Craftsman 358791510 Owner’s Manual

Instruction Manual

32cc/1.9 cu.in. 2-Cycle
GASOLINE WEEDWACKER ®

Model No.

358.791510

• Safety

° Assembly
° Operation

° Maintenance
° Parts List

° Espahol

For Occasional Use Only

WARNING:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating

Instructions before first use of this product.

For answers to your questions about this product:
Call 7 am-7 pm, Mon.-Sat., or 10 am-7 pm, Sun.

1-800-235-5878 (Hours,,stedareCentralTime)

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

530164388 10/31/03

Warranty Statement 2 Storage 11
Safety Rules 2 Troubleshooting Table 12

Assembly 4 Emissions Statement 13
Operation 5 Parts List 15

Maintenance 8 Spanish 17

Service & Adjustments 9 Parts and Ordedng Back Cover

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ® GAS POWERED

WEEDWACKER ® LINE TRIMMER.

For one year from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman Gas Powered

Weedwacker Line Trimmer is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to
the operating and maintenance instructions in this manual, Sears will repair, free

of charge, any defect in materials or workmanship.

This warranty excludes nylon line, spark plug, and air filter, which are expendable

parts and become worn during normal use.
If this Weedwacker line trimmer is used for commercial purposes, this warranty ap-
plies for only 90 days from the date of purchase. If this Weedwacker line trimmer is

used for rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 30 days from the date of pur-
chase.

This warranty applies only while this product is in use in the United States.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BYRETURNING THE WEEDWACKER LINE TRIMMER

TOTHE NEAREST SEARSSTORE OR SERVICE CENTER IN THE UNITED STATES.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other dghts
which vary from state to state.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

41_IIWARNING: When using gar-

dening appliances, basic safety pre-
cautions must always be followed to

reduce the risk of fire and serious
injury. Read and follow all instructions.

This power unit can be dangerous! Op-

erator is responsible for following
instructions and warnings on unit and in

manual. Read entire instruction manual
before using unit! Be thoroughly familiar

with the controls and the proper use of
the unit. Restrict the use of this unit to

persons who have read, understand,
and will follow the instructions and

warnings on the unit and in the manual.

Never allow children to operate this unit.

INSTRUCTION SAFETYINFORMATION
MANUAL ONTHEUNIT

_lk DANGER: Never use blades or
flailing devices. This unit isdesigned

for line trimmer use only. Use of any
other accessories or attachments will

increase the risk of injury.

@©O

_kWARNING: Trimmerline throws
objects violently. You and others can be

blinded/injured. Wear eye and leg
protection. Keep body parts clear of ro-

tating line.

Eye Protection

ml

Keep children, bystanders,and animals
50 feet (15 meters)away. Stop unit im-
mediately if approached.

2

If situations occur which are not cov-
ered in this manual, use care and
good judgment. Ifyou need assis-

tance, contact your Sears Service

Center or call 1-800-235-5878.
OPERATOR SAFETY

• Dress properly. Always wear safety
glasses or similar eye protection
when operating, or performing main-

tenance, on your unit (safety
glasses are available). Eye protec-

tion should be marked Z87.

• Always wear face or dust mask if op-
eration is dusty.

• Always wear heavy, long pants, long
sleeves, boots, and gloves. Wearing
safety leg guards is recommended.

• Always wear foot protection. Do not
go barefoot or wear sandals. Stay

clear of spinning line.

• Secure hair above shoulder length.
Secure or remove loose clothing or
clothing with loosely hanging ties,
straps, tassels, etc. They can be

caught in moving parts.

• Being fully covered also helps pro-
tect you from debris and pieces of

toxic plants thrown by spinning line.

• Stay Alert. Do not operate this unit
when you are tired, ill, upset or un-

der the influence of alcohol, drugs,
or medication. Watch what you are

doing; use common sense.

• Wear hearing protection.

• Never start or run inside a closed

room or building. Breathing exhaust

fumes can kill.

• Keep handles free of oil and fuel.

UNIT / MAINTENANCE SAFETY

• Disconnect the spark plug before

performing maintenance except car-
buretor adjustments.

• Look for and replace damaged or

loose parts before each use. Look

for and repair fuel leaks before use.

Keep in good working condition.

• Replace trimmer head parts that are
chipped, cracked, broken, or dam-

aged in any other way before using
the unit.

