Model K 240 Part No. 1.189-107.

High Pressure Washer

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
Assembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Using the Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Working with Detergents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Shut Down and Clean-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Taking a Break . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Winterizing and Long-Term Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Cleaning Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9
Optional Cleaning Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11

Specifications
Operating pressure 1300 PSI
Water volume 1.5 GPM
Voltage 120 V
Amp draw 14 AMPS
9.139-095
4/00

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 Model K 240 OVERVIEW

10 6

11
 1 800-537-4129 page 1

1
5
2

3 4

Item Description 6. High pressure hose

1. High/Low Spray wand 7. On/Off switch
2. Rotary Lance 8. Detergent suction tube (not pictured)
3. Spray wand extension 9. Detergent filter (not pictured)
4. Soap nozzle 10. High pressure outlet
5. Trigger gun 11. Water inlet

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.

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 IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS – Read First!

Safety Warnings edges. Always disconnect the extension cord

from the receptacle before disconnecting the
product from the extension cord. If you are
When using this product basic precautions using an extension cord, it should always be
should always be followed: completely unwound from the cable drum.
• Read all the instructions before using
the product. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
• High pressure jets can be dangerous Protection
if subject to misuse. The jet must not
be directed at persons, animals, electri- This unit is supplied with a portable GFCI,
cal devices, or the machine itself. USL indicates that the power cord has been
• To reduce the risk of injury, do not investigated for compliance with the
operate the machine near children. applicable provisions of UL 943, Third
• Learn how to stop the machine and Edition (Standard for Ground Fault Circuit
release pressure quickly. Be thoroughly Interrupters) and other applicable standards.
familiar with the controls. If power is interrupted in the line, the auto-
• Stay alert — watch what you are matic GFCI will automatically reclose the cir-
doing. cuit to the load after power is restored.
Depending on the GFCI model, it maybe

 1 800-537-4129 page 2
• Wear safety goggles.
• Do not use acids, solvents, or any other necessary to manually operate the reset but-
flammable material in this product. These ton to restore power to the GFCI load circuit.
products can cause physical injuries to TEST - Plug the GFCI cord into a powered
the operator and irreversible damage to outlet. Push the TEST button and attempt
the machine. If you have questions to turn the unit on. This should result in
regarding a chemical product to be used the machine not running. If the GFCI tests
with this machine, please call Kärcher okay, restore power by pushing the
Customer Support at RESET button.
800-537-4129
• Do not operate the product when This Product Is
fatigued or under the influence of Double Insulated
alcohol or drugs. In a double-insulated product, two systems
• Do not stand on unstable surfaces. of insulation are provided instead of
Stand with both feet balanced at grounding. No grounding method is
all times. provided on a double-insulated product,
• To reduce the risk of electrocution, keep nor should a method for grounding be
all connections dry and off the ground. added to the product. Servicing a
Do not touch plug with wet hands. double-insulated product requires extreme
• The Gun Safety Lock PREVENTS care and knowledge of the system, and
the trigger from accidentally being should be done only by qualified service
engaged. This safety feature DOES NOT personnel. Replacement parts for a
lock trigger in the on position. double-insulated product must be identical
to the parts they replace. A double-
Extension Cords insulated product is marked with the
Use a sufficient gauge: Up to 25 ft = 12/2 words, “DOUBLE INSULATED.”
AWG; 25 to 50 ft = 10/2 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 discon- machine and void the warranty.
nect. Keep cord away from heat and sharp
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 IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS – continued
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 in
below 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute). water contaminated with solvents, e.g. paint
• Flow rate can be determined by running thinners, gasoline, oil, etc.
the water for one minute into an empty • Always prevent debris from being drawn into
5-gallon container. the unit by using a clean water source.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
 1 800-537-4129 page 3

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

Step 3 Slide the spray

wand extension into the
gun. Turn the wand collar
onto the gun threads until
tight.

Step 4 Insert the spray wand of your

choice into the wand extension. Press in
against the spring tension and twist into
the locked position.

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 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1 Connect garden hose to the cold Step 2 Plug the power cord into the power
water source and turn water on completely. outlet. Trigger the gun to eliminate trapped
air, wait for a steady flow of water to emerge
from the spray nozzle.

 1 800-537-4129 page 4
Step 3 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.

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 USING THE ACCESSORIES
The pressure washer has two fully automatic pressure settings, depending on the wand or
nozzle installed.

High/low spray wand Soap Nozzle

This wand features two positions. The high This nozzle attaches directly to the spray
setting provides a steady powerful 15º high wand extension and is used to apply deter-
pressure spray pattern, for general cleaning. gents to the work area.
The low setting creates a wider 40º low
pressure fan spray pattern.

