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

In USA call:
1-800-537-4129
or visit our website:
www.karcher-usa.com

Part No. 1.423-105.0 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

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

 IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS – Read First!
extension cord from the receptacle before
2 Safety Warnings disconnecting the product from the extension
When using this product, basic precautions cord. If you are using an extension cord, it
should always be followed: should always be completely unwound from
• Read all the instructions before using the cable drum.
the product. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
• High pressure jets can be dangerous if (GFCI) Protection
subject to misuse. The jet must not be This product is supplied with a Ground Fault
directed at persons, animals, electrical Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) built into the power
devices, or the machine itself. cord plug. This device provides additional
• To reduce the risk of injury, do not protection from the risk of electric shock. If
operate the machine near children. power is interrupted in the line, the GFCI will
• Learn how to stop the machine and automatically re-close the circuit to the load
release pressure quickly. Be thoroughly after power is restored. Depending on the
familiar with the controls. GFCI model, it may be necessary to manually
• Stay alert — watch what you are doing. operate the reset button to restore power to
• Wear safety goggles. the GFCI load circuit. If replacement of the
plug or cord is needed use identical
• Do not use acids, solvents,
replacement parts.
or any flammable material
in this product. These products can
Grounding Instructions
cause physical injuries to the operator This product must be grounded. If it should
and irreversible damage to the machine. malfunction or breakdown, grounding
provides a path of least resistance for electric
• Do not operate the product when
current to reduce the risk of electric shock.
fatigued or under the influence of 3
This product is equipped with a cord having
alcohol or drugs.
an equipment-grounding conductor and a
• Keep operating area clear of all persons. grounding plug. The plug must be plugged
• Do not stand on unstable surfaces. into an appropriate outlet that is properly
Stand with both feet balanced at all installed and grounded in accordance with all
times. local codes and ordinances.
• To reduce the risk of electrocution, keep DANGER- Improper connection of the
all connections dry and off the ground. equipment-grounding conductor can result in
Do not touch plug with wet hands. a risk of electrocution. Check with a qualified
• The Trigger Gun Safety Lock electrician or service personnel if you are in
PREVENTS the trigger from accidentally doubt as to whether the outlet is properly
being engaged. This safety feature grounded. Do not modify the plug provided
DOES NOT lock trigger in the on with the product - if it will not fit the outlet,
position. have a proper outlet installed by a qualified
Extension Cords electrician. Do not use any type of adapter
with this product.
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 Caution
the marking “Acceptable for use with outdoor • Follow the maintenance instructions
appliances; store indoors while not in use.” specified in the manual.
Use only extension cords having an electrical • This machine has been designed for
rating not less than the rating of the product. use with cleaning detergent supplied
Do not use damaged extension cords. or recommended by the manufacturer.
Examine extension cord before using and The use of other cleaning detergents
replace if damaged. Do not abuse extension may affect the operation of the
cord and do not yank on any cord to machine and void the warranty.
disconnect. Keep cord away from heat and
sharp edges. Always disconnect the
 IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS – continued
PRECAUTIONS
Water Supply (Cold Water Only)
• Water hose must be at least 3/4 inch in • The water supply temperature must not
diameter. exceed 104°F/40°C.
• Flow rate of water supply must not fall • Never use the pressure washer to draw
below 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute). in water contaminated with solvents, e.g.
• Flow rate can be determined by running paint thinners, gasoline, oil, etc.
the water for one minute into an empty“ • Always prevent debris from being drawn
5-gallon container. into the unit by using a clean water source.

• Save these instructions!

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1 Step 2

Step 3
 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS – continued

Step 5
Insert the Spray Wand
Extension into the trigger gun.
Step 4 Press in against the spring tension and twist into the
Pull out the locking slide from lock position. Turn the Spray Wand Extension Collar
the right side of the trigger clock-wise until tight. Note: spray wand extension must
gun handle, and insert the be attached to use accessories.
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 6
Attach quattro nozzle for four different
spray settings.
5
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1 Step 2
Connect the high pressure hose to the high Connect the garden hose to the water inlet.
pressure outlet.

Step 3 Step 4
Connect garden hose to the cold water Plug the power cord into the power outlet.
source and turn water on completely. Trigger the gun to eliminate trapped air, wait
for a steady flow of water to emerge from
the spray nozzle.
 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS – continued

High pressure High pressure Rotating jet for Low pressure

pencil jet fan jet cleaning maximum dirt fan jet for
cleaning cutting action detergent
injection

Step 5 Turn Quattro Nozzle to desired setting position. Match symbols above.

WARNING
RISK OF INJECTION OR INJURY-DO
6
NOT DIRECT DISCHARGE STREAM AT
PERSONS.
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, NEVER
POINT SPRAY NOZZLE AT YOURSELF,
OTHER PERSONS OR ANIMALS.

