Karcher K 3.81 M User Manual
K 3.81 M
English 2
Español 17
Français 33
5.961-505.0 12/04
HIGH PRESSURE WASHER OPERATOR MANUAL
Overview 3
Important Safety Instructions 4-5
Assembly Instructions 6
Operating Instructions 7
GFCI instructions 8
Using the Accessories 8
Working with Detergents 9
Shut Down 10
Taking a Break 10
Winterizing and Long-Term Storage11
Care and Maintenance Instructions 11
Cleaning Tips 11-12
Optional Cleaning Accessories 13-14
Troubleshooting 15-16
Specifications
Operating pressure 1650 PSI
Water volume 1.6 GPM
Detergent suction 0.07-0.08 GPM
Amp draw 14 AMPS
Voltage 120 V
Safety Alert Symbols
DANGER
indifies ’’an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury.’
WARNING
’
indifies ’’a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or injury.’’
CAUTION
indifies ’’a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury’’ or in property
damage incidents.
Part No. 1.423-954.0
Serial no.
Kärcher Customer Support USA
Call: 1-800-537-4129 for help or visit
our website: www.karcher-usa.com
2 English
MODEL OVERVIEW
Item Description:
1 Power cord with Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI)
2 Trigger gun
3 Trigger gun safety lock
4 High pressure hose
5 Water inlet with garden hose con-
nector (not shown)
6 Transport handle
7 Power cord holder
8 Detergent suction tube with filter
9 High pressure outlet
10 On/OFF switch
11 Vario Spray wand
12 Dirtblaster® (Rotating Spray Wand)
13 Accessory compartment
CAUTION
Follow the maintenance instructions
specified in the manual.
This machine has been designed for
use with cleaning detergents by the manufacturer. The use of other cleaning
detergents may affect the operation of
the machine and void the warranty.
For household use only !
English 3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING!
When using this product basic
precautions should always be followed,
including the following:
! Read all the instructions before
using the product.
!
To reduce the risk of injury, close supervision is neccessary 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 influen ce 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.
! Follow the maintenance instructions
specified in the manual.
! This Product Is Provided With A
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Built Into The Power Cord Plug.
If Replacement Of The Plug Or Cord
Is Needed, Use Only Identical Replacement Parts.
! Risk of Injection or Injury to persons
- Do not direct discharge stream at
persons.
! High pressure jets can be dangerous
if subject to misuse. The je t must not
be directed at persons, animals,
electrical devices, or the machine
itself.
! Wear safety goggles.
! Do not use acids and solvents in this
product. These products can cause
physical injuries to the operator and
irreversible damage to the machine.
! 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 PRE-
VENTS 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 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 accordance
with all local codes and ordinances.
DANGER
Improper connection of the equipmentgrounding 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.
4 English
GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTER-
RUPTER (GFCI) PROTECTION
This product is supplied with a Ground
Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) built into
the power cord plug. This device provides additional protection from the risk o f
electric shock. If power is interrupted in
the line, the GFCI will automatically reclose the circuit to the load after power
is restored. Depending on the GFCI model, it may be necessary to manually
operate the reset button to restore power to the GFCI load circuit. If replacement of the plug or cord is needed use
identical replacement parts.
EXTENSION CORDS
! Use only 3-wire extention cords that
have 3-prong grounding-type plugs
and 3-pole cord connectors that accept the plug from the product.
Up to 25 ft = 12/3 AWG;
25 to 50 ft = 10/3 AWG.
! Use only extension cords that are in-
tended for outdoor use. These extension cords are identified by the
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 dis-
connecting the product from the extension cord.
! If you are using an extension cord, it
should always be completely unwound from the cable drum.
WARNING
To reduce the risc of electrocution, keep
all connections dry and off the ground.
Do not touch plug with wet hands.
WATER SUPPLY (COLD WATER
ONLY)
CAUTION
Dirt in the feed water will damage the
unit. To avoid this risk, we recommend
fitting a water filter.
! Water hose must be at least 5/8 inch
in diameter.
! Flow rate of water supply must not
fall below 2 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.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS !
English 5
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
" STEP 1: Mount transport handle.
" STEP 2: Attach the high pressure
hose to the trigger gun.
Pull out the locking slide from the
right side of the trigger gun handle
(A), and insert the small end of the
high pressure hose into place (B).
Push the locking slide back into the
trigger gun (C) to lock the hose in position (D).
6 English
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
" STEP 1: Connect the high pressure
hose to the unit’s high pressure outlet.
" STEP 2: Insert the spray wand of
your choice to the trigger gun. Press
in against the spring tension and
twist into locked position.
" STEP 4: Connect garden hose to the
cold water source and turn water on
completely. Plug the power cord into
the power outlet.
" STEP 5: Unlock the safety lock (A).
Trigger the gun (B) to eliminate trapped air, wait for a steady flow of water to emerge from the spray nozzle.
