Karcher K3.68MR Electric Pressure Washer - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

Dear Sir, Most probable the capacitor is faulty. Then one must see why the capacitor got faulty. This could be, due to a spill valve problem. When the spill valve starts making the power wash going ON and OFF....the capacitor will get heated and practically it nearly explodes. Also damaged inlet or outlet valves, will also make damage to the capactor. This model and other similar models.....one can change the whole head...with valves and Spill Valve. Also the capacitor must be replaced. A T15 screw driver will be good for the cover, if you intend to do the fixing yourself. Regarding the spill valve....this is a unit that with pressure, it activates the machine. When the gun is closed...pressure accumulates in the spill valve and it will move to close the electric power. When gun is opened...the pressure is released and the machine starts pumping. Regards, MG.

This certainly is a fault in the electric motor. Try the machine without load. That is...remove gun completely. If smoke still appears....windings in electrical motor are damaged. Myself I prefer to change motor than to rewind. More than that...safety is my policy. If in doubt and you see it is going to get expensive, consider a new machine. If possible the same model if you agree. In this way you can turn to your old machine for certain spares. Thanks, Fulltech.

Either the SWASH PLATE got loose or the intake and suction valves are damaged. The Swash Plate is an inclined disc that rotates and make the pistons go up and down...pumping water. In your case I suspect a lot it is the Swash Plate. This takes a qulified person to change. Unless you have the tools and know how. Thanks, Fulltech.

Dear Sir, The motor is humming, because as you noticed, the capacitor is faulty. To change the capacitor, one has to open the machine, by removing the covers. Usually a screw driver TORX T15 is used. The capacitor is very easy to locate and with a little knowledge it can be replaced. Now the BIG PROBLEM...is WHY, the capacitor got faulty. In many cases the valve that controls the pressure and shuts off and on the machine...called the SPILL VALVE...is faulty. If this is so, the machine starts going on and off...then the capacitor gets damaged. So this spill valve and maybe intake and suction valves must be replaced. One can try the machine with a new capacitor and observe what happens. Jerking machine...means Spill Valve damage and/or suction and delivery valves damage. Thanks, Fulltech.

Dear Peggy, You can have a problem with the valve at the gun which is sticking open. This valve can be OK without pressure, but with pressure it can stick open. It is very easy to make sure, by attaching a good gun or a new gun. In simple words...replace the gun. Regards, Fulltech.

it sounds like a flow switch that is installed in the inlet of pump can get stuck at times if you have a soap nozzle select it usually more flow moves the flow switch try and clean the flow switch if possible.

clean out the dirt and check the hose support that likes to slides down to the end of the hose

Try looking for any pressure leaks or blockages within the unit. if this fails, the motor may be at fault, carefully open the unit and check that the pump motor's blades are in good order, if all of these fail, then it's ready to be recycled and replaced.

Hello, W/D here.
It sounds like there is air in the machine, causing the over revving and loss of pressure. When the revving decreases, it's because some of the air has passed, and the washer is then trying to pump water, only to have more air get into the pump. As the machine over revs, it heats up, making it actually harder to get the air out. The easy way to prevent this is to turn the water on at the faucet, and leave the trigger on the gun held down (open). Then, make sure that no air is trapped in the hose to the pressure washer. You can lift up on the hose and walk the hose from the faucet to the machine, forcing any air in the hose towards the washer. Then, allow enough time for the air that you have displaced to travel through the washer. You will be able to judge your progress by observing the end of the spray wand. This process will take you a few minutes, but will result in your washer running and performing better.
Best regards, --W/D--

if the breaker in the house does not trip with any other appliance connected to it ie another electric motor say a pool pump or electric motor from a circular saw and does not trip

then it sounds like your blaster has a electric phase to earth short circuit
it will be pulling a very large current

i suggest you take it to your local electrical repair shop to check this out


cheers pauly46

There aren't many service parts available for a Karcher pressure washer. The only item that can be checked by a user is the on/off switch. ***Unplug the unit for this test*** Remove the switch and test for continuity through the switch with a DVOM (Digital Volt Ohm Meter). If you are not sure of how to do this, you will have to take it to a repair depot. These units are not consumer friendly to work on.

Hello, check the hose connection on the pump. There is generally a screen there to prevent dirt from entering the pump. Clean off this screen and all should be well.
joe

hi put some silicon spray in inlet and outlet then reconnect hoses what is going on is when you store it the seals start to dry out.........

Question edited for clarity. Use a DVOM to test the switch and the motor. The capacitor may have failed. Does it hum when you turn it on, that is a good indicator of a failed start/run capacitor. https://www.ransomspares.co.uk/parts/brands/karcher/pressure-washer-spares/k6.85m-wb%20gb%20%281.397-502.0%29/ Help and videos https://www.google.com/search?q=karcher+k6.85+doesn%27t+switch+on ..

The following methods, according to Check Appliance, may help you address the problem:

1. Check that the cable is inserted into the power socket and that the power switch is switched on.
2. Check to see if connecting into a different power outlet makes a difference.
3. Check that your extension wire is no longer than 10 meters (30 feet).
4. Check to see whether the fuse or circuit breaker needs to be reset.

If these methods do not solve the problem, it is conceivable that the pressure switch is malfunctioning, causing the motor to draw too much current and blow the fuse. You should inspect the pressure switch for evidence of damage or dysfunction.

Question edited for clarity. There are Parts Suppliers in the link E Replacement Parts lists it as obsolete, but there are others that you can check. https://www.google.com/search?q=karcher+model+k+4000+g+pump+replacement ..

Have you tried servicing the motor. Fresh air filter, new fuel filter and a fresh spark plug? That will help narrow down what the problem could be.

It will be like this, HDS Compact Series. Page 27. They are unmistakable, a silver aluminium can with wires coming out of the end. https://karcher-marine.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/Downloads/12722010/Service%20manual-SMA-5290965-002-00.pdf

It sounds like there may be a potential issue with the pressure build-up mechanism in your Karcher K2 compact. The constant motor running without water pressure could indicate a problem with the pump or the pressure switch. I would recommend checking the following:

1. Check the inlet filter: Ensure that the inlet filter is clean and free from any debris or blockages. A clogged filter can restrict water flow and affect pressure.

2. Inspect the nozzle: Make sure the nozzle is not obstructed or damaged. A blocked or damaged nozzle can restrict water flow and affect pressure as well.

3. Check the pressure switch: The pressure switch is responsible for regulating the motor and water flow. It's possible that the switch is faulty or not functioning correctly. Consider contacting Karcher customer support or a professional technician for assistance with checking and possibly replacing the pressure switch.

4. Examine the pump: There might be an issue with the pump itself. It could be worn out, clogged, or experiencing other internal problems. In such cases, it's best to reach out to Karcher customer support or a professional technician for further diagnosis and repair.

Remember to always follow safety precautions and consult the user manual provided by Karcher for specific troubleshooting steps and guidelines.