Clarke Power Wash PLS265A Instruction Manual

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS
LS0520 ISS 2
PETROL POWER WASHER
MODEL NO: PLS265A
PART NO: 7330366

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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing this CLARKE Petrol Power Washer.
Before attempting to use this product, please read this manual thoroughly and
follow the instructions carefully. In doing so you will ensure the safety of yourself
and that of others around you, and you can look forward to your purchase
giving you long and satisfactory service.
GUARANTEE
This product is guaranteed against faulty manufacture for a period of 12
months from the date of purchase. Please keep your receipt which will be
required as proof of purchase.
This guarantee is invalid if the product is found to have been abused or
tampered with in any way, or not used for the purpose for which it was
intended.
Faulty goods should be returned to their place of purchase, no product can
be returned to us without prior permission.
This guarantee does not effect your statutory rights.
UNPACKING
Unpack your power washer and check to ensure the following items are
present. Contact your CLARKE dealer immediately if any parts are missing or
damaged.
1 x Petrol Driven Power Washer 1 x Rubber Foot c/w Fixings
1 x Delivery Hose c/w Fittings 1 x Hose / Lance Storage Bracket c/w Fixings
1 x Suction Hose c/w Pump Fitting 1 x Spark Plug Box Spanner
1 x Detergent Hose c/w Filter 1 x Tommy Bar
1 x Lance / Nozzle Assembly 1 x Pressure Washer Instruction Manual;
2 x Axle c/w Fixings 1 x Engine Manual
2 x Wheel / Pneumatic Tyre Assembly 1 x Gun Assembly

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GENERAL SAFETY RULES
1. DO NOT point the spray at other people, animals, electrical equipment or
the machine itself.
2. DO NOT hold your finger over the high pressure nozzle.
3. DO NOT let children or untrained personnel use this machine.
4. DO NOT operate the machine with any of the covers removed.
5. DO NOT try to repair this machine. Always refer to your CLARKE service
department for all repairs.
6. DO NOT supply any liquid other than water to the water inlet.
7. DO NOT use the detergent pickup facility to introduce flammable liquids/
solvents, e.g. paint thinners, petrol, oil as there is a risk of explosion.
8. ALWAYS release the remaining pressure in the system; turn off the water
supply and operate the trigger before you remove hoses or accessories.
9. ALWAYS keep the machine dry and away from the water spray.
10. ALWAYS use protective clothing and safety glasses. Loose particles and
other items can be propelled at high speed by the water spray.
11. ALWAYS hold the gun securely and expect it to ‘kick’ when you pull the
trigger.
12. ALWAYS respect the requirements of the local water company. Pressure
washers may only be connected to the mains water supply if a system
separator (also known as a backflow preventer) is installed in the supply
hose.
13. ALWAYS disconnect from the water supply, and make sure that you drain
the system when not in use. Keep in a cool dry location.
14. ONLY use detergents that are suitable for pressure washers, We recommend
that you use CLARKE Traffic Film Remover or CLARKE Wash and WAX
(available from your dealer).
15. WARNING High pressure water jets can be dangerous; the jet must not be
directed at a person or anything that they are wearing.
16. WARNING High pressure hoses, fittings and couplings are important for the
safety of the machine. Use only hoses, fittings and couplings recommended
by the manufacturer.
17. WARNING Water that passes through a system separator (also known as a
backflow preventer) is not safe to drink.
18. DO NOT use the pressure washer if there is damage to the inlet/outlet hose
or the machine.
WARNING: Water at high pressure can be dangerous and can cause
damage to persons or property if the operator is careless. Never allow
anyone to operate this equipment unless they are thoroughly reliable,
and familiar with the safety precautions.

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SAFETY SYMBOLS
ALWAYS: Read this manual and make sure that all warnings and
instructions are clear before you use this pressure washer.
DANGER: Risk of fire or explosion. Stop the engine before you
refuel the pressure washer. Keep flammable materials away from
the work area. Do not spray flammable liquids.
DANGER: Risk to breathing. Engine exhaust fumes can kill.
For outdoor use only. Work in a well ventilated area.
WARNING: Risk of injection or severe injury. Do not direct or
discharge the water stream at persons or animals. Keep clear
of nozzle. .
WARNING: Risk of spray injury. Spray can propel objects.
Always wear ANSI approved Z87.1 Safety Glasses.
WARNING: Risk of chemical burns. Never spray acids,
corrosive or toxic chemicals. Use only cleaners formulated for
power washers.
WARNING: Risk of electrocution. Never direct the spray
toward any electrical device or electrical outlet.
WARNING: Risk of unsafe operation. Keep children away
from this equipment. The gun kicks back. Hold with both hands.
WARNING: Risk of hot surfaces. Avoid contact with hot
engine exhaust components. Don't allow hoses to contact
the engine muffler during or after use.

