Craftsman 358794342 Owner’s Manual

Instruction Manual

ICRAFTSMAN°I

25cc/1.5 cu.in. 2-Cycle
205 MPH/410 CFM

GASOLINE POWERED
BLOWER/VAC

Model No.

358.794342

• Safety

Operation
Maintenance _j_ _

i ssem ,,

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.

530165754 9/7/05

Warranty Statement 2 Troubleshooting Table 12
Safety Rules 2 Emissions Statement 12

Assembly 4 Parts List 14
Operation 6 Spanish 17

Maintenance 9 Parts and Ordering Back
Storage 11

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

z_
dt_ 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.

_I_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.

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• 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 impel-
ler blades no longer turning to avoid se-

rious 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 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. 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: 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 358.794342

• 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.

• A standard 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: Knob must be loose enough to
allow blower tube to be inserted in blow-

er outlet. Loosen knob by turning coun-

terclockwise.

f_ Blower

/z/'_"_'_. Outlet Blower

. _2 Tube

"_'2 _-hTi'r "__,_q----------__ ........

- 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-

VACUUM ASSEMBLY
VACUUM BAG ASSEMBLY

1. Open tile zipper on the vacuum
bag and insert the elbow tube.

2. Push the small end of the elbow
tube through the small opening in

the bag.

Elbow
Tube

Small
Opening

3. Gently tilt the handle of the screw-
driver toward the back of the unit to

release the latch while pulling up
on the vacuum inlet cover with your

other hand.

4. Hold the vacuum inlet cover open
until upper vacuum tube is installed.

Vacuum inlet _

i,

Zipper
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.

Rib

5. Insert the elbow tube into the blow-

er outlet. Make sure elbow tube is
aligned with the blower outlet

groove.

6. Turn knob clockwise to secure el-

bow tube.

VACUUM TUBE ASSEMBLY

1. Align tile lower vacuum tube as
shown. Push lower vacuum tube

into upper vacuum tube.

Upper

Vacuum Tube _--__

L°vaWe mTube

Retaining Post X_/,_,_,, /:,_

5. Place the hooks of the upper vacu-
um tube on the retaining posts of

the unit.

6. Pivot the tube until it is secured to
the blower unit by the vacuum inlet

latch.

PIVOT

HOW TO CONVERT UNIT FROM

VACUUM USE TO BLOWER USE

1. Remove the vacuum tubes by in-
serting the tip of a screwdriver into

the latch area of the vacuum inlet.

2. Gently tilt handle of screwdriver to-
ward the back of the unit to release

the latch while pulling up on the up-
per vacuum tube with your other

hand.

Inlet Cover

Latch

Hook Post

Latch Area

2. Insert the tip of a screwdriver into
the latch area of the vacuum inlet.

Outlet

Latch Area

Vacuum

L__ _ Blower

Inlet Cover

3. Remove the vacuum bag.

4. Close the vacuum inlet cover and
make sure it is latched closed.

-5-

5. Reinstallthe blowertube (see
BLOWER TUBE ASSEMBLY).

SHOULDER STRAP ADJUSTMENT

(for vacuum use only)

1. Hold the unit as shown with the
muffler side facing away from your
body and clothes.

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.

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.

MULCHING BLADES

Your blower is equipped with mulching blades as a standard feature. When using
the optional vacuum attachment, the mulching blades automatically reduce debris

at a ratio of up to 16:1.

5. Make sure air flows freely from the
elbow tube into bag. If bag is kinked,
the unit will not operate properly.

Upper

Elbow Tube

Vacuum Tube

Lower Vacuum T_

Throttle
Lever

Tube
Blower

\

-6-

Primer Button

Choke Lever

Fuel Mix

Rope

Rear
Handle

THROTTLE LEVER

Tile THROTFLE 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 vacuuming or blowing debris,
hold the unit with the muffler side fac-

ing away from your body and clothes
(see OPERATING 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.

• 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.

the engine with fewer pulis 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.

OPERATING POSITION

Eye
Protection

Blower Vacuum

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

_,WARNING: Be sure to read tile
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

_ILWARNING: 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
blower is a 3.2 ounce container of oil.

Pour the entire contents of this container
into 1 gallon of gasoline to achieve the

proper fuel mixture. DO NOT USE auto-
motive oil or boat oil. These oils will

cause engine damage. When mixing

fuel, follow instructions printed on con-
tainer. Once oil is added to gasoline,

shake container momentarily to assure

that the fuel is thoroughly mixed. Always

-7-

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 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.

NOTE: Unit must be placed on its side

when adding fuel (see illustration below).

STARTING POSITION

Blower

,A

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

1. Move the throttle lever to tile
position.

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

3. Slowly press the primer button 8
times.

Throttle Lever Primer Button

STOPPING YOUR ENGINE

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

STARTING THE ENGINE
_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.

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-

8. Allow the unit to run for 30 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 4_
position.

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

5 pulls.

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: 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.
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

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

4"_ ; 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.

WHEN TO PERFORM

Before each use
Before each use

After each use
Every 5 hours of operation

Yearly
Yearly

Yearly

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-