Karcher Pressure Washer K 379 M User Manual

K 3.79 M  
High Pressure Washer  
Operator Manual  
Overview ................................................. 2  
Precautions ........................................ 3 - 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 andLong-Term  
Storage .............................................. 8 - 9  
Cleaning Tips ................................... 9 - 10  
Optional Cleaning Accessories .............10  
Troubleshooting ................................ 11-12  
F
F
O
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Specifications  
ON  
I/  
Working Pressure ...................... 9000 kPa  
............................................... 1300 PSI  
Max. Pressure............................ 1500 PSI  
Max. Water volume ..................... 1.6 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.  
Part No. 1.423-922.0  
Manual Part No. 5.961-170.0 11/03EN  
 
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS – Read First!  
Extension Cords  
Safety Warnings  
Use a sufficient gauge:  
When using this product basic precautions  
Up to 25 ft = 12/3 AWG.  
25 to 50 ft =10/3 AWG.  
Use only extension cords that are intended for  
should always be followed:  
• Read all the instructions before using the  
product.  
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.  
• 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.  
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.  
3
• The Trigger Gun Safety Lock PREVENTS the  
trigger from accidentally being engaged.  
This safety feature DOES NOT lock trigger  
in the on position.  
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 product.  
WARNING  
• DO NOT SPRAY ELECTRICAL APPARATUS  
AND WIRING.  
DO NOT USE WITH FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AND  
TOXICCHEMICALS  
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 IMMEDIA-  
TELY.  
Caution  
• Follow the maintenance instructions  
specified in the manual.  
THIS SYSTEM IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING  
9000 KPA (1300 PSI). TO AVOID RUPTURE  
AND INJURY, DO NOT OPERATE THIS PUMP  
WITH COMPONENTS RATED LESS THAN  
9000 KPA (1300 PSI) WORKING PRESSURE  
(INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO SPRAY  
GUNS, HOSE AND HOSE CONNECTIONS).  
BEFORE SERVICING, CLEANING OR  
REMOVING ANY PARTS, SHUT OFF POWER  
AND RELIEVE PRESSURE.  
• 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.  
 
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS – continued  
• Never use the pressure washer to draw in  
water contaminated with solvents, e.g.  
paint thinners, gasoline, oil, etc.  
Water Supply (Cold Water Only)  
• Water hose must be at least 1/2 inch or  
5/8 inch in diameter.  
NOTE: Dirt in the feed water will  
damage the unit. To avoid this risk,  
we recommend fitting a water filter.  
• 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.  
• Always prevent debris from being drawn  
into the unit by using a clean water source  
and an accessory water filter if required.  
• The water supply temperature must not  
exceed 104°F/40°C.  
Save these instructions!  
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS  
!
4
Step 1  
Step 2  
Step 3  
5
Step 5  
Step 4  
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 to lock the hose in  
position.  
 
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS  
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.  
Step 1  
Connect the high pressure hose to the high  
pressure outlet.  
5
Step 4  
Connect garden hose to the cold water  
source and turn water on completely.  
Plug the power cord into the power outlet.  
Step 3  
Connect the garden hose to the water inlet.  
O/OFF  
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I
Step 6  
Step 5  
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.  
Unlock the lock of the trigger gun (A). Trigger  
the gun (B) to eliminate trapped air, wait for a  
steady flow of water to emerge from the  
spray nozzle.  
 
USING THE ACCESSORIES  
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 (+).  
To apply detergent, the wand must be positioned to the low pressure setting (-).  
For lower  
pressure turn  
wand collar in the  
minus () direction.  
For higher  
pressure turn  
wand collar in the  
plus (+) direction.  
Rotary spray wand  
Warning  
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.  
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, NEVER  
POINT SPRAY NOZZLE AT YOURSELF,  
OTHER PERSONS OR ANIMALS  
6
 
WORKING WITH DETERGENTS  
To apply detergents you must be operating at low pressure (–).  
Step 1  
Install the Vario power spray wand. Set the wand to the low pressure setting (–) by turning the  
wand collar.  
Note: The wand must be set in the low pressure (–) position to apply detergents.  
7
Step 2  
Step 3  
Fill detergent tank with 1.0 L of Kärcher  
detergent.  
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.  
For best results see Cleaning Tips on pages 9 & 10 for specific  
information on how to clean different surfaces.  
Always Use Kärcher Detergents for Best  
Results.  
The following Kärcher detergents are  
available:  
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:  
• Pressure Wash  
• Deck + Fence Wash  
Degreaser  
• Vehicle Wash  
Caution  
• Bleach, Chlorine products and other  
corrosive chemicals  
Never use:  
• Liquids containing solvents  
(i.e., paint thinners, gasoline, oils)  
• Tri-sodium phosphate products  
• Ammonia products  
1-800-465-4980  
• Acid-based products  
These chemicals will harm the unit and  
will damage the surface being cleaned.