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OVERVIEW
NO DESCRIPTION NO DESCRIPTION
1Foldable handle 6Chemical detergent bottle / nozzle
2Gun/lance 7Adjustable nozzle
3High pressure hose 8Pressure regulator
4Engine 9Spray wand
5Wheels

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ASSEMBLY
FITTING THE WHEELS
1. Insert the axle as shown.
• Rotate the axle so that the
spring loaded pin pops
throught the hole on the frame.
2. Fit the wheels to the axles and
secure with the locking nut
supplied.
NOTE: Do not overtighten the nuts,
the wheels must be able to
rotate freely.
FITTING THE RUBBER FOOT
1. Fit the rubber foot as shown.
• Secure with the nut and spring
washer supplied.
ASSEMBLE THE LANCE
1. Connect the spray wand to the
lance and tighten securely.
FOLDING HANDLE
1. Lift the handle into the open
position.
2. Secure in place using the handle
locking knobs shown.

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THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE
CONNECT THE HOSE TO THE GUN
1. Slide the connector on the hose
backwards.
2. Push the gun into the connector.
3. Release the connector.
NOTE: Make sure the connection is
secure.
CONNECT THE HOSE TO THE POWER WASHER
1. Slide the connector on the power
washer towards the machine.
2. Push the hose into the connector.
3. Release the connector.
NOTE: Make sure the connection is
secure.
CONNECT WATER INLET HOSE
1. Remove the travel cap if fitted.
2. Fit the hose adaptor as shown.
3. Connect the water supply hose to
the hose adaptor.
NOTE: The water source must
provide a minimum of 5
gallons per minute @ 20 PSI.
NOTE: Make sure the water inlet
hose is screwed on tightly.

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LANCE STORAGE BRACKET
1. Fit the bracket into the position
shown and secure using the
washers and nuts supplied.
HOSE STORAGE BRACKET
1. Screw a nut and washer onto
each leg of the hose bracket.
2. Fit the hose bracket in place and
secure using a washer, spring
washer and nut.
REMOVE THE TRAVEL PLUG BEFORE USE.
1. Use a 17mm spanner to remove
the red travel plug.
2. Inside the small bag attached is
an oil breather plug which needs
to be fitted in its place.
• The oil breather plug must only
be inserted hand tight.

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BEFORE USE
IMPORTANT: The engine is supplied without any oil in it and must be filled to
the correct level before use, see below.
CHECKING THE PUMP OIL LEVEL
1. Look at the sight glass on the
pump to check the oil level inside.
• The oil should be half way up
the sight glass.
2. If required, top up with oil. See
“Changing the pump oil” on
page 18.
• We recommend the use of
10W-SAE30 oil in this pump.
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Turn the oil filler cap/dipstick anti-
clockwise and remove it from the
oil filler tube.
2. Wipe the oil filler cap/dipstick with
aclean cloth.
3. Insert the oil filler cap/dipstick
back into the oil filler tube and
then remove it again. Do not
screw it in when doing this.
WARNING: TO CARRY OUT THIS CHECK, PLACE THE POWER WASHER ON
LEVEL GROUND WITH THE ENGINE SWITCHED OFF.
WARNING: TAKE CARE NOT TO TOUCH ANY HOT PARTS OF THE POWER
WASHER WHEN CHECKING THE OIL LEVELS.

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4. If the oil is low, fill the oil reservoir to
the edge of the oil filler hole.
• We recommend the use of
10W-SAE30 oil in the engine.
5. Replace the oil filler cap.
CAUTION: RUNNING THE
ENGINE WITH INSUFFICIENT OIL
WILL CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE.
CHECKING THE FUEL LEVEL
1. To check the fuel level, remove the fuel tank cap.
2. Just inside the fuel tank is a fuel strainer. Check this filter periodically and
remove any contaminants which may have accumulated.
3. Refuel in a well-ventilated area
before starting the engine. If the
engine has been running, allow it
to cool. Refuel carefully to avoid
spilling fuel. Do not fill above the
fuel strainer shoulder.
4. After refueling, replace the fuel
filler cap securely.
RECOMMENDED FUEL
Use unleaded petrol with an octane
rating of 86 or higher. Do not overfill.
WARNING: ALWAYS REFUEL IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA AWAY FROM
ANY SOURCES OF IGNITION AND HEAT.
WARNING: ALLOW THE UNIT TO COOL DOWN BEFORE REFUELLING.
WARNING: DO NOT LEAVE FUEL WITHIN THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

