Craftsman 358791800 Owner’s Manual
Operator's Manual
32cc/1.9 cu.in. 2-Cycle
17 Inch Cutting Path / 0.095 Inch Line
GASOLINE WEEDWAOKER ®
Model No.
358.791800
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Parts List
• Espar_ol, p. 17
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 _Hoo_slisted are Central Time)
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
545140964 12/15/06
WarrantyStatement 2 Storage 11
SafetyRules 2 TroubleshootingTable 12
Assembly 4 EmissionsStatement 13
Operation 5 PartsList 15
Maintenance 8 Spanish 17
Service&Adjustments 9 PartsandOrdering BackCover
ONEYEAR FULL WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ® GAS WEEDWACKER ®
When used and maintained according to the operator's manual, ifthis product fails
due to a defect in material or workmanship within one year from the date of pur-
chase, return it to any Sears store, Sears Service Center, or other Craftsman outlet in
the United States for free repair (or replacement if repair proves impossible).
This warranty excludes cutting line, spark plug and air filter, which are expendable
parts that can wear out from normal use in less than one year.
This warranty applies for only 30 days from purchase date if this product is used
for commercial or rental purposes.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
4tSWARNING: 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 operator's 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.
OPERATOR'S SAFETY INFORMATION
MANUAL ON THE UNIT
£t
,1_ DANGER: Never use blades or
flailing devices. This unit is designed
for line trimmer use only. Use of any
other accessories or attachments will
increase the risk of injury.
QO0
• IWARNING: 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
A(_,WARNING: Hazard zone for
thrown objects. Trimmer line can
throw objects violently. Others can be
blinded or injured. Keep children, by-
standers, and animals 50 feet (15 me-
ters) away. Stop unit immediately if ap-
proached.
If situations occur which are not cov-
ered in this manual, use care and
good judgment. If you need assis-
tance, contact your Sears Service
Center or call 1-800-235-5878.
2
OPERATORSAFETY
• Dressproperly.Alwayswearsafety
glassesorsimilareye 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 ifop-
eration is dusty.
• Always wear hea W, 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
,I_WARNING: Disconnect the
spark plug before performing mainte-
nance except carburetor 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 0.095" (2.4 mm) diameter
Craftsman brand replacement line.
Never use wire, rope, string, etc.
• Install required shield properly before
using the unit. Use only specified trim-
mer 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.
• Do not smoke or allow smoking near
fuel or the unit or while using the unit.
• Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all
fuel spills before starting engine.
• Move at least 10 feet (3 meters)
away from fueling site before start-
ing engine. Stop engine and allow it
to cool before removing fuel cap.
• 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, furnaces, etc.
• 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
edging, 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
debris away from the operator.
• Use only in daylight or good artificial
light.
• Use only for jobs explained in this
manual.
TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE
• Stop tile unit before carrying.
• Allow engine to cool before storing
or transporting in vehicle.
• 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.
• Storeunitandfuelinareawhere
fuelvaporscannotreachsparksor
openflamesfromwaterheaters,
electricmotorsorswitches,furnaces,
etc.
• Storeunitsolinelimiterbladecan-
notaccidentallycauseinjury.The
unitcanbehungbytheshaft.
• Storeunitoutofreachofchildren.
Thisunitisnotequippedwithananti-
vibrationsystemandisintendedfor
occasionaluseonly.
SAFETYNOTICE:Exposuretovibra-
tionsthroughprolongeduseofgaso-
linepoweredhandtoolscouldcause
bloodvesselornervedamageinthe
fingers,hands,andjointsofpeople
pronetocirculationdisordersorab-
normalswellings.Prolongedusein
coldweatherhasbeenlinkedtoblood
vesseldamageinotherwisehealthy
people.Ifsymptomsoccursuchas
numbness,pain,lossofstrength,
changeinskincolorortexture,orloss
offeelinginthefingers,hands,or
joints,discontinuetheuseofthistool
andseekmedicalattention.Ananti-
vibrationsystemdoesnotguarantee
theavoidanceoftheseproblems.Us-
erswhooperatepowertoolsonacon-
tinualandregularbasismustmonitor
closelytheirphysicalconditionandthe
conditionofthistool.
