Craftsman 358794560 Owner’s Manual

Instruction Manual

32cc/1.9 cu.in. 2-Cycle

180 MPH/370 CFM
GASOLINE POWERED

BLOWERNAC

Model No.

358.794560

• 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 {.ou,s listed are Central Time)

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

530088444 3/15/02

Warranty Statement 2 Storage 11
Safety Rules 2 Troubleshooting Table 12

Assembly 4 Emissions Statement 13
Operation 6 Parts List 15

Maintenance 9 Spanish 18

Service & Adjustments 10 Parts and Ordering Back

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 ISAVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE BLOWER TO THE NEAREST

SEARS STOREOR 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

_IkWARNING: 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 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

-2-

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 medica-

tion.

• 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 the blower nozzle in the direc-

tion 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

hot or 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
_JkWARNING: 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 blower

tubes; always direct blowing debris

away from people, animals, glass, and
solid objects such as trees, automo-

biles, 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 your unit as a vac-

uum, always install vacuum tubes and

vacuum bag assembly. Make sure
vacuum bag assembly is completely

zipped.

• Check air intake opening, blower

tubes, vacuum tubes, and elbow
tube 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 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 man-
ual.

MAINTAIN YOUR UNIT PROPERLY

• Have all maintenance other than the
recommended procedures described

in the instruction manual performed
by a Sears Service Center.

-3-

• 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 start-
ing 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 dry area out of reach of chil-

dren.

SAFETY NOTICE: Exposure to vibra-
tions through prolonged use of gasoline

powered hand tools could cause blood

vessel or nerve damage in 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 fingers, hands, or

joints, discontinue use of this tool and

seek medical attention. An antivibration
system does not guarantee the avoid-

ance of these problems. Users who op-
erate 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 358.794560

Blower
Blower tube

Nozzle
Upper vacuum tube

Lower vacuum tube
Elbow tube

Vacuum bag

Shoulder Strap
2-Cycle Engine Oil

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

ASSEMBLY

_IkWARNING: 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. Al-

ways disconnect the spark plug before

performing maintenance or accessing
movable parts.

_IkWARNING: 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. Assemble the blower tube and
nozzle to the unit by placing tabs in
grooves and turning clockwise until

locked in position.

Blower Blower

Nozzle

Tube Outlet ,

Groove Tabs

g

-4-

SHOULDER STRAP ASSEMBLY

(for blower use only)

1. Pass the shoulder strap over your
head and onto your left shoulder.

2. Snap the hook onto the retainer on
the top handle.

_ Retainer

VACUUM ASSEMBLY
VACUUM BAG ASSEMBLY

If you have already assembled your
unit for use as a blower, remove the

blower tube, nozzle and shoulder

strap.

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

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

Elbow Tube

Small
Opening

Zipper Opening

NOTE: Make sure edge of the small

opening is flush against the rib on the
elbow tube.

3. Close the zipper on the bag. Make

sure the zipper is closed completely.

4. Insert the elbow tube into the blow-

er outlet by placing tabs (inside
blower outlet) in grooves and turn-

ing counterclockwise until locked in
position.

VACUUM TUBE ASSEMBLY

1. Align slanted end of lower vacuum
tube as shown. Firmly push lower

vacuum tube into upper vacuum
tube.

Upper vacuum tube

Latch _---_ _ ] _ _ Blower

Area "l Out et

/_ Latch Area

Vacuum

[_= Inlet Cover

3. Gently tilt the handle of the screw-
driver forward toward blower outlet

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.

5. Assemble upper vacuum tube to unit
by placing locking tabs (located in-

side vacuum inlet) in grooves on
tube; turn clockwise to tighten.

6. When converting back to the blow-
er feature, make sure latch on the

vacuum inlet cover is securely fas-
tened.

Blower Outlet

Slanted End
of Lower

Vacuum Inlet Cover

Locking Tabs

SHOULDER STRAP ADJUSTMENT
(for vacuum bag)

1. Hold the unit as shown.

2. Pass the shoulder strap over your
head and onto your left shoulder.

3. Snap the hook onto the retainer on
the top handle.

4. Extend your right arm toward the
rear of the vacuum bag.

5. Adjust shoulder strap until the vacu-
um bag/shoulder strap seam lies be-
tween your thumb and index finger.

6. Make sure air flows freely from the
elbow tube into bag. If bag is

kinked, the unit will not operate
properly.

2. Insert a screwdriver under the tab
in the latch area on vacuum inlet

cover.

-5-

KNOW YOUR BLOWER

READTHIS INSTRUCTIONMANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFOREOPERATINGYOUR
UNIT. Compare illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the location of

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 vacuum attachment, the mulching blades automatically reduce debris at a

ratio of upto 16:1.

Choke Lever Primer

Throttle Trigger. Bulb

Fuel Mix
Fill Cap

Blower Spark

Handle

I Upper

Should_

Strap

X Vacuum Tube

Lower

_ Vacuum Tube

Vacuum Bag
with Elbow

ON/STOP SWITCH

The ON/STOP switch is used to stop
the engine. To stop the engine, push

and hold the switch in the STOP posi-
tion until the engine has completety

stopped.

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 at}owing it to return

to its original form.
TRRO'rFLE LOCK

The THROTTLE LOCKis used to hold the
throttle in the run and starting positions.

