Craftsman 358791580 Owner’s Manual

Instruction Manual

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

Model No.

358.791580

• 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.

530164361 11/7/03

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

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. 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 length.

• Use only Craftsman® 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

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 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 from your left to your right. Cutting

on right side of the shield will throw de-

bris 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.

• Store unit so line Iimiter 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 nerve 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

muffler be serviced or replaced by a Sears Service Center.

CARTON CONTENTS Check carton contents against the fol-

lowing list. Model 358.791580

• 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 _1_ WARNING: If received as-

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

fasteners are secure.

ADJUSTING THE HANDLE

41;_WAI_NING: 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 updght position; retighten wing nut.

ATTACHING SHIELD

X1=

_ItWARNING: 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 line 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 OP-

EIRAT{ONsection.

1. Remove wing nut from shield.

2. Insert bracket into slot as shown.

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

4. Securely tighten wing nut onto bolt.

Bracket _ing Nut

Slot _ _._/_

Shield

KNOW YOUR TRIMMER

READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR UNR: Compare the illustrations with your unit to famitiarize yourself with the location

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

Assist Handle

Shaft

Trimmer \_ Head STOP Switch

Shield

Starter Handle

Primer Bulb

Line Limiter

Blade

Throttle Trigger

Choke Lever Muffler

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 pulls on the

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

to its original form.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

_kWARNING: Be sureto read the fuel information in the safety ruies

before you begin. If you do not under- stand the safety rules, do not attempt

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 ofoil with 1

gallon of unleaded gasoline. Included

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.

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.

Acidic gas can damage the fuel sys- tem of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine 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 carburetor are empty. Use fresh

fuel next season.

Never use engine or carburetor clean- er products in the fuel tank or perma-

nent damage may occur. See the STORAGE section for addition- al information.

HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT

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

until the engine stops.

• If engine does not stop, move choke

lever to FULL CHOKE position.

STOP

tch

Choke

position

decal

4. Squeeze the throttle trigger fully 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 decal (see

following illustration).

ThrottleTr_gger _\ _\

HOW TO START YOUR UNIT

_t11_WARNIN G: 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)

g Position

/Sta_er Handle

Choke

-Lever

Primer Bulb

Muffler

1. Set unit on a flat surface.

2. Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.

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

shown on decal (see illustration below).

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 hold 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 probably 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 aligning lever with position shown on decal (see illustration below). Allow the unit to run for 30 more seconds at OFF CHOKE before re-

leasing the throttle trigger. NOTE:

If engine dies with the choke lever

in the OFF CHOKE position, move the choke lever to the HALF

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

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

ALWAYS WEAR: f

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 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

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 line does the Line crowded into

Heavy S h°_,_

Cut only from your left to your right.

wor_

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.

• For trimming or scalping, use less than full throttie to increase line Iife

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

(8 cm) abow

ground

SCALPING - The scalping technique removes unwanted vegetation down to

the ground. Hold the bottom of the trim-

mer head about 3 inches (8 cm) above the ground and at an angle. Allow the tip of the line to strike the ground

around trees, posts, monuments, etc. This technique increases line wear.

Scalping

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.

w,ag

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.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

_kWARNING: Disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance

except for carburetor adjustments.

CARE & MAINTENANCE TASK Check for Ioose 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

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 arrowwith:

+ 20 hidden pages