Karcher G 4000 SH User Manual
G 4000 SH
English 2
Español 16
Français 33
9.139-177.0 01/06
HIGH PRESSURE WASHER OPERATOR MANUAL
Model Overview 3
Important Safety Instructions 4
Assembly Instructions 5
Operating Instructions 7
Using the Accessories 8
Working with Detergents 9
Taking a Break 10
Shutting Down & Clean-Up 10
Winterizing and Long-Term Storage 11
Maintenance Instructions 11
Cleaning Tips 12
Troubleshooting 14
Specifications
Operating pressure 4000 PSI
Water volume 3.6 GPM
Detergent suction 0.15 - 0.20 GPM
Engine 13.0 HP
Honda GX 390
Part No. 1.810-400.0
Serial no.
Safety Alert Symbols
DANGER
indicates “an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury.”
WARNING
indicates “a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or injury.”
CAUTION
indicates “a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury or in property
damage incidents.”
Owner/User Responsibility
The owner and/or user must have an
understanding of the manufacturer’s
operating instructions and warnings before using this pressure washer.
Warning information should be emphasized and understood.
If the operator is not fluent in English,
the manufacturer’s instructions and
warnings shall be read to and discussed
with the operator in the operator’s native
language by the purchaser/owner, making sure that the operator comprehends
its contents.
Owner and/or user must study and
maintain for future reference the manufacturers’ instructions.
Kärcher Customer Support USA
Call: 1-800-537-4129 for help or visit
our website:
www.karcher-usa.com/home
Please take a moment to register your
pressure washer online at
www.karcher-usa.com/warranty
Kärcher Customer Service CDN
Call: 1-800-465-4980 for help or visit
our website:
www.karcher-canada.com
Kärcher Customer Support Mexico
Call: 01-800-024-13-13 for help or visit
our website: www.karcher.com.mx
2 English
MODEL OVERVIEW
1 Handle
2 Trigger gun
3 Trigger gun safety lock
4 High pressure hose
5 Gas tank
6 Spray wand
7 Dipstick
8 Water inlet with garden hose con-
nector
9 High pressure outlet
10 Detergent suction tube with filter
11 Quick connect nozzles
12 Water inlet filter
13 Pressure and water volume regula-
tion
For engine details see engine manual.
English 3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read the operating instructions of
!
the engine manufacturer before
start-up and follow the safety instructions carefully.
WARNING
When using this product basic precautions should always be followed,
including the following:
! Read all the instructions before us-
ing the product.
! To reduce the risk of injury, close su-
pervision is necessary when a product is used near children.
! Know how to stop the product and
bleed pressures quickly. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls.
! Stay alert – watch what you are doing.
! Do not operate the product when fa-
tigued or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
! Keep operating area clear of all per-
sons.
! Do not overreach or stand on unsta-
ble support. Keep good footing and
balance at all times.
! Wear safety goggles.
! Follow the maintenance instructions
specified in the manual.
WARNING
Risk of Injection or Severe Injury to
Persons – Keep Clear of Nozzle –
Do Not Direct Discharge Stream At
Persons. This machine is to be used
only by qualified operators.
! High pressure jets can be dangerous
if misused. The jet must not be directed at persons, animals, electrical
devices, or the unit itself.
! Do not spray electrical connections,
electrical outlets or fixtures.
WARNING
Risk Of Explosion – Do not spray
flammable liquids.
! Do not use acids, alkaline, solvents,
or any flammable material in this
product. These products can cause
physical injuries to the operator and
irreversible damage to the machine.
WARNING
Gun Kicks Back – Hold with both
hands.
! The Trigger Gun Safety Lock pre-
vents the trigger from accidentally
being engaged. This safety feature
DOES NOT lock trigger in the ON
position.
CAUTION
Risk of Asphyxiation – Use this product only in a well ventilated area.
! Operate and fuel machine in a well
ventilated area, free of devices featuring an open pilot or flame such as
boilers, water heaters, etc.
CAUTION
Risk of Fire – Do not add fuel when
the product is operating.
! Do not operate if fuel has been
spilled. Instead, move the machine
to a different location and avoid creating sparks.
! The machine has hot surfaces which
can cause burns. Operate the unit in
a safe environment and away from
children.
! Do not touch hot surfaces or allow
accessories to contact hot surfaces.
! Do not allow the high pressure hose
to come into contact with the muffler
guard.
! Do not leave the machine running
unattended.
4 English
! Avoid tipping the machine on its
side.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WATER SUPPLY
(Cold Water Only)
CAUTION
When connecting the water inlet to
the water supply mains, local regulations of your water company must be
observed. In some areas the unit
must not be connected directly to the
public drinking water supply. This is
to ensure that there is no feedback of
chemicals into the water supply. Direct connection via a receiver tank or
backflow preventer, for example, is
permitted.