SPECIALNOTICE:Thisunitis
equippedwithatemperaturelimiting
mufflerandsparkarrestingscreen
whichmeetstherequirementsofCali-
forniaCodes4442and4443.AllU.S.
forestlandandthestatesofCalifornia,
Idaho,Maine,Minnesota,NewJersey,
Oregon,andWashingtonrequireby
lawthatmanyinternalcombustionen-
ginesbeequippedwithasparkarrest-
ingscreen.Ifyouoperateinalocale
wheresuchregulationsexist,youare
legallyresponsibleformaintainingthe
operatingconditionoftheseparts.
Failuretodosoisaviolationofthe
law.Fornormalhomeowneruse,the
mufflerandsparkarrestingscreenwill
notrequireanyservice.After50hours
ofuse,werecommendthatyourmuf-
flerbeservicedorreplacedbya
SearsServiceCenter.
CARTONCONTENTS
Checkcartoncontentsagainstthefol-
lowinglist.
Model358.791800
• Trimmer
• Shield
• WingNut(screwedontoshield)
• Containerofoil
Examinepartsfordamage.Donot
usedamagedparts.
NOTE:Ifyouneedassistanceorfind
partsmissingordamaged,call
1-800-235-5878.
Itisnormalforthefuelfiltertorattlein
theemptyfueltank.
Findingfueloroilresidueonmuffleris
normalduetocarburetoradjustments
andtestingdonebythemanufacturer.
ASSEMBLY
_WARNING:Alwaysstopunit
anddisconnectsparkplugbeforeper-
forminganyassemblyprocedures.
_,WARNING:Ifreceivedas-
sembled,repeatallstepstoensure
yourunitisproperlyassembledandall
fastenersaresecure.
ADJUSTINGTHE HANDLE
_,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
_,WARNING: 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 limiter blade (on under-
side of shield) is sharp and can cut you.
For proper orientation of shield, see
KNOW YOUR TRIMMER illustration in OP-
ERATION section.
1. Remove wing nut from shield.
2. Insert bracket into slot as shown.
3. Pivotshielduntilboltpasses
throughholeinbracket.
4. Securelytightenwingnutontobolt.
KNOW YOUR TRIMMER
READ THIS OPERATOR'S 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.
Slot
Shield
Bracket _/
Gearbox
Assist Handle
Wing Nut
St
J
Trimmer Shaft
Head X4_
Shield
Line Limiter
Blade
Starter Handle
Throttle
Trigger
Start Lever
ON/OFF Switch
Primer Bulb
Muffler
ON/OFF SWITCH
The ON/OFF switch is located on the
trigger handle and is used to stop the
engine. Move the switch to the OFF
position to stop the 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
,_WARNING: Be sure to read
the fuel information in the safety rules
before you begin. If you do not under-
stand the safety rules, do not attempt
to fuel your unit. Call 1-800-235-5878.
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 5 seconds, then fully
squeeze the throttle trigger to deacti-
vate the starting system (start lever
returns to RUN position).
FUELING ENGINE
_WARNING: 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 en-
gine oil. We recommend Craftsman
brand synthetic oil.
5
Mixgasolineandoilataratioof40:1.A
40:1ratioisobtainedbymixing8.2
ouncesofoilwith1gallonofunleaded
gasoline.Includedwiththistrimmerisa
3.2ouncecontainerofoil.Pourtheen-
tirecontentsofthiscontainerinto1gal-
lonofgasolinetoachievetheproper
fuelmixture.DONOTUSEautomotive
oilormarineoil.Theseoilswillcause
enginedamage.Whenmixingfuel,fol-
lowinstructionsprintedoncontainer.
Onceoilisaddedtogasoline,shake
containermomentarilytoassurethat
thefuelisthoroughlymixed.Always
readandfollowthesafetyrulesrelat-
ingtofuelbeforefuelingyourunit.
IMPORTANT
Alcoholblendedfuels(calledgasohol
orusingethanolormethanol)canat-
tractmoisturewhichleadstosepara-
tionandformationofacidsduringstor-
age.Acidicgascandamagethefuel
systemofanenginewhileinstorage.
Toavoidengineproblems,emptythe
fuelsystembeforestoragefor30days
orlonger.Drainthegastank,startthe
engineandletitrununtilthefuellines
andcarburetorareempty.Usefresh
fuelnextseason.
Neveruseengineorcarburetorclean-
erproductsinthefueltankorperma-
nentdamagemayoccur.
SeetheSTORAGEsectionforaddition-
alinformation.
HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT
• Release the throttle trigger.
• Move the ON/OFF switch to the OFF
position.
ON/OFF Switch
HOW TO START YOUR UNIT
,_WARNING: Avoid any contact
with the muffler. A hot muffler can
cause serious burns.
_4_// _ Starting Position
STARTING A COLD ENGINE
NOTE: DO NOT squeeze tile 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.
Start
Primer
Muffler
5. This unit has the Sim-pul' starting
system. You do not have to pull the
starter rope handle sharply or brisk-
ly. Pull starter rope handle with a
controlled and steady motion until
engine starts and runs.
6. Allow unit to run for 5 seconds, then
fully squeeze the throttle trigger to
disengage the starting system (start
lever returns to RUN position).
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 handle with a con-
trolled and steady motion while
squeezing throttle trigger until en-
gine starts and runs.
NOTE: Normally, the warm starting
procedure can be used within 5-10
minutes after the unit is turned off. If
the unit sits for more than 10 minutes
without being used, it will be neces-
sary to start the unit by following the
steps under STARTING A COLD EN-
GINE or following the starting instruc-
tion steps shown on the unit.
STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE
Flooded engines can be started by
placing the ON/OFF switch in the ON
position. Move the start lever to the
RUN position and fully squeeze throttle
trigger. Pull the starter rope handle re-
peatedly while squeezing throttle trig-
ger until engine starts and runs. This
could require pulling the starter rope
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.
6
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
To maximize operating efficiency, do
not run the engine for longer than 1
minute at a time at full throttle.
OPERATING POSITION
ALWAYS USE:
Hearing
Protection _( Eye Protection
Long
Pants
Heavy
Shoes
Cut from your left to your right,
,_WARNING: Always wear eye
protection and hearing 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, hearing protec-
tion and heavy clothing.
• Hold trigger handle with right hand
and assist handle with left hand.
• Hold unit so that engine is 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.
Always release the throttle trigger and
allow the engine to return to idle
speed when not cutting.
HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT
• Release the throttle trigger.
• Move the ON/OFF switch to the OFF
position.
TRIMMER LINE ADVANCE
The trimmer line will advance approxi-
mately 2 inches (5 cm) each time the
bottom of the trimmer head is tapped
on the ground with the engine running
at full throttle.
The most efficient line length is the
maximum length allowed by the line
limiter. Always keep the shield in place
when the tool is being operated.
To advance line:
• Operate the engine at full throttle.
• Hold the trimmer head parallel to
and above the grassy area.
• Tap the bottom of the trimmer head
lightly on the ground one time. Ap-
proximately 2 inches (5 cm) of line
will be advanced with each tap.
Always tap the trimmer head on a
grassy area. Tapping on surfaces such
as concrete or asphalt can cause ex-
cessive wear to the trimmer head.if the
line is worn down to 2 inches (5 cm) or
less, more than one tap will be required
to obtain the most efficient line length.
_,WARNING: Use only 0.095 inch
(2.4 ram) diameter line. Other sizes of
line will not advance properly and will
result in improper cutting head func-
tion 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 danger-
ous missile that can cause serious in-
jury.
CUTTING METHODS
A_,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 Line crowded into
the cutting,
Right W_'ong
• 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
• Fortrimmingorscalping,useless
thanfullthrottletoincreaselinelife
anddecreaseheadwear,especially:
•Duringlightdutycutting.
•Nearobjectsaroundwhichtheline
canwrapsuchassmallposts,
treesorfencewire.
TRIMMING- Holdthebottomofthe
trimmerheadabout3inches(8cm)
abovethegroundandatanangle.Al-
lowonlythetipofthelinetomake
contactwithvegetation.Donotforce
trimmerlineintoworkarea.
Trimming
3 inches (8crr
above 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.
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.
Sweeping
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
WARNING: 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
GENERAL RECOMMEN DATIONS
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 Boot
• 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.
• 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 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
1. Press the tabs on the side of the
trimmer head and remove cover
and spool.
Cover
Tap Button
2. Remove any remaining line.
3. Clean dirt and debris from all
parts. Replace spool if it is worn or
damaged.
4. Replace with a pre-wound spool
(#71-85950), or replace line using a
15 feet (4.5 meters) length of 0.095
inch (2.4 mm) diameter Craftsman€R)
brand line.
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