K 3.97 M - ppe-pressure-washer-parts.com · 2 Model K 3.97 M OVERVIEW Item Description 1. Power cord with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) 2. Trigger gun 3. Trigger gun safety

High PressureWasher OperatorManualOverview ....................................... 2IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS .. 3 - 4Assembly Instructions .................. 4Operating Instructions .................. 5GFCI Instructions ......................... 6Using the Accessories ................. 6Working with Detergents ............... 7Shut Down and Clean-Up .............. 8Taking a Break .............................. 8Winterizing and Long-TermStorage ......................................... 8Maintenance Instructions ............. 9Cleaning Tips ......................... 9 - 10Optional Cleaning Accessories .. 10Troubleshooting .................... 11 - 12

SpecificationsOperating pressure 1600 PSIWater volume 1.6 GPMVoltage 120 VAmp draw 14 AMPS

Manual Part No. 5.961-139.0 07/04EN

In USA call:1-800-537-4129

or visit our website:www.karcher-usa.com

Part No. 1.423-115.0

K 3.97 M

2

Model K 3.97 M OVERVIEW

Item Description1. Power cord with Ground Fault Circuit

Interrupter (GFCI)2. Trigger gun3. Trigger gun safety lock4. High pressure hose5. Water inlet with filter and garden hose

connector6. Transport handle7. Accessory compartment8. Detergent suction tube with filter9. High pressure outlet10. On/Off switch11. Vario Spray wand12. Rotating spray wand

3

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS – Read First!

2 Safety WarningsWhen using this product, basic precautionsshould 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 bedirected at persons, animals, electricaldevices, or the machine itself.

• To reduce the risk of injury, do notoperate the machine near children.

• Learn how to stop the machine andrelease pressure quickly. Be thoroughlyfamiliar with the controls.

• Stay alert — watch what you are doing.• Wear safety goggles.• Do not use acids, solvents,

or any flammable materialin this product. These products cancause physical injuries to the operatorand irreversible damage to the machine.

• Do not operate the product whenfatigued or under the influence ofalcohol or drugs.

• Keep operating area clear of all persons.• Do not stand on unstable surfaces.

Stand with both feet balanced at alltimes.

• To reduce the risk of electrocution, keepall connections dry and off the ground.Do not touch plug with wet hands.

• The Trigger Gun Safety LockPREVENTS the trigger from accidentallybeing engaged. This safety featureDOES NOT lock trigger in the onposition.

Extension CordsUse a sufficient gauge: Up to 25 ft = 12/3AWG; 25 to 50 ft = 10/3 AWG. Use onlyextension cords that are intended for outdooruse. These extension cords are identified bythe marking “Acceptable for use with outdoorappliances; store indoors while not in use.”Use only extension cords having an electricalrating not less than the rating of the product.Do not use damaged extension cords.Examine extension cord before using andreplace if damaged. Do not abuse extensioncord and do not yank on any cord todisconnect. Keep cord away from heat andsharp edges. Always disconnect the

extension cord from the receptacle beforedisconnecting the product from the extensioncord. If you are using an extension cord, itshould always be completely unwound fromthe cable drum.Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter(GFCI) ProtectionThis product is supplied with a Ground FaultCircuit Interrupter (GFCI) built into the powercord plug. This device provides additionalprotection from the risk of electric shock. Ifpower is interrupted in the line, the GFCI willautomatically re-close the circuit to the loadafter power is restored. Depending on theGFCI model, it may be necessary to manuallyoperate the reset button to restore power tothe GFCI load circuit. If replacement of theplug or cord is needed use identicalreplacement parts.Grounding InstructionsThis product must be grounded. If it shouldmalfunction or breakdown, groundingprovides a path of least resistance for electriccurrent to reduce the risk of electric shock.This product is equipped with a cord havingan equipment-grounding conductor and agrounding plug. The plug must be pluggedinto an appropriate outlet that is properlyinstalled and grounded in accordance with alllocal codes and ordinances.DANGER- Improper connection of theequipment-grounding conductor can result ina risk of electrocution. Check with a qualifiedelectrician or service personnel if you are indoubt as to whether the outlet is properlygrounded. Do not modify the plug providedwith the product - if it will not fit the outlet,have a proper outlet installed by a qualifiedelectrician. Do not use any type of adapterwith this product.

Caution• Follow the maintenance instructions

specified in the manual.• This machine has been designed for

use with cleaning detergent supplied orrecommended by the manufacturer.The use of other cleaning detergentsmay affect the operation of themachine and void the warranty.

4

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.

Step 1Step 1Step 1Step 1Step 1

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS – continuedPRECAUTIONS

• The water supply temperature must notexceed 104°F/40°C.

