Craftsman 358794120 Owner’s Manual

Instruction Manual

ICRAFTSMAN°I

25cc/1.5 cu.in. 2-Cycle

185 MPH/385 CFM
GASOLINE POWERED

BLOWER

Model No.

358.794120

• Safety

Operation
Maintenance _j_t _
PartsList

Espar__

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 listed are Central Time)

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

530165757 9/7/05

Warranty Statement 2 Troubleshooting Table 10
Safety Rules 2 Emissions Statement 11

Assembly 4 Parts List 13
Operation 5 Spanish 15

Maintenance 8 Parts and Ordering Back
Storage 9

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ® GAS BLOWER

For one (1) year from date of purchase, when this Gas Blower is maintained, lu-
bricated, and tuned up according to the instructions in this manual, Sears will re-
pair, free of charge, any defects in material or workmanship.

This warranty excludes blower tubes, spark plug, and air cleaner, which are ex-
pendable parts and become worn during normal use.

Ifthis blower is used for commercial purposes, this warranty applies for 90 days from
the date of purchase. If this Blower is used for rental purposes, this warranty applies

for 30 days from the date of purchase. This warranty applies only while this product
is in use in the United States.

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE BLOWER TO THE NEAREST
SEARS STORE OR SERVICE CENTER IN THE UNITED STATES.

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

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

_WARNING: Failure to follow all
Safety Rules and Precautions can re-

sult in serious injury.

KNOW YOUR UNIT

• Read your instruction manual care-

fully until you completely understand
and can follow all warnings and

safety rules before operating the unit.

• Restrict unit to users who under-

stand and will follow all warnings and
safety rules in this manual.

41_WARNING: Inspect area before
starting unit. Remove all debris and

hard objects such as rocks, glass,
wire, etc. that can ricochet, be thrown,

or otherwise cause injury or damage
during operation.

Use your unit as a blower for:

• Sweeping debris or grass clippings

from driveways, sidewalks, patios, etc.

• Blowing grass clippings, straw, or

leaves into piles, around joints, or be-
tween bricks.

PLAN AHEAD

• Always wear eye protection when op-
erating, servicing, or performing main-

tenance on unit. Wearing eye protec-
tion will help to prevent rocks or debris

from being blown or ricocheting into
eyes and face which can result in

blindness and/or serious injury. Eye
protection should be marked Z87.

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

• Always wear respirator or face mask
when working with unit in dusty envi-

ronments.

• Secure hair above shoulder length.
Secure or remove jewelry, loose

clothing, or clothing with loosely

hanging straps, ties, tassels, etc.

They can be caught in moving parts.

• Do not operate unit when you are
tired, ill, upset, or if you are under the

influence of alcohol, drugs, or medi-

cation.

• Keep children, bystanders, and ani-

mals away from work area a mini-
mum of 30 feet (10 meters) when

starting or operating unit. Do not

point blower nozzle in the direction of
people or pets.

-2-

HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION, IT IS
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE

• Eliminate all sources of sparks or
flame (including smoking, open

flames, or work that can cause
sparks) in the areas where fuel is
mixed, poured, or stored.

• Mix and pour fuel in an outdoor area;
store fuel in a cool, dry, well ventilated

place; use an approved, marked con-
tainer for all fuel purposes.

• Do not smoke while handling fuel or
while operating the unit.

• Make sure the unit is properly as-
sembled and in good operating con-
dition.

• Do not fill fuel tank while engine is
running.

• Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up fuel
spills before starting engine.

• Move at least 10 feet (3 meters)
away from fuel and fueling site be-

fore starting engine.

• Always store gasoline in a container
approved for flammable liquids.

OPERATE YOUR UNIT SAFELY
_ WARNING: This unit is intended

for blower use only. Do not attempt to
open inlet cover. Opened or damaged
inlet cover can result in serious injury.

Discontinue use of blower immediately
if inlet cover becomes opened or dam-
aged. Take unit to your nearest Sears
Service Center for repair.

• Inspect unit before each use for

worn, loose, missing, or damaged
parts. Do not use until unit is in

proper working order.

• Keep outside surfaces free from oil

and fuel.

• Never start or run engine inside a

closed room, building or other un-
ventilated area. Breathing exhaust

fumes can kill.

• To avoid static electricity shock, do

not wear rubber gloves or any other
insulated gloves while operating unit.

