Karcher Pressure Washer K 390 M User Manual

Model K 390 M plus  
High Pressure Washer Operator Manual  
Overview ................................................................................... 2  
Precautions ............................................................................ 2-4  
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  
Cleaning Tips .......................................................................9-10  
Optional Cleaning Accessories .............................................. 10  
Troubleshooting .................................................................11-12  
Specifications  
Max. Pressure  
Max. Water volume  
Voltage  
1400 PSI  
1.7 GPM  
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.  
5.959-911 / 04.01  
 
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS – Read First!  
Extension Cords  
Safety Warnings  
Use a sufficient gauge:  
When using this product basic precautions  
Up to 25 ft = 12/2 AWG:  
25 to 50 ft =10/2 AWG.  
Use only extension cords that are intended  
should always be followed:  
• Read all the instructions before using the  
product.  
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.  
• 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.  
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.  
This Product is double  
insulated  
3
In a double-insulated product, two systems  
of insulation are provided instead of  
grounding. No grounding method is provided  
on a double-insulated product, nor should a  
method for grounding be added to the  
product. Servicing a double-insulated product  
requires extreme care and knowledge of the  
system, and should be done only by qualified  
service personnel. Replacement parts for a  
double-insulated product must be identical  
to the parts they replace. A double-insulated  
product is marked with the words “DOUBLE-  
INSULATION” or “DOUBLE-INSULATED”.  
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 1400 PSI. TO AVOID  
RUPTURE AND INJURY, DO NOT  
OPERATE THIS PUMP WITH COMPON-  
ENTS RATED LESS THAN 1400 PSI  
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  
• BEFORE SERVICING, CLEANING OR  
REMOVAL ANY PARTS, SHUT OFF  
POWER AND RELIEVE PRESSURE.  
machine and void the warranty.  
 
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS – continued  
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 GPM (gallons per minute).  
• Flow rate can be determined by running  
the water for one minute into an empty  
5-gallon container.  
• The water supply temperature must not  
exceed 104°F/40°C.  
• Never use the pressure washer to draw  
in water contaminated with solvents, e.g.  
paint thinners, gasoline, oil, etc.  
NOTE: Dirt in the feed water will  
damage the unit. To avoid this risk,  
we recommend fitting a water filter.  
• Always prevent debris from being drawn  
into the unit by using a clean water source  
and an accessory water filter if required.  
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS  
4
Step 2 Insert each of the four long  
screws and tighten.  
Step 1 Align holes on adapter brackets  
with the posts on pressure washer as  
shown.  
Step 3 Before pressing down handle onto  
top of adapter brackets, the hose/cord  
caddy and trigger gun holder must be on  
opposite sides.  
Step 4 Insert each of the two short  
screws and tighten.  
 
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS  
Step 1  
Step 2  
Connect the high pressure hose to the  
unit’s high pressure outlet.  
Insert the spray wand of your choice into the  
trigger gun. Press in against the spring tension  
(A) and twist into the locked position (B).  
5
Step 3  
Step 4  
Connect garden hose to unit’s water inlet  
using the quick connect adapter.  
Connect garden hose to the cold water  
source and turn water on completely.  
Step 5  
Step 6  
Plug the power cord into the power outlet.  
Unlock the lock of the trigger gun (A).  
Trigger the gun to eliminate trapped air,  
wait for a steady flow of water to emerge  
from the spray nozzle (B).  
Turn on the pressure washer (I).  
The motor starts only if the trigger of  
the gun is pulled and shuts off when  
the trigger is released.  
NOTE: This unit is equipped with a  
pressure switch. The motor only starts up  
when the trigger on the gun is pulled.  
 
USING THE ACCESSORIES  
High/low pressure nozzle  
Wash brush  
This nozzle features two positions. The high  
setting provides a steady powerful 25° high  
pressure spray pattern, for general  
cleaning. The low setting creates a wider  
40° low pressure pattern.  
This brush is ideal for removing stubborn  
dirt and stains from finished surfaces. Use  
with detergents only.  
6
Turn the wand nozzle clockwise for high  
pressure. Turn counter clockwise for low  
pressure.  
NOTE: Detergent is applied with the nozzle  
set at low pressure.  
Rotary nozzle  
This nozzle features a 0º pencil jet which  
rotates 360º for maximum dirt cutting action,  
effectively increasing cleaning performance  
up to 40 %. This nozzle combines the cleaning  
performance of a 0º pencil jet with the surface  
coverage of a wide angle nozzle.  
Not recommended for soft materials,  
siding, painted surfaces, decks or autos.  
Warning  
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY,  
NEVER POINT SPRAY NOZZLE  
AT YOURSELF, OTHER PERSONS  
OR ANIMALS  
 
WORKING WITH DETERGENTS  
Kärcher Pressure washers operate at two pressures. The high pressure is used for cleaning,  
you cannot apply detergents when working at high pressure. To apply detergents you must  
be operating at low pressure.  
Step 1 Install the High/Low pressure nozzle.  
Set the nozzle to the low pressure setting by  
turning the nozzle collar. The nozzle must be  
set in the low pressure position to apply  
detergents.  
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.  
Always Use Karcher Detergents  
for Best Results.  
7
Karcher biodegradable detergents are  
specially formulated to protect the  
enviroment and your pressure washer. The  
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:  
1-800-465-4980  
The following Karcher detergents are  
available:  
Vehicle Wash  
Degreaser  
Multipurpose Cleaner  
Step 2 Place the filter end of detergent  
suction tube into the jug.  
Caution  
Never use:  
• Bleach, Chlorine products and other  
corrosive chemicals  
• 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.  
For best results see Cleaning  
Tips on pages 9 & 10 for specific  
information on how to clean  
different surfaces.  
 