• Never use the pressure washer to draw inwater contaminated with solvents, e.g.paint thinners, gasoline, oil, etc.

• Always prevent debris from being drawninto the unit by using a clean water source.

• Save these instructions!

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Step 2Step 2Step 2Step 2Step 2 Step 3Step 3Step 3Step 3Step 3

Step 4Step 4Step 4Step 4Step 4Pull out the locking slide from the right side of thetrigger gun handle (A), and insert the small end ofthe high pressure hose into place (B). Push thelocking slide back into the trigger gun to lock thehose in position.

5

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Step 2Step 2Step 2Step 2Step 2Insert the spray wand of your choice into thetrigger gun. Press in against the spring tensionand twist into the locked position.

Step 1Step 1Step 1Step 1Step 1Connect the high pressure hose to the highpressure outlet.

Step 3Step 3Step 3Step 3Step 3Connect the garden hose to the water inlet.

Step 4Step 4Step 4Step 4Step 4Connect garden hose to the cold watersource and turn water on completely.

Step 6Step 6Step 6Step 6Step 6Turn on the pressure washer (I). The motorstarts only if the trigger of the gun ispulled and shuts off when the trigger isreleased.

Step 5Step 5Step 5Step 5Step 5Plug the power cord into the power outlet.Unlock the lock of the trigger gun (A). Triggerthe gun (B) to eliminate trapped air, wait for asteady flow of water to emerge from thespray nozzle.

6

This wand features a 0º pencil jet whichrotates 360º for maximum dirt cutting action,effectively increasing cleaning performanceup to 50%. This wand combines the cleaningperformance of a 0º pencil jet with the surfacecoverage of a wide angle nozzle. Notrecommended for soft materials, siding,painted surfaces, decks or autos.

Rotating spray wand

WarningTO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, NEVERPOINT SPRAY NOZZLE AT YOURSELF,OTHER PERSONS OR ANIMALS

GFCI INSTRUCTIONS

USING THE ACCESSORIES

The Vario spray wand allows you to adjust the cleaning pressure. To clean at maximumpressure, the Vario wand must be positioned to the high pressure setting (+).To apply detergent, the wand must be positioned to the low pressure setting (–).

Vario spray wand

For higherpressure turnwand collar in theplus (+) direction.

For lowerpressure turnwand collar in theminus (–) direction.

Note:The actualappearanceof the GFCImay bedifferentfrom thisillustration.

Step 1Step 1Step 1Step 1Step 1Plug the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter(GFCI) into a working outlet

Step 2Step 2Step 2Step 2Step 2Press “TEST”, then press “RESET” to assureproper connection to power.

7

Step 1Step 1Step 1Step 1Step 1 Install the Vario spray wand. Setthe Vario spray wand to the low pressuresetting (–) by turning the wand collar. Thewand must be set in the low pressure (–)position to apply detergents.

Step 2Step 2Step 2Step 2Step 2 Fill the detergent reservoir withKärcher detergent. Place the filter end ofdetergent suction tube into the detergentreservoir

Step 3Step 3Step 3Step 3Step 3 Turn on the pressure washer.Pull trigger to operate unit: Liquid detergentis drawn into the unit and mixed with water.Apply detergent to work area. Do not allowdetergent to dry on surface

CautionNever use:

• Bleach, Chlorine products and othercorrosive chemicals

• Liquids containing solvents(i.e., paint thinners, gasoline, oils)

• Tri-sodium phosphate products• Ammonia products• Acid-based productsThese chemicals will harm the unit and willdamage the surface being cleaned.

Working with detergentsTo apply detergents you must be operating at low pressure (–).

For bestresults seeCleaning Tipson pages 9 & 10for specificinformation on how toclean differentsurfaces.

Always Use KarcherDetergents for Best Results.Karcher biodegradable detergents arespecially formulated to protect theenvironment and your pressure washer.Special formula won’t clog the suction tubefilter and will protect the internal parts of thepressure washer for a longer life. For KarcherDetergents, check your retailer or call:

In USA Call:1-800-537-4129or visit our website:

www.karcher-usa.com

The following Karcher detergents areavailable:

One Gallon ready to useOne Gallon ready to useOne Gallon ready to useOne Gallon ready to useOne Gallon ready to use• Vehicle Wash • Degreaser• All Purpose Cleaner • House Wash• Deck Wash---------------------------------------------------Dete rgent Concent ra te Tab le tsDete rgent Concent ra te Tab le tsDete rgent Concent ra te Tab le tsDete rgent Concent ra te Tab le tsDete rgent Concent ra te Tab le ts(10 Pack; makes 1 1/4 gallon RTU product)• All Purpose • Degreaser• Deck and patio • Windows and Siding---------------------------------------------------

8

Step 6Step 6Step 6Step 6Step 6Disconnect the high pressurehose from the high pressureoutlet.