Dirt in the feed water will damage the
unit. To avoid this risk, we recommend fitting a water filter.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
" STEP 1:
Prior to initial startup, cut off tip of oil
reservior cap on the pump.
! Garden hose must be at least 5/8
inch in diameter.
! Flow rate of water supply must not
fall below 4.0 GPM (gallons per
minute).
! Flow rate can be determined by run-
ning 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.
! Always prevent debris from being
drawn into the unit by using a clean
water source.
! Do not operate pressure washer
without the water turned on.
" STEP 3:
Attach the handle to the frame of the
pressure washer. Align holes, insert
bolts, and tighten with knobs.
" STEP 2:
Prior to initial startup, put engine oil
(provided in bottle) in engine before
starting the engine.
For engine details see engine manual.
English 5
"
STEP 4:
Mount the gun/hose storage handle.
" STEP 5:
Fasten the rubber grommets in the
nozzle holder.
" STEP 6:
Place the quick connect nozzles in
the nozzle holder.
" STEP 7:
Attach the wand to the spray gun.
" STEP 8:
Pull the spring-loaded collar of the
wand back to insert your choice of
quick connect nozzle.
" STEP 9:
Release the collar and push the nozzle until the collar clicks.
WARNING
High pressure in nozzle area.
Risk of injury caused by improperly
locked nozzle.
! Make sure you hear a ‘click’ when in-
serting the nozzle tip into the wand.
! Pull the nozzle to make sure it is
seated properly before operating
your unit.
" STEP 10:
Attach the high pressure hose to the
spray gun.
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION
Do not run the engine with a high or low
oil level as this can cause engine damage.
If you have further questions regarding
the engine, please refer to the engine
manual included with the unit.
" STEP 1:
Check engine oil level. Oil level
should be level with the bottom of the
oil filler neck.
Be sure the machine is level when
checking the oil level. (Refer to the
engine’s operating manual for seasonal grades.).
We recommend that the oil be
changed after the first 5 hours of
use, then once every 50 hours.
" STEP 2:
Fill gas tank with unleaded gasoline.
Do not use leaded gasoline.
" STEP 3:
Connect the high pressure hose to
the unit’s high pressure outlet.
" STEP 4:
Connect garden hose to unit’s water
inlet.
" STEP 5:
Connect garden hose to the cold water source and turn water on completely.
Do not use hot water.
" STEP 6:
Unlock the trigger gun safety lock.
Trigger the gun to eliminate trapped
air, wait for a steady flow of water to
emerge from the spray nozzle.
" STEP 7:
Initial Start:
Open fuel valve.
Set choke lever to the CLOSED position.
Starting a Warm engine:
If the engine has run out of fuel, set
choke lever to the CLOSED position
after refueling. If the engine has not
run out of fuel, leave the choke lever
in the OPEN position.
" STEP 8:
Move the engine stop switch to the
ON position.
For engine details see engine manual.
" STEP 9:
Pull the starter handle.
If the engine fails to start after
3 pulls, squeeze the trigger gun to
release pressure, and repeat step.
After the engine warms up enough to
run smoothly, move choke rod to
OFF position.
" STEP 10:
Adjust working pressure and water
volume by turning (continuously variable) the pressure- and water volume regulation.
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USING THE ACCESSORIES
Quick connect nozzles
The color-coded quick connect nozzles
provide a wide array of spray widths
from 0° to 65° and are easily accessible
when placed in the convenient rubber
nozzle grommets.
0° spray angle = Red nozzle
For particularly stubborn accumulation
of grime. Not recommended for soft
materials like sidings, decks, painted
surfaces, cars.
15° spray angle = yellow nozzle
For dirt accumulation over a surface.
25° spray angle = Green nozzle
For dirt accumulation over a large surface.
40° spray angle = White nozzle
For moderate dirt accumulation over a
large surface.
65° spray angle = Black detergent
nozzle
For operating with detergent or cleaning
with negligible pressure.
WARNING
High pressure in nozzle area.
Risk of injury caused by improperly
locked nozzle.
! Make sure you hear a ‘click’ when in-
serting the nozzle tip into the wand.
! Pull the nozzle to make sure it is
seated properly before operating
your unit.
(See ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 8 and Step 9)
WARNING
To avoid serious injury never point
spray nozzle at yourself, other persons or animals.
8 English
WORKING WITH DETERGENTS
Detergents can only be applied with
the black detergent nozzle.
" STEP 1:
Install the black detergent nozzle for
detergent application (will work at
low pressure only).
