K 395 M
High Pressure Washer
Operator Manual
Overview.........................................2
Important Precautions .............. 3 - 4
Assembly Instructions ....................4
Operating Instructions ....................5
Using the Accessories ...................6
Working with Detergents ................ 7
Shutting Down & Clean-Up ............8
Taking a Break ................................8
Winterizing and Long-Term
Storage............................................8
Care and Maintenance
Instructions .....................................9
Cleaning Tips...........................9 - 1 0
Optional Cleaning Accessories ...10
Troubleshooting.................... 11 - 1 2
Specifications
Operating pressure .......... 1500 PSI
Water volume .....................1.7 GPM
Voltage..................................... 120 V
Amp draw .......................... 14 AMPS
Part No. 1.141-966.0
In USA call:
1-800-537-4129
or visit our website:
www.karcher-usa.com
Manual Part No. 5.961-049.0 08/03
Model K 395 M OVERVIEW
Item Description
1. Vario Spray w and
2. Rotating spray wand
3. T rigger gun
4. Trigger gun safety lock
5. High pressure hose
6. Mobile adapter bracket (qty. 2)
7. Power cord & GFCI
8. Hose/cord caddy
9. T rigger gun holder
10.Detergent tank
11. On/Off switch
12.Detergent filter & suction tube
13.High pressure outlet
14.Water inlet
15.Package of 6 screws
(not pictured)
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.
• T o reduce the risk of electrocution, keep
all connections dry and off the ground.
Do not touch plug with wet hands.
• The Trigger Gun Safety Loc k PREVENTS
the trigger from accidentally being
engaged. This saf ety feature DOES NO T
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 e xtension cords are identified b y
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. K eep cord awa y 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 de vice 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
• Never use the pressure washer to draw
• Always prevent debris from being drawn
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
4
exceed 104°F/40°C.
in water contaminated with solvents, e.g.
paint thinners, gasoline, oil, etc.
into the unit by using a clean water source.
Step 1
Attach one adapter bracket to
pressure washer by aligning
holes on adapter bracket with
posts on the pressure washer as
shown. Tighten the two screws.
Step 2
Place detergent tank between
adapter brackets as shown.
Attach second adapter
bracket.
Step 4
Pull out the locking slide from the right side of
the trigger gun handle, and insert the small
end of the high pressure hose into place. Push
the locking slide back into the trigger gun to
lock the hose in position.
Step 3
Attach handle onto top of
adapter brackets. Press down
to lock. Tighten with screws
as shown.
Note: Hose/cord caddy and
trigger gun holder must be
on opposite sides
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 into the
trigger gun. Press in against the spring
tension and twist into the locked position.
5
Step 3
Connect garden hose to unit’s water inlet.
Step 5
Plug the power cord into the power outlet.
Unlock the lock of the trigger gun. Trigger the
gun to eliminate trapped air, wait f or a steady
flow of water to emerge from the spray
nozzle.
Step 4
Connect garden hose to the cold water
source and turn water on completely .
Step 6
T urn 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.
GFCI INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1
Plug the Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI) into a
working outlet.
Step 2
If the GFCI light
glows, press the “Test” button
until the light goes out.
Step 3
Press the
“Reset” button to restore
power to the washer.
USING THE ACCESSORIES
Vario spray wand
The Var io spray wand allows you to adjust the cleaning pressure. To clean at maximum
pressure, the Vario wand must be positioned to the high pressure setting (+).
To apply detergent, the wand must be positioned to the low pressure setting (-).
6
For lower pressure
turn wand collar in the
minus (–) direction.
For higher
pressure turn
wand collar in the
plus (+) direction.
Rotating spray wand
This wand features a 0º pencil jet which rotates 360º for maximum dirt cutting action,
effectively increasing cleaning performance up to 50%. This wand 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
Detergents can only be applied at low pressure (-).
For best
results see
Cleaning
Tips on pages 9
& 10 for specific
information on how to
clean different
surfaces.
Always Use Karcher
Step 1
Install the V ario spra y wand into the trigger
gun. Set the Vario spray wand to the low
pressure setting (–) by turning the wand
collar. The wand must be set in the low
pressure (–) position to apply detergents.
Step 2
Fill the detergent tank with Kärcher
detergent. Place the filter end of detergent
suction tube into the detergent tank
Detergents for Best Results.
