Craftsman 358794300 Owner’s Manual
Instruction Manual
25cc/1.5 cu.in. 2-Cycle
185 MPH/385 CFM
GASOLINE POWERED
BLOWERNAC
Model No.
358.794300
• 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 <,oo,8 listed are Central Time)
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
530086579 10/1/01
Warranty Statement 2 Storage 12
Safety Rules 2 Troubleshooting Table 13
Assembly 4 Emissions Statement 13
Operation 6 Parts List 15
Maintenance 9 Spanish 18
Service & Adjustments 11 Parts and Ordering Back
FULL TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ® GAS BLOWER
For two (2) years from date of purchase, when this Gas Blower is maintained,
lubricated, and tuned up according to the instructions in the instruction manual,
Sears will repair, 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
dI_,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.
,_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,
Use your unit as a vacuum for:
• Picking up dry material such as
leaves, grass, small twigs, and bits of
paper.
• For best results during vacuum use,
operate your unit at high speed,
• Move slowly back and forth over the
material as you vacuum, Avoid forc-
ing the unit into a pile of debris as
this can clog the unit.
• Keep the vacuum tube about an inch
above the ground for best results.
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.
-2-
• 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.
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: Stop the engine be-
fore opening the vacuum inlet door.
The engine must be stopped and the
impeller blades no longer turning to
avoid serious injury from the rotating
blades.
• 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 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 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. When using the op-
tional vacuum kit, always install vac-
uum tubes and vacuum bag assem-
bly. Make sure vacuum bag assem-
bly is completely zipped.
• Check air intake opening, blower
tubes, and vacuum tubes frequently,
always with engine stopped and
spark plug disconnected. Keep vents
and discharge tubes free of debris
which can accumulate 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.
-3-
• 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.
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: This unit is equip-
ped with a temperature limiting muffler
and spark arresting screen which
meets the requirements of California
Codes 4442 and 4443. All U.S. forest
land and the states of California, Ida-
ho, 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. Refer to the MAINTENANCE sec-
tion for information on maintenance of
the muffler and spark arresting screen.
CARTON CONTENTS
Check carton contents against the fol-
lowing list.
Model 358.794300
Blower
Blower tube
Elbow tube
Vacuum bag
Upper vacuum tube
Lower vacuum tube
2-Cycle Engine Oil
NOTE: It is normal for the fuel filter to
rattle in the empty fuel tank.
ASSEMBLY
_!_WARNING: Stop engine and be
sure the impeller blades have stopped
turning before opening the vacuum in-
let door or attempting to insert or re-
move the vacuum tubes. The rotating
blades can cause serious injury.
_WARNING: If you receive your
unit assembled, repeat all steps to en-
sure your unit is properly assembled
and all fasteners are secure.
• Astandard screwdriver is required
for assembly.
BLOWER ASSEMBLY
BLOWER TUBE ASSEMBLY
If you have already assembled your
unit for use as a vacuum, remove the
vacuum tubes and collection bag.
1. Align the rib on the blower tube
with the groove in the blower outlet;
slide the tube into place.
NOTE: Tube clamp must be loose
enough to allow blower tube to be in-
serted in blower outlet. Loosen tube
clamp by turning knob counterclockwise.
Blower
Outlet Blower
Tube
Groove-
2. Tighten the tube clamp by turning
the knob clockwise.
3. To remove the tube, turn the knob
to loosen clamp; remove tube.
VACUUM ASSEMBLY
VACUUM BAG ASSEMBLY
1. Open the zipper on the vacuum
bag and insert the elbow tube.
-4-
2. Push the small end of the elbow
tube through the small opening in
the bag.
Elbow
Tube
SmaII
Opening
Opening Rib
NOTE: Make sure edge of the small
opening is flush against the flared area
of the elbow tube, and the rib on the
elbow tube is on the bottom.
3. Close the zipper on the bag. Make
sure the zipper is closed completely.
4. Remove blower tube from engine.
roove
5. Insert the elbow tube into the blow-
er outlet. Make sure elbow tube is
aligned with the blower outlet
groove.
6. Turn clamp knob clockwise to tight-
en.