Step 1Step 1Step 1Step 1Step 1Engage the gunsafety lock.

1. Disconnect all water connections.2. Turn on the machine for a few seconds,

until the water which had remained inthe pump exits. Turn off immediately.

3. Do not allow high pressure hose tobecome kinked.

SHUTTING DOWN & CLEAN-UP

Step 1Step 1Step 1Step 1Step 1Remove detergent suctiontube from container andinsert into 1 gallon of freshwater. Siphon water at lowpressure for one minute.

Step 2Step 2Step 2Step 2Step 2Turn the switch tooff (O) position andunplug cord fromoutlet.

Step 3Step 3Step 3Step 3Step 3Turn off the watersource.

Step 4Step 4Step 4Step 4Step 4Press trigger torelease waterpressure.

Step 5Step 5Step 5Step 5Step 5Disconnect the gardenhose from the water inleton the unit.

Step 2Step 2Step 2Step 2Step 2Turn pressure washerto off (O) position.

WINTERIZING AND LONG-TERM STORAGE

TAKING A BREAK... five minutes or more

4. Store the machine and accessories ina room which does not reach freezingtemperatures.

Caution: Failure to follow the abovedirections will result in damage to thepump assembly and accessories.

Step 7Step 7Step 7Step 7Step 7Engage the gunsafety lock.

9

Deck Cleaning(with or without detergent)Pre-rinse deck and surrounding area withfresh water. If using Kärcher Deck and PatioCleaner, place detergent suction tube direct-ly into cleaning solution and apply to surfaceat low pressure. For best results, limit yourwork area to smaller sections of approxi-mately 25 square feet. Allow Kärcher Deckand Patio Cleaner to remain on surface 1-3minutes. Do not allow detergent to dry onsurface. Rinse at high pressure in a longsweeping motion keeping the spray nozzleapproximately 3-6 inches from the cleaningsurface. Always clean from top to bottomand from left to right. When moving on to anew section of the cleaning surface, be sureto overlap the previous section to eliminatestop marks and ensure a more even clean-ing result.

House Siding(with or without detergent)Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water.If using Kärcher House or Window andSiding Cleaner, place detergent suction tubedirectly into cleaning solution and apply tosurface at low pressure (for best results,limit your work area to sections of approxi-mately 6 feet and always apply detergentfrom bottom to top). Allow Kärcher House orWindow and Siding Cleaner to remain onsurface 1-3 minutes. Do not allow detergentto dry on surface, if surface appears to bedrying, simply wet down surface with freshwater. If needed, use special Wash BrushAttachment to remove stubborn dirt. Rinseat high pressure from top to bottom in aneven sweeping motion keeping the spraynozzle approximately 6 inches from thecleaning surface.

CLEANING TIPSCement Patios, Brick and Stone(with or without detergent)Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water.If using Kärcher Deck and Patio or AllPurpose Cleaner, place detergent suctiontube directly into cleaning solution and applyto surface at low pressure. For best results,limit your work area to smaller sections ofapproximately 25 square feet. Allow KärcherDeck and Patio or All Purpose Cleaner toremain on surface 1-3 minutes. Do not allowdetergent to dry on surface. Rinse at highpressure in a sweeping motion keeping thespray nozzle approximately 3-6 inches fromthe cleaning surface. Always clean from topto bottom and from left to right.

Cars, Boats & Motorcycles(with or without detergent)Pre-rinse vehicle with fresh water. If usingKärcher Vehicle or All Purpose Cleaner,place detergent suction tube directly intocleaning solution and apply to surface at lowpressure. For best results, clean one side ofvehicle at a time and always apply detergentfrom bottom to top, do not allow detergent todry on surface. If needed, use special WashBrush Attachment to remove stubborn dirt.Rinse at high pressure in a sweeping motionkeeping the spray nozzle approxi-mately 6-8inches from the cleaning surface (distanceshould increase when rinsing pin-striping orother sensitive surfaces). Always clean fromtop to bottom and from left to right. For bestresults, wipe surface dry with a chamois orsoft dry cloth.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

Cleaning the water inlet filterPull out the water inlet filter with flat-nosepliers and rinse out in warm water.

MaintenanceThe unit is maintenance-free.

10

Barbecue Grills, Outdoor PowerEquipment & Gardening Tools(with or without detergent)Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water.If using Kärcher All Purpose Cleaner orDegreaser, place detergent suction tubedirectly into cleaning solution and applydetergent at low pressure. Allow Kärcherdetergent to remain on surface 1-3 minutes.Do not allow detergent to dry on surface.Rinse at high pressure keeping the spraynozzle approximately 3-6 inches from thecleaning surface. For removing extremelystubborn dirt, it may be necessary to movethe spray nozzle even closer to the surfacefor greater dirt cutting action. To removecaked on mud from garbage cans, lawnmower blades, wheel barrels or othernon-sensitive metal surfaces, you maywant to experiment with different settings onthe spray nozzle.

