the spray wand into the trig-
ger gun. Carefully press in against
the spring tension and twist into
the locked position.
Broken o-ring or plastic insert.
Pump is sucking air.
Call Kärcher customer service
hotline and order repair kit (part
no. 2.883-111.0).
Pump is noisy.
Check that hoses and fittings are
air tight. Turn off machine and
purge pump by squeezing trigger
gun until a steady flow of water
emerges through the nozzle.
Water leaks from pump
(up to 10 drops per
minute is permissible).
Loose fittings.
Check that all fittings are tight.
Call service center.
Water seals are damaged or worn.
Oil seals are damaged or worn.
Oil Drip.
Call service center.
If you encounter any additional
difficulties not listed, please call our
service center for help.
In USA Call: 800-537-4129
Karcher Customer Support USA
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