Step 6 Turn on the pressure washer. 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 Step 2 If the GFCI light Step 3 Press the
Fault Circuit Interrupter glows, press the “Test” “Reset” button to restore
(GFCI) into a working outlet. button until the light goes power to the washer.
out.
 WORKING WITH DETERGENTS
Detergents can only be applied at low pressure (-).

Step 1 Install the Wash brush or Quattro

nozzle. For best results see Cleaning
Tips on pages 9 & 10 for specific
information on how to clean
different surfaces.
Always Use Karcher Detergents for Best
Results.
Karcher 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
Step 2 Fill a container with Kärcher pressure washer for a longer life. For Karcher
detergent. Place the filter end of detergent Detergents, check your retailer or call:
suction tube into the container. 7
In USA call:
1-800-537-4129
or visit our website:
www.karcher-usa.com
The following Karcher detergents are
available:
-----------------------------------------------------------
One Gallon ready to use
• Vehicle Wash
Step 3 Turn on the pressure washer. • Degreaser
Pull trigger to operate unit: Liquid detergent • All Purpose Cleaner
is drawn into the unit and mixed with water. • House Wash
Apply detergent to work area. Do not allow • Deck Wash
detergent to dry on surface. -----------------------------------------------------------
Caution Detergent Concentrate Tablets
Never use: (10 Pack; makes 1 1/4 gallon RTU product)
• All Purpose
• Bleach, Chlorine products and other • Degreaser
corrosive chemicals • Deck and patio
• Liquids containing solvents • Windows and Siding
(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 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4

Remove detergent suction Turn the switch to Turn off the water Press trigger to
tube from container and off (O) position and source. release water
insert into 1 gallon of fresh unplug cord from pressure.
water. Siphon water at low outlet.
pressure for one minute.

Step 5 Step 6 Step 7

Disconnect the garden Disconnect the high pressure Engage the gun
hose from the water inlet hose from the high pressure safety lock.
on the unit. outlet.

TAKING A BREAK... five minutes or more

Step 1 Step 2
Engage the gun Turn pressure washer
safety lock. to off (O) position.

WINTERIZING AND LONG-TERM STORAGE

1. Disconnect all water connections. 4. Store the machine and accessories in
2. Turn on the machine for a few seconds, a room which does not reach freezing
until the water which had remained in temperatures.
the pump exits. Turn off immediately. Caution: Failure to follow the above
3. Do not allow high pressure hose to directions will result in damage to the
become kinked. 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 Cement Patios, Brick and Stone
(with or without detergent) (with or without detergent)
Pre-rinse deck and surrounding area with Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water.
fresh water. If using Kärcher Deck and Patio If using Kärcher Deck and Patio or All
Cleaner, place detergent suction tube direct- Purpose Cleaner, place detergent suction
ly into cleaning solution and apply to surface tube directly into cleaning solution and apply
at low pressure. For best results, limit your to surface at low pressure. For best results,
work area to smaller sections of approxi- limit your work area to smaller sections of
mately 25 square feet. Allow Kärcher Deck approximately 25 square feet. Allow Kärcher
and Patio Cleaner to remain on surface 1-3 Deck and Patio or All Purpose Cleaner to
minutes. Do not allow detergent to dry on remain on surface 1-3 minutes. Do not allow
surface. Rinse at high pressure in a long detergent to dry on surface. Rinse at high 9
sweeping motion keeping the spray nozzle pressure in a sweeping motion keeping the
approximately 3-6 inches from the cleaning spray nozzle approximately 3-6 inches from
surface. Always clean from top to bottom the cleaning surface. Always clean from top
and from left to right. When moving on to a to bottom and from left to right.
new section of the cleaning surface, be sure
to overlap the previous section to eliminate Cars, Boats & Motorcycles
stop marks and ensure a more even clean-
(with or without detergent)
ing result.
Pre-rinse vehicle with fresh water. If using
Kärcher Vehicle or All Purpose Cleaner,
House Siding place detergent suction tube directly into
(with or without detergent) cleaning solution and apply to surface at low
Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water. pressure. For best results, clean one side of
If using Kärcher House or Window and vehicle at a time and always apply detergent
Siding Cleaner, place detergent suction tube from bottom to top, do not allow detergent to
directly into cleaning solution and apply to dry on surface. If needed, use special Wash
surface at low pressure (for best results, Brush Attachment to remove stubborn dirt.
limit your work area to sections of approxi- Rinse at high pressure in a sweeping motion
mately 6 feet and always apply detergent keeping the spray nozzle approxi-mately 6-8
from bottom to top). Allow Kärcher House or inches from the cleaning surface (distance
Window and Siding Cleaner to remain on should increase when rinsing pin-striping or
surface 1-3 minutes. Do not allow detergent other sensitive surfaces). Always clean from
to dry on surface, if surface appears to be top to bottom and from left to right. For best
drying, simply wet down surface with fresh results, wipe surface dry with a chamois or
water. If needed, use special Wash Brush soft dry cloth.
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.
 CLEANING TIPS – continued
Barbecue Grills, Outdoor Power Patio & Lawn Furniture
Equipment & Gardening Tools (with or without detergent)
(with or without detergent) Pre-rinse furniture and surrounding area
Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water. with fresh water. If using Kärcher All
If using Kärcher All Purpose Cleaner or Purpose Cleaner, place detergent suction
Degreaser, place detergent suction tube tube directly into cleaning solution and apply
directly into cleaning solution and apply to surface at low pressure. Allow Kärcher All
detergent at low pressure. Allow Kärcher Purpose Cleaner to remain on surface 1-3
detergent to remain on surface 1-3 minutes. minutes. Do not allow detergent to dry on
Do not allow detergent to dry on surface. surface. If needed use special Wash Brush
Rinse at high pressure keeping the spray Attachment to remove stubborn dirt. Rinse
nozzle approximately 3-6 inches from the at high pressure in a sweeping motion
cleaning surface. For removing extremely keeping the spray nozzle approximately 3-6
stubborn dirt, it may be necessary to move inches from the cleaning surface. For best
the spray nozzle even closer to the surface results, clean from top to bottom and from
for greater dirt cutting action. To remove left to right.
caked on mud from garbage cans, lawn
mower blades, wheel barrels or other Recommendations
non-sensitive metal surfaces, you may • Before cleaning any surface an inconspic-
want to experiment with different settings on uous area should be cleaned to test spray
the Quattro Nozzle. pattern and distance for maximum clean-
ing results.
• If painted surfaces are pealing or
10 chipping, use extreme caution as
pressure washer may remove the loose
paint from the surface.
• While using on surfaces which might
come in contact with food. Flush surfaces
with plenty of drinking water.