• Do not set unit on any surface except

a clean, hard area while engine is run-
ning. Debris such as gravel, sand,

dust, grass, etc. could be picked up by
the air intake and thrown out through

discharge opening, damaging unit,
property, or causing serious injury to
bystanders or operator.

• Avoid dangerous environments. Do

not use in unventilated areas or
where explosive vapors or carbon

monoxide build up could be present.

• Do not overreach or use from unsta-
ble surfaces such as ladders, trees,

steep slopes, rooftops, etc. Keep firm
footing and balance at all times.

• Never place objects inside the
blower tubes; always direct the blow-

ing debris away from people, ani-
mals, glass, and solid objects such

as trees, automobiles, walls, etc. The
force of air can cause rocks, dirt, or

sticks to be thrown or to ricochet
which can hurt people or animals,

break glass, or cause other damage.

• Never run unit without the proper

equipment attached. When using
your unit as a blower, always install

blower tubes.

• Check air intake opening and blower

tubes frequently, always with engine
stopped and spark plug discon-

nected. Keep vents and discharge

tubes free of debris which can accu-

mulate and restrict proper air flow.

• Never place any object in air intake

opening as this could restrict proper air
flow and cause damage to the unit.

• Never use for spreading chemicals,

fertilizers, or other substances which

may contain toxic materials.

• To avoid spreading fire, do not use
near leaf or brush fires, fireplaces,

barbecue pits, ashtrays, etc.

• Use only for jobs explained in this
manual.

MAINTAIN YOUR UNIT PROPERLY

• Have all maintenance other than the
recommended procedures described

in the instruction manual performed
by a Sears Service Center.

• Disconnect spark plug before per-

forming maintenance except for car-

buretor adjustments.

• Use only recommended Craftsman ®
replacement parts; use of any other
parts may void your warranty and

cause damage to your unit.

• Empty fuel tank before storing the
unit. Use up fuel left in carburetor by

starting engine and letting it run until

it stops.

• Do not use any accessory or attach-
ment other than those recommended

by manufacturer for use with your unit.

• Do not store the unit or fuel in a

closed area where fuel vapors can

reach sparks or an open flame from
hot water heaters, electric motors or

switches, furnaces, etc.

• Store in a dry area out of reach of

children.

-3-

SAFETY NOTICE: Exposure to vibra-
tions through prolonged use of gasoline
powered hand tools could cause blood
vessel or nerve damage in the fingers,
hands, and joints of people prone to cir-
culation disorders or abnormal swelling.

Prolonged use in cold weather has been
linked to blood vessel damage in other-
wise 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

antivibration system does not guarantee
the avoidance of these problems. 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: For users on U.S.

Forest Land and in some states, includ-
ing California (Public Resources Codes

4442 and 4443), Idaho, Maine, Minne-

sota, New Jersey, Oregon, and Wash-
ington: Certain internal combustion en-

gines operated on forest, brush, and/or
grass covered land in the above areas

are required to be equipped with a spark
arresting screen, maintained in effective

working order, or the engine must be

constructed, equipped, and maintained
for the prevention of fire. Check with
your state or local authorities for regula-
tions pertaining to these requirements.

Failure to follow these requirements is a
violation of the law. This unit is not facto-

ry equipped with a spark arresting

screen; however, a spark arresting
screen is available as an optional part. If

a spark arresting screen is required in
your area, contact Sears Service for the

correct kit. The spark arresting screen,

blower tubes, and nozzles must be as-
sembled to unit to be in full compliance

with regulations.

CARTON CONTENTS
Check carton contents against the fol-

lowing list.
Model 358.794120

• Blower

• Blower tube

• 2-Cycle Engine Oil
NOTE: It is normal for the fuel filter to

rattle in the empty fuel tank.
ASSEMBLY

_ WARNING: This unit is intended
for blower use only. Do not attempt to

open inlet cover. Opened or damaged
inlet cover can result in serious injury.

Discontinue use of blower immediately

if inlet cover becomes opened or dam-
aged. Take unit to your nearest Sears
Service Center for repair.

_i_ WARNING: If you receive your
unit assembled, repeat all steps to en-

sure your unit is properly assembled
and all fasteners are secure.

BLOWER TUBE ASSEMBLY

1. Align the rib on the blower tube
with the groove in the blower outlet;

slide the tube into place.

NOTE: Knob must be loose enough to
allow blower tube to be inserted in blow-

er outlet. Loosen knob by turning coun-

terclockwise.