" STEP 3: Connect garden hose to
unit’s water inlet.
" STEP 6: Turn on the high pressure
washer (I).
The motor starts only if the trigger
of the gun is pulled and shuts off
when the trigger is released.
English 7
GFCI INSTRUCTIONS
" STEP 1: Plug the Ground Fault Cir-
cuit Interrupter (GFCI) into a working
outlet.
" STEP 2: Press ’’TEST’’, then press
’’RESET’’ to assure proper connection to power.
Note: The actual appearance of the
GFCI may be different from this illustration.
USING THE ACCESSORIES
WARNING
To avoid serious injury never point
spray nozzle at yourself, other persons or animals.
Vario Power Spray Wand
! The Vario Power Spray Wand allows
you to adjust the cleaning pressure.
To clean at maximum pressure, the
wand must be positioned to the high
pressure setting (Max.).
For lower pressure turn the wand
collar in the minus (Min) direction.
To apply detergent, the wand must
be positioned to the lower pressure
setting (Min.).
Dirtblaster®
! This nozzle features a 0º pencil jet
which rotates 360º for maximum dirt
cutting action, effectively increasing
cleaning performance up to 50%.
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.
8 English
WORKING WITH DETERGENTS
Detergents can only be applied at
low pressure (Min).
" STEP 1: Install the Vario Power
Spray Wand. Set the wand to the lower pressure setting (Min).
" STEP 2: Fill a container with Kärcher
Ready to use detergent. Place the
filter end of detergent suction tube
into a container.
" STEP 3: Turn on the pressure was-
her (1). Pull trigger to operate unit:
Liquid detergent is drawn into the
unit and mixed with water (detergent
suction 0.07 - 0. 08 GPM). Apply detergent to work area. Do not allow
detergent to dry on surface.
For best results see Cleaning Tips on
pages 11 & 12 for specific information on how to clean different surfaces.
Always Use Kärcher Detergent for
Best Results
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 our service center for
help.
The following Kärcher detergents are
available:
One Gallon ready to use
! Vehicle Wash
! All Purpose Cleaner
! Deck Wash
! Degreaser
! House Wash
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.
English 9
SHUTTING DOWN
" STEP 1: Remove detergent suction
tube from container and insert into
1 gallon of fresh water. Siphon water
at low pressure for one minute.
STEP 2: Turn the switch to OFF (0) position and unplug cord from outlet.
STEP 3: Turn off the water source.
STEP 4: Press trigger to release water
pressure.
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.
STEP 7: Release trigger (A) and engage gun safety lock (B).
TAKING A BREAK ..five minutes or more
STEP 1: Release trigger (A) and enga-
ge gun safety lock (B).
STEP 2: Turn pressure washer to off
(O) position.
10 English
B
A
WINTERIZING AND LONG-TERM STORAGE
" 1: Disconnect all water connections.
" 2: Turn on the machine for a few se -
conds, 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
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.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Cleaning the water inlet filter Maintenance
Pull out the water inlet filter with flatnose pliers and rinse out in warm water.
The unit is maintenance-free.
CLEANING TIPS
Deck Cleaning House Siding
(with or without detergent)
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 36 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
(with or without detergent).
aning 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 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.
Pre-rinse cle-
English 11
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
!
When using on surfaces which might
come in contact with food, flush surfaces with plenty of drinking water.
12 English
OPTIONAL CLEANING ACCESSORIES
Optional cleaning accessories are
available to further enhance your cleaning capabilities. These accessories
are accurate as of the printing date of
this manual. Please check our website
http://home.karcher-usa.com for pricing
and up-to-date information.
Pump Guard
Specially formulated to protect your
pressure washer from freezing, corrosion and premature wear. The Pump
Guard also adds lubrication to valves
and seals to prevent sticking. Highly recommended for all Karcher pressure
washers!
Part No. 9.556-999.0
Water Pumping Kit
Attach this accessory to your pressure
washer to quickly pump large quantities
of water out of a standing source, such
as a barrel or bucket. Fits most Karcher
pressure washers up to 2300 PSI.
Part No. 2.637-214.0
33 Ft. Extension High-Pressure Hose
Tired of moving around your pressure
washer when you clean? Extend your
working range by 33 feet with this e xtension hose. Fits most Karcher pressure
washers up to 2300 PSI.
Part No. 6.389-092.0
Underbody/Gutter Spray Wand
An angled spray lance that is ideal for
cleaning tirewalls,roof gutters and ot her
hard-to-reach areas. 30" long assembled. An indispensable tool to add to
your cleaning arsenal. Easily attaches
to most Karcher pressure washers up to
2300 PSI. (bayonet)
Part No. 2.640-741.0
Flexible Spray Wand
Having trouble reaching areas at odd
angles? The Karcher Flexible Spray
Wand swivels 360° to easily clean difficult-to-reach areas. Features high and
low-pressure jet settings, adjustable
right at the nozzle. Fits most Karcher
pressure washers up to 2300 PSI.