• Maintain unit according to recom-

mended procedures. Keep cutting
line at proper lengt h

• Use only Craftsman 'f_replacement

line. Never use wire, rope, string, etc.

• Install required shield properly before

using the unit. Use only specified

trimmer head; make sure it is properly

installed and securely fastened.

• Make sure unit is assembled cor-

rectly as shown in this manual.

• Make carburetor adjustments with
lower end supported to prevent line

from contacting any object.

• Keep others away when making car-
buretor adjustments.

• Use only recommended Craftsman f_

accessories and replacement parts.

• Have all maintenance and service
not explained in this manual per-

formed by a Sears Service Center.

FUEL SAFETY

• Mix and pour fuel outdoors.

• Keep away from sparks or flames.

• Use a container approved for fuel.

• Do not smoke or allow smoking near

fuel or the unit.

• Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all

fuel spills.

• Move at least 10 feet (3 meters)

away from fueling site before start-

ing engine.

• Stop engine and allow to cool before
removing fuel cap.

• Always store gasoline in a container

approved for flammable liquids.

CUTTING SAFETY

_WARNING: Inspect the area be-
fore each use. Remove objects

(rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, etc.)
which can be thrown by or become
entangled in line. Hard objects can
damage the trimmer head and be

thrown causing serious injury.

• Use only for trimming, scalping, mow-
ing and sweeping. Do not use for edg-

ing, pruning or hedge trimming.

• Keep firm footing and balance. Do not

overreach.

• Keep all parts of your body away from
muffler and spinning line. Keep engine
below waist level. A hot muffler can

cause serious burns.

• Cut only from your right to your left.
Cutting on left side of the shield will

throw debris away from the operator.

• Use only in daylight or good artificial
light.

• Use only for jobs explained in this
manual.

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

• Allow engine to cool before storing or

transporting in vehicle.

• Empty the fuel tank before storing or

transporting the unit. Useup fuel left in
the carburetor by starting the engine
and letting it run until it stops.

• Store unit and fuel in area where fuel

vapors cannot reach sparks or open
flames from water heaters, electric

motors or switches, furnaces, etc.

3

• Store unit so line limiter blade cannot
accidentally cause injury. The unit

can be hung by the shaft.

• Store unit out of reach of children.

SAFETY NOTICE: Exposure to vibra-

tions through prolonged use of gasoline

powered hand tools could cause blood

vesset or net_/e damage in the fingers,

hands, and joints of people prone to cir-
culation disorders or abnormal swell-

ings. Prolonged use in cold weather
has been linked to blood vessel dam-

age in otherwise healthy people. If
symptoms occur such as numbness,

pain, loss of strength, change in skin
color or taxNre, or loss of feeling in the

fingers, hands, or joints, discontinue the

use of this tool and seek medical atten-

tion. An anti-vibration system does not

guarantee the avoidance of these prob-
lems. Users who operate power tools

on a continual and regular basis must
monitor closely their physical condition

and the condition of this tool.

SPECIAL NOTICE: This unit is
equipped with a temperature limiting

muffler and spark arresting screen
which meets the requirements of Cali-
fornia Codes 4442 and 4443. All U.S.
forest land and the states of California,

Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey,
Oregon, and Washington require by

law that many internal combustion en-
gines be equipped with a spark arrest-

ing screen. If you operate in a locale
where such regulations exist, you are

legally responsible for maintaining the
operating condition of these parts.

Failure to do so is a violation of the
law. For normal homeowner use, the
muffler and spark arresting screen will

not require any service. After 50 hours
of use, we recommend that your muf-

fler be serviced or replaced by a
Sears Service Center.

CARTON CONTENTS
Check carton contents against the fol-

lowing list.

Model 358.791510

• Trimmer

• Shield

• Wing Nut (screwed onto shield)

• Container of line

• Container of oil

Examine parts for damage. Do not
use damaged parts.
NOTE: If you need assistance or find

parts missing or damaged, call

1-800-235-5878.

It is normal for the fuel filter to rattle in

the empty fuel tank.

Finding fuel or oil residue on muffler is
normal due to carburetor adjustments

and testing done by the manufacturer.

ASSEMBLY

_kWARNING: If received as-

sembled, repeat all steps to ensure
your unit is properly assembled and all

fasteners are secure.

ADJUSTING THE HANDLE

zIL _____=_=

*ff;_WARNING: When adjusting the

assist handle, be sure it remains above

the safety label and below the mark or

arrow on the shaft.