High 15º
 1 800-537-4129 page 5

Low 40º

Turn the wand nozzle clockwise for high

pressure. Turn counter clockwise for low
pressure.

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 sur-
face 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

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 WORKING WITH DETERGENTS

For best results see Cleaning Tips

on pages 8 & 9 for specific
information on how to clean
different surfaces.

 1 800-537-4129 page 6
Step 1 To Install soap nozzle or wash Always Use Karcher
brush simply insert into the spray wand Detergents for Best Results.
extension. Push in and turn clockwise to lock
Karcher biodegradable detergents are
into position.
specially formulated to protect the environ-
ment 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 Karcher Detergents, check your
retailer or call:

1-800-537-4129
The following Karcher detergents are
Step 2 Fill a container with Karcher available:
detergent. Place the filter end of detergent
• Vehicle Wash • House Wash
suction tube into the container.
• Degreaser • Deck Wash
• All Purpose Cleaner

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
Step 3 Turn on the pressure washer.
• Acid-based products
Pull trigger to operate unit: Liquid detergent
These chemicals will harm the unit and
is drawn into the unit and mixed with water.
will damage the surface being cleaned.
Apply detergent to work area. Do not allow
detergent to dry on surface.

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 SHUTTING DOWN & CLEAN-UP

Step 1 Remove de- Step 2 Step 3 Step 4

tergent suction tube from Turn the switch to Turn off the water Press trigger to
container and insert into off position and source. release water
1 gallon of fresh water. unplug cord from pressure.
Siphon water at low pres- outlet.
sure for one minute.
 1 800-537-4129 page 7

Step 5 Disconnect the Step 6 Disconnect the high pressure hose from the
garden hose from the high pressure outlet and engage the gun safety lock.
water inlet on the unit.

TAKING A BREAK... five minutes or more

Step 1 Step 2
Engage gun Turn pressure
safety lock. washer to off
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.

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 CLEANING TIPS

Deck Cleaning Cement Patios,

(with or without detergent) Brick and Stone
Pre-rinse deck and surrounding area with (with or without detergent)
fresh water. If using Kärcher Detergent, Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water.
place detergent suction tube directly into If using Karcher Detergent, place detergent
cleaning solution and apply to surface at low suction tube directly into cleaning solution
pressure. For best results, limit your work and apply to surface at low pressure. For
area to smaller sections of approximately 25 best results, limit your work area to smaller
square feet. Allow Kärcher Detergent to sections of approximately 25 square feet.
remain on surface 1-3 minutes. Do not allow Allow Kärcher Detergent to remain on sur-
detergent to dry on surface. Rinse at high face 1-3 minutes. Do not allow detergent to
pressure in a long sweeping motion keeping dry on surface. Rinse at high pressure in a
the spray nozzle approximately 3-6 inches sweeping motion keeping the spray nozzle
from the cleaning surface. Always clean approximately 3-6 inches from the cleaning
from top to bottom and from left to right. surface. Always clean from top to bottom
When moving on to a new section of the and from left to right. For removing extreme-
cleaning surface, be sure to overlap the pre- ly stubborn stains, use Kärcher Rotating

 1 800-537-4129 page 8
vious section to eliminate stop marks and Nozzle Spray Wand.
ensure a more even cleaning result.
Caution: Do not use rotating nozzle spray Cars, Boats & Motorcycles
wand on wood surface as it may cause (with or without detergent)
damage. Pre-rinse vehicle with fresh water. If using
Karcher Vehicle Wash, place detergent suc-
House Siding tion tube directly into cleaning solution and
(with or without detergent) apply to surface at low pressure. For best
Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water. results, clean one side of vehicle at a time
If using Kärcher Detergent, place detergent and always apply detergent from bottom to
suction tube directly into cleaning solution top, do not allow detergent to dry on sur-
and apply to surface at low pressure (for face. If needed, use special Wash Brush
best results, limit your work area Attachment to remove stubborn dirt. Rinse
to sections of approximately 6 feet and at high pressure in a sweeping motion keep-
always apply detergent from bottom to top). ing the spray nozzle approximately 6-8 inch-
Allow Karcher Detergent to remain on sur- es from the cleaning surface (distance
face 1-3 minutes. Do not allow detergent to should increase when rinsing pin-striping
dry on surface, if surface appears to be dry- or other sensitive surfaces). Always clean
ing, simply wet down surface with fresh from top to bottom and from left to right. For
water. If needed, use special Wash Brush best results, wipe surface dry with a
Attachment to remove stubborn dirt. Rinse chamois or soft dry cloth.
at high pressure from top to bottom in an Caution: Do not use rotating nozzle spray
even sweeping motion keeping the spray wand on vehicles as it may
nozzle approximately 6 inches from the cause damage.
cleaning surface.
Caution: Do not use rotating nozzle spray
wand on siding as it may cause damage.