Optional cleaning accessories are available to further enhance your cleaning capabilities:See accessories order form for product descriptions and ordering instructions.

CLEANING TIPS – continued

Patio & Lawn Furniture(with or without detergent)Pre-rinse furniture and surrounding areawith fresh water. If using Kärcher AllPurpose Cleaner, place detergent suctiontube directly into cleaning solution and applyto surface at low pressure. Allow Kärcher AllPurpose Cleaner to remain on surface 1-3minutes. Do not allow detergent to dry onsurface. If needed use special Wash BrushAttachment to remove stubborn dirt. Rinseat high pressure in a sweeping motionkeeping the spray nozzle approximately 3-6inches from the cleaning surface. For bestresults, clean from top to bottom and fromleft to right.

Recommendations• Before cleaning any surface an inconspic-

uous area should be cleaned to test spraypattern and distance for maximum clean-ing results.

• If painted surfaces are pealing orchipping, use extreme caution aspressure washer may remove the loosepaint from the surface.

• While using on surfaces which mightcome in contact with food. Flush surfaceswith plenty of drinking water.

OPTIONAL CLEANING ACCESSORIES

• Vario 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’• Rotating Wash Brush• K12 Surface Cleaner

In USA call:1-800-537-4129

or visit our website: www.karcher-usa.com

11

TROUBLESHOOTING

Disconnect the machine from the power source before making any repair.

Symptom

Motor will not start

Unit does not reach highpressure.

Output pressure varies highand low.

Cause

On/Off switch is in the “OFF” (O)position.

Power cord is not plugged in.

Extension cord is too long.Extension cord is not proper gauge.Extension cord is damaged.

Electrical outlet does not supplyadequate power.

Tripped circuit breaker

Diameter of garden hose is too small.

Water supply is restricted.

Not enough inlet water supply.

Water inlet filter is clogged.

Spray wand is in low pressure position.

Not enough inlet water supply.

Pump is sucking air.

Water inlet filter is clogged.

Discharge nozzle is obstructed.

Calcified gun, hose or spray wand.

Solution

Turn switch to the “ON” (I) position

Plug in power cord.

Replace extension cord with either“a 25 ft. 12/3 gauge cord or a 50ft. 10/3 gauge cord.

Try a different outlet.

Switch off pressure washer. The resetwill be automatically, for that wait thatthe temperature goes down.

Replace with a 3/4 inch gardenhose.

Check garden hose for kinks, leaksand blockage.

Open water source full force.

Remove filter and rinse out inwarm water.

Turn spray wand to high pressureposition.

Turn water on full force. Checkgarden hose for kinks, leaks orblockage.

Check that hoses and fittings areair tight. Turn off machine andpurge pump by squeezing triggergun until “a steady flow of wateremerges through the nozzle.

Remove filter and rinse out inwarm water.

Blow out or remove debris with a“fine needle.

Run distilled vinegar through“detergent suction tube.

12

TROUBLESHOOTING – continued

If you encounter any additionaldifficulties not listed, please call ourservice center for help.Karcher Customer Support USA

In USA Call:1-800-537-4129

or visit our website: www.karcher-usa.com

Solution

Check connection.

Dilute detergent, for best resultsuse Kärcher detergent.

Run warm water through filter toremove debris.

Remove obstruction or replacedetergent suction tube.

Turn spray wand tip to lowpressure position.

Blow out or remove debris withfine needle.

Tighten fittings.

Insert new washer.

Insert the spray wand into thetrigger gun. Carefully press inagainst the spring tension and twistinto the locked position.

Call Kärcher customer service“hotline and order repair kit “(partno. 2.883-111.0).

Check that hoses and fittings areair tight. Turn off machine andpurge pump by squeezing triggergun until “a steady flow of wateremerges through the nozzle.

Check that all fittings are tight.

Call service center.

Call service center.

Symptom

No detergent.

Garden hoseconnection leaks.

Spray wand leaks.

Pump is noisy.

Water leaks from pump (upto 10 drops per minute ispermissible).

Oil Drip.

Cause

Detergent suction tube not properlyconnected to the machine.

Detergent is too thick.

Filter on detergent suction tube isclogged.

Damaged or clogged detergentsuction tube.

Spray wand is in high“pressureposition.

Discharge nozzle is obstructed.

Loose fittings.

Missing/worn rubber washer.

Spray wand not properly attached.

Broken o-ring or plastic insert.

Pump is sucking air.

Loose fittings.

Water seals are damaged or worn.

Oil seals are damaged or worn.