SHUTTING DOWN & CLEAN-UP  
Step 1  
Remove detergent suction Turn the switch to  
tube from jug and insert off (O) position and  
into 1 gallon (5 L) of fresh unplug cord from  
Step 2  
Step 3  
Turn off the water  
source.  
Step 4  
Press trigger to  
release water  
pressure.  
water. Siphon water at  
low pressure for one  
minute.  
outlet.  
8
Step 5  
Disconnect the garden hose  
from the water inlet on the unit.  
Step 6  
Disconnect the high pressure hose from the high  
pressure outlet and engage the gun safety lock.  
TAKING A BREAK... five minutes or more  
Step 1  
Engage gun  
safety lock.  
Step 2  
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.  
 
CLEANING TIPS  
Deck Cleaning  
Cement Patios,  
(with or without Karcher Pressure Wash Detergent)  
Brick and Stone  
Pre-rinse deck and surrounding area with  
fresh water. If using 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 smaller sections of approximately  
25 square feet. Allow Pressure Wash to  
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.  
Caution: Do not use rotary nozzle on  
wood surfaces as it may cause damage.  
(with or without detergent)  
Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water.  
If using 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 smaller  
sections of approximately 25 square feet.  
Allow Pressure Wash 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. For removing  
extremely stubborn stains, use the Rotary  
Nozzle.  
Cars, Boats & Motorcycles  
(with or without detergent)  
Pre-rinse vehicle with fresh water. If using  
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 the 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.  
House Siding  
9
(with or without detergent)  
Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water.  
If using 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 the 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 rotary nozzle on  
vehicles as it may cause damage.  
Caution: Do not use rotary nozzle on  
siding as it may cause damage.  
 
CLEANING TIPS – continued  
Barbecue Grills, Outdoor  
Power Equipment &  
Patio & Lawn Furniture  
(with or without detergent)  
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  
low pressure. Allow All 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 nozzle on  
patio or lawn furniture as it may cause  
damage.  
Gardening Tools  
(with or without detergent)  
Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water.  
If using Pressure Wash or Degreaser, place  
detergent suction tube directly into  
cleaning solution and apply detergent at  
low pressure. Allow 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. To remove caked on mud from  
garbage cans, lawn mower blades, wheel  
barrels or other non-sensitive metal  
surfaces, you may want to use the Rotary  
Nozzle.  
Recommendations  
• Before cleaning any surface an  
inconspicuous area should be cleaned to  
test spray pattern and distance for  
maximum cleaning results.  
Caution: Do not use rotary nozzle on  
cloth, plastic or other sensitive surfaces  
as it may cause damage.  
10  
• If painted surfaces are peeling or chipping,  
use extreme caution as pressure washer  
may remove the loose paint from the  
surface.  
OPTIONAL CLEANING  
Optional cleaning accessories are available to further enhance your cleaning capabilities:  
See your retailer or call 1-800-465-4980 for more information.  
• Rotating Wash Brush  
• Wash Brush  
• Sandblasting Attachment  
• Water Siphon Kit  
• Underbody Wand  
• Pipe Drain Cleaner  
• 25’ Extension Hose  
KARCHER 2 YEAR WARRANTY  
KARCHER 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,  
KARCHER 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.  
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. 12/2 gauge cord or a 50  
Extension cord is damaged.  
ft. 10/2 gauge cord.  
Electrical outlet does not supply  
adequate power.  
Try a different outlet.  
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.  
Water supply is restricted.  
Check garden hose for kinks,  
leaks and blockage.  
11  
Not enough inlet water supply.  
Water inlet filter is clogged.  
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.  
Calcified gun, hose or spray wand.  
Blow out or remove debris with a  
fine needle.  
Run distilled vinegar through  
detergent suction tube.  
 
TROUBLESHOOTING – continued  
Symptom  
Cause  
Solution  
No detergent.  
Detergent suction tube not properly Check connection.  
connected to the machine.  
Detergent is too thick.  
Dilute 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 a  
fine needle.  
Garden hose  
Loose fittings.  
Tighten fittings.  
connection leaks.  
Missing/worn rubber washer.  
Insert new washer.  
Spray wand or Spray  
wand extension leaks.  
Spray wand not properly attached. Insert the spray wand into the  
spray wand extension. Carefully  
12  
press in against the spring tension  
and twist into the locked position.  
Spray wand extension not properly Slide the spray wand extension  
attached.  
into the gun. Turn the wand  
collar clockwise onto the gun  
threads until tight.  
Broken o-ring or plastic insert.  
Pump is sucking air.  
Call service center and order  
repair kit.  
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.  
Water seals are damaged or worn. Call service center.  
Oil seals are damaged or worn.  
Call service center.  
Oil Drips.  
1-800-537-4129  
If you encounter any additional difficulties not listed,  
please call our service center at 1-800-465-4980 for help.  
 

Ingersoll Rand Stroller 66506 B User Manual
Jacuzzi Hot Tub EH85 User Manual
JDS Uniphase Electronic Accessory 230201 User Manual
Jet Tools Saw 707000 User Manual
JVC Car Video System TM H1950CG User Manual
Kenmore Microwave Oven 72164682 User Manual
Kenwood Car Video System DDX7025 User Manual
Kodak Camcorder 1455013 User Manual
Kodak Projector A 7330 User Manual
Korg Recording Equipment krog User Manual