G 4000 SH

English 2
Español 16
Français 33

9.139-177.0 01/06
 HIGH PRESSURE WASHER OPERATOR MANUAL
Model Overview 3 Owner/User Responsibility
Important Safety Instructions 4 The owner and/or user must have an
Assembly Instructions 5 understanding of the manufacturer’s
Operating Instructions 7 operating instructions and warnings be-
Using the Accessories 8 fore using this pressure washer.
Working with Detergents 9 Warning information should be empha-
sized and understood.
Taking a Break 10
If the operator is not fluent in English,
Shutting Down & Clean-Up 10 the manufacturer’s instructions and
Winterizing and Long-Term Storage 11 warnings shall be read to and discussed
Maintenance Instructions 11 with the operator in the operator’s native
Cleaning Tips 12 language by the purchaser/owner, mak-
Troubleshooting 14 ing sure that the operator comprehends
its contents.
Specifications Owner and/or user must study and
maintain for future reference the manu-
Operating pressure 4000 PSI facturers’ instructions.
Water volume 3.6 GPM
Detergent suction 0.15 - 0.20 GPM Kärcher Customer Support USA
Engine 13.0 HP Call: 1-800-537-4129 for help or visit
Honda GX 390 our website:
Part No. 1.810-400.0 www.karcher-usa.com/home
Serial no. Please take a moment to register your
pressure washer online at
www.karcher-usa.com/warranty
Safety Alert Symbols
Kärcher Customer Service CDN
 DANGER
indicates “an imminently hazardous sit- Call: 1-800-465-4980 for help or visit
uation which, if not avoided, will result in our website:
death or serious injury.” www.karcher-canada.com
 WARNING Kärcher Customer Support Mexico
indicates “a potentially hazardous situa-
Call: 01-800-024-13-13 for help or visit
tion which, if not avoided, could result in
our website: www.karcher.com.mx
death or injury.”
 CAUTION
indicates “a potentially hazardous situa-
tion which, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury or in property
damage incidents.”

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 MODEL OVERVIEW
1 Handle 9 High pressure outlet
2 Trigger gun 10 Detergent suction tube with filter
3 Trigger gun safety lock 11 Quick connect nozzles
4 High pressure hose 12 Water inlet filter
5 Gas tank 13 Pressure and water volume regula-
6 Spray wand tion
7 Dipstick For engine details see engine manual.
8 Water inlet with garden hose con-
nector

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 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
! Read the operating instructions of  WARNING
the engine manufacturer before Risk Of Explosion – Do not spray
start-up and follow the safety instruc- flammable liquids.
tions carefully. ! Do not use acids, alkaline, solvents,
 WARNING or any flammable material in this
When using this product basic pre- product. These products can cause
cautions should always be followed, physical injuries to the operator and
including the following: irreversible damage to the machine.
! Read all the instructions before us-  WARNING
ing the product. Gun Kicks Back – Hold with both
! To reduce the risk of injury, close su- hands.
pervision is necessary when a prod- ! The Trigger Gun Safety Lock pre-
uct is used near children. vents the trigger from accidentally
! Know how to stop the product and being engaged. This safety feature
bleed pressures quickly. Be thor- DOES NOT lock trigger in the ON
oughly familiar with the controls. position.
! Stay alert – watch what you are doing.  CAUTION
! Do not operate the product when fa- Risk of Asphyxiation – Use this prod-
tigued or under the influence of alco- uct only in a well ventilated area.
hol or drugs. ! Operate and fuel machine in a well
! Keep operating area clear of all per- ventilated area, free of devices fea-
sons. turing an open pilot or flame such as
! Do not overreach or stand on unsta- boilers, water heaters, etc.
ble support. Keep good footing and  CAUTION
balance at all times. Risk of Fire – Do not add fuel when
! Wear safety goggles. the product is operating.
! Follow the maintenance instructions ! Do not operate if fuel has been
specified in the manual. spilled. Instead, move the machine
 WARNING to a different location and avoid cre-
Risk of Injection or Severe Injury to ating sparks.
Persons – Keep Clear of Nozzle – ! The machine has hot surfaces which
Do Not Direct Discharge Stream At can cause burns. Operate the unit in
Persons. This machine is to be used a safe environment and away from
only by qualified operators. children.
! High pressure jets can be dangerous ! Do not touch hot surfaces or allow
if misused. The jet must not be di- accessories to contact hot surfaces.
rected at persons, animals, electrical ! Do not allow the high pressure hose
devices, or the unit itself. to come into contact with the muffler
! Do not spray electrical connections, guard.
electrical outlets or fixtures. ! Do not leave the machine running
unattended.

