Karcher Pressure Washer K 397M User Manual

K 3.97 M  
High Pressure  
Washer Operator  
Manual  
Overview....................................... 2  
Precautions .............................3 - 4  
Assembly Instructions ................. 4  
Operating Instructions ................. 5  
Using the accessories ................. 6  
Working with Detergents ............. 7  
Shut Down and Clean-Up ............ 8  
Taking a Break ............................. 8  
Winterizing and Long-Term  
Storage ......................................... 8  
Maintenance Instructions ............ 9  
Cleaning Tips ....................... 9 - 10  
Optional Cleaning Accessories . 10  
Troubleshooting ..................... 11-12  
Specifications  
Working Pressure .......... 9000 kPa  
Max. Pressure ................. 1600 PSI  
Max. Water volume ......... 1.5 GPM  
Voltage ...................................120 V  
Amp draw ....................... 13 AMPS  
Please keep the original box, packaging and receipt.  
Before operating this unit, please read this manual thoroughly and retain  
it for future reference.  
Part No. 1.423-104.0  
Manual Part No. 5.960-793.0 01/03EN  
 
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS – Read First!  
Extension Cords  
Safety Warnings  
Use a sufficient gauge: Up to 25 ft = 12/3  
When using this product basic precautions  
should always be followed:  
AWG; 25 to 50 ft =10/3 AWG.  
Use only extension cords that are intended  
for outdoor use. These extension cords are  
identified by a marking “Acceptable for use  
with outdoor appliances; 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. Examine extension cord before using  
and replace if damaged. Do not abuse  
extension cord and do not yank on any cord  
to disconnect. Keep cord away from heat and  
sharp edges. Always disconnect the  
extension cord from the receptacle before  
disconnecting the product from the extension  
cord. If you are using an extension cord, it  
should always be completely unwound from  
the cable drum.  
• 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.  
• 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 other  
flammable material in this product. These  
products can cause physical injuries to the  
operator and irreversible damage to the  
machine.  
• Do not operate the product when fatigued  
or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  
• Do not stand on unstable surfaces. Stand  
with both feet balanced at all times.  
Grounding Instructions  
This product must be grounded. If it should  
malfunction 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  
3
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.  
accordance with all local codes and  
ordinances.  
DANGER- Improper connection of the  
equipment-grounding conductor can result  
in a risk of electrocution. Check with a  
qualified electrician 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.  
WARNING  
• DO NOT USE WITH FLAMMABLE  
LIQUIDS AND TOXIC CHEMICALS  
• INJECTION HAZARD: EQUIPMENT CAN  
CAUSESERIOUSINJURYIFTHESPRAY  
PENETRATESTHESKIN.DONOTPOINT  
THE GUN AT ANYONE OR ANY PART OF  
THE BODY. IN CASE OF PENETRATION  
SEEK MEDICAL AID IMMEDIATELY.  
• THIS SYSTEM IS CAPABLE OF  
PRODUCING 9000 KPA. TO AVOID  
RUPTURE AND INJURY, DO NOT  
OPERATE THIS PUMP WITH COMPON-  
ENTS RATED LESS THAN 9000 KPA  
WORKING PRESSURE (INCLUDING  
BUT NOT LIMITED TO SPRAY GUNS,  
HOSE AND HOSE CONNECTIONS).  
Caution  
• 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.  
• BEFORE SERVICING, CLEANING OR  
REMOVAL ANY PARTS, SHUT OFF  
POWER AND RELIEVE PRESSURE.  
 
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS – continued  
• Never use the pressure washer to draw in  
water contaminated with solvents, e.g.  
paint thinners, gasoline, oil, etc.  
Water Supply (Cold Water Only)  
• Water hose must be at least 1/2 inch or  
5/8 inch in diameter.  
NOTE: Dirt in the feed water will  
damage the unit. To avoid this risk,  
we recommend fitting a water filter.  
• Flow rate of water supply must not fall  
below 2 GPM (gallons per minute).  
• Flow rate can be determined by running  
the water for one minute into an empty  
5-gallon container.  
• Always prevent debris from being drawn  
into the unit by using a clean water source  
and an accessory water filter if required.  
• The water supply temperature must not  
exceed 104°F/40°C.  
• Save these instructions!  
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS  
4
Step 1  
Step 2  
Step 3  
Step 4 and 5 Assemble high pressure  
hose to trigger gun  
 
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS  
Step 2  
Step 1  
Insert the spray wand. 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.  
Step 5  
Step 6 Turn on the pressure washer (I).  
Plug the power cord into the power outlet.  
Trigger the gun to eliminate trapped air, wait  
for a steady flow of water to emerge from  
the spray nozzle.  
NOTE: This unit is equipped with a  
pressure switch. The motor only starts up  
when the trigger on the gun is pulled.  
The motor shuts off when the trigger is  
released.  
 
