Karcher Pressure Washer K 290 M User Manual

K 2.90 M  
High Pressure Washer  
Operator Manual  
Overview.......................................... 2  
Important Precautions ................ 3 - 4  
Assembly Instructions ..................... 4  
Operating Instructions ..................... 5  
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  
Care and Maintenance Instructions 9  
Cleaning Tips ............................ 9 - 10  
Optional Cleaning Accessories ..... 10  
Troubleshooting ...................... 11 - 12  
Specifications  
Operating pressure, max. .. 1500 PSI  
Water volume ...................... 1.3 GPM  
Voltage ...................................... 120 V  
Amp draw ........................... 10 AMPS  
In USA call:  
800-537-4129  
or visit our website:  
5.961-335.0 04/04  
 
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS – Read First!  
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS  
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.  
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter  
(GFCI) Protection  
This product is supplied with a Ground Fault Cir-  
cuit Interrupter (GFCI) built into the power cord  
plug. This device provides additional protection  
from the risk of electric shock. If power is inter-  
rupted in the line, the GFCI will automatically  
re-close the circuit to the load after power is re-  
stored. Depending on the GFCI model, it may  
be necessary to manually operate the reset but-  
ton to restore power to the GFCI load circuit. If  
replacement of the plug or cord is needed use  
identical replacement parts.  
• 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 ir-  
reversible 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.  
Grounding Instructions  
This product must be grounded. If it should mal-  
function 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 accor-  
dance with all local codes and ordinances.  
DANGER- Improper connection of the equip-  
ment-grounding conductor can result in a risk  
of electrocution. Check with a qualified electri-  
cian 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.  
3
Extension Cords  
Use a sufficient gauge: Up to 25 ft. = 12/3AWG;  
25 to 50 ft. = 10/3 AWG. Use only  
Save these instructions!  
extension cords that are intended for outdoor  
use. These extension cords are identified by the  
marking “Acceptable for use with outdoor appli-  
ances; 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.  
Caution  
Examine extension cord before using and re-  
place if damaged. Do not abuse extension  
cord and do not yank on any cord to disconnect.  
Keep cord away from heat and sharp edges. Al-  
ways disconnect the extension cord from the re-  
ceptacle before disconnecting the product from  
the extension cord. If you are using an exten-  
sion cord, it should always be completely un-  
wound from the cable drum.  
• 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.  
 
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.  
• Never use the pressure washer to draw in  
water contaminated with solvents, e.g.  
paint thinner, gasoline, oil, etc.  
• Always prevent debris from being drawn  
into the unit by using a clean water  
source.  
• The water supply temperature must not  
exceed 104°F/40°C.  
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS  
4
Step 1  
Step 2  
Step 3  
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.  
 
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS  
Step 2  
Step 1  
Insert the spray wand or rotating wash brush into the  
trigger gun. Press in against the spring tension and twist  
into the locked position.  
Connect the high pressure  
hose to the high pressure  
outlet.  
5
Step 3  
Step 4  
Connect the garden hose to  
the water inlet.  
Connect garden hose to the cold water source and turn  
water on completely.  
Plug the power cord into the power outlet.  
Step 6 Turn on the pressure  
washer (1 /ON). The motor starts  
only if the trigger of the gun is  
pulled and shuts off when the  
trigger is released.  
Step 5 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.  
 
GFCI INSTRUCTIONS  
Note:  
The actual  
appearance  
of the GFCI  
may be  
different  
from this  
illustration.  
Plug the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter  
(GFCI) into a working outlet  
Press “TEST”, then press “RESET” to  
assure proper connection to power.  
USING THE ACCESSORIES  
Vario power spray wand  
The spray wand allows you to adjust the cleaning pressure. To clean at maximum  
pressure, the spray wand must be positioned to the high pressure setting (Max).  
To apply detergent, the wand must be positioned to the low pressure setting (Min).  
For higher pressure turn  
wand collar in the  
Max direction.  
6
For lower pressure turn  
wand collar in the  
Min direction.  
Rotating wash brush  
Warning  
This brush is ideal for removing stubborn dirt  
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, NEVER  
and stains from finished surfaces. Use with  
POINT SPRAY NOZZLE AT YOURSELF,  
detergents only.  
OTHER PERSONS OR ANIMALS  
 
WORKING WITH DETERGENTS  
Karcher pressure washers operate only at two pressures. The high pressure setting is used  
for cleaning, you cannot apply detergents when working at high pressure. To apply detergents  
the washer must be operating at low pressure (Min).  
Step 1 Install the Wash Brush or Vario spray wand. Set the Vario spray wand to  
the low pressure setting (Min) by turning the wand collar. The wand must be set in  
the low pressure position to apply detergents.  
7
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.  
Step 2 Fill a container with Kärcher  
detergent. Place the filter end of detergent  
suction tube into the container.  
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. Our 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:  
In USA call:  
The following Karcher detergents are  
available:  
800-537-4129  
or visit our website:  
--------------------------------------------------  
One Gallon ready to use  
• Vehicle Wash  
• All Purpose Cleaner • House Wash  
• Deck Wash  
• Degreaser  
Caution  
Never use:  
• Bleach, Chlorine products and other  
corrosive chemicals  
• Liquids containing solvents  
(i.e., paint thinner, gasoline, oils)  
• Trisodium phosphate products  
• Ammonia products  
-------------------------------------------------  
Detergent Concentrate Tablets:  
(10 Pack; makes 1 1/4 gallon RTU product)  
• All Purpose  
• Degreaser  
• Deck and patio  
• Windows and Siding  
-------------------------------------------------  
• Acid-based products  
These chemicals will harm the unit and  
will damage the surface being cleaned.  
 