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! Avoid tipping the machine on its ! Garden hose must be at least 5/8
side. inch in diameter.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS ! Flow rate of water supply must not
fall below 4.0 GPM (gallons per
WATER SUPPLY minute).
(Cold Water Only) ! Flow rate can be determined by run-
 CAUTION ning the water for one minute into an
When connecting the water inlet to empty 5-gallon container.
the water supply mains, local regula- ! The water supply temperature must
tions of your water company must be not exceed 104°F/40°C.
observed. In some areas the unit ! Never use the pressure washer to
must not be connected directly to the draw in water contaminated with sol-
public drinking water supply. This is vents, e.g. paint thinners, gasoline,
to ensure that there is no feedback of oil, etc.
chemicals into the water supply. Di- ! Always prevent debris from being
rect connection via a receiver tank or drawn into the unit by using a clean
backflow preventer, for example, is water source.
permitted. ! Do not operate pressure washer
Dirt in the feed water will damage the without the water turned on.
unit. To avoid this risk, we recom-
mend fitting a water filter.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
" STEP 1: " STEP 3:
Prior to initial startup, cut off tip of oil Attach the handle to the frame of the
reservior cap on the pump. pressure washer. Align holes, insert
bolts, and tighten with knobs.

" STEP 2:
Prior to initial startup, put engine oil
(provided in bottle) in engine before
starting the engine.

For engine details see engine manual.

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" STEP 4: " STEP 8:
Mount the gun/hose storage handle. Pull the spring-loaded collar of the
wand back to insert your choice of
quick connect nozzle.

" STEP 5:
Fasten the rubber grommets in the
nozzle holder. " STEP 9:
Release the collar and push the noz-
zle until the collar clicks.

" STEP 6:
Place the quick connect nozzles in
the nozzle holder.  WARNING
High pressure in nozzle area.
Risk of injury caused by improperly
locked nozzle.
! Make sure you hear a ‘click’ when in-
serting the nozzle tip into the wand.
! Pull the nozzle to make sure it is
seated properly before operating
" STEP 7: your unit.
Attach the wand to the spray gun. " STEP 10:
Attach the high pressure hose to the
spray gun.

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 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION Set choke lever to the CLOSED po-
Do not run the engine with a high or low sition.
oil level as this can cause engine dam- Starting a Warm engine:
age. If the engine has run out of fuel, set
If you have further questions regarding choke lever to the CLOSED position
the engine, please refer to the engine after refueling. If the engine has not
manual included with the unit. run out of fuel, leave the choke lever
" STEP 1: in the OPEN position.
Check engine oil level. Oil level " STEP 8:
should be level with the bottom of the Move the engine stop switch to the
oil filler neck. ON position.
Be sure the machine is level when For engine details see engine manual.
checking the oil level. (Refer to the " STEP 9:
engine’s operating manual for sea- Pull the starter handle.
sonal grades.). If the engine fails to start after
We recommend that the oil be 3 pulls, squeeze the trigger gun to
changed after the first 5 hours of release pressure, and repeat step.
use, then once every 50 hours. After the engine warms up enough to
" STEP 2: run smoothly, move choke rod to
Fill gas tank with unleaded gasoline. OFF position.
Do not use leaded gasoline. " STEP 10:
" STEP 3: Adjust working pressure and water
Connect the high pressure hose to volume by turning (continuously vari-
the unit’s high pressure outlet. able) the pressure- and water vol-
" STEP 4: ume regulation.
Connect garden hose to unit’s water
inlet.
" STEP 5:
Connect garden hose to the cold wa-
ter source and turn water on com-
pletely.
Do not use hot water.
" STEP 6:
Unlock the trigger gun safety lock.
Trigger the gun to eliminate trapped
air, wait for a steady flow of water to
emerge from the spray nozzle.
" STEP 7:
Initial Start:
Open fuel valve.