1. Loosen wing nut on handle.

2. Rotate the handle on the shaft to an
upright position; retighten wing nut.

ATTACHING SHIELD

zIL _____=_=

_ILWARNING: The shield must be
properly installed. The shield provides

partial protection from the risk of thrown
objects to the operator and others and

is equipped with a line limiter blade
which cuts excess Iine to the proper

length. The line limitar blade (on under-
side of shield) is sharp and can cut you.

For proper orientation of shield, see
KNOW YOUR TRIMMER illustration in

OPERATION section.

1. Remove wing nut from shield.

2. Insert bracket into stat as shown.

3. Pivot shield until bolt passes
through hole in bracket.

4. Securely tighten wing nut onto bolt.

PIVOT Shield _, Slot

__X F Bracket

Lin_lL_iter _-" _/_

4

Wing

KNOW YOUR TRIMMER

READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
UNIT Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the location of

the various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

Assist Handle

J

Shaft

Line Limiter
Blade

STOP Switch

Starter Handle

Primer Bulb

Shield Throttle

/

Trimmer
Head

Trigger

J

Choke Lever

STOP SWITCH

The STOP switch is used to stop the

engine. To stop the engine, push and
hold the switch in the STOP position until

the engine stops.

PRIMER BULB
The PRIMER BULB removes air from
the carburetor and fuel tines and fills
them with fuel. This allows you to start
the engine with fewer pulis on the

starter rope. Activate the primer bulb

by pressing it and allowing it to return
to its original form.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

f

zIL =

4_!bWARNING: Be sure to read
the fuel information in the safety rules

before you beginches If you do not

understand the safety ruies, do not at-
tempt to fuel your unit. Call

1-800-235-5878.

FUELING ENGINE

_kWARNING: Remove fuel cap

slowly when refueling.
This engine is certified to operate on

unleaded gasoline. Before operation,

gasoline must be mixed with a good

quatity synthetic 2-,cycle air-cooled en-

gine oil. We recommend Craftsman

brand synthetic oil Mix gasoline and oil

at a ratio of 40:1. A 40:1 ratio is ob-
tained by mixing 3.2 ounces of oil with 1

Muffler

CHOKE
The CHOKE helps to supply fuel to the

engine to aid in cold starting. Activate
the choke by moving the choke lever to

the FULL CHOKE position. After the en-
gine attempts to start, move the choke

Iever to the HALF CHOKE position. Once
engine has started, move the choke le-
ver to the OFF CHOKE position.

gallon of unIeaded gasotine. Included
with this trimmer is a 3.2 ounce contain-

er of oil Pour the entire contents of this
container into 1 gallon of gasoline to

achieve the proper fuel mixture. DO
NOT USE automotive oi! or marine oil.

These oils will cause engine damage.
When mixing fuel, follow instructions

printed on container.
Once oil is added to gasoline, shake

container momentarily to assure that
the fuel is thoroughly mixed. Always

read and follow the safety rules relat-
ing to fuel before fueling your unit.

IMPORTANT
Experience indicates that alcohol

blended fuels (called gasohol or using
ethanol or methanol) can attract mois-
ture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage.

5

Acidicgascandamagethefuelsys-
temofanenginewhileinstorage.
Toavoidengineproblems,emptythe

fuelsystembeforestoragefor30days

orlonger.Drainthegastank,startthe

engineandletitrununtilthefuellines

andcarburetorareempty.Usefresh

fuelnextseason.

Neveruseengineorcarburetorclean-

erproductsinthefueltankorperma-

nentdamagemayoccur.

SeetheSTORAGEsectionforaddition-

alinformation.

HOWTOSTOPYOURUNIT

•Tostoptheengine,pushandhold
theSTOPswitchintheSTOPposition

untiltheenginestops.

• Ifenginedoesnotstop,movechoke

levertoFULLCHOKEposition.

STOP

Choke

position

decal

4. Squeeze the throttle trigger fuIIy and
hold through all remaining steps.

5. Pull starter rope handle sharply
until engine sounds as if it is trying

to start, but do not pull rope more
than 6 times.

6. As soon as engine sounds as if it
is trying to start, move choke lever

to HALF CHOKE by aligning lever
with position shown on decai (see
following illustration).

ThrottleTr_gger_\ _\

HOW TO START YOUR UNIT

_WARNING: The trimmer head
will turn while starting the engine.