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 CLEANING TIPS – continued

Barbecue Grills, Outdoor Patio & Lawn Furniture

Power Equipment & (with or without detergent)
Gardening Tools Pre-rinse furniture and surrounding area with
(with or without detergent) fresh water. If using Kärcher Pressure Wash
Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water. If place detergent suction tube directly into
using Kärcher Pressure Wash or Degreaser, cleaning solution and apply to surface at low
place detergent suction tube directly into pressure. Allow Kärcher Pressure Wash to
cleaning solution and apply detergent at low remain on surface 1-3 minutes. Do not allow
pressure. Allow Kärcher detergent to remain detergent to dry on surface. If needed use
on surface 1-3 minutes. Do not allow deter- special Wash Brush Attachment to remove
gent to dry on surface. Rinse at high pres- stubborn dirt. Rinse at high pressure in a
sure keeping the spray nozzle approximately sweeping motion keeping the spray nozzle
3-6 inches from the cleaning surface. For approximately 3-6 inches from the cleaning
removing extremely stubborn dirt, it may be surface. For best results, clean from top to
necessary to move the spray nozzle even bottom and from left to right. Caution: Do not
closer to the surface for greater dirt cutting use rotating nozzle spray wand on patio or
action. To remove caked on mud from lawn furniture as it may cause damage.
 1 800-537-4129 page 9

garbage cans, lawn mower blades, wheel

barrels or other Recommendations
non-sensitive metal surfaces, you may • Before cleaning any surface an inconspicu-
want to use the Karcher Rotating Nozzle ous area should be cleaned to test spray
Spray Wand. pattern and distance for maximum cleaning
Caution: Do not use rotating nozzle spray results.
wand on cloth, plastic or other sensitive sur- • If painted surfaces are pealing or chipping,
faces as it may cause damage. 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.
• Rotating Wash Brush • Pipe Drain Cleaner
• Wash Brush • Sandblasting Attachment
• Dirtblaster rotating nozzle • Detergent Foamer Attachment
• Flexible Spray Wand • Water Suction Hose
• Underbody Spray Wand • Extension Hose 25’

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 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 Turn switch to the “ON” position
“OFF” position.

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

The GFCI tripped. Push the GFCI reset button on the

power cord plug.
Extension cord is too long. Replace extension cord with either
Extension cord is not a 25 ft. 12/2 gauge cord or a 50 ft.
proper gauge. 10/2 gauge cord.
Extension cord is damaged.

Electrical outlet does not Try a different outlet.

supply adequate power.

 1 800-537-4129 page 10
Tripped circuit breaker Reset breaker (power supply) or
ground fault circuit interrupter.

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

Water supply is restricted. Check garden hose for kinks, leaks

and blockage.
Not enough inlet water supply. Open water source full force.

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

Soap nozzle is installed. Remove soap nozzle and connect

spray wand.

Output pressure Not enough inlet water Turn water on full force. Check garden
varies high and low. supply. 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 Blow out or remove debris with a

obstructed. fine needle.
Calcified gun, hose or Run distilled vinegar through
spray wand. detergent suction tube.

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 TROUBLESHOOTING – continued

Symptom Cause Solution

No detergent. Detergent suction tube not Check connection.

properly connected to the
machine.
Detergent is too thick. Dilute detergent, for best results
use Kärcher detergent.
Filter on detergent suction Run warm water through filter to
tube is clogged. remove debris.
Damaged or clogged Remove obstruction or replace
detergent suction tube. detergent suction tube.
Soap nozzle not installed Attach soap nozzle to spray wand
extension.
Discharge nozzle is Blow out or remove debris with fine
 1 800-537-4129 page 11

obstructed. needle.

Garden hose Loose fittings. Tighten fittings.

connection leaks.
Missing/worn rubber washer. Insert new washer.

Spray wand or Spray Spray wand not properly Insert the spray wand into the spray
wand attached. wand extension. Carefully press in
extension leaks. against the spring tension and twist
into the locked position.
Spray wand extension not Slide the spray wand extension into
properly attached. the gun. Turn the wand collar clock-
wise onto the gun threads until tight.
Broken o-ring or plastic Call Kärcher customer service
insert. hotline and order repair kit
(part no. 2.883-111.0).

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

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

worn.

If you encounter any additional

difficulties not listed, please call
our service center for help.

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