AR Blue Clean AR116 - Pressure Washer Manual

IntroductIon

Your BLUE CLEAN POWER WASHER is a power tool in every sense of the word that may be used outside your house and in. It is one of the finest most powerful home-use power washers in the marketplace today.
AR116 features include:

• A proprietary, all-aluminum, water pump.
• A full 12-month "bumper to bumper" warranty on the power washer and all parts/accessories.
• A quick release Garden Hose Adapter with an incorporated water filter and water check valve.
• A high pressure adjustable spray lance and detergent bottle.
• A Total Stop System (TSS) which turns the washer on only when the spray gun trigger is pressed. The TSS automatically turns the motor off to protect the pump from overheating.
• Industry-leading customer service with one goal, "Happy Customers!"

Please familiarize yourself with the following assembly and operating safety information. Read this manual before using the power washer. Failure to follow these instructions could cause personal injury, property damage, or both. Save this manual for other users to read prior to using the power washer.
If you have any questions about or problems with your power washer please call our toll-free number 1-866-235-5112 and talk with our Customer Service Support Team at AR North America Inc. We are available to talk with you Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST). We can help you with questions regarding operation, warranty, replacement or optional parts, or contact us at info@arblueclean.com.
For more information 24/7 on BLUE CLEAN POWER WASHERS go to www.arblueclean.com. Power washers, parts, and accessories can be ordered online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience.

Package Contents

1. Power washer unit
2. Manual
3. Nozzle cleaning wire - taped to the manual for safe keeping
4. Accessory holders
5. Spray gun(D shows trigger lock button)
6. Adjustable spray lance
7. High pressure hose
8. Garden hose adapter (blue/black)
9. Quick Connect Filter (clear)
10. Detergent Bottle

Unpacking & Assembly Instructions

• After unpacking the BLUE CLEAN POWER WASHER, lay out the parts and accessories. Familiarize yourself with the parts in the package by comparing them to those listed on the "PACKAGE CONTENTS".
• The BLUE CLEAN POWER WASHER requires some minor assembly, the accessory holder and the electric power cord holder (Fig. 1). Slide these pieces onto the grooves on the either side of the power washer.
  

High Pressure Hose

• Screw the high pressure hose (clockwise) on the back of the unit at the bottom (Fig. 2). The end of the hose must be inserted into the water outlet far enough so the collar can thread onto the outlet threads until hand tight. Do not use pliers or vice grips to tighten. If it takes fewer than six or so turns you have not properly tightened the high pressure hose fitting. It is easier to position the power washer in front of you to ensure that the threads are started correctly. Failure to properly tighten the high pressure hose will result in the hose slipping or popping off immediately upon turning the unit on. Do not worry about damage if this occurs - just reinstall and take extra care at screwing on the high pressure hose fitting.
  
• Connect the other end of the high pressure hose to the spray gun by inserting the silver metal tip of the high pressure hose into the fitting under the trigger guard. It will lock into the spray gun with a "click" (Fig. 3). Confirm the hose is locked into the spray gun by pulling slightly on the hose. The hose is now securely attached to the spray gun.
  
• To release the hose from the spray gun, press the thumb tab on the underside of the spray gun toward the trigger guard. The hose will slide out from the connection.

Spray Gun

• To lock the trigger of the spray gun aim the spray gun away from you and push the lock button from left to right, (Fig. 4) after doing so, squeeze or pull the trigger to make sure it is locked and will not move. Get in the habit of leaving the lock button in the "locked" position when the power washer is not in use. This ensures the gun is in "safe" mode until it is ready for use.
  

Lance and Detergent bottle

• While the spray gun is in the locked position, insert the adjustable lance, or the detergent bottle directly into the end of the spray gun by inserting, pushing together and turning clockwise simultaneously (Fig. 5). To remove push together and turn counter clockwise. Push the safety lock button to lock the trigger when changing the lance or the detergent bottle, to ensure that they do not accidentally eject with force during removal.
  

• When using the adjustable spray lance, the spray pattern and intensity can be controlled according to power of water needed for each task by twisting the spray nozzle at the far end of the lance (Fig. 6). This can be used for sweeping leaves or debris from flat surfaces or curbing. This lance has the widest variety of applications as the fan degree allows for good impact pressure and cleaning coverage.
  
• When using the detergent bottle, fill it with a properly formulated detergent or cleaner with a water ratio according to instructions on the container (Fig. 7). The detergent bottle comes with a straw which is fitted into the screw-on top. If you do not see the straw, look inside the bottle and attach it to the screw-on top (Fig. 8).
  Note: the ratio of water to detergent is 10:1 or 10 parts water to 1 part detergent.
  
  

Garden Hose Adapter

• Install the garden hose adapter (GHA) and quick connect filter. It is made up of two separate pieces. (1) A clear plastic adapter with a screen filter (about 3 inches long) and (2) a blue/black collar attachment (Fig. 9).
  