Avoid any contact with the muffler. A

hot muffler can cause serious burns.

STARTING A COLD ENGINE (or a
warm engine after running out of
fuel)

Primer Bulb

1. Set unit on a flat surface.

2. Slowly press the primer buib 6
times.

3. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE
by aligning Iever with position

shown on decal (see illustration
beiow).

\

Position

/Sta_er Handle

Choke

-Lever

Muffler

Choke

position

decal

7. Pull starter rope sharply until engine
runs, but no more than 6 pulls. If the

engine doesn't start after 6 pulls (at
the HALF CHOKE position), move the

choke lever to the FULL CHOKE
position and press the primer bulb 6

times. Squeeze and hotd the throttle
trigger and pull the starter rope 2

more times. Move the choke lever
to the HALF CHOKE position and pull
the starter rope until the engine

runs, but no more than 6 pulls. If the
engine doesn't start, repeat proce-
dure 2 additional times. NOTE: If

engine still doesn't start, it is prob-
ably flooded. Proceed to STARTING
A FLOODED ENGINE.

8. Once the engine starts, allow it to
run 10 seconds, then move the

choke lever to OFF CHOKE by align-
ing lever with position shown on de-
cal (see illustration below). Allow the

unit to run for 30 more seconds at
OFF CHOKE before releasing the

throttle trigger. NOTE: If engine dies
with the choke lever in the OFF

CHOKE position, move the choke le-
ver to the HALF CHOKE position and

pull the rope until engine runs, but
no more than 6 pulls.

6

Choke
position

decal

STARTING A WARM ENGINE

1. Move the choke lever to the HALF
CHOKE position.

2. Squeeze and hold the throttle trig-
ger. Keep throttle trigger fully
squeezed until the engine runs

smoothly.

3. Pull starter rope sharply until engine
runs, but no more than 5 pulls.

4. Allow engine to run 15 seconds,
then move the choke lever to the

OFF CHOKE position.

NOTE: If engine has not started, pull
starter rope 5 more pulls. If engine still
does not run, it is probably flooded.

STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE
Flooded engines can be started by

placing the choke lever in the OFF
CHOKE position; then, pull the rope to

clear the engine of excess fuel. This
could require pulling the starter handle

many times depending on how badly

the unit is flooded.

If the unit still doesn't start, refer to
TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE or call

1-800-235-5878.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

It is recommended that the engine
not be operated longer than 1 min-

ute at full throttle.
OPERATING POSITION

ALWAYSLongpantsWEAR: _,_ ._ Eye protection

_!_ WARNING: Always wear eye
protection. Never lean over the trimmer

head. Rocks or debris can ricochet or
be thrown into eyes and face and

cause blindness or other serious injury.
When operating unit, stand as shown

and check for the following:

• Wear eye protection and heavy
clothing.

• Hold trigger handle with right hand
and assist handle with left hand.

• Keep unit below waist level.

Cut only from your right to your left to

ensure debris is thrown away from
you. Without bending over, keep line

near and parallel to the ground and

not crowded into material being cut.
Do not run the engine at a higher speed
than necessary. The cutting line will cut

emciently when the engine is run at less
than full throttle. At lower speeds, there

is less engine noise and vibration.
Always release the throttle trigger and

allow the engine to return to idle
speed when not cutting.

To stop engine:

• Release the throttle trigger.

• Push and hold the STOP switch in

the STOP position until the engine
stops.

CUTTING METHODS
_!_WARNING: Use minimum

speed and do not crowd the line when
cutting around hard objects (rock,
gravel, fence posts, etc.), which can

damage the trimmer head, become
entangled in the line, or be thrown
causing a serious hazard.

• The tip of the line does the cutting.

You will achieve the best perform-
ance and minimum line wear by not

crowding the line into the cutting
area. The right and wrong ways are

shown below.

Tip of the Line Line Crowded Into
Does The Cutting Work Area

Heavy sho_..S_' !

Cut from your right to your left.

Right Wrong

• The line will easily remove grass

and weeds from around walls,
fences, trees and flower beds, but it
also can cut the tender bark of trees
or shrubs and scar fences.

7

• For trimming or scalping, use less
than full throttle to increase line life

and decrease head wear, especially:

• During light duty cutting.

• Near objects around which the line
can wrap such as small posts,

trees or fence wire.

• For mowing or sweeping, use full
throttle for a good clean job.