USING THE ACCESSORIES  
Quattro Nozzle  
High pressure  
pencil jet  
cleaning  
High pressure  
fan jet  
cleaning  
Rotating jet for  
maximum dirt  
cutting action  
Low pressure  
fan jet for  
detergent  
injection  
Selecting the jet  
Release the trigger of the handgun.  
Rotate the nozzle head until the symbol is aligned with the marking on the spray lance.  
Note: The marking on the spray lance must be up during operation.  
6
Wash brush  
WARNING  
This brush is ideal for removing stubborn  
dirt and stains from finished surfaces. Use  
with detergents only.  
RISK OF INJECTION OR INJURY-DO  
NOT DIRECT DISCHARGE STREAM  
AT PERSONS.  
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, NEVER  
POINT SPRAY NOZZLE AT YOURSELF,  
OTHER PERSONS OR ANIMALS.  
 
WORKING WITH DETERGENTS  
Detergents can only be applied at low  
pressure.  
For best results see Cleaning  
Tips on pages 9 & 10 for specific  
information on how to clean  
different surfaces.  
Step 1  
Always Use Kärcher Detergents for Best  
Results.  
Install the Wash brush or Quattro nozzle.  
Turn Quattro Nozzle to Low pressure  
position.  
Kärcher biodegradable detergents are  
specially formulated to protect the  
environment and your pressure washer.  
Special formula won’t clog the suction tube  
filter and will protect the internal parts of the  
pressure washer for a longer life. For Kärcher  
Detergents, check your retailer or call:  
Rotate the spray lance in the direction of  
” until reaching the stop.  
Note: No detergent in high-pressure mode  
1-800-465-4980  
The following Kärcher detergents are  
available:  
7
• Pressure Wash  
• Deck Wash  
• Degreaser  
• Touchless Vehicle Wash  
Step 2  
Fill detergent tank with 1.0 L Kärcher  
detergent.  
Caution  
Step 3  
Never use:  
Turn on the pressure washer.  
• Bleach, Chlorine products and other  
corrosive chemicals  
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.  
• Liquids containing solvents  
(i.e., paint thinners, gasoline, oils)  
• Tri-sodium phosphate products  
• Ammonia products  
• Acid-based products  
These chemicals will harm the unit and  
will damage the surface being cleaned.  
 
SHUTTING DOWN & CLEAN-UP  
Step 1  
Step 2  
Step 3  
Turn the switch to off (O)  
position and unplug cord from  
outlet.  
Turn off the water  
source.  
Press trigger to release  
water pressure.  
8
Step 4  
Step 5  
Step 6  
Disconnect the garden hose  
from the water inlet on the unit.  
Disconnect the high pressure  
hose from the high pressure  
outlet.  
Pull trigger down (A)  
and engage gun  
safety lock (B).  
TAKING A BREAK... five minutes or more  
Step 1  
Step 2  
Pull trigger down (A)  
and engage gun  
safety lock (B).  
Turn pressure washer  
to off (O) position.  
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. DO NOT store near  
furnance or other sources of heat as it  
may dry out the pump seals.  
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.  
Caution: Failure to follow the above  
directions will result in damage to the  
pump assembly and accessories.  
 
WINTERIZING AND LONG-TERM STORAGE continued  
5) Cleaning the  
6) Cleaning the  
detergent inlet  
filter  
Pullitoutandrinseout  
in warm water.  
water inlet filter  
Pull out the water in-  
let filter with flat-nose  
pliers and rinse out in  
warm water.  
Maintenance  
The unit is mainte-  
nance-free.  
CLEANING TIPS  
Deck Cleaning  
Cement Patios, Brick and  
(with or without detergent)  
Stone  
Pre-rinse deck and surrounding area with  
fresh water. If using Kärcher Deck Wash,  
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 Deck  
Wash 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.  
(with or without detergent)  
Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water.  
If using Kärcher Pressure Wash or  
Degreaser, 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  
Pressure Wash or Degreaser 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 approximately 3-6 inches from the  
cleaning surface. Always clean from top to  
bottom and from left to right.  
9
Cars, Boats & Motorcycles  
(with or without detergent)  
House Siding  
(with or without detergent)  
Pre-rinse vehicle with fresh water. If using  
Kärcher Touchless Vehicle Wash, 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 (not  
included) 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.  
Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water.  
If using Kärcher Pressure Wash, 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 Pressure Wash 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 (not included) 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 nozzle on  
vehicles as it may cause damage.  
 
