Craftsman 358791570 Owner’s Manual

Instruction Manual

25cc/1.5 cu.in. 2-Cycle

17 Inch Cutting Path / 0.080 Inch Line

GASOLINE WEEDWACKER ®

Model No.

358.791570

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts List

• Espa_ol

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.

530164368 12/9/03

Warranty Statement 2 Storage 11 Safety Rules 2 Troubleshooting Chart 12

Assembly 4 Emissions Statement 12 Operation 5 Parts List 14

Maintenance 9 Spanish 16

Service & Adjustments 10 Parts and Ordering Back

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 dghta which vary from state to state.

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

z% _

4I_WARNING: 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 instrdctions and

warnings on the unit and in the manual.

Never allow children to operate this unit.

INSTRUCTION SAFETY INFORMATION MANUAL ON THE UNIT

DANGER: Never use blades or

flailing devices. This unit is designed for line trimmer use only. Use of any

other accessories or attachments will increasethe risk of injury.

@©O

At=______.___

_IbWARNING: Trimmer line 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

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

mediately if approached. 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. Wear-

ing safety leg guards is recom- mended.

• 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 length.

• Use only 0.080 inch (2 mm) diame- ter Craftsman® brand line. Never

use wire, rope, string, etc.

• Install required shield properly be- fore using the unit. Use only speci- fied trimmer head; make sure it is

properly installed and securely fas-

tened.

• 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

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 _kWARNING: 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, edging and sweeping. Do not use

for 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 muf-

fler can cause serious burns.

• Cut only from your left to your right. Cutting on right 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; secure unit be-

fore storing or transporting in ve-

hicle.

• Empty the fuel tank before storing or

transporting the unit. Use up fuel left

in the carburetor by starting the en-

gine 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, fur-

naces, etc.

• Store unit so line limiter blade can-

not accidentally cause injury. The unit can be hung by the tube.

• Store unit out of reach of children.

SAFETY NOTICE: Exposure to vibra-

tions through prolonged use of gaso-

line powered hand tools could cause blood vessel or nerve damage in the

fingers, hands, and joints of people

prone to circulation disorders or ab- normal swellings. Prolonged use in

cold weather has been linked to blood

vessel damage in otherwise healthy

people. If symptoms occur such as numbness, pain, loss of strength, change in skin color or texture, or loss

of feeling in the fingers, hands, or

joints, discontinue the use of this tool

and seek medical attention. An anti-

vibration system does not guarantee the avoidance of these problems. Us-

ers who operate power tools on a con- tinual 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 responsibIe 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 muffler be serviced or replaced by

your Sears Service Center.

CARTON CONTENTS Check carton contents against the fol-

lowing list. Model 358.791570

Trimmer Shield

Wing Nut (screwed onto shieId) Assist Handle (with bolt and knob)

Container of Oil Extra Line

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

_WARNING: Ifreceived as-

sembled, repeat all steps to ensure

your unit is properly assembled and all

fasteners are secure.

Be sure to attach the assist handle to

the unit before you attach the shield.

ATTACHING THE HANDLE

(some units are already assembled)

1. Assemble handle to the unit as shown; make sure bottom of handle

is seated in the groove in the trigger housing.

NOTE: Knob must be assembled on the right hand side of the unit as

shown in the illustration.

2. Make sure the bolt is seated in the hex-shaped hole in the handle.

3. Pivot the handle to a comfortable position.

4. Tighten knob securely.

ATTACHING SHIELD ,I_WARNING: The shield must be

properly installed. The shield provides partial protection from the risk of thrown

objects to the operator and Ofllers and is equipped with a line limiter blade

which cuts excess iine to the proper length. The line limiter blade (on under- side of shield) is sharp and can cut you.

For proper onentation of shield, see KNOW YOUR TRIMMER illustration in OP- ERATION section.

1. Remove wing nut from shield.

2. Insert bracket into slot as shown.

Slot Bracket . \ _/&.__

--'_'_._/ Wing Nut

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

4. Securely tighten wing nut onto bolt. Shield

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.

J Assist Handle

Trimmer

fTube Head

Throttle Trigger

ON/OFF Switch J Spark Plug

Starter / Handle Primer Bulb

Fuel Mix Fill Cap Start Lever

ON/OFF SWITCH

The ON/OFF switch is used to stop en-

gine. Move switch to the OFF position to stop engine.

PRIMER BULB

The PRIMER BULB removes air from the carburetor and fuel lines and fills

them with fuel. This allows you to start the engine with fewer pulls on the

starter rope. Activate the primer bulb by pressing it and allowing it to return

to its original form.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

_I_WARNING: Be sure to read the fuel information in the safety rules

before you begin. If you do not understand the safety rules, do not

attempt to fuel your unit. Call

1-800-235-5878.

Shield

_f_'_ Line Limiter

Blade

START LEVER

The START LEVER helps to supply fuel to the engine to aid in starting. Acti-

vate the starting system by moving the start lever to the START position. DO

NOT squeeze the throttle trigger until the engine has started and runs. After

the engine starts, allow the engine to warm-up 10-15 seconds, then fully

squeeze the throttle trigger to deacti- vate the starting system.

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 quality synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled engine oiL

WerecommendCraftsmanbrand

syntheticoil.Mixgasolineandoilata

ratioof40:1.A40:1ratioisobtained bymixing3.2ouncesofoilwith1 gallonofunleadedgasoline,included

withthistrimmerisa3.2ounce

containerofoil.Pourtheentire contentsofthiscontainerinto1gallon

ofgasolinetoachievetheproperfuel

mixture.DONOTUSEautomotiveoilor boatoil.Theseoilswillcauseengine

damage.Whenmixingfuel,follow instructionsprintedoncontainer.

