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 1400 PSI
Max. Water volume 1.7 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.
5.959-911 / 04.01
OVERVIEW High Pressure Washer
.
.
2
Machine includes
1 Detergent filter and suction tube
2 On/Off switch
3 High pressure outlet
4 Water inlet
5 Quick connect adapter male
6 Quick connect adapter female
7 Rotary nozzle
8 High/Low pressure nozzle
9 Cleaning brush
10 Trigger gun safety lock
11 Trigger gun with high pressure hose
12 Trigger gun holder
13 Mobile adapter bracket (qty. 2)
14 Package of 6 screws
15 Hose/cord caddy
16 Handle
17 Power cord
NEVER!
Never point nozzle at people or animals.
Never drink alcohol or use drugs while operating this equipment.
Never operate while standing in water.
Never touch plug with wet hands.
Never let electrical connections rest in water.
Never operate pressure washer without the water turned on
Never use hot water
THE BEST ANTI-FREEZE PROTECTION IS PROVIDED BY
STORING THE MACHINE IN SHELTERED SPACE
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS – Read First!
PRODUCING 1400 PSI. TO AVOID
.
ENTS RATED LESS THAN 1400 PSI
Safety Warnings
When using this product basic precautions
should 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 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.
WARNING
• DO NOT USE WITH FLAMMABLE
LIQUIDS AND TOXIC CHEMICALS
• INJECTION HAZARD: EQUIPMENT CAN
CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IF THE SPRAY
PENETRATES THE SKIN. DO NOT POINT
THE GUN AT ANYONE OR ANY PART OF
THE BODY. IN CASE OF PENETRATION
SEEK MEDICAL AID IMMEDIATELY.
• THIS SYSTEM IS CAPABLE OF
RUPTURE AND INJURY, DO NOT
OPERATE THIS PUMP WITH COMPONWORKING PRESSURE (INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO SPRAY GUNS,
HOSE AND HOSE CONNECTIONS).
• BEFORE SERVICING, CLEANING OR
REMOVAL ANY PARTS, SHUT OFF
POWER AND RELIEVE PRESSURE.
Extension Cords
Use a sufficient gauge:
Up to 25 ft = 12/2 AWG:
25 to 50 ft =10/2 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.
This Product is double
insulated
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 “DOUBLEINSULATION” or “DOUBLE-INSULATED”.
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.
3
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 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 2 Insert each of the four long
screws and tighten.
Step 4 Insert each of the two short
screws and tighten.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1
Connect the high pressure hose to the
unit’s high pressure outlet.
Step 3
Connect garden hose to unit’s water inlet
using the quick connect adapter.
Step 2
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 4
Connect garden hose to the cold water
source and turn water on completely.
Step 5
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).
NOTE: This unit is equipped with a
pressure switch. The motor only starts up
when the trigger on the gun is pulled.
Step 6
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.
USING THE ACCESSORIES
dirt and stains from finished surfaces. Use
Wash brush
High/low pressure nozzle
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.
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.
This brush is ideal for removing stubborn
with detergents only.
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
Multipurpose Cleaner
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 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.
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.
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
•
For best results see Cleaning
Tips on pages 9 & 10 for specific
information on how to clean
different surfaces.
7
SHUTTING DOWN & CLEAN-UP
Step 1
Remove detergent suction
tube from jug and insert
into 1 gallon (5 L) of fresh
water. Siphon water at
low pressure for one
minute.
8
Step 5
Disconnect the garden hose
from the water inlet on the unit.
Step 2
Turn the switch to
off (O) position and
unplug cord from
outlet.
Step 6
Disconnect the high pressure hose from the high
pressure outlet and engage the gun safety lock.
Step 3
Turn off the water
source.
TAKING A BREAK... five minutes or more
Step 1
Engage gun
safety lock.
Step 4
Press trigger to
release water
pressure.
Step 2
Turn pressure
washer to off (O)
position.
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 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.
Caution: Failure to follow the above
directions will result in damage to the
pump assembly and accessories.
CLEANING TIPS
(with or without Karcher Pressure Wash Detergent)
fresh water. If using Pressure Wash, place
25 square feet. Allow Pressure Wash to
If using Pressure Wash, place detergent
Pressure Wash to remain on surface 1-3
Deck Cleaning
Pre-rinse deck and surrounding area with
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
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.
House Siding
(with or without detergent)
Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water.
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
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
siding as it may cause damage.
Cement Patios,
Brick and Stone
(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.
Caution: Do not use rotary nozzle on
vehicles as it may cause damage.
9
CLEANING TIPS – continued
• Underbody Wand
• Pipe Drain Cleaner
• Water Siphon Kit
• 25’ Extension Hose
Barbecue Grills, Outdoor
Power Equipment &
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.
Caution: Do not use rotary nozzle on
cloth, plastic or other sensitive surfaces
as it may cause damage.
10
OPTIONAL CLEANING
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.
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.
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
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.
• Sandblasting Attachment
TROUBLESHOOTING
Disconnect the machine from the power source before making any repair.
Symptom
Motor will not start
Unit does not reach high
pressure.
Output pressure varies
high and 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 supply
adequate 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.
Solution
Turn switch to the “ON” (I) position
Plug in power cord.
Replace extension cord with either
a 25 ft. 12/2 gauge cord or a 50
ft. 10/2 gauge cord.
Try a different outlet.
Reset breaker (power supply) or
ground fault circuit interrupter.
Replace with a 3/4 inch garden
hose.
Check garden hose for kinks,
leaks and blockage.
Open water source full force.
Remove filter and rinse out in
warm water.
Turn spray wand to high pressure
position.
Turn water on full force. Check
garden hose for kinks, leaks or
blockage.
11
Pump is sucking air.
Water inlet filter is clogged.
Discharge nozzle is obstructed.
Calcified gun, hose or spray wand.
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.
Remove filter and rinse out in
warm water.
Blow out or remove debris with a
fine needle.
Run distilled vinegar through
detergent suction tube.
TROUBLESHOOTING – continued
Symptom
No detergent.
Garden hose
connection leaks.
Spray wand or Spray
12
wand extension leaks.
Cause
Detergent suction tube not properly
connected to the machine.
Detergent is too thick.
Filter on detergent suction tube is
clogged.
Damaged or clogged detergent
suction tube.
Spray wand is in high pressure
position.
Discharge nozzle is obstructed.
Loose fittings.
Missing/worn rubber washer.
Spray wand not properly attached.
Spray wand extension not properly
attached.
Solution
Check connection.
Dilute detergent.
Run warm water through filter to
remove debris.
Remove obstruction or replace
detergent suction tube.
Turn spray wand tip to low
pressure position.
Blow out or remove debris with a
fine needle.
Tighten fittings.
Insert new washer.
Insert the spray wand into the
spray wand extension. Carefully
press in against the spring tension
and twist into the locked position.
Slide the spray wand extension
into the gun. Turn the wand
collar clockwise onto the gun
threads until tight.
Call service center and order
repair kit.
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.
Check that all fittings are tight.
Call service center.
Call service center.
1-800-537-4129
Pump is noisy.
Water leaks from pump
(up to 10 drops per minute
is permissible).
Oil Drips.
Broken o-ring or plastic insert.
Pump is sucking air.
Loose fittings.
Water seals are damaged or worn.
Oil seals are damaged or worn.
If you encounter any additional difficulties not listed,
please call our service center at 1-800-465-4980 for help.
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