K 3.97 M
High Pressure
Washer Operator
Manual
Overview ....................................... 2
Precautions ............................... 2-4
Assembly Instructions ...............4-5
Operating Instructions ............... 5-6
GFCI Instructions ......................... 6
Using the Accessories .................. 6
Working with Detergents.............. 7
Shut Down and Clean-Up ............ 8
Taking a Break ............................. 8
Winterizing and Long-Term
Storage ......................................... 8
Maintenance Instructions ............. 9
Cleaning Tips ...........................9-10
Optional Cleaning Accessories .. 10
Troubleshooting..................... 11-12
Specifications
Operating pressure 1600 PSI
Water volume 1.6 GPM
Voltage 120 V
Amp draw 14 AMPS
Part No. 1.423-105.0
In USA call:
1-800-537-4129
or visit our website:
www.karcher-usa.com
Manual Part No. 5.960-771.0 01/03EN
Model K 3.97 M 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 filter and garden hose
connector
6. Transport handle
7. Accessory compartment
8. Detergent suction tube with filter
9. High pressure outlet
10. On/Off switch
11. Spray wand extension (must be
used for attaching accessories)
12. Wash brush
13. Quattro-nozzle
2
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.
NeverNever
Never operate pressure washer without the water turned on
NeverNever
Never use hot water
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS – Read First!
2 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 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.
• Keep operating area clear of all persons.
• 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.
Extension Cords
Use a sufficient gauge: Up to 25 ft = 12/3
AWG; 25 to 50 ft = 10/3 AWG. Use only
extension cords that are intended 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
disconnecting the product from the extension
cord. If you are using an extension cord, it
should always be completely unwound from
the cable drum.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
(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 of electric shock. If
power is interrupted in the line, the GFCI will
automatically re-close 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.
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
equipment-grounding 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 produc
t.
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
PRECAUTIONS
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.
• 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!
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
4
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