Karcher biodegradable detergents are“specially
formulated to protect the environment and your
pressure washer. Special fo rmula 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:
www.karcher-usa.com
The following Karcher detergents are
available:
-----------------------------------------------------------
One Gallon ready to use
• Vehicle Wash • Degreaser
• All Purpose Cleaner • House Wash
• Deck Wash
-----------------------------------------------------------
Detergent Concentrate Tablets
(10 Pack; makes 1 1/4 gallon RTU product)
• All Purpose • Degreaser
• Deck and patio • Windows and Siding
-----------------------------------------------------------
In USA call:
1-800-537-4129
or visit our website:
7
Step 3
T urn 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
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.
SHUTTING DOWN & CLEAN-UP
Step 1
Remove detergent
suction tube from
detergent tank.
8
Step 5
Disconnect the garden hose
from the water inlet on the
unit.
Step 2
Insert detergent
suction tube into 1
gallon of fresh water.
Siphon water at low
pressure for one
minute.
Step 6
Disconnect the high pressure hose from the high pressure
outlet and engage the gun safety lock.
Step 3
Tur n the switch to
off (O) position and
unplug cord from
outlet. 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
Tur n pressure washer
to off (O) position.
WINTERIZING AND LONG-TERM STORAGE
1. Disconnect all water connections.
2. Tur n 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.
Caution: Failure to follow the above
directions will result in damage to the
pump assembly and accessories.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Maintenance
The unit is maintenance-free.
Cleaning the water inlet filter
Pull out the water inlet filter with flat-nose
pliers and rinse out in warm water.
CLEANING TIPS
Deck Cleaning
(with or without detergent)
Pre-rinse deck and surrounding area with fresh
water. If using Kärcher Deck 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 Kärcher 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.
Caution: Do not use rotating nozzle spray
wand on wood surface as it may cause
damage.
House Siding
(with or without detergent)
Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water. If
using Kärcher House Wash, place detergent
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 Karcher
House 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 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 rotating nozzle spray
wand 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 Karcher All Purpose Cleaner, 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 Kärcher All Purpose
Cleaner 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 Kärcher Rotating Nozzle Spray
Wand.
Cars, Boats & Motorcycles
(with or without detergent)
Pre-rinse vehicle with fresh water. If using
Karcher 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 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 rotating nozzle spray
wand on vehicles as it may “cause
damage.
9
CLEANING TIPS – continued
Barbecue Grills, Outdoor Power
Equipment & Gardening Tools
(with or without detergent)
Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water.
If using Kärcher All Purpose Cleaner or
Degreaser, place detergent suction tube
directly into cleaning solution and apply
detergent at low pressure. Allow Kärcher
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 Karcher Rotating Nozzle Spray
Wand.
Caution: Do not use rotating nozzle
spray wand on cloth, plastic or other
sensitive surfaces as it may cause
10
damage.
Patio & Lawn Furniture
(with or without detergent)
Pre-rinse furniture and surrounding area
with fresh water. If using Kärcher All
Purpose Cleaner, place detergent suction
tube directly into cleaning solution and apply
to surface at low pressure. Allow Kärcher 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 rotating nozzle
spray wand 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 pealing or chipping,
use extreme caution as pressure washer
may remove the loose paint from the
surface.
OPTIONAL CLEANING ACCESSORIES
Optional cleaning accessories are available to further enhance your cleaning capabilities:
See accessories order form for product descriptions and ordering instructions.
• Vario Spray Wand
• House Washing Wand
• Extension Wand, 20 inches
• Flexible Spray Wand
• Underbody Spray Wand
• 4 Piece Extension Wand, 66 inches
In USA call:
1-800-537-4129
or visit our website: www.karcher-usa.com
• Wet Sandblasting Attachment
• Pipe Drain Cleaner
• Water Suction Hose With Filter
• Extension Hose 25’
• Rotating Wash Brush
• K12 Surface Cleaner
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. 12/3 gauge cord or a 50
ft. 10/3 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.
12
Spray wand 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.
Broken o-ring or plastic insert.
Solution
Check connection.
Dilute detergent, for best results
use Kärcher 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
fine needle.
Tighten fittings.
Insert new washer.
Insert the spray wand into the
trigger gun. Carefully press in
against the spring tension and twist
into the locked position.
Call Kärcher customer service
“hotline and order repair kit “(part
no. 2.883-111.0).
Pump is noisy.
Water leaks from pump (up
to 10 drops per minute is
permissible).
Oil Drip.
or visit our website: www.karcher-usa.com
1-800-537-4129
Pump is sucking air.
Loose fittings.
Water seals are damaged or worn.
Oil seals are damaged or worn.
In USA Call:
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.
If you encounter any additional
difficulties not listed, please call our
service center for help.
Karcher Customer Support USA
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