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 USING THE ACCESSORIES
Quick connect nozzles 65° spray angle = Black detergent
nozzle
The color-coded quick connect nozzles For operating with detergent or cleaning
provide a wide array of spray widths with negligible pressure.
from 0° to 65° and are easily accessible
when placed in the convenient rubber
nozzle grommets.
0° spray angle = Red nozzle
For particularly stubborn accumulation
of grime. Not recommended for soft
materials like sidings, decks, painted
surfaces, cars.  WARNING
High pressure in nozzle area.
Risk of injury caused by improperly
locked nozzle.
15° spray angle = yellow nozzle ! Make sure you hear a ‘click’ when in-
For dirt accumulation over a surface. serting the nozzle tip into the wand.
! Pull the nozzle to make sure it is
seated properly before operating
your unit.
25° spray angle = Green nozzle (See ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS:
For dirt accumulation over a large surface. Step 8 and Step 9)
 WARNING
To avoid serious injury never point
spray nozzle at yourself, other per-
sons or animals.
40° spray angle = White nozzle
For moderate dirt accumulation over a
large surface.

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 WORKING WITH DETERGENTS
Detergents can only be applied with For best results see Cleaning Tips
the black detergent nozzle. for specific information on how to
" STEP 1: clean different surfaces.
Install the black detergent nozzle for Detergents
detergent application (will work at
low pressure only).  CAUTION
" STEP 2: This unit has been designed for use with
Adjust the filter end of the detergent cleaning detergents recommended by
tube for light (- / 0.15 gpm), or maxi- the manufacturer. The use of other clean-
mum (+ / 0.20 gpm) ing detergents may affect the operation of
the machine and void the warranty.
Never use:
– Bleach, Chlorine products and other
corrosive chemicals
– Liquids containing solvents (i.e.,
paint thinners, gasoline, oils)
– Tri-sodium phosphate products
" STEP 3: – Ammonia products
Fill a container with Kärcher deter- – Acid-based products
gent. Place the filter end of detergent
These chemicals will harm the unit and
suction tube into the container.
will damage the surface being cleaned.
Use of these items will void the war-
ranty.
Always Use Kärcher Detergent for
Best Results
Kärcher biodegradable detergents are
specially formulated to protect the envi-
" STEP 4: ronment and your pressure washer. The
With the engine running, pull trigger special formula won’t clog the suction
to operate unit. tube filter and will protect the internal
Liquid detergent is drawn into the parts of the pressure washer for a long-
unit and mixed with water. er life. For Kärcher Detergents, check
Apply detergent to work area. your retailer or visit our website:
Do not allow detergent to dry on surface. www.karcher-usa.com/home
" STEP 5:
Always draw fresh water through
the detergent suction tube when the
cleaning job is done, to rinse/flush
any remaining detergents from the
injection system.

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Kärcher detergents available in Kärcher detergents available in
USA / Mexico: Canada:
– All Purpose & Vehicle Cleaner – Vehicle Wash
– Exterior House Cleaner – Pressure Wash
– Deck & Patio Cleaner – Deck & Fence Wash
– Heavy Duty Degreaser – Degreaser
TAKING A BREAK ..five minutes or more
" STEP 1: " STEP 2:
Move the engine stop switch to the Release trigger and engage gun
OFF position. safety lock.
For engine details see engine manual.

SHUTTING DOWN & CLEAN-UP

" STEP 1: " STEP 5:
Remove detergent suction tube from Release trigger and engage gun
container and insert into 1 gallon of safety lock.
fresh water.
Siphon water at low pressure for one
minute.

" STEP 2:
Move the engine stop switch to the
OFF position.
Close the fuel valve.

" STEP 3: " STEP 6:

Turn off the water source. Disconnect the garden hose from
the water inlet on the unit.
" STEP 4:
Press trigger to release water pres- " STEP 7:
sure. Disconnect the high pressure hose
from the high pressure outlet.

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 WINTERIZING AND LONG-TERM STORAGE
" 1: Disconnect all water connections. of heat as it may dry out the pump
" 2: Turn on the machine for a few seals.
seconds, until the water which had  CAUTION
remained in the pump exits, turn off Failure to follow the above directions
immediately. will result in damage to the pump as-
" 3: Do not allow high pressure hose sembly and accessories.
to become kinked. Kärcher also recommends the regular
" 4: Store the machine and accesso- practice of using a pump protector like
ries in a room which does not reach “Kärcher Pump Guard” to help during
freezing temperatures. DO NOT storage in the winter months.
store near furnace or other sources

MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
" 2: Remove the oil fill cap, the oil
Kärcher pump
drain plug and washer.
Initial Use " 3: Allow the used oil to drain com-
All Kärcher pumps ship with oil already pletely, then reinstall the drain plug
inside direct from the factory. There is and washer. Tighten the drain plug
no need to add oil. securely.
Pump Inspection Please dispose of used oil in a man-
You should routinely make a visual in- ner that is compatible with the envi-
spection of the pressure washer’s pump. ronment. We suggest you take used
If you notice oil leaking around the pump oil in a sealed container to your local
seals, you should take the pressure recycling center. Do not throw it in a
washer to a Kärcher-Authorized Service trash or pour it on the ground or
Center for repair. (You can locate a ser- down a drain.
vice center in your area online at " 4: With the pump in a level position,
www.karcher-usa.com/service.) fill in 0.350 liters (11.84 Fl.oz) of rec-
ommended oil. Do not overfill.
Pump Maintenance
We recomend that the oil be changed Notice: Running the pump with a low
after the first 100 hours of use, then oil level can cause pump damage.
once every 500 hours. " 5: Reinstall the oil fill cap securely.
Recommended oil for pump:
Use only Karcher pump oil, order num- Engine
ber 6.288-050.0. Carry out maintenance tasks for the en-
Oil Change for pump gine according to the specifications pro-
Drain the pump oil when the pump is warm. vided in the operating instructions
Warm oil drains quickly and completely. provided by engine manufacturer.
" 1: Place a suitable container below
the pump to catch the used oil.

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 CLEANING TIPS
sweeping motion keeping the spray
Deck Cleaning nozzle approximately 6 inches from the
(with or without detergent). Pre-rinse cleaning surface.
deck and surrounding area with fresh 몇 CAUTION
water. If using Kärcher Deck Wash, ap- Do not use Dirtblaster spray nozzle
ply to surface at low pressure. For best on siding as it may cause damage.
results, limit your work area to smaller
sections of approximately 25 square Cement Patios, Brick and Stone
feet. Allow Deck Wash to remain on sur- (with or without detergent). Pre-rinse
face 1-3 minutes. Do not allow deter- cleaning surface with fresh water. If us-
gent to dry on surface. Rinse at high ing Kärcher Pressure Wash or Degreas-
pressure in a long sweeping motion er, apply to surface at low pressure. For
keeping the spray nozzle approximately best results, limit your work area to
3-6 inches from the cleaning surface. smaller sections of approximately 25
Always clean from top to bottom and square feet. Allow Pressure Wash or
from left to right. When moving on to a Degreaser to remain on surface 1-3
new section of the cleaning surface, be minutes. Do not allow detergent to dry
sure to overlap the previous section to on surface. Rinse at high pressure in a
eliminate stop marks and ensure a more sweeping motion keeping the spray
even cleaning result. nozzle approximately 3-6 inches from
몇 CAUTION the cleaning surface. Always clean from
Do not use Dirtblaster spray nozzle top to bottom and from left to right. For
on wood surface as it may cause removing extremely stubborn stains,
damage. use the Dirtblaster Nozzle.

House Siding Cars, Boats & Motorcycles

(with or without detergent). Pre-rinse (with or without detergent). Pre-rinse
cleaning surface with fresh water. If us- vehicle with fresh water. If using Kärch-
ing Kärcher Pressure Wash, apply to er Touchless Vehicle Wash, apply to
surface at low pressure (for best results, surface at low pressure. For best re-
limit your work area to sections of ap- sults, clean one side of vehicle at a time
proximately 6 feet and always apply de- and always apply detergent from bottom
tergent from bottom to top). Allow to top, do not allow detergent to dry on
Pressure Wash to remain on surface 1- surface. If needed, use special wash
3 minutes. Do not allow detergent to dry brush attachment (not included) to re-
on surface, if surface appears to be dry- move stubborn dirt. Rinse at high pres-
ing, simply wet down surface with fresh sure in a sweeping motion keeping the
water. If needed, use special wash spray nozzle approximately 6-8 inches
brush attachment (not included) to re- from the cleaning surface (distance
move stubborn dirt. Rinse at high pres- should increase when rinsing pin-strip-
sure from top to bottom in an even ing or other sensitive surfaces). Always

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clean from top to bottom and from left to sults, clean from top to bottom and from
right. For best results, wipe surface dry left to right.
with a chamois or soft dry cloth. 몇 CAUTION
몇 CAUTION Do not use Dirtblaster spray nozzle
Do not use Dirtblaster spray nozzle on patio or lawn furniture as it may
on vehicles as it may cause damage. cause damage.