OPERATING TIPS

• TOreduce the risk of hearing loss
associated with sound lever(s), hear-

ing protection is required.

• To reduce the risk of injury
associated with contacting rotating

parts, stop the engine before instal-
ling or removing attachments. Do not

operate without guard(s) in place.

To activate throttle lock, squeeze and

hold throttle trigger, press and hold

throttle lock, then release throttle trigger.
THRO'I-rLE TRIGGER

The THROTTLE TRIGGER controls en-
gine speed. Fully squeeze the trigger

for full speed operation.
CHOKE

The CHOKE helps to supply fuel to the
engine to aid in cold starting. Activate
the choke by moving the choke lever to

the FULLCHOKE position. After the em

gine attempts to start, move the choke

to the HALF CHOKE position. Once the

engine starts, move the choke lever to
the OFF CHOKE position.

• Operate power equipment only at
reasonable hours-not early in the

morning or late at night when peeple
might be disturbed. Comply with

times listed in local ordinances. Usu-

al recommendations are 9:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m., Monday though Saturday.

-6-

• 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
blowers instead of hoses for many
lawn and garden applications, includ-

ing 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 full blower nozzle extension so
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

_I!_WARNING: Be sure to read the
fuel information in the safety rules be-

fore you begin. If you do not under-
stand the safety rules, do not attempt
to fuel your unit. Call 1-800-235-5878.

FUELING ENGINE

_IkWARNING: 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

with 1 gallon of unleaded 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 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.

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

• Push and hold the ON/STOPswitch
until the engine has stopped comple-

tely.

• If engine does not stop, move the
choke to the FULL CHOKE position.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

_J!_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.

-7-

STARTING POSITION

BLOWER VACUUM

_IkWARNING: 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.

Throttle Throttle Lock

Trigger

Switch •

Lever _

Choke

Pnmer Bulb

STARTING A COLD ENGINE (or a
warm engine after running out of

fuel)

1. Activate the throttle lock as follows:

• squeeze and hold throttle trigger;

• press and hold throttle lock, then

• release the throttle trigger

2. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE

position.

3. Slowly press primer bulb 6 times.

4. Pull starter handle sharply until en-

gine attempts to run, but no more

than 6 pulls.

NOTE: If the engine sounds as if it is
trying to start before the 6th pull, go to

the next step immediately.

5. Move choke lever to HALF CHOKE

position.

6. Pull the starter handle sharply until

the engine runs, but not more than

6 pulls.

NOTE: If engine has not started after 6
pulls, repeat all of the above steps.

7. Allow engine to run for 10 to 15
seconds, then move choke lever to

the OFF CHOKE position.

8. Squeeze and release the throttle
trigger to release the throttle lock
and allow engine to idle.

NOTE: If engine dies with choke at
OFF CHOKE position, move the choke
lever to the HALFCHOKE position and
pull the starter rope handle until the

engine runs, but no more than 5 pulls.
If engine still does not start, refer to the

TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE.

9. TOstop engine, push and hold the
ON/STOP switch until the engine
stops completely.

STARTING A WARM ENGINE

1. Move choke lever to OFF CHOKE
position.

2. Activate the throttle lock as directed
in STARTINGA COLD ENGINE.

3. Slowly press primer bulb 6 times.

4. Pull starter handle sharply until the
engine runs.

5. Squeeze and release the throttle
trigger to release the throttle lock

and allow engine to idle.

NOTE: If engine does not run after 5
pulls, it is probably flooded. Proceed to

STARTINGA FLOODEDENGINE.

6. TOstop engine, push and hold the
ON/STOP switch until the engine

stops completely.

DIFFICULT STARTING (or starting a

flooded engine)

Flooded engines can be started by
placing choke lever in the OFF CHOKE

position. Activate the throttle lock as

directed in STARTINGA COLD ENGINE;
then, pull rope until engine starts. After
the engine starts, squeeze and release

the throttle trigger to release the
throttle lock and allow engine to idle.

Starting could require pulling the start-

er handle many times depending on

how badly the unit is flooded.

If unit still doesn't start, refer to the
TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE or call

1-800-235-5878.

-8-

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug
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

Replace fuel filter

IlIWARNING: 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.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

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 FOB LOOSE

FASTENERS AND PARTS

• Spark Plug Boot

• Air Filter

• Housing Screws

CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR
WORN PARTS

Contact a Sears Service Center for re-

placement of damaged or worn parts.

• ON/STOP Switch - Ensure ON/STOP
switch functions properly by holding

the switch in the STOP position.

Make sure engine stops completely;

then restart engine and continue.

• Fuel Tank - Discontinue use of unit if

fuel tank shows signs of damage or

leaks.

• Vacuum Bag - Discontinue use of

vacuum bag if it is torn or damaged.

-9-

before performing maintenance

WHEN TO PERFORM

Before each use
Before each use
After each use
Every 5 hours of operation
Every 50 hours of operation
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

Screw_'t_ Air Filter

_'_1 _ _ Cover

A dirty "_[rfilter decreases en_in@ 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.

INSPECT MUFFLER AND SPARK AR-

RESTING SCREEN

As the unit is used, carbon deposits

build up on the muffler and spark ar-
resting screen, and must be removed

to avoid creating a fire hazard or af-
fecting engine performance.