Onceoilisaddedtogasoline,shake containermomentarilytoassurethat

thefuelisthoroughlymixed.Always

readandfollowthesafetyrules relatingtofuelbeforefuelingyourunit.

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. Acidic

gas can damage the fuel system of an

engine while in storage. To avoid en-

gine problems, empty the fuel system

before storage for 30 days or longer.

Drain the gas tank, start the engine and

let it run until the fuel lines and carbure- tor are empty. Use fresh fuel next sea-

son. Never use engine or carburetor

cleaner products in the fuel tank or per-

manent damage may occur.

See the STORAGE section for additional

information.

HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT

• To stop the engine, move the ON/ OFF switch to the OFF position.

HOW TO START YOUR UNIT

_1_ WARNING: The trimmer head will turn while starting the engine.

Avoid any contact with the muffler. A

hot muffler can cause serious burns.

NOTE: Make sure approximately 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) of line is ex-

tended from the cutting head before

starting unit. This will allow the line

to advance properly once the unit

starts.

STARTING A COLD ENGINE NOTE: DO NOT squeeze the throttle

trigger until the engine has started and runs.

1. Set unit on a flat surface.

2. Move ON/OFF switch to the ON position.

3. Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.

4. Move the start lever to the START position.

Handle

Primer Bulb Muffler

5. Pull starter rope handle sharply until engine starts and runs.

6. Allow unit to run for 10 seconds, then fully squeeze the throttle trigger

to disengage the starting system.

STARTING A WARM ENGINE

1. Move ON/OFF switch to the ON position.

2. Squeeze and hold the throttle trig- ger. Keep throttle trigger fully

squeezed until engine runs smoothly.

3. Pull starter rope sharply while squeezing throttle trigger until en-

gine runs.

NOTE: Normally, the warm starting procedure can be used within 5-10

minutes after the unit is turned OFR If the unit sits for more than 10 minutes without being run, it will be necessary to start the unit by following the steps

under STARTING A COLD ENGINE or following the starting instruction steps

shown on the unit.

STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE

Flooded engines can be started by placing the ON/OFF switch in the ON

position and pulling the starter handle repeatedly while squeezing throttle

trigger until engine starts and runs. 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 the TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE or call

1-800-235-5878.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

OPERATING POSITION

Eye Protection

Cut from your left to your right.

_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 left to your right 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 efficiently when the engine is run at less than full throttle. At lower

speeds, there is less engine noise and

vibration. The cutting line will last

longer and will be less likely to "weld" onto the spool.

Always release the throttle trigger and

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

To stop engine:

• Release the throttle trigger.

• Move the ON/OFF switch to the OFF

position.

TWIST AND EDGE The Twist and Edge feature allows for

easy edging of sidewalks, patios, driveways, etc.

1. Pull the tab toward the engine.

2. Twist the tube to the edging posi- tion; release tab.

Tab

TRIMMER LINE ADVANCE

The cutting head advances line au- tomatically. Do not tap head on the ground to advance line. This may

break parts and cause cutting head to malfunction.

Upon unit start up, the line will advance automatically to the correct cutting path

length. Always keep the shield in place when

the tool is being operated. _!_ WARNING: Use only 0.080

inch (2 ram) diameter round line.

Other sizes and shapes of line will not advance properly and will result in im-

proper cutting head function or can cause serious injury. Do not use other materials such as wire, string, rope,

etc. Wire can break off during cutting and become a dangerous missile that

can cause serious Injury. 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.

Right

• The line wil! 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. To help avoid damage especially to delicate vegetation or trees with tender bark,

shorten line to 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) and use at less than full throttle.

• 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 in. (8 cm)

Above Grou_

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.

Scalping

Mowing

SWEEPING - The fanning action of the rotating line can be used for a quick and easy clean up. Keep the

line parallel to and above the surfaces being swept and move the tool from

side to side.

Sweeping

EDGING - Adjust trimmer to the edg- ing position (see TWIST AND EDGE

section). Allow only the tip of the line to make contact. Do not force tdmmer

line into work area.

Edging

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 damage the tool.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

_kWARNING: Disconnect the spark plug

except for carburetor adjustments.

CARE & MAINTENANCE TASK Check for Ioose fasteners and parts

Check for damaged or worn parts

Inspect and clean unit and Iabels

Clean air filter

Inspect muffler and spark arresting screen Replace spark plug

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this unit does not

cover items that have been subjected

to operator abuse or negligence. To

receive fufi 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 Boot

• Air Filter

• Housing Screws

• Assist Handle Screws

• Debris Shield

CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR

WORN PARTS

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

• ON/OFF Switch - Ensure ON/OFF switch functions properly by moving the switch to the OFF position. Make

sure engine stops; then restart en- gine 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.

INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT AND

LABELS

• After each use, inspect complete

unit for loose or damaged parts. Clean the unit and labels 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 con-

sumption and harmful emissions. Al-

ways clean after every 5 hours of

operation.

before performing maintenance

WHEN TO PERFORM

Before each use Before each use

After each use

Every 5 hours of operation Every 50 hours of operation

Yearly

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 latch 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. Add a few drops of oii to the filter; squeeze the filter to distribute oil.

6. Replace parts.

Air Filter

Air Filter Cover Latch

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 puiI 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.

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