.,Y-_ Blower

i'4_/f"_ Outlet Blower
_i_,. _ Tube

"_Y Groove _........................_ Rib

2. Secure the tube by turning the
knob clockwise.

3. To remove the tube, turn the knob
counterclockwise to loosen the

tube; remove the tube.

-4-

KNOW YOUR BLOWER
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.

Primer Button

Choke Lever

Fuel Mix

Rope

Rear
Handle

Blower
Tube

\

Throttle
Lever

THROTTLE LEVER

The THRO]q-LE LEVER is used to select
the desired engine speed and to stop the

engine. Move the throttle lever to the

position for full speed operation.

Move the throttle lever to the _ posi-
tion for idle speed. To stop the engine,

move the throttle lever to the STOP posi-
tion.

PRIMER BUTTON

The PRIMER BUqq-ONremoves air from
the carburetor and fuel lines and fills

them with fuel. This allows you to start
OPERATING TIPS

• While blowing debris, hold the unit
with the muffler side facing away

from your body and clothes (see OP-
ERATING POSITION below).

• To reduce the risk of hearing loss
associated with sound level(s), hear-
ing protection is required.

• To reduce the risk of injury associated
with contacting rotating parts, stop the

engine before installing or removing
attachments. Do not operate without
guard(s) in place.

• Operate power equipment only at rea-
sonable hours-not early in the morn-

ing or late at night when people might
be disturbed. Comply with times listed

in local ordinances. Usual recommen-
dations are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,

Monday though Saturday.

• To reduce noise levels, limit the num-
ber of pieces of equipment used at

any one time.

the engine with fewer pulls on the starter

rope. Activate primer button by pressing
it and allowing it to return to its original

position.
CHOKE LEVER

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 engine

attempts to start, move the choke lever
to the HALF CHOKE position. Once en-

gine starts, move choke lever to the

RUN position.

• To reduce noise levels, operate pow-
er blowers at the lowest possible
throttle speed to do the job.

• Use rakes and brooms to loosen
debris before blowing.

• In dusty conditions, slightly dampen
surfaces or use a mister attachment

when water is available.

• Conserve water by using power blow-
ers instead of hoses for many lawn
and garden applications, including
areas such as gutters, screens, patios,
grills, porches, and gardens.

• Watch out for children, pets, open
windows, or freshly washed cars.

Blow debris away safely.

• Use the full blower nozzle extension
so the air stream can work close to

the ground.

• After using blowers and other equip-

ment, CLEAN UP! Dispose of debris
in trash receptacles.

-5-

OPERATING POSITION

Eye
Protection

Blower

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.
FUELING ENGINE

_WARNING: Remove fuel cap
slowly when refueling.

This engine is certified to operate on un-
leaded gasoline. Before operation, gaso-

line must be mixed with a good quality
synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil.
We recommend Craftsman brand syn-

thetic oil. Mix gasoline and oil at a ratio
of 40:1. A 40:1 ratio is obtained by mix-

ing 3.2 ounces of oil with 1 gallon of un-
leaded gasoline. Included with this blow-

er is a 3.2 ounce container of oil. Pour
the entire contents of this container into

1 gallon of gasoline to achieve the prop-

er fuel mixture. DO NOT USE automotive
oil or boat oil. These oils will cause en-

gine damage. When mixing fuel, follow
instructions printed on container. Once

oil isadded to gasoline, shake container
momentarily to assure that the fuel is
thoroughly mixed. Always read and fol-

low the safety rules relating to fuel be-
fore 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 system 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. Nev-
er use engine or carburetor cleaner

products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alterna-

tive in minimizing the formation of fuel

gum deposits during storage.
Craftsman brand oil is already blended

with fuel stabilizer. See the STORAGE

section for additional information.
NOTE: Unit must be placed on its side

when adding fuel (see illustration below).

STOPPING YOUR ENGINE

• To stop the engine, move the throttle

lever to the STOP position.

STARTING THE ENGINE

Ai_ WARNING: You MUST make sure
the tubes are secure before using the

unit.

• Fuel engine. Move at least 10 feet (3

meters) away from the fueling site.

• Hold the unit in the starting position
as shown. Make sure the blower end

is directed away from people, ani-
mals, glass, and solid objects.