TRIMMING - Hold the bottom of the
trimmer head about 3 inches (8 cm)

above the ground and at an angle. Al-
low only the tip of the line to make
contact. Do not force trimmer line into

work area.

Trimming

3 inches (8 cm)
above ground

SCALPING - The scalping technique
removes unwanted vegetation down

to the ground. Hold the bottom of the
trimmer head about 3 inches (8 cm)

above the ground and at an angle. Al-
low the tip of the line to strike the

ground around trees, posts, monu-
ments, etc. This technique increases

line wear.

MOWING - Your trimmer is ideal for
mowing in places conventional lawn

mowers cannot reach. In the mowing
position, keep the line parallel to the

ground. Avoid pressing the head into
the ground as this can scalp the
ground and damac _ the tool.

Mowing

SWEEPING - The fanning action of
the rotating line can be used to blow

away loose debris from an area. Keep
the line parallel to and above the area
surface and swing the tool from side

to side.

Scalping 3 inches (8 cm)

above ground

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

_kWARNING: Disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance

except for carburetor adjustments.

CARE & MAINTENANCE TASK
Check for loose fasteners and parts

Check for damaged or worn parts

Inspect and clean unit and decals

Clean air filter

Inspect muffler and spark arresting screen
Replace spark plug

WHEN TO PERFORM

Before each use
Before each use

After each use

Every 5 hours of operation
Every 50 hours of operation

Yearly

8

GENERALRECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this unit does not

cover items that have been subjected

to operator abuse or negligence. To

receive full value from the warranty,

the operator must maintain unit as

instructed in this manual. Various ad-

justments will need to be made peri-

odically to properly maintain your unit.
CHECK FOR LOOSE

FASTENERS AND PARTS

• Spark Plug Hoot

• Air Filter

• Housing Screws

• Assist Handle Screw

• Debris Shield

CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR

WORN PARTS

Contact Sears Service Center for re-
placement of damaged or worn parts.

• STOP Switch - Ensure STOP switch
functions properly by pushing and

holding the switch in the STOP posi-

tion. Make sure engine stops. Re-
start engine and continue.

• Fuel Tank - Discontinue use of unit

if fuel tank shows signs of damage

or leaks.

• Debris Shield - Discontinue use of

unit if debris shield is damaged.
INSPECTAND CLEAN UNITAND DE-
CALS

• After each use, inspect complete

unit for loose or damaged parts.

Clean the unit and decals using a

damp cloth with a mild detergent.

• Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.
CLEAN AIR FILTER

A dirty air filter decreases engine per-
formance and increases fuel consump-

tion and harmful emissions. Always

clean after every 5 hours of operation.

1. Clean the cover and the area
around it to keep dirt from falling

into the carburetor chamber when
the cover is removed.

2. Remove parts by pressing button
to release air filter cover.

NOTE: To avoid creating a fire hazard
or producing harmful evaporative

emissions, do not clean filter in gaso-
line or other flammable solvent.

3. Wash the filter in soap and water.

4. Allow filter to dry.

5. Replace parts.

Button

Air Filter

Air Filter
Cover

INSPECT MUFFLER AND SPARK

ARRESTING SCREEN

_WARNING: The muffler on this
product contains chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer.
As your unit is used, carbon deposits

build up on the muffler and spark ar-
resting screen.

For normal homeowner use, however,
the muffler and spark arresting screen

will not require any service. After 50
hours of use, we recommend that your

muffler be serviced or replaced by your
Sears Service Center.

REPLACE SPARK PLUG
Replace the spark plug each year to

ensure the engine starts easier and
runs better. Set spark plug gap at

0.025 inch. Ignition timing is fixed and

nonadjustable.

1. Twist, then pull off spark plug boot.

2. Remove spark plug from cylinder
and discard.

3. Replace with Champion RCJ-6Y
spark plug and tighten securely

with a 3/4 inch socket wrench.

4. Reinstall the spark plug boot.

LINE REPLACEMENT

• Always use Craftsman replacement
line.

Choose the line size best suited for
the job at hand. Red line is designed
for cutting grass and small weeds.

The black colored line is designed for

cutting larger weeds and light brush.

NOTE: Before inserting new line into the
holes in the cutting head, identify the
proper holes. Follow directions as shown

on the line glide plate.

1. Remove the old line and line glide
plate from the cutting head.

2. Clean entire surface of cutting head.

3. Reinstall line glide plate (see il-
lustration). Align arrow with:

9