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PRESSURE REGULATOR
When supplied, the pressure
regulator may be set to minimum.
Turn the pressure regulator on the
pump fully clockwise to allow water
pressure to build up when the
pressure washer is running.
If you find the pressure is too high, you
can adjust this later.
SAFETY FEATURES
Bypass mode: In bypass mode, the pump recirculates the water because the
trigger of the spray gun is not being pulled. If the unit is left in bypass mode for
more than two minutes, the water temperature will rise to a dangerous level
and could damage internal components of the pump.
NOTE: Any damage to the pump due to these causes will not be
covered under warranty.
Thermal Relief Valve: In an effort to
prevent damage, pumps are
equipped with a thermal relief valve.
This valve will open when the
temperature inside the pump
becomes too high. The valve will then
release a gush of water in an effort to
lower the temperature inside the
pump. Immediately after this occurs,
the valve will close.

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STARTING YOUR POWER WASHER
Prior to starting, refer to your engine manual for proper starting procedures for
your engine type.
1. Make sure the engine has sufficient fuel. See page 10.
2. Check the engine oil level. See page 9.
3. Turn water supply on.
4. Set the engine switch to ‘ON’.
5. Set the fuel valve lever to the ‘on’
position.
6. If you are starting the power
washer ‘cold’ set the choke lever
to the CHOKE position (left). If the
power washer is warm skip this
step.
WARNING: FAILURE TO TURN ON THE WATER COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO
THE PUMP.

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7. Set the throttle to the 1/3rd of the
way towards the fast setting.
8. Pull the starting handle lightly until
you start to feel resistance and
then pull up sharply to start the
power washer.
NOTE: You may have to do this
more than once.
.
9. Once the engine has warmed up,
set the choke lever to the ‘RUN’
(right) position.
WARNING: ONCE THE POWER WASHER HAS STARTED, RELEASE THE
STARTING HANDLE SLOWLY TO AVOID INJURY/DAMAGE AS IT WHIPS
BACK.

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USING THE POWER WASHER
1. Pull the trigger on the gun to start water flow.
• Stand on a stable surface and grip the gun/spray wand firmly with
both hands.
• Expect the gun to kick when the trigger is pulled.
2. Release the trigger to stop water flow.
NOTE: The power washer will automatically go into bypass mode, In
bypass mode, the pump recirculates the water because the
trigger of the spray gun is not being pulled. If unit is left in bypass
mode for more than two minutes, the water temperature will rise
to a dangerous level and could damage internal components of
the pump.
ADJUSTING THE SPRAY
The nozzle is adjustable to allow you to change the spray from a narrow jet of
water to a wide spray.
To adjust the nozzle, proceed as follows.
1. Hold the shaft of the spray wand in one hand.
2. Twist the nozzle with the other hand.
3. To vary the spray between narrow and wide, turn the nozzle counter-
clockwise through a half-of-a-turn.
• Slide the nozzle forward for low pressure and backwards for high
pressure.
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW THE UNIT TO OPERATE IN BYPASS MODE FOR
MORE THAN TWO MINUTES AT ANY TIME.

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ADJUSTING THE PRESSURE
There are 4 ways to adjust the pressure.
1. Adjust the pressure regulator on
the pump. Turn the pressure
regulator knob counter clockwise
to lower pressure. Once you have
finished using your power washer,
return the pressure regulator to its
original position.
2. Back away from the surface to be
cleaned. The further away you
are, the less the pressure will be on
the surface being cleaned.
3. Reduce the speed of the engine (RPM). Slow the engine down and the
water pressure will also go down.
4. Adjust the spray to a wider angle.
• Slide the nozzle forward for low pressure and backwards for high
pressure.
APPLYING DETERGENTS AND CLEANING SOLVENTS
1. Push the detergent hose onto the
ridged fitting as shown.
2. Place the other end of the
detergent hose with the filter on it,
into a container holding the
chemical/cleaning solution.
3. Slide the nozzle forward for low
pressure operation.
4. The following products are
available from your CLARKE dealer.
TRAFFIC FILM REMOVER
5 ltr Concentrate Part number 3050821
25 ltr Concentrate Part number 3050820
5 ltr Ready to use Part number 3050818
25 ltr Ready to use Part number 3050819
CAR WASH & WAX
5 ltr Wash and wax Part number 3050815

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SHUTTING DOWN
1. After each use, if you have applied detergents, place the detergent hose
into a container of clean water and run clean water through the detergent
injection system to flush the system thoroughly.
NOTE: Failure to do so could cause damage to the pump.
2. Set the engine switch to ‘OFF’.
NOTE: NEVER turn the water off with
the engine running.
3. Turn the water supply off.
4. Pull the trigger on the spray gun to
relieve any water pressure.
5. See storage section in this manual
for proper storage procedures.

