Electric HPW Troubleshooting

Machine Set Up

  • Garden hose longer than 7.5m and fully uncoiled from any reels
  • No aquastops or other potential flow restrictions
  • Inlet filter is clean
  • Water flow from tap is sufficient for customers machine- bucket test to ascertain L/M
  • Move on to air block procedure-
  • Remove the black high pressure hose from the outlet of the machine (if the machine has a hose reel, remove the trigger gun from the hose and leave the hose connected to the machine.
  • Connect the water supply hose to the inlet of the machine, leave the water running through the machine for a period of 10 minutes.
  • Turn on the tap but leave the machine disconnected from the electricity supply.
  • Re-connect the high pressure hose (or trigger gun if removed squeeze the handle of the trigger gun to draw the water through the hose and into the gun until water exits from the nozzle.
    Plug the machine back into the electricity supply and turn on at the on/off switch.
  • Squeeze the trigger gun until the water exits from the nozzle.
  • The machine should then perform to full specification.
    Remind the customer of the importance of setting the machine up correctly

Commonly Asked Questions

  • There is no reason you cannot use an upright pressure washing in the laying down position and vice versa. Please keep in mind though that you need to make sure that all fittings cannot be damaged when in use, and that all motor cooling vents are not obstructed.
  • Yes, as long as there is enough flow for the unit to operate based on its technical specifications found in the user manual, and there is a minimum of 7.5m of good, new soft garden hose this will be fine. No difference than if it is off normal tap / town water.
  • The K2, K3 & K4 pumps are made from a Patented material made by Karcher called N-Cor "Non Corrosive". It is made of a composite material Polyamide and glass fibre. The N-Cor pump is guaranteed for life to never rust or corrode.
  • The K5 pump is bi-component. It has an N-Cor inner with aluminium outer.
  • The K7 pump is aluminium
  • Yes you can. However you do need to may sure you know the power consumption of the pressure washer. For the K2 and K3 units the generator needs to have a "CONTINUOUS" power output slightly higher than the power rating on the label, so for example if the pressure washer is a K2 and the label says 1450 watts then you would want at least a 1500 watt generator. With the K4, 5, and 7 units, these have a brushless motor so require a much larger generator to power them. The general rule is whatever the power rating of the machine is, times that by 3 to get the minimum size generator you require to run it safely. So if you have a K7 unit that has a power rating of 2200 watts, you will need a 6600 watt generator
  • This normally means the unit is switched on when there is no or not enough water in the pump to tell it to switch off. When first using make sure the unit is in the OFF position. Plug into the wall socket and turn that socket switch on. Hook up the water and turn on the tap. With the unit still in the off position, pull the trigger of the gun and release all of the air in hose and pump etc. This should only take or seconds. Once this has been done turn the unit power switch on and the unit should rev for a second or two then cut out. It will then turn on and off as required when the trigger is pulled and released.
  • This normally means the pump inside has failed due to a crack or faulty seal. This needs to be replaced or sent to a service centre depending on the model and age.
  • I don't believe it is written in any of the manuals that the garden hose needs to be un coiled. However it does state it needs to be a minimum length of 7.5m. Also it states "ATTENTION- Hose couplings made of metal with aquastop can damage the pump! Please use plastic couplings or KÄRCHER brass couplings" In regards to the pressure hose blowing, we would need to see a detailed up close and clear picture of where it has failed. Most times it has failed due to it being kinked or squashed, or even dragged over a sharp surface. Once we have a picture we can try to determine the cause of the fault. Also all accessories included in the box are covered by the same length of warranty as the pressure washer itself ( obviously against manufacturing defects and not abuse or misuse )
  • If the lance is clean and no foreign objects have entered the lance, more than likely there is a fault inside the lance assy and would need to be replaced
  • Is the machine on low pressure – Lance removed or vario lance is set to the mix position.
  • Are you using Karcher detergent? (non-karcher detergents may be too thick)
  • Is the detergent hose blocked? If so it can be unblocked with hot water
  • Are you using the standard gun and hose? (a longer hose may cause a pressure increase which will not enable the detergent to come through
  • Is the motor running?
  • Is it plugged in, turned on and have you pulled the trigger on the gun.
  • Is the vario set to high?
  • Have you tried it with a different lance? (restriction in lance)
  • Are there any leaks or damage to the high pressure hose?
  • Is the water source turned on fully?
  • Have you checked the inline filter for blockages? If blocked rinse under fresh water. The machine should never be used with the filter removed.
  • Have you tried running the machine on a mains tap?
  • Have you bled the air out of the suction hose? If not run the machine on low pressure for up to two minutes with the lance removed.
  • Are you using the correct Karcher hose?
  • Is the bucket full of water
  • Check the O ring on the garden hose fitting and on the high pressure hose.
  • Is the water inlet fitting tight?
  • Is the high pressure hose fitting tight
  • Is the hose a minimum of 7.5 metres long?
  • Are you using aqua stop fittings? If so use standard tap fittings
  • Have you replaced the fittings? (sometimes just old and worn out)
  • (K2 & K3 machines it is quite normal for there to be an odour for the first 2-3 minutes of use)
  • Turn off at the tap, turn the power supply off then pull the trigger and try again
  • Is there water coming out from under the machine? (If so, get it in for service)
  • Is there water leaking from your high pressure hose? (If so, repair or replace hose)
  • Try a different nozzle or lance
  • Is the water tap fully on
  • Have you checked the water inlet filter for blockages
  • Is the water feed hose kinked or damaged?
  • The Operators manual is a worldwide publication and it is not a requirement in Australia
  • These are old cards. You will automatically be entered into the next draw.
  • Take it apart and check if it’s got a blockage
  • The motor will only run when the trigger is pulled.
  • Pull the trigger and see if it will work this time
  • Karcher machines are designed for Karcher detergents. The use of non-Karcher detergents may cause premature failure and warranty restrictions.
  • 0-10 metres use 1.5 mm core wire. 10-30 metres use 2.5mm wire. (can’t just say heavy duty)
  • Pass to Warranty & Technical Advisers
  • K 2 & K 3 have brushed motors. K 4, K 5 & K 7 are brushless. Brushless motors mean they wear out less therefore more durable.
  • The hose should already be on the reel and attached to the machine, and only needs to attach it to the gun. When the machine is sold refurbished it might not come fully assembled. You need to push the hose firmly into the rotary bush and clip into place. See drawing of 901 Hose reel rotary bushing complete replace (9.755-612.0) - the Hose needs to go the wheel in the way it naturally wants to curl and should not be kinked.