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 • Wet Sandblasting Attachment

• House Washing Wand • Pipe Drain Cleaner
• Extension Wand, 20 inches • Water Suction Hose With Filter
• Flexible Spray Wand • Extension Hose 25’
• Underbody Spray Wand • Rotating Wash Brush
• 4 Piece Extension Wand, 66 inches • K12 Surface Cleaner

In USA call:
1-800-537-4129
or visit our website: www.karcher-usa.com
 TROUBLESHOOTING
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) Turn switch to the “ON” (I)
position. position

Power cord is not plugged in. Plug in power cord.

Extension cord is too long. Replace extension cord with either

Extension cord is not proper gauge. “a 25 ft. 12/3 gauge cord or a 50
Extension cord is damaged. ft. 10/3 gauge cord.

Electrical outlet does not supply Try a different outlet.

adequate power.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Reset breaker (power supply) or

(GFCI) tripped. GFCI.

Unit does not reach high Diameter of garden hose is too Replace with a 3/4 inch garden
pressure. small. hose.

Water supply is restricted. Check garden hose for kinks,

leaks and blockage.

Not enough inlet water supply. Open water source full force. 11

Water inlet filter is clogged. Remove filter and rinse out in

warm water.

Quattro Nozzle is in low Turn Quattro Nozzle to high

pressure position. pressure position.

Wash brush is attached. Attach Quattro Nozzle.

Output pressure varies high Not enough inlet water supply. Turn water on full force. Check
and low. garden hose for kinks, leaks or
blockage.

Pump is sucking air. 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.

Water inlet filter is clogged. Remove filter and rinse out in

warm water.

Discharge nozzle is obstructed. Blow out or remove debris with a

fine needle.

Calcified gun, hose or Quattro Run distilled vinegar through

Nozzle. detergent suction tube.
 TROUBLESHOOTING – continued

Symptom Cause Solution

No detergent. Detergent suction tube not properly Check connection.

connected to the machine.

Detergent is too thick. Dilute detergent, for best results

use Kärcher detergent.

Filter on detergent suction tube is Run warm water through filter to

clogged. remove debris.

Damaged or clogged detergent Remove obstruction or replace

suction tube. detergent suction tube.

Quattro Nozzle is in high pressure Turn Quattro Nozzle to low

position. pressure position.

Discharge nozzle is obstructed. Blow out or remove debris with

fine needle.

Detergent container is empty. Add more detergent.

Garden hose Loose fittings. Tighten fittings.

connection leaks.
Missing/worn rubber washer. Insert new washer.
12
Spray wand or Spray Quattro Nozzle not properly Insert the Quattro Nozzle into the
wand extension leaks. attached. spray wand extension. Push in
and turn clockwise to lock
Quattro Nozzle in place.

Spray wand extension not properly Slide the spray wand extension
attached. into the trigger gun. Press in
against the spring tension and
twist into the lock position. Turn
the spray wand extension collar
clockwise until tight.

Broken o-ring. Call Kärcher customer service

hotline and order an o-ring.

Pump is noisy. Pump is sucking air. 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.

Water leaks from pump (up Loose fittings. Check that all fittings are tight.
to 10 drops per minute is
permissible). Water seals are damaged or worn. Call service center.

Oil Drip. Oil seals are damaged or worn. Call service center.

If you encounter any additional difficulties not listed, please call our service center for help.
Karcher Customer Support USA 1-800-537-4129