" STEP 2:
Adjust the filter end of the detergent
tube for light (- / 0.15 gpm), or maximum (+ / 0.20 gpm)
" STEP 3:
Fill a container with Kärcher detergent. Place the filter end of detergent
suction tube into the container.
" STEP 4:
With the engine running, 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 5:
Always draw fresh water through
the detergent suction tube when the
cleaning job is done, to rinse/flush
any remaining detergents from the
injection system.
For best results see Cleaning Tips
for specific information on how to
clean different surfaces.
Detergents
CAUTION
This unit has been designed for use with
cleaning detergents recommended by
the manufacturer. The use of other cleaning detergents may affect the operation of
the machine and void the warranty.
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.
Use of these items will void the warranty.
Always Use Kärcher Detergent for
Best Results
Kärcher biodegradable detergents are
specially formulated to protect the environment 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 Kärcher Detergents, check
your retailer or visit our website:
www.karcher-usa.com/home
English 9
Kärcher detergents available in
USA / Mexico:
– All Purpose & Vehicle Cleaner
– Exterior House Cleaner
– Deck & Patio Cleaner
– Heavy Duty Degreaser
TAKING A BREAK ..five minutes or more
" STEP 1:
Move the engine stop switch to the
OFF position.
For engine details see engine manual.
SHUTTING DOWN & CLEAN-UP
" STEP 1:
Remove detergent suction tube from
container and insert into 1 gallon of
fresh water.
Siphon water at low pressure for one
minute.
Kärcher detergents available in
Canada:
– Vehicle Wash
– Pressure Wash
– Deck & Fence Wash
– Degreaser
" STEP 2:
Release trigger and engage gun
safety lock.
" STEP 5:
Release trigger and engage gun
safety lock.
" STEP 2:
Move the engine stop switch to the
OFF position.
Close the fuel valve.
" STEP 3:
Turn off the water source.
" STEP 4:
Press trigger to release water pressure.
10 English
" STEP 6:
Disconnect the garden hose from
the water inlet on the unit.
" STEP 7:
Disconnect the high pressure hose
from the high pressure outlet.
WINTERIZING AND LONG-TERM STORAGE
" 1: Disconnect all water connections.
" 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.
" 4: Store the machine and accesso-
ries in a room which does not reach
freezing temperatures. DO NOT
store near furnace or other sources
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Kärcher pump
Initial Use
All Kärcher pumps ship with oil already
inside direct from the factory. There is
no need to add oil.
Pump Inspection
You should routinely make a visual inspection of the pressure washer’s pump.
If you notice oil leaking around the pump
seals, you should take the pressure
washer to a Kärcher-Authorized Service
Center for repair. (You can locate a service center in your area online at
www.karcher-usa.com/service.)
Pump Maintenance
We recomend that the oil be changed
after the first 100 hours of use, then
once every 500 hours.
Recommended oil for pump:
Use only Karcher pump oil, order number 6.288-050.0.
Oil Change for pump
Drain the pump oil when the pump is warm.
Warm oil drains quickly and completely.
" 1: Place a suitable container below
the pump to catch the used oil.
of heat as it may dry out the pump
seals.
CAUTION
Failure to follow the above directions
will result in damage to the pump assembly and accessories.
Kärcher also recommends the regular
practice of using a pump protector like
“Kärcher Pump Guard” to help during
storage in the winter months.
" 2: Remove the oil fill cap, the oil
drain plug and washer.
" 3: Allow the used oil to drain com-
pletely, then reinstall the drain plug
and washer. Tighten the drain plug
securely.
Please dispose of used oil in a man-
ner that is compatible with the envi-
ronment. We suggest you take used
oil in a sealed container to your local
recycling center. Do not throw it in a
trash or pour it on the ground or
down a drain.
" 4: With the pump in a level position,
fill in 0.350 liters (11.84 Fl.oz) of rec-
ommended oil. Do not overfill.
Notice: Running the pump with a low
oil level can cause pump damage.
" 5: Reinstall the oil fill cap securely.
Engine
Carry out maintenance tasks for the engine according to the specifications provided in the operating instructions
provided by engine manufacturer.
English 11
CLEANING TIPS
Deck Cleaning
(with or without detergent). Pre-rinse
deck and surrounding area with fresh
water. If using Kärcher Deck Wash, 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.
몇 CAUTION
Do not use Dirtblaster spray nozzle
on wood surface as it may cause
damage.
sweeping motion keeping the spray
nozzle approximately 6 inches from the
cleaning surface.
몇 CAUTION
Do not use Dirtblaster spray nozzle
on siding as it may cause damage.