7. Secure the ends of the shoulder
strap by routing the strap through
the buckle as shown.
Upper
Vacuum Tube_-__
Lower
Vacuum Tube
2. Insert a screwdriver into the latch
area on the vacuum inlet cover.
Latch _ Blower
Area Outlet
Latch Area
_]_ Vn_Ct_mver
3. Gently tilt the handle of the screw_
driver toward the back of the unit
while pulling up on the vacuum in-
let cover with your other hand.
4. Hold the vacuum inlet cover open
until upper vacuum tube is installed.
Vacuum Inlet
Retaining Post
Vacuum
Inlet
Cover
5. Place the hooks on the vacuum tube
on the retaining posts; pivot tube into
position. Secure vacuum tube by
turning the knob clockwise until tight.
VACUUM TUBE ASSEMBLY
1. Align the lower vacuum tube as
shown. Push lower vacuum tube
into upper vacuum tube.
Hooks
6. When converting back to the blow-
er feature, make sure latch on the
vacuum inlet cover is securely fas-
tened.
-5-
SHOULDER STRAP ADJUSTMENT
(for vacuum use only)
1. Hold the unit as shown.
2. Pass the shoulder strap over your
head and onto your right shoulder.
3. Extend your left arm toward the
rear of the vacuum bag.
4. Adjust shoulder strap until the vac-
uum bag/shoulder strap seam lies
between your thumb and index
finger.
5. Make sure air flows freely from the
elbow tube into bag. If bag is kinked,
the unit will not operate properly.
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.
Lower
Vacuum Tube
Vacuum Bag _/_
, ThrotWe__
Lever
Elbow Tube Spark Plug--:4,'._
TBI°Lwer
THROTTLE LEVER
The THROTTLE 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 BUTTONremoves 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 primer button by pressing
it and allowing it to return to its original
position.
-6-
Vacuum
Upper T_
PrimerBu_on
Choke Lever
_,, Fuel Mix
Fill Cap
_Staprle r
'_Rear
Handle
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 HALFCHOKE position. Once en-
gine starts, move choke lever to the
RUNposition.
OPERATING TIPS
• While vacuuming or blowing debris,
hold the unit with the muffler side fac-
ing away from your body and clothes
(see OPERATING POSITION).
• 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.
• 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.
OPERATING POSITION
Blower Vacuum
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
_IbWARNING: 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
,_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. Mix gasoline and
oil at a ratio of 40:1 (A 40:1 ratio is ob-
tained by mixing 3.2 ounces of oil 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 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.
Toavoid 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.
Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alter-
native 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.
STOPPING YOUR ENGINE
• To stop the engine, move the throttle
lever to the STOP position.
-7-
STARTING THE ENGINE
_IkWARNING: 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.
STARTING POSITION
Blower
Vacuum
z_
411_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 the throttle lever to theftS'
position.
2. Move the choke lever to the FULL
CHOKE position.
3. Slowly press the primer button 8
times.
Throttle Lever Primer Button
NOTE: Ifthe 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 30 more
seconds at RUN before moving the
throttle lever to the4'_ position.
If the engine has not started after 5
pulls (at HALF CHOKE), repeat the
STARTINGA 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
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
TROUBLESHOOTINGTABLE or call
1-800-235-5878.
Choke Lever
4. Pull starter handle sharply until the
engine attempts to run, but no
more than 5 pulls (below 30°F, 8
pulls).
-8-
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
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
Replace fuel filter
Check muffler bolts
z_
OWARNING: Avoid touching muf-
fler unless engine and muffler are cold.
A hot muffler can cause serious burns.
_!kWARNING: Stop engine and be
sure the impeller blades have stopped
turning before opening the vacuum in-
let door or attempting to insert or re-
move the vacuum or blower tubes.
The rotating blades can cause serious
injury. Always disconnect the spark
plug before performing maintenance or
accessing movable parts.
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 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.
• Vacuum Bag - Do not use vacuum
bag if it is torn or damaged.
-9-
WHEN TO PERFORM
Before each use
Before each use
After each use
Every 5 hours of operation
Every 50 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
' /i Air Filter
_ , _ _ ! Cover
_/,_Y ,_r Filter Screws
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.
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