SHUTTING DOWN & CLEANUP  
Step 1  
Step 2  
Step 3  
Step 4  
Remove detergent suction  
Turn the switch to  
Turn off the water  
source.  
Press trigger to  
release water  
pressure.  
tube from container and  
off (0 /OFF)  
insert into 1 gallon of fresh  
position and unplug  
water. Siphon water at low  
cord from outlet.  
pressure for one minute.  
A
8
B
Step 7  
Step 6  
Step 5  
Release trigger (A)  
and engage gun  
safety lock (B).  
Disconnect the high pressure  
hose from the high pressure  
outlet.  
Disconnect the garden hose  
from the water inlet on the unit.  
TAKING A BREAK... five minutes or more  
A
Step 1  
Step 2  
Release trigger (A)  
and engage gun  
safety lock (B).  
Turn pressure washer  
to off (0 /OFF)  
position.  
B
WINTERIZING AND LONG-TERM STORAGE  
1. Disconnect all water connections.  
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.  
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.  
 
CARE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS  
Maintenance  
Theunitismaintenance-free.  
Cleaning the water inlet filter  
Pulloutthewaterinletfilterwithflat-nose  
pliers and rinse out in warm water.  
CLEANING TIPS  
Deck Cleaning  
(with or without detergent)  
Cement Patios, Brick and Stone  
(with or without detergent)  
Pre-rinse deck and surrounding area with  
fresh water. If using Kärcher Deck and Patio  
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 Deck and Patio  
Cleaner 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.  
Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water. If  
using Kärcher Deck and Patio or 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 Deck and Patio or  
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 approxi-  
mately 3-6 inches from the cleaning surface.  
Always clean from top to bottom and from left  
to right.  
9
For removing extremely stubborn stains,  
use the rotary spray wand.  
Caution: Do not use rotary spray wand on  
wood surfaces as it may cause damage.  
House Siding  
Cars, Boats & Motorcycles  
(with or without detergent)  
Pre-rinse vehicle with fresh water. If using  
Kärcher Vehicle or All Purpose Cleaner, 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.  
(with or without detergent)  
Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water. If  
using Kärcher House or Window and Siding  
Cleaner, 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 Kärcher House or Window and Siding  
Cleaner 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 the rotary spray wand  
on vehicles as it may cause damage.  
Caution: Do not use rotary spray wand on  
siding as it may cause damage.  
 
CLEANING TIPS –  
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  
spray wand on patio or lawn furniture as  
it may cause damage.  
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.  
Recommendations  
• Before cleaning any surface an incon-  
spicuous area should be cleaned to test  
spray pattern and distance for maximum  
cleaning results.  
Caution: Do not use rotary spray wand  
on cloth, plastic or other sensitive  
surfaces as it may cause damage.  
• If painted surfaces are peeling or chip-  
ping, 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.  
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  
10  
OPTIONAL CLEANING ACCESSORIES  
Optional cleaning accessories are available to further enhance your cleaning capabilities: See  
accessories order form for product descriptions and ordering instructions.  
• Rotary Spray Wand  
• House Washing Wand  
• Extension Wand, 20 inches  
• Flexible Spray Wand  
• Underbody Spray Wand  
• 4 Piece Extension Wand, 66 inches  
• Wet Sandblasting Attachment  
• Pipe Drain Cleaner  
• Water Suction Hose With Filter  
• Extension Hose 25’  
• Wash Brush  
• T-Racer  
In USA call:  
800-537-4129  
 
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 0 / OFF  
position.  
Turn switch to the 1 /ON position  
Power cord is not plugged in.  
Extension cord is too long.  
Plug in power cord.  
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.  
Try a different outlet.  
Electrical outlet does not supply  
adequate power.  
Tripped circuit breaker  
Reset breaker (power supply) or  
ground fault circuit interrupter.  
Unit does not reach high  
pressure.  
Diameter of garden hose is too  
small.  
Replace with a 3/4 inch garden  
hose.  
Check garden hose for kinks,  
leaks and blockage.  
Water supply is restricted.  
Not enough inlet water supply.  
Water inlet filter is clogged.  
11  
Open water source full force.  
Remove filter and rinse out in  
warm water.  
Spray wand is in low pressure  
position.  
Turn spray wand to high pressure  
position.  
Output pressure varies  
high and low.  
Not enough inlet water supply.  
Turn water on full force. Check  
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 spray wand. Run distilled vinegar through  
detergent suction tube.  
 
TROUBLESHOOTING –  
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  
clogged.  
Run warm water through filter to  
remove debris.  
Damaged or clogged detergent  
suction tube.  
Remove obstruction or replace  
detergent suction tube.  
Spray wand is in high pressure  
position.  
Turn spray wand tip to low  
pressure position.  
Discharge nozzle is obstructed.  
Blow out or remove debris with  
fine needle.  
Garden hose  
Loose fittings.  
Tighten fittings.  
connection leaks.  
Missing/worn rubber washer.  
Spray wand not properly attached.  
Insert new washer.  
12  
Spray wand leaks.  
Insert the spray wand into the trig-  
ger gun. Carefully press in against  
the spring tension and twist into  
the locked position.  
Broken o-ring or plastic insert.  
Pump is sucking air.  
Call Kärcher customer service  
hotline and order repair kit (part  
no. 2.883-111.0).  
Pump is noisy.  
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 to 10 drops per  
minute is permissible).  
Loose fittings.  
Check that all fittings are tight.  
Call service center.  
Water seals are damaged or worn.  
Oil seals are damaged or worn.  
Oil Drip.  
Call service center.  
If you encounter any additional  
difficulties not listed, please call our  
service center for help.  
In USA Call: 800-537-4129  
Karcher Customer Support USA  
 

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