Kärcher 397 M plus User manual

5.959-644 07.00
550 M plus

2
• 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, close
supervision is necessary when a product
is used near children.
• Know how to stop the product and bleed
pressure quickly.
Be thoroughly familiar with the controls.
• Stay alert – watch what you are doing.
• Do not operate the product when fatigued
or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Keep operating area clear of all persons.
• Do not overreach or stand on unstable
support.
Keep good footing and balance at all
times.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS •
• Follow the maintenance instructions
specified in the manual.
• This Product Is Provided With A Ground
Fault Circuit Interrupter Built Into The
Power Cord Plug. If Replacement Of The
Plug Or Cord Is Needed, Use Only
Identical Replacement Parts.
• 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.
• The Gun Safety Lock PREVENTS the
trigger from accidentally being engaged.
This safety feature DOES NOT lock
trigger in the on position.
WARNING – Risk of Injection or Injury. – Do
Not Direct Discharge Stream At Persons.
WARNING – When using this product basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:

3
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
This product must be grounded. If it should
malfunction 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
accordance with all local codes and
ordinances.
DANGER – Improper connection of the
equipment-grounding conductor can result
in a risk of electrocution. Check with a
qualified electrician 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 adaptor with this product.
GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT
INTERRUPTER PROTECTION
This pressure washer is provided with a
ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) built
into the plug of the power supply cord. This
device provides additional protection from
the risk of electric shock. Should
replacement of the plug or cord become
necessary, use only identical replacement
parts that include GFCI protection.
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
EXTENSION CORDS
Use only 3-wire extension cords that have
3-prong grounding-type plugs and 3-pole
cord connectors that accept the plug from
the product. Use only extension cords that
are intended for outdoor use. These
extension cords are identified by a marking
“Acceptable for use with outdoor appliances;
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. Examine
extension cord before using and replace if
damaged. Do not abuse extension cord and
do not yank on any cord to disconnect. Keep
cord away from heat and sharp edges.
Always disconnect the extension cord from
the receptacle before disconnecting the
product from the extension cord.
WARNING – To reduce the risk of
electrocution, keep all connections dry and
off the ground. Do not touch plug with wet
hands.

SHORT INSTRUCTIONS
1 Drawing bar
Transport unit over even surfaces
2 Cleaning agent
Draw in and meter cleaning agent (+/–)
3 Hose reel with folding handle
Winding up the high-pressure hose
4 Master switch
Switch on unit – I
Switch off unit – 0
5 Transport handle
Transport the unit over stairs/obstacles
6 Water connection
Connect supply hose
7 Spray lance extension
8 Spray lance
Regulate pressure
9 Dirt blaster
10 Handgun
Switch on – press safety button and
pull lever
Switch off – release lever
11 Power cord with GFCI power plug
SAFETY NOTES
Before first use of the unit read these operating
instructions and act in accordance with them.
Keep these operating instructions in a safe
place for later use or for a subsequent owner.
Use of the unit as authorized
Use this unit exclusively for non-industrial
purposes
– for cleaning machines, vehicles, buildings,
tools, facades, terraces, garden implements,
etc., with high-pressure water jet (if necessary
with the addition of cleaning agents).
– for cleaning vehicle engines only in locations
equipped with an appropriate oil separator.
– with accessories, replacement parts and
cleaning agents authorized by Kärcher.
Please comply with instructions supplied with
the cleaning agents.
General safety notes
Never permit children and adolescents
to handle the unit.
Never leave the unit unattended whilst the
master switch is switched on.
Never operate the unit in potentially explosive
spaces.
Do not spray any objects which contain health-
endangering substances (e.g. asbestos).
Assembly
When unpacking check the contents. Inform
your dealer of any damage in transportation.
Assembly of the unit is demonstrated with
pictures on page 12 “Step by Step”.