(bayonet)
Part No. 4.760-265.0
66" Extension Wand (Four piece)
Need to clean second story windows or
other high areas? Increase the reach of
your pressure washer by up to 66" with
this extension kit. Includes 4 aluminum
sections for variable length. 66" fully assembled. Fits most Karcher pressure
washers up to 2300 PSI. (bayonet)
Part No. 2.640-746.0
Rotating Wash Brush (bayonet)
For more effortless cleaning of all
smooth surfaces (painted, glass and
plastic) try Karcher's Rotating Wash
Brush. Use it on your automobile, house
siding or windows. The water pressure
from your pressure washer causes the
inner brushes to gently spin, making
your cleaning job much easier. The angle of brush head is adjustable to help
you reach difficult areas. Excellent for
the application of detergent. A musthave accessory designed for Karcher
pressure washers up to 2300 PSI.
(bayonet)
Part No. 2.640-743.0
English 13
Soft Clean Washing Brush
Made with soft bristles that will not harm
painted surfaces. Easily attaches directly to the trigger gun. Ideal for stubborn
dirt on cars, boats, patio furniture and
other surfaces. Great for applying detergent. Fits most Karcher pressure washers up to 2300 PSI. (bayonet)
Part No. 2.640-740.0
25 ft. Pipe Cleaning Kit (bayonet)
Need to clean blocked pipes, drains or
downspouts? Karcher's pipe cleaning
kit is the answer! The pipe cleaner propels itself forward while simultaneously
flushing out debris. For example, insert
the cleaning nozzle in the base of a
downspout, pull the trigger on the pressure washer gun and watch as the
nozzle shoots out leaves and other debris while climbing upward. Connects
directly to the trigger gun of most Karcher pressure washers up to 2300 PSI.
(bayonet)
Part No. 2.640-747.0
Wet Sandblasting Kit (bayonet)
Why spend hours stripping old paint and
rust by hand using harsh chemicals?
Let Karcher's Wet Sandblasting Kit do
the work! Attach the kit to your pressure
washer, add abrasive material and attack the rust and paint with our eco-friendly alternative. Fits most Karcher
pressure washers up to 2300 PSI.
(bayonet)
Part No. 2.638-792.0
Detergent Foamer Attachment
cher pressure washers up to 2300 PSI.
(bayonet)
Part No. 6.964-507.0
T-Racer Wide Area Surface Cleaner
For cleaning surfaces such as patios,
terraces and driveways without splashback, there is no better solution than
Karcher's T-Racer. It save s ti me by cle aning a 12" wide area gently as it hovers, providing consistent, streak -f re e
cleaning. When you finish cleaning the
patio and driveway, remove the wand
and use the handle to clean garage
doors and other vertical surfaces. Includes two height-adjustable nozzles
which spin at high speed for optimum
results. Our top selling accessory for
Karcher pressure washers up to 2300
PSI. (bayonet)
Part No. 2.640-508.0
These accessories are accurate as of
the printing date of this manual. Please
check our website http://home.kar ch er usa.com for pricing and up-to-date information.
Kärcher Customer Support USA
Call: 1-800-537-4129 for help or visit
our website: www.karcher-usa.com
Ideal for applications which require a
thick foam. Simply fill the resevoir cup
with liquid pressure washer detergent to
generate a foam spray. Connects directly to the trigger gun. Fits most Kar-
14 English
TROUBLESHOOTING
CAUTION
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.
Power cord is not plugged in. Plug in power cord.
Extension cord is too long. Replace extension cord with
Extension cord is not proper
gauge.
Extension cord is damaged.
Electrical outlet does not supply adequate power.
Tripped circuit breaker. Switch off pressure washer.
Unit does not reach
high pressure.
Output pressure varies high and low.
Diameter of garden hose is
too small.
Water supply is restricted. Check garden hose for kinks,
Not enough inlet water supply.
Water inlet filter is clogged. Remove filter and rinse out in
Spray wand is in low pressure position.
Not enough inlet water supply.
Pump is sucking air. Check that hoses and fittings
Water inlet filter is clogged. Remove filter and rinse out in
Discharge nozzle is obstruc-
ted.
Calcified gun, hose or spray
wand.
Turn switch to the “ON” (I)
position
either a 25 ft. 12/3 gauge
cord or a 50 ft. 10/3 gauge
cord.
Try a different outlet.
The reset will be automatically, for that wait that the temperature goes down.
Replace with a 5/8 inch garden hose.
leaks and blockage.
Open water source full force.
warm water.
Turn spray wand to high
pressure position.
Turn water on full force.
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.
Blow out or remove debris
with a fine needle.
Run distilled vinegar through
detergent suction tube.
English 15
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