• First, remove the plastic shipping cover on the water inlet on the front of the power washer. Attach the clear plastic adapter by screwing it into the water inlet (Fig. 10). Hand tight is fine. Next screw on the blue/black collar attachment to your garden hose (Fig. 11). Slide the blue/ black collar onto the clear adapter, it will "click" into place. The water is now connected to your power washer.
  
• To remove the water hose, simply pull back on the blue collar and it will slide off the clear adapter. Note: this can be done at any time. Water will not come out of the garden hose as the blue/black collar has a water check valve. Water will only flow from the garden hose when it is connected to the clear adapter.
• You have now completed the assembly of your BLUE CLEAN POWER WASHER and are now ready to begin using your electric power washer. Read and observe all safety instructions.

Operating Instructions

Turn on the water supply at the faucet. Make sure the "ON/OFF" switch is in the "OFF" position. The power switch has international symbols for 'on' and 'off': On (--) Off (O), (Fig. 12).

Unwind the power cord completely and plug the GFCI into a grounded 120 volt outlet. Press the 'reset' button on the GFCI box (Fig.13). The indicator window should show a red color. This must be done each time the unit is plugged in. Release the safety lock button on the spray gun by pressing the safety lock button from right to left. While pointing the spray gun in a safe direction, squeeze the trigger on the spray gun until there is a steady stream of water, letting the water and air out of the hose.

Press the 'ON' button. The motor and pump should now be running and providing a powerful spray.

Operating Tips and Maintenance

• If you hear the motor run intermittently when the trigger is not being squeezed, that is normal. The pump is priming itself so it is ready to operate when the trigger is squeezed. Turn off the power washer if not being used after five minutes.
• The o-rings on the bayonet end of the adjustable lance and detergent bottle should be cleaned regularly and lubricated with non-water soluble grease.
• The screen inside the clear adapter should be cleaned periodically. Insert a pen or pencil in small hole at the end of the adapter. The screen filter will slide out (Fig.14). Rinse it with clean water, and then place it back in the adapter.
  
• Keep the nozzle cleaning wire that is taped to this manual, to unclog the nozzle on the lance. If you lose the cleaning wire an unbent paper clip will work.

Cleaning nozzles

• A clogged or partially clogged nozzle can cause significant reduction of water pressure coming out of the nozzle and/ or cause the unit to pulsate while spraying.
• Turn off the unit.
• Turn off the water supply to the unit.
• Relieve any pressure trapped in the high pressure hose by squeezing the trigger 2-3 times, and then lock the spray gun by pushing the lock button from left to right.

• Take off the adjustable lance. Rotate the nozzle on the adjustable lance to the narrow stream setting which opens up the fan blades (Fig. 15).
  
• Using the nozzle tip cleaner provided (or an unfolded paper clip), insert the wire into the nozzle hole and move back and forth until debris is dislodged (Fig. 16). Back flush water through the nozzle using garden hose and highest pressure available (either standard water nozzle or use your thumb over the nozzle to create water pressure for back flush).
  

How to Avoid Damaging Surfaces

• Damage to surfaces being cleaned occurs because the impact force of the water pressure exceeds the durability of the surface. Bare wood can be penetrated; paint can be peeled off, etc. You can vary the force of your power washer by controlling:
  • the fan pattern of the nozzle (when using the adjustable nozzle)
  • the angle of the water spray to the surface being cleaned
  • the distance of the nozzle from the surface being cleaned
• Never use a narrow high pressure stream of water from the lance on soft surfaces susceptible to damage.
• Use the adjustable spray lance when cleaning windows. Be sure to adjust the nozzle to a wide fan spray pattern and place the nozzle approximately four to five feet away from the window with the nozzle at a forty five degree angle. Squeeze the trigger and vary the fan spray pattern and angle until optimum cleaning efficiency is achieved.

Detergent Bottle

• Use detergents designed for power washers. We offer four power washer detergents. They are Auto, Motorcycle, Boat and Universal. These can be purchased online at our website www.arblueclean.com. Hardware stores or home centers also have power washer detergents. The cleaning solution should be the consistency of water in order to prevent clogging your detergent bottle nozzle.
• When using the detergent bottle, the application ratio of water to detergent is 10:1 or 10 parts water to 1 part detergent.
• This system applies detergent under low pressure. The cleaning power of the detergents is enhanced when applied with low pressure; when time is allowed to penetrate and break down dirt and grime. The combination of low pressure and chemical action is very effective and can be better than scrubbing if applied properly. Always spray detergent on a dry surface, do not pre-soak area. Wetting the surface first dilutes the detergent and reduces its cleaning ability. Do not allow detergent to dry on surface. On vertical surfaces being cleaned, apply detergent to lower surfaces and work your way up to prevent detergent from causing streaks in the dirt and grime. Rinse detergent by power washing from bottom up for same reason.

• If a stain is particularly tough, it may be necessary to reapply the detergent and use a stiff bristled brush to scrub the stain. Subsequent power washing after brushing should successfully complete your cleaning job.

Pump Saver

Pump Saver is a product that protects and prolongs the life of the pump. This will keep the internal parts of the pump lubricated and protected from freezing while being stored in ALL climates. It also assists with protection from internal corrosion. The Blue Clean part # is: PW64511 (16oz. bottle).