5
Warning signs on the unit
Never direct the high-pressure
jet at human beings, animals,
the unit itself or at electrical
parts.
Safety devices
Safety devices serve to protect against injuries
and must not be changed or circumvented.
Relief valve with pressure switch
When the lever on the handgun is released the
pressure switch switches off the pump and the
high-pressure jet ceases. When the lever is
pulled the pressure switch switches on the
pump again.
Moreover, the relief valve prevents the
permissible operating pressure from being
exceeded.
Safety button
The safety button on the handgun prevents
inadvertent switching on of the unit.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Dispose of packaging
The packaging materials are recyclable. Please
hand in the packaging for recycling.
Dispose of old equipment
You can obtain information about environment-
protecting disposal from your Kärcher dealer.
Save water
In comparison to other cleaning methods, by the
use of this unit you save up to 85 % of the water
otherwise needed. The unit can also be
operated with rain-water (use a water filter).
Ease the burden on waste water
Please use the cleaning agents sparingly.
Observe the dosage recommendations which
are supplied with the cleaning agents.
BEFORE FIRST USE
Connection requirements
See rating plate or Technical Data for connected
values.
Electrical connection
The voltage shown on the rating plate must
match the supply voltage. The current source
must be properly earthed.
Only use splash-protected extension cable with
a sufficient conductor cross-section
(10 m: 3 x 1.5 mm², 30 m: 3 x 2.5 mm²) and
unwind completely from the cable drum.
Connection to water line
Comply with the stipulations of the water supply
company.
• Water hose (not supplied) 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.
• The water supply temperature must not
exceed 104°F/40°C.
• Never use the pressure washer to draw in
water contaminated with solvents, e.g. paint
thinners, gasoline, oil, etc.
• Always prevent debris from being drawn into
the unit by using a clean water source.
SAFETY NOTES

6
!
Serious danger!
Vehicle tyres and tyre valves can be damaged
by the high-pressure jet and become
perforated. The first sign of this is a
discoloration of the tyre. When cleaning them
maintain a distance of at least 30 cm.
Never grasp the power plug with wet hands.
Before each use check the power cord and
power plug for damage. Have a damaged
power cord replaced immediately by an
authorized Kärcher service point or an electrical
specialist.
Before each use check the high-pressure hose
for damage. Replace a damaged high-pressure
hose immediately.
!
Danger of injury!
Owing to the water jet emerging from the high-
pressure nozzle a recoil force operates on the
handgun. Ensure you have a secure footing
and hold the handgun and spray lance firmly.
If necessary wear protective clothing for
protection against return spray.
Water supply
The unit can either be supplied from the water
main or from water in an open container.
Water supply from the water main
lConnect a supply hose (not included) to
the water inlet of the unit and to the water
supply (e.g. water tap).
lOpen the water supply.
Water supply from an open container
lUnscrew the coupling part for the water inlet.
lScrew the suction hose with filter (not
included, see “Special accessories”) onto the
water connection of the unit.
lHang the filter in the container.
lVent the unit before operation.
– Unscrew the high-pressure line at the high-
pressure outlet of the unit.
– Switch on the unit and let it run until water
free of bubbles emerges at the high-
pressure outlet.
– Switch off the unit and screw on the high-
pressure hose again.
OPERATION

7
Preparation
lInsert power plug.
lTurn master switch to “I”.
Switching on
lPress safety button on the handgun and pull
the lever.
Switching off
lRelease the lever.
During breaks in work and when leaving the unit
secure it against inadvertent switching on by
pressing the safety button.
Regulate operating pressure/
flow rate
Raise operating pressure:
twist spray lance in direction “+”.
Reduce operating pressure:
twist spray lance in direction “–”.
OPERATION
Connect accessories
Depending on the model the following
accessories are either included in the scope
of delivery or are obtainable from specialist
dealers (see also “Special accessories”).
lExchange the respective accessory with the
spray lance.
Wash brush
for large, smooth surfaces – e.g. on the
automobile, caravan or boat.
Cleaning agent can be added.
Rotating wash brush
for gentle and thorough cleaning – e.g.
bodywork and glass surfaces.
Cleaning agent can be added.
Rotary nozzle
for stubborn accumulations of grime – e.g.
moss-covered promenade tiles or facades.
Work without cleaning agent and with the
highest operating pressure.