Barbecue Grills, Outdoor Power Recommendations

Equipment & Gardening Tools ! Before cleaning any surface an in-
(with or without detergent). Pre-rinse conspicuous area should be cleaned
cleaning surface with fresh water. If us- to test spray pattern and distance for
ing Kärcher Pressure Wash or Degreas- maximum cleaning results.
er, apply detergent at low pressure. ! If painted surfaces are peeling or
Allow Pressure Wash to remain on sur- chipping, use extreme caution as
face 1-3 minutes. Do not allow deter- pressure washer may remove the
gent to dry on surface. Rinse at high loose paint from the surface.
pressure keeping the spray nozzle ap- ! When using on surfaces which might
proximately 3-6 inches from the clean- come in contact with food, flush sur-
ing surface. For removing extremely faces with plenty of drinking water.
stubborn dirt, it may be necessary to ! For additional cleaning tips, visit our
move the spray nozzle even closer to website at www.karcher-usa.com/
the surface for greater dirt cutting ac- home
tion.
몇 CAUTION
Optional Accessories
Do not use Dirtblaster spray nozzle
on cloth, plastic or other sensitive Optional accessories are available to
surfaces as it may cause damage. further enhance your cleaning capabili-
ties. Please check our website
www.karcher-usa.com/home for pricing
Patio & Lawn Furniture and up-to-date information.
(with or without detergent). Pre-rinse
furniture and surrounding area with
fresh water. If using Pressure Wash, ap-
ply to surface at low pressure. Allow
Pressure Wash to remain on surface 1-
3 minutes. Do not allow detergent to dry
on surface. If needed use special Wash
Brush Attachment (not included) to re-
move stubborn dirt. Rinse at high pres-
sure in a sweeping motion keeping the
spray nozzle approximately 3-6 inches
from the cleaning surface. For best re-

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 TROUBLESHOOTING
 CAUTION
Remove the spark plug cable to prevent
accidental ignition of the engine before
making any repair.

Symptom Cause Solution

Engine will not No gasoline Fill gas tank
start Choke is not in the correct Slide choke lever out to
position. closed position.
Water pressure built up in the Squeeze the trigger to release
machine. the pressure.
For additional engine problems refer to the engine manual.
Unit does not Diameter of garden hose is too Replace with a 5/8 inch or
reach high small. larger garden hose.
pressure. Water supply is restricted. Check garden hose for kinks,
leaks and blockage.
Not enough inlet water supply. Turn water on full force.
Check garden hose for kinks,
leaks or blockage.
Water inlet filter is clogged. Remove filter and rinse out in
warm water.
Black detergent nozzle is Remove black detergent
attached. nozzle and attach high
pressure nozzle
Output pressure Not enough inlet water supply. Turn water on full force.
varies high and Check garden hose for kinks,
low. leaks or blockage.
Pump is sucking air. Check that hoses and fittings
are air tight. Turn off machine
and purge pump by squeez-
ing 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.
Spray nozzle is obstructed. Blow out or remove debris
with a fine needle.
Calcified gun, hose or spray Run distilled vinegar through
wand. detergent suction tube.

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Symptom Cause Solution
No detergent. Detergent suction tube not prop- Check connection.
erly connected to the machine.
Detergent is too thick. Dilute detergent, for best re-
sults use Kärcher detergent.
Filter on detergent suction tube Run warm water through filter
is clogged. to remove debris.
Detergent filter valve is at lowest Set detergent filter valve to a
setting. higher setting.
Damaged or clogged detergent Remove obstruction or re-
suction tube. place detergent suction tube.
A high pressure nozzle is Replace with black detergent
attached. nozzle.
Spray nozzle is obstructed. Blow out or remove debris
with fine needle.
Garden hose Loose fittings. Tighten fittings.
connection leaks. Missing/worn rubber washer. Insert new washer.
Spray wand Spray wand not properly Turn the swivel nut of the gun
leaks. attached. clockwise until connection is
tight.
Broken o-ring or plastic insert. Call Customer Support
Pump is noisy. Pump is sucking air. Check that hoses and fittings
are air tight. Turn off machine
and purge pump by squeez-
ing trigger gun until a steady
flow of water emerges
through the nozzle.
Water leaks from Loose fittings. Tighten fittings.
pump (up to 10 Water seals are damaged or Call Customer Support
drops per minute worn.
is permissible). Thermal protection device is Thermal protection device will
activated. auto reset. Do not run pump
for more than 5 minutes with-
out spraying.
Oil Drip. Oil seals are damaged or worn. Call Customer Support

If you encounter any additional difficul- USA: 1-800-537-4129

ties not listed, please call for help or visit www.karcher-usa.com/home
our website. Canada: 1-800-465-4980
www.karcher-canada.com
Mexico: 01-800-024-13-13
www.karcher.com.mx

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