Craftsman 358794201 Owner’s Manual

Instruction Manual

20cc/1.2 cu.in. 2-Cycle

150 MPH/305 CFM

GASOLINE BLOWER

Model No.

358.794201

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts List

• Espahol

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,, listed are Central Time)

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

530163350 9]10/02

Warranty Statement 2 Troubleshooting Table 9
Safety Rules 2 Emissions Statement 9
Assembly 4 Parts List 11

Operation 5 Spanish 13

Maintenance 7 Parts Ordering Back Cover

Storage 8

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN® GAS BLOWER
For one (1) year from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman Gas Blower 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 material

or workmanship.
This warranty excludes the blower tube, spark plug, and air cleaner, which are

expendable parts and become worn during normal use.

If this Blower is used for commercial purposes, this warranty applies for only 90
days from the date of purchase. If this Blower is used for rental purposes, this
warranty applies for only 30 days from the date of purchase. This warranty ap-

plies 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 SERVICECENTER 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

4_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.

_IkWARNING: Inspect the area be-
fore starting the unit. Remove all de-

bris 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
between bricks.

PLAN AHEAD

• Always wear eye protection when
operating, servicing, or performing

maintenance on unit. Wearing eye
protection will help to prevent rocks

or debris from being blown or rico-
cheting into eyes and face which can

result in blindness and/or serious in-

jury. Eye protection should be mar-

ked 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.

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• 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.

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
_kWARNING: 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.

• Toavoid static electricity shock, do
not wear rubber gloves or any other

insulated gloves while operating unit.

• Do not set unit on any surface ex-
cept a clean, hard area while engine

is running. Debris such as gravel,
sand, dust, grass, etc. could be

picked up by the air intake and

thrown out through discharge open-

ing, damaging unit, property, or caus-
ing 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 tube; 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, always install blower tube.

• Check air intake opening, and blower

tube frequently, always with engine

stopped and spark plug discon-
nected. Keep vents and discharge

tube free from debris which can ac-

cumulate and restrict proper air flow.

• Never place any object in the air in-

take 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.

• To reduce the risk of hearing loss
associated with sound level(s), hear-

ing protection is required.

• 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 your 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 the fuel tank before storing

the unit. Use up fuel left in carburetor

by starting the engine and letting it
run until it stops.

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

by the manufacturer for use with your
unit.

-3-

• 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.

SPECIAL 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 abnor-
mal swelling, Prolonged use in cold
weather has been linked to blood ves-

sel 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 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 recomend that your muffler
be serviced or replaced by your Sears

Service Center.

CARTON CONTENTS
Check carton contents against the fol-

lowing list.

Model 358.794201

• Blower

• Blower tube

• Container of oil

NOTE: It is normal for the fuel filter to
rattle in the empty fuel tank.

ASSEMBLY

_!kWARNING: If received as-
sembled, repeat all steps to ensure

your unit is properly assembled and all
fasteners are secure. Follow all safety

information in the manuals and on the
unit.

• No tools are required for assembly.

BLOWER TUBE

• Push the blower tube into the blow-
er outlet until it snaps into place.

Blower Outlet

Biower Tube

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KNOW YOUR BLOWER
READTHiS INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

UNIT.Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with locations

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

Primer Buib _: _j,j_?_ Fuel Cap

Blower Tube

\

THROTTLE LEVER

The throttle lever is used to select the
desired engine speed and to stop the

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

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

OPERATING TIPS

• 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, operate pow-
er blowers at the lowest possible

throttle speed to do the job.

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

• 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.

. Lever"

u

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

to its original form.

CHOKE LEVER
The CHOKE helps to supply fuel to the

engine to aid in cold starting. The
CHOKE OFFposition is used for full

speed operation. The 1/2 position is
used for a brief initial warm-up period
and to set the engine at idle speed.

• 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.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

_h_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.

FUELING ENGINE

_I_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. We recommend Craftsman

brand synthetic oil. Mix gasoline and
oil at a ratio of 40:1 (A 40:1 ratio is

obtained by mixing 3.2 ounces of oil

-5-

C.o e

with 1 gallon of unleaded gasoline). DO

NOT USE automotive oil or boat 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
relating 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 fuel
system before storage for 30 days or

longer. Drain gas tank, start engine

and let it run until fuel lines and carbu-
retor 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.

_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.

STARTING A COLD ENGINE (or a

warm engine after running out of fuel)

1. Move throttle lever to the ,t_ posi-

tion.

2. Move choke lever to the FULL

CHOKE position.

3. Slowly press the primer bulb 6

times.

OPERATING

POSITION

Eye
Protection

STOPPING YOUR ENGINE

• Tostop the engine, move the throttle
lever to the STOP position.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

You MUST make sure the tube is se-
cure 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.

Lever"

Choke Lever

4. Pull starter rope sharply until en-
gine attempts to run, but no more

than 5 pulls.

5. Move choke lever to I/2 CHOKE.
Pull starter rope sharply until en-
gine runs.

NOTE: If engine has not started after 5
pulls, repeat all of the above steps.

6. After a 10 second warm-up, move
the choke lever to CHOKE OFF.

NOTE: Move throttle lever to the
position for low speed.

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

NOTE: If engine does not stop, move

the choke lever to the FULL CHOKE

position.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE

-6-

1. Move throttle lever to the ,r_ posi-
tion.

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

3. Pull starter handle sharply until en-
gine runs.

NOTE: If engine does not run after 5
pulls, repeat STARTING A COLD ENGINE
procedure.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plu_
service, or adiustments.

Check for loose fasteners and parts
Check for damaged or worn parts
Inspect and clean unit and labels

CARE & MAINTENANCE TASK

Clean air filter
Replace spark plug

GEN ERAL 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

instructed in this manual. Various ad*

justments will need to be made period-

ically 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 your Sears Service Center for
replacement 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 - Discontinue use of unit if

fuel tank shows signs of damage or

leaks.

INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT AND
DECALS

• After each use, inspect complete unit

for loose or damaged parts. Clean
the unit using a damp cloth with a

mild detergent.

STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE

Flooded engines can be started by plac-
ing the choke lever in the CHOKE OFF

position and the throttle lever in the 'f_
position; then, pull the starter handle
sharply to clear the engine of excess fuel.
This could require pulling the starter han-
dle many times depending on how badly

the unit isflooded. If the unit still does not

start, refer to TROUBLESHOOTINGTABLE
or call 1-800-235-5878.

before performing maintenance,

WHEN TO PERFORM

Before each use
Before each use

After each use
Every 5 hours of operation

Yearly

• Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.
CLEAN AIR FILTER

Cleaning the 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 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.

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