CLEANING TIPS – continued  
low pressure. Allow Pressure Wash to  
remain on surface 1-3 minutes. Do not  
allow detergent to dry on surface. If needed  
use special Wash Brush Attachment (not  
included) 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.  
Barbecue Grills, Outdoor  
Power Equipment & Gardening  
Tools  
(with or without detergent)  
Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water.  
If using Kärcher Pressure Wash or  
Degreaser, place detergent suction tube  
directly into cleaning solution and apply  
detergent at low pressure. Allow Pressure  
Wash 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  
inconspicuous area should be cleaned to  
test spray pattern and distance for  
maximum cleaning results.  
• If painted surfaces are peeling or  
chipping, use extreme caution as  
pressure washer may remove the loose  
paint from the surface.  
Patio & Lawn Furniture  
(with or without detergent)  
• When using on surfaces which might  
come in contact with food, flush surfaces  
with plenty of drinking water.  
Pre-rinse furniture and surrounding area  
with fresh water. If using Pressure Wash,  
place detergent suction tube directly into  
cleaning solution and apply to surface at  
10  
OPTIONAL CLEANING  
Optional cleaning accessories are available to further enhance your cleaning capabilities: For  
• Rotating Wash Brush  
• Wash Brush  
• Underbody Wand  
• Pipe Drain Cleaner  
• Sandblasting Attachment  
• Water Pumping Kit  
• Water Siphon Kit  
• 25’ Extension Hose  
KÄRCHER 2 YEAR WARRANTY  
KÄRCHER CANADA INC. warrants to the original owner that this product shall be free from  
defects in material and workmanship for two years from the date of its original purchase. If  
such a defect appears during the warranty period, upon presentation of proof of purchase,  
KÄRCHER CANADA INC. will repair or replace (at its option) your product without charge.  
This warranty does not cover accidental damage, unreasonable use, normal wear and tear,  
loss of use or other consequential damages, nor does it cover repairs made or attempted  
by unauthorized persons.  
Trigger gun, hose, spray wands and other accessories are warranted for 3 months.  
Please note that no returns will be accepted without prior authorization from our customer  
service department.  
It is the owner’s responsibility to file claims for damage caused by public transportation  
carriers directly with the carrier concerned.  
 
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 “OFF” (O)  
position.  
Turn switch to the “ON” (I) 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.  
Electrical outlet does not supply  
adequate power.  
Try a different outlet.  
Unit does not reach high  
pressure  
Diameter of garden hose is too  
small.  
Replace with a 1/2 inch or 5/8  
inch garden hose.  
Water supply is restricted.  
Check garden hose for kinks,  
leaks and blockage.  
Not enough inlet water supply.  
Water inlet filter is clogged.  
Open water source full force.  
11  
Remove filter and rinse out in  
warm water.  
Quattro nozzle is in low pressure  
position.  
Turn quattro nozzle 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.  
Calcified gun, hose or spray wand.  
Blow out or remove debris with a  
fine needle.  
Run distilled vinegar through  
detergent tank.  
 
TROUBLESHOOTING – continued  
Symptom  
Cause  
Solution  
No detergent.  
Detergent is too thick.  
Dilute detergent.  
Quattro nozzle is in high pressure  
position.  
Turn quattro nozzle tip to low  
pressure position.  
Discharge nozzle is obstructed.  
Blow out or remove debris with a  
fine needle.  
Quattro nozzle leaks.  
Quattro nozzle not properly  
attached.  
Insert the quattro nozzle into the  
trigger 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 Customer Service.  
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.  
12  
Water leaks from pump Loose fittings.  
(up to 10 drops per  
Check that all fittings are tight.  
minute is permissible).  
Water seals are damaged or worn. Call Customer Service.  
Oil seals are damaged or worn.  
Call Customer Service.  
Oil Drips.  
1-800-537-4129  
If you encounter any additional difficulties not listed, please call our Customer  
Service at 1-800-465-4980 for help, or visit www.karcher.ca  
 

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