POSITION

,A

4_ WARNING: When starting engine,

hold the unit as illustrated. Do not set
unit on any surface except a clean, hard

area when starting engine or while en-
gine is running. Debris such as gravel,
sand, dust, grass, etc. could be picked

up by the air intake and thrown out

through the discharge opening, damag-

ing the unit or property, or causing seri-
ous injury to bystanders or the operator.

-6-

STARTING A COLD ENGINE

1. Move the throttle lever to the
position.

2. Move the choke lever to the FULL
CHOKE position.

3. Slowly press the primer button 8

times.

Throttle Lever Primer Button

Choke Lever

4. Pull starter handle sharply until the
engine attempts to run, but no

more than 5 pulls (below 30"F, 8
pulls).

NOTE: If the engine attempts to start
before the 5th pull, go to the next step
immediately.

5. Move choke lever to HALF CHOKE.

6. Pull the starter handle sharply until

the engine runs, but no more than

5 pulls (below 30°F, 10 pulls).

7. After a 5 second warm-up, move

the choke lever to the RUN posi-
tion.

8. Allow the unit to run for 80 more

seconds at RUN before moving the

throttle lever to the _ position.

If the engine has not started after 5
pulls (at HALF CHOKE), repeat the
STARTING A COLD ENGINE procedure.

If the engine still does not start, pro-
ceed to STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE.

9. To stop the engine, move the
throttle lever to the STOP position.

STARTING A WARM ENGINE
NOTE: If fuel tank is empty, add fuel;

then, follow STARTING A COLD ENGINE

procedure. Do not fill fuel tank while
engine is hot.

1. Move the throttle lever to the
position.

2. Pull the starter handle sharply until
the engine starts, but no more than

5 pulls.

NOTE: If the engine has not started,
pull starter handle sharply for 5 more

pulls. If engine still does not run, it is
probably flooded. Proceed to START-

ING A FLOODED ENGINE.

3. To stop the engine, move the
throttle lever to the STOP position.

STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE
Flooded engines can be started by plac-

ing the choke lever in the RUN position.
Move throttle lever to the fast position

; then, pull rope until engine starts.
After engine starts, move the throttle le-
ver to the slow position _ to allow en-

gine to idle.
Starting could require pulling the starter
rope 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.

-7-

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
A(_ WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance,

service, or 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
Replace spark plug

Replace fuel filter
Check muffler mounting screws

_WARNING: Avoid touching muf-
fler unless engine and muffler are cold.

A hot muffler can cause serious burns.
_ WARNING: This unit is intended

for blower use only. Do not attempt to
open inlet cover. Opened or damaged
inlet cover can result in serious injury.

Discontinue use of blower immediately
if inlet cover becomes opened or dam-
aged. Take unit to your nearest Sears
Service Center for repair.

GENERAL RECOMMEN DATIONS
The warranty on this unit does not cov-

er items that have been subjected to
operator abuse or negligence. To re-

ceive full value from the warranty, the
operator must maintain unit as instruct-

ed in this manual. Various adjustments
will need to be made periodically to

properly maintain your unit.
CHECK FOR LOOSE

FASTENERS AND PARTS

• Spark Plug Boot

• Air Filter

• Housing Screws
CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR

WORN PARTS
Contact Sears Service Center for re-

placement of damaged or worn parts.

• Throttle Lever - Ensure throttle lever

functions properly by moving the
throttle lever to the STOP position.

Make sure engine stops; then restart
engine and continue.

• Fuel Tank - Do not use unit if fuel tank

shows signs of damage or leaks.

WHEN TO PERFORM

Before each use
Before each use
After each use

Every 5 hours of operation
Yearly
Yearly
Yearly

INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT

AND LABELS

• After each use, inspect complete unit
for loose or damaged parts. Clean
the unit using a damp cloth with a

mild detergent.

• Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.

CLEAN AIR FILTER

_ Air Filter

,_-_ Cover

_ / 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.
Cleaning the air filter:

1. Clean the cover and the area

around it to keep debris from falling
into the carburetor chamber when
the cover is removed.

2. Remove parts as illustrated.

NOTE: Do not clean filter in gasoline
or other flammable solvent. Doing so

can create a fire hazard or produce
harmful evaporative emissions.

3. Wash the filter in soap and water.

4. Allow filter to dry.

5. Apply a few drops of oil to the filter;

squeeze filter to distribute oil.

6. Replace parts.

Screws

-8-