Pump Saver Instructions
Follow the previous storage instructions for your power washer. To prevent staining, protect the surface under the power washer from any excess fluid. Wear eye protection when using this product.

1. Turn off your power washer.
2. Disconnect all hoses.
3. Shake the bottle well before connecting to the power washer.
4. Screw the dispensing valve on the bottle of the Pump Saver into the water inlet on your power washer.
5. Turn the valve on the bottle to the open position.
6. Turn the power washer on. Turn the power washer off as soon as the Pump Saver fluid begins to exit the water outlet.
7. Turn the valve on the bottle to the off position and remove the Pump Saver bottle valve assembly from the power washer.

Replacement Parts

Specifications

Safeguards, Warnings, and Safety Tips

• To avoid personal injury and/or damage to property and to maximize your power washing experience, carefully follow all of the safety tips, instructions, warnings and safeguards and become familiar with all of the controls. Be sure you know how to quickly bleed off the pressure from all parts of your power washer, and how to turn off the power washer.
• This power washer conforms to CSA and other safety and consumer standards. Do not modify or rebuild any part of your power washer.
• Do not use your power washer when you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Use this power tool carefully and only when you are alert.
• Watch your balance and footing while using your power washer. Surfaces become slippery when wet and are extra slippery when using a detergent or cleaner.
• Never operate the power washer in bare feet, sandals, or open-toed shoes.
• When using the power washer near children make sure they are closely supervised by an adult to avoid injury. Never let a child use the power washer.
• Keep fingers, hands, feet and any part of your body clear of the stream of high pressure water. The powerful spray can cause blindness or blast holes in the skin. It can break a window if you are too close when you pull the trigger on the spray gun.
• Always wear eye protection to prevent injury to eyes when operating the power washer.
• To avoid mishaps or injury, always use the trigger safety lock when not using the power washer even if the spraying stops for a moment.
• The power washer is equipped with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) which greatly reduces the chance of electric shock while the unit is in use.
• Point the spray gun in a safe direction when beginning a power washing session.
• When first using the spray gun, hold the spray gun and lance with two hands when pulling the trigger until you get used to the "kick back" from the spray gun (one hand to pull the trigger and the other to stabilize the gun assembly).
• When you press the power switch to turn off the power washer, water pressure may remain in the system. To discharge the pressure, point the spray gun in a safe direction and pull the trigger.
• Never spray flammable liquids.
• Never use the power washer in areas that contain combustible dust, liquids or vapors.
• Avoid contact of the pressure hose with sharp objects and examine the hose regularly. Replace if damaged. Due to the high pressure involved, it cannot be repaired if cut or damaged.
• Only use detergent specifically formulated for power washers and follow instructions on the detergent's label. We have a selection of power washer detergents to choose from. Go to www.arblueclean.com for more information and to order the detergents. Power washer detergents are also available at your local hardware store.
• Protect eyes, lungs, and skin from exposure to detergent. Dish or laundry soap is too thick and will clog the nozzle of your lance and detergent bottle.
• 
  Store the power washer indoors to prevent the water in the unit from expanding under freezing conditions. When the water freezes and expands, your power washer will be damaged and become inoperable. Or, if storing outdoors, it is recommended you use Pump Saver. Pump Saver can be purchased on our website:www.arblueclean.com. See details in the Pump Saver section of this manual.
• Never use hot water with your power washer. It will overheat and damage the high pressure pump.
• Never leave the power washer unattended while it is powered "on".
• Always turn the water supply "on" before turning the power washer power to "on". Running the pump dry will cause damage to the internal components.
• Never use a water supply to your power washer that exceeds 150 psi maximum.
• Never disconnect the high pressure hose from the power washer while the system is pressurized.
• Never permanently engage the trigger mechanisms on the spray gun.
• Never operate the power washer unless all components are properly and securely connected.
• Never allow the power washer pump to run for more than one minute, after you have turned off the water supply. This can cause the motor and pump to overheat and fail.
• Never use lances or other parts that have not been supplied with your power washer.
• Never use an extension power cord since it defeats the effectiveness of the GFCI and increases the chance of electrocuting the operator.
• Never spray any electrical outlet with your power washer.
• Inspect the power cord before using. Do not use it if it is damaged.

Servicing of a Double-Insulated Appliance
In a double-insulated product, two systems of insulation are provided instead of grounding. Grounding means are not provided for a double-insulated product, nor should grounding means be added to the product.
Servicing a double-insulated product requires extreme care and knowledge of the system, and should only be done by qualified service personnel.
Replacement parts for a double-insulated product must be identical to the original parts. A double-insulated product is marked with the words "Double Insulation" or "Double Insulated". Product may also be marked with symbol shown below.

A.R. NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Attn: Power Washer Warranty Department
140 - 81st. Avenue NE, Fridley, MN 55432
Phone: 1-866-235-5112
Fax: 1-866-331-2762
Email: info@arblueclean.com
Website: www.arblueclean.com