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WATER BUTT CONNECTION
This machine has the ability to draw its own water, meaning you can use water
not under pressure, such as rainwater collected in a water butt. To do this you
must carry out the following procedure.
1. Attach the filter to the end of the
pipe supplied.
2. Place the filter into the water butt.
3. Remove the hose adaptor and
replace it with the inlet connector
supplied.
4. Connect the pick-up pipe to the
pressure washer as shown.
• Tighten securely
5. Twist open the suction valve
shown.
6. Start the power washer. See
“Starting your Power Washer” on
page 12.
• Water is ejected from the
nozzle.
7. When the water spray being
ejected is consistent and at high pressure, close the suction valve.
8. Use the pressure washer as normal.
NOTE: Do not let the pressure washer run dry.

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MAINTENANCE
CHANGING THE PUMP OIL
The pump oil should be changed after the first 30 hours use and then every 100
hours.
CAUTION: PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO USED OIL IS DANGEROUS,
ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS THOROUGHLY AFTER HANDLING USED OIL.
1. Unscrew and remove the oil filler
cap.
2. Place an oil collection tray (not
supplied) under the drain plug.
3. Unscrew the drain plug and allow
the used oil to drain from the
crankcase into the oil collection
tray.
NOTE: Drain the oil when the engine
is warm; This will ensure the oil
flows out quicker.
4. Replace the drain plug and its ring
seal.
5. With the power washer in a
level position, fill to the centre
of the sight-glass with the
recommended oil.
6. Replace the oil filler cap.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
One of the most damaging sources of pollution is oil. Do not throw away used
oil with your domestic rubbish or down drains and sinks. Place it in a leak proof
container and take it to you local waste disposal site.

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CLEANING THE NOZZLE
If the nozzle becomes partially clogged or restricted by dirt or other foreign
material, excess pump pressure may develop. Clean the nozzle immediately
by following the instructions below.
1. Shut off the power washer and turn off the water supply.
2. Pull the trigger on the gun handle to relieve any water pressure.
3. Disconnect the lance from the gun.
4. Remove any obstructions and back flush with clean water.
5. Direct the water supply into the spray wand end for 30 seconds to back
flush loosened particles.
6. Reconnect the spray wand to the gun and turn on the water supply.
CLEANING THE WATER INLET
The water filter should be checked regularly and cleaned if necessary.
1. Remove any fittings to the water
inlet.
2. Remove the water filter from the
water inlet.
3. Clean the filter by flushing it with
water on both sides
4. Replace the water filter.
CHANGING THE SPARK PLUG
1. Remove the spark plug cap from the spark plug.
2. Use the supplied spark plug spanner to remove the spark plug.
3. Remove any carbon that has accumulated around the spark plug.
4. Check the spark plug gap, it should be between 0.7 and 0.8 mm, adjust if
necessary.
5. Check the overall condition of the spark plug and replace if necessary.
6. Reinstall the spark plug and replace the spark plug cap.
CAUTION: ALLOW THE ENGINE TO COOL BEFORE REMOVING THE SPARK
PLUG.

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CHECKING THE AIR FILTER
1. Remove the wingnut and remove
the air filter cover.
2. Remove the second wingnut
shown.
3. Remove the air filter element.
4. Make sure that the air filter is
clean and not damaged.
• If the air filter is damaged
contact CLARKE spare parts
department for a replacement.
• If the filter is dirty, wash it in a
solution of warm water and
mild detergent and rinse
thoroughly. Leave the filter to dry completely; before immersing the
filter in clean engine oil and sqeeze the filter to remove excess oil.
5. Replace the filter and the air filter cover.
CAUTION: DO NOT USE THE GENERATOR WITHOUT THE AIR FILTER FITTED,
THIS CAN DAMAGE THE ENGINE.
WARNING: DO NOT USE FLAMMABLE SOLVENTS OR PETROL TO CLEAN THE
AIR FILTER.