8
Adding the cleaning agent
lDraw the cleaning agent metering valve out
of its holding bracket.
lDraw the cleaning agent suction hose out of
the housing to the required length.
lMeter out the cleaning agent (cleaning agent
metering valve)
– medium quantity: centre-position
– large quantity: “+” position
– small quantity: “–” position.
lHang the cleaning agent metering valve in
the cleaning agent container.
lTwist the spray lance in the “–” direction until
the stop.
Recommended cleaning method
1. Spray the cleaning agent on the dry surface
sparingly and let it react (but not dry out).
2. Wash off the loosened dirt with the high-
pressure jet.
lMaster switch to “0”.
lDraw out power plug. Wind the high-pressure
hose around the hose reel.
OPERATION FINISHING OPERATIONS
Cleaning agents
For trouble-free operation and for matching to
the relevant cleaning task we recommend our
Kärcher cleaning agents and care range. Please
let us advise you or ask for information about
them. Here is a small selection:
Universal cleaner Profi RM 555 ULTRA
Automobile cleaner Profi RM 565 ULTRA
House and garden cleaner
Profi RM 570 ULTRA
Boat cleaner Profi RM 575 ULTRA
When the water has been supplied from the
water main
lClose the water supply tap.
lSeparate the unit from the water connection.
When the water has been supplied from an
open container
lUnscrew the suction hose with filter at the
water inlet of the unit.

9
lPull the lever on the handgun until the unit is
without pressure.
lPress in the safety button to protect the unit
against inadvertent switching on.
Caution! Frost can destroy an incompletely
emptied unit. In the winter keep the unit in a
frost-free room.
lSeparate the spray lance from the handgun
and place it in its holder.
CARE AND MAINTENANCEFINISHING OPERATIONS TRANSPORTATION
lSwitch off the unit before transporting it.
lTo transport it over stairs or obstacles lift the
unit at the transportation handle.
lTo transport the unit over even surfaces draw
it by the drawing bar.
Cleaning
Before long periods of storage, e.g. in winter:
lPull the cleaning agent metering valve off
the cleaning agent suction hose and clean
it under running water.
lPull out the strainer in the water inlet with flat-
nose pliers and clean it under running water.
Maintenance
The unit is maintenance-free.

10
HELP WITH FAULTS
Fault Cause Remedy
Unit does not run Power supply interrupted Draw out power plug! Check power cord,
power plug, extension cable and cable
connections for damage
Unit does not come up to pressure Spray lance set to “–” Set spray lance to “+”
In suction operation – unit not vented Vent unit, see “Operation”
Strainer in water inlet blocked Clean strainer, see “Care and Maintenance”
Water supply quantity too low Check the water supply to the water inlet of
the unit for leaks and throughput
Strong pressure fluctuations High-pressure nozzle in spray lance blocked Take off the spray lance, clean the hole in the
high-pressure nozzle with a needle and rinse
through with water again
Water comes out of the housing underside Pump leaking 3 drops per minute are acceptable. For
greater leakages contact the customer service
Cleaning agent is not drawn in Spray lance set to “+” Set spray lance to “–”
Cleaning agent valve in the cleaning agent
suction hose blocked Clean cleaning agent metering valve, see “Care and Maintenance”
Faults often have simple causes which you can
rectify yourself with the aid of the following
summary. In case of doubt or of faults or
remedies not mentioned here apply to the
authorized customer service.
!
Danger of electric shock!
Repair work on the unit can only be carried out
by the authorized customer service.
Replacement parts
Use exclusively Kärcher original replacement
parts. You will find a replacement parts
summary at the end of these operating
instructions.
Customer Service
In the case of questions or faults our Kärcher
branches will be pleased to assist you further:

11
TECHNICAL DATA
Power supply
Voltage (at 1~60 Hz) 120 V
Supply fuses (time-lag) 13 A
Safety class 1
Water connection
Supply temperature (max.) 104 °F
Supply volume (min.) 2.5 gpm
Supply pressure (max.) 85 psi
Performance data
Operating pressure max. 1500 psi
Flow volume 1.7 gpm
Cleaning agent metering 0–25 l/h
Suction height from open container (20°C)1m
Recoil force of the handgun 22 N
Sound level LPA (EN60704-1) 72 dB(A)
Dimensions
Length/Width/Height 438/411/936 mm
Weight 16 kg
Circuit Diagram
0.088-382
C1Running capacitor
F1 Temperature fuse
M1Motor
S1Appliance switch
S2Pressure-operated
switch

12
ASSEMBLY

13
Changing the high pressure hose

14
NOTES

15
SPARE PARTS