Craftsman 358.79182 User Manual

Operator's Manual

ICRRFTSMRN°I

25cc/1.5 cu.in. 2-Cycle

17 Inch Cutting Path / 0.080 Inch Line GASOLINE WEEDWAOKER ®

Model No.

358.791820

• 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 _Ho°_slisted are Central Time)

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A. 545167648 Rev. 3 1/15/08 BRW

Warranty Statement 2 Storage 11 Safety Rules 2 Troubleshooting Chart 12 Assembly 4 Emissions Statement 13 Operation 5 Parts List 15

Maintenance 8 Spanish 17 Service & Adjustments 10 Parts and Ordering Back

ONE YEAR 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 purchase, 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 90 days from purchase date if this product is ever 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

dtSWARNING: 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!

Operator 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 MANUAL

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=

SAFETY INFORMATION

ON THE UNIT

Q©©

_,WARNING: 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.

_otection /_

_'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.

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 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 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.

• 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.

• 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, 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 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; secure unit be- fore 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,fur-

naces,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.

Userswhooperatepowertoolsona

continualandregularbasismustmon-

itorcloselytheirphysicalconditionand

theconditionofthistool. 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- flerbeservicedorreplacedbyyour

SearsServiceCenter.

CARTONCONTENTS Checkcartoncontentsagainstthefol-

lowinglist.

Model 358.791820

• Trimmer

• Shield

• Wing Nut (screwed onto shield)

• 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

WARNING: If received as-

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

fasteners are secure.

ADJUSTING THE HANDLE A_,WARNING: When adjusting tile

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. Removewingnutfromshield.

2. Insertbracketintoslotasshown.

3. Pivotshielduntilboltpasses throughholeinbracket.

PIVOT

Shield

Slot

Bracket

4. Securelytightenwingnutontobolt.

Line Limiter

Blade

Nut

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.

Shaft Assist Handle

Muffler

Edge Spark Plug Guide _ Primer Bulb

Trimmer Head Line Limiter

Blade

Shield

STO P

Throttte Trigger

--Start Lever

Fuel Mix Fill Cap

Starter Handle

STOP SWITCH The STOP switch is used to stop the en- gine. 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 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. Ifyou do not understand 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 10 seconds, then fully squeeze the throttle trigger to deacti-

vate the starting system.

EDGE GUIDE

The EDGE GUIDE protects tile unit from contacting the ground during edging.

FUELING ENGINE

A0&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

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

Experienceindicatesthatalcohol blendedfuels(calledgasoholorusing

ethanolormethanol)canattractmois- turewhichleadstoseparationand

formationofacidsduringstorage.Acidic gascandamagethefuelsystemofan

enginewhileinstorage.Toavoiden- gineproblems,emptythefuelsystem

beforestoragefor30daysorlonger.

Drainthegastank,starttheengineand

letitrununtilthefuellinesandcarbure- torareempty.Usefreshfuelnextsea-

son.Neveruseengineorcarburetor cleanerproductsinthefueltankorper-

manentdamagemayoccur.

SeetheSTORAGEsectionforadditional information.

HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT

• Release the throttle trigger.

• To stop the engine, push and hold

the STOP switch in the STOP position until the engine stops.

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 Position

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. Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.

3. Move the start lever to the START position.

Primer Bulb

Start Lever

Starter Handle

4. 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.

5. Allow unit to run for 10-15 seconds, then fully squeeze the throttle trigger

to disengage the starting system (start lever returns to RUN position).

STARTING A WARM ENGINE

1. Squeeze and hold the throttle trig- ger.

2. 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 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.

STARTINGAFLOODEDENGINE

Floodedenginescanbestartedby pullingthestarterhandlerepeatedly whilesqueezingthrottletriggeruntil

engine starts and runs. This could re- quire 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

To maximize operating efficiency, do not run the engine for longer than 1

minute at a time at full throttle. OPERATING POSITION

Eye protection

ALWAYS WEAR: _.,__

Long pants__

Heovyshoe2

Out from your right to y left,

z_ dt_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.

• Hold unit so that engine is 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 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.

• Push and hold the STOP switch in the STOP position until the engine stops.

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.

_L, 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.

Tip of the Line Line Crowded Into

Does The Cutting Work Area

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. 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.

• Fortrimmingorscalping,useless thanfullthrottletoincreaselinelife

anddecreaseheadwear,especially:

• Duringlightdutycutting.

• Nearobjectsaroundwhichtheline

canwrapsuchassmallposts,

treesorfencewire.

• Formowingorsweeping,usefull throttleforagoodcleanjob.

TRIMMING- Holdthebottomofthe trimmerheadabout3inches(8cm)

abovethegroundandatanangle.Al- lowonlythetipofthelinetomake contactwithvegetation.Donotforce

trimmerlineintoworkarea.

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 damage the tool.

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 ___ .....

Scalping 3 inches (8 em)

above ground

/:/

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 labels

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 RECOMMENDATIONS

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 Screws

• 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.

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.

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

the carburetor chamber when the

cover is removed.

2. Open air filter cover by pushing button (see illustration). Remove

air filter.

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 air filter and close cover.

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 arrest- ing 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 re-

placed 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 (19 mm) socket wrench.

4. Reinstall the spark plug boot.

LINE REPLACEMENT

Pre-wound spools offer the most con-

venient method for replacing line and ensuring optimum performance.

• Replacement spools are color-coded to ensu re use of the correct spool with

your unit. Be sure to use the same color spool as the existing spool.

NOTE: Always clear dirt and debris

from cutting head components when performing any type of maintenance.

• Hold spool and unscrew cap bytuming in the direction shown on top of the cap.

• Remove line guide ring and spool.

Use a pre-wound spool or refill spool

with line. If using a pre-wound spool, remove tape strip from line and spool.

REFILLING THE SPOOL WITH LINE

_WARNING: Use only 0.080

(2 mm) inch 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.

1. Cut a length of 25 feet (8 meters) of 0.080 inch diameter round

Craftsman brand line.

2. Insert one end of line into center cavity of empty spool. Ensure line

will feed into spool in the direction

shown on the spool (counterclock-

wise).

Line guide ring

3. Continue feeding line into spool, leaving 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) un- wound from center of spool.

INSTALLING SPOOL WITH LINE

1. Install replacement spool.

2. Thread line through line guide ring.

Line through guide ring ,,

3. Rest guide ring on spool and place

4. Ensure line remains in slot while

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT

_WARNING: Keep others away when making idle speed adjustments.

The trimmer head will be spinning dur-

ing this procedure. Wear your protec-

tive equipment and observe all safety

precautions.

The carburetor has been carefully set at the factory. Adjustments may be

necessary if you notice any of the fol- lowing conditions:

• Engine will not idle when the throttle is

released.

Make adjustments with the unit sup-

ported so the cutting attachment is off the ground and will not make contact with any object. Hold the unit by hand

while running and making adjustments.

Keep all parts of your body away from the cutting attachment and muffler.

Idle Speed Adjustment

Allow engine to idle. Adjust speed until engine runs without stalling (idle

speed too slow).

• Turn idle speed screw clockwise to

increase engine speed if engine stalls or dies.

• Turn idle speed screw counterclock- wise to decrease engine speed.

Replacement Spool

line through slot. Allow line to ex- tend 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) from

center of spool. screwing cap on to the shaft. Only

tighten cap hand tight!

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