Cement Patios, Brick and Stone
(with or without detergent). Pre-rinse
cleaning surface with fresh water. If using Kärcher Pressure Wash or Degreaser, 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. For
removing extremely stubborn stains,
use the Dirtblaster Nozzle.
House Siding
(with or without detergent). Pre-rinse
cleaning surface with fresh water. If using Kärcher Pressure Wash, 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 13 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
12 English
Cars, Boats & Motorcycles
(with or without detergent). Pre-rinse
vehicle with fresh water. If using Kärcher Touchless Vehicle Wash, 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.
몇 CAUTION
Do not use Dirtblaster spray nozzle
on vehicles as it may cause damage.
sults, clean from top to bottom and from
left to right.
몇 CAUTION
Do not use Dirtblaster spray nozzle
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 Pressure Wash or Degreaser, 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.
몇 CAUTION
Do not use Dirtblaster spray nozzle
on cloth, plastic or other sensitive
surfaces as it may cause damage.
Patio & Lawn Furniture
(with or without detergent). Pre-rinse
furniture and surrounding area with
fresh water. If using Pressure Wash, apply to surface at low pressure. Allow
Pressure Wash to remain on surface 13 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 re-
Recommendations
! Before cleaning any surface an in-
conspicuous 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.
! When using on surfaces which might
come in contact with food, flush sur-
faces with plenty of drinking water.
! For additional cleaning tips, visit our
website at www.karcher-usa.com/
home
Optional Accessories
Optional accessories are available to
further enhance your cleaning capabilities. Please check our website
www.karcher-usa.com/home for pricing
and up-to-date information.
English 13
TROUBLESHOOTING
CAUTION
Remove the spark plug cable to prevent
accidental ignition of the engine before
making any repair.
Symptom Cause Solution
Engine will not
start
Unit does not
reach high
pressure.
Output pressure
varies high and
low.
No gasoline Fill gas tank
Choke is not in the correct
position.
Water pressure built up in the
machine.
For additional engine problems refer to the engine manual.
Diameter of garden hose is too
small.
Water supply is restricted. Check garden hose for kinks,
Not enough inlet water supply. Turn water on full force.
Water inlet filter is clogged. Remove filter and rinse out in
Black detergent nozzle is
attached.
Not enough inlet water supply. Turn water on full force.
Pump is sucking air. Check that hoses and fittings
Water inlet filter is clogged. Remove filter and rinse out in
Spray nozzle is obstructed. Blow out or remove debris
Calcified gun, hose or spray
wand.
Slide choke lever out to
closed position.
Squeeze the trigger to release
the pressure.
Replace with a 5/8 inch or
larger garden hose.
leaks and blockage.
Check garden hose for kinks,
leaks or blockage.
warm water.
Remove black detergent
nozzle and attach high
pressure nozzle
Check garden hose for kinks,
leaks or blockage.
are air tight. Turn off machine
and purge pump by squeezing trigger gun until a steady
flow of water emerges
through the nozzle.
warm water.
with a fine needle.
Run distilled vinegar through
detergent suction tube.
14 English
Symptom Cause Solution
No detergent. Detergent suction tube not prop-
Check connection.
erly connected to the machine.
Detergent is too thick. Dilute detergent, for best re-
sults use Kärcher detergent.
Filter on detergent suction tube
is clogged.
Detergent filter valve is at lowest
setting.
Damaged or clogged detergent
suction tube.
A high pressure nozzle is
attached.
Run warm water through filter
to remove debris.
Set detergent filter valve to a
higher setting.
Remove obstruction or re-
place detergent suction tube.
Replace with black detergent
nozzle.
Spray nozzle is obstructed. Blow out or remove debris
with fine needle.
Garden hose
connection leaks.
Spray wand
leaks.
Loose fittings. Tighten fittings.
Missing/worn rubber washer. Insert new washer.
Spray wand not properly
attached.
Turn the swivel nut of the gun
clockwise until connection is
tight.
Broken o-ring or plastic insert. Call Customer Support
Pump is noisy. Pump is sucking air. Check that hoses and fittings
are air tight. Turn off machine
and purge pump by squeez-
ing 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. Tighten fittings.
Water seals are damaged or
Call Customer Support
worn.
Thermal protection device is
activated.
Thermal protection device will
auto reset. Do not run pump
for more than 5 minutes with-
out spraying.
Oil Drip. Oil seals are damaged or worn. Call Customer Support
If you encounter any additional difficulties not listed, please call for help or visit
our website.
USA: 1-800-537-4129
www.karcher-usa.com/home
Canada: 1-800-465-4980
www.karcher-canada.com
Mexico: 01-800-024-13-13
www.karcher.com.mx
English 15
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