Craftsman 358794944 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

ICRAFTSMAN°I

25cc/1.5 cu.in. 2-Cycle
200 MPH/400 CFM

GASOLINE POWERED
BLOWER/VAC

Model No.

358.794944

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts List

• Espar_ol, p. 19

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.

545123830 9/12/06

Warranty Statement 2 Storage 12
Identification of Safety Symbols 2 Troubleshooting Table 13

Safety Rules 3 Emissions Statement 14
Assembly 6 Parts List 16
Operation 8 Spanish 19

Maintenance 11 Parts and Ordering Back Cover

TWO YEAR FULL WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN@ GAS BLOWER
When used and maintained according to the operator's manual, if this product fails

due to a defect in material or workmanship within two (2) years from the date of pur-
chase, return it to any Sears store, Sears Service Center, or other Craftsman outlet

in the United States for free repair (or replacement if repair proves impossible).
This warranty excludes spark plug and air cleaner, which are expendable parts that

can wear out from normal use in less than two years.
This warranty applies for only 30 days from the date of purchase if this product is
used for commercial or rental purposes.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights

which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

_WARNING: This unit can be dangerous! Careless or

improper use can cause serious injury.

Read your operator's manual carefully until you completely un-
derstand and can follow all warnings and safety rules before

operating the unit. Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
Save operator's manual.

_WARNING: The muffler is very hot during and after use.
Do not touch the muffler, muffler guard, or surrounding sur-

faces, or allow combustible material such as dry grass or fuel

to do so.

The blower can throw objects
violently. You can be blinded or

injured. Always wear hearing
protection and safety glasses
marked Z87. Always wear
heavy, long pants, long sleeves,

boots and gloves.

-2-

Hazard zone for thrown objects. Keep children,
bystanders, and animals away from work area a
minimum of 30 feet (10 meters) when starting or

operating unit. Do not point blower nozzle in the
direction of people or pets.

Do not wear jewelry, loose clothing,
or clothing with loosing hanging
straps, ties, tassels, etc. They can

securehairab°vesh°u'der'ength.

be caught in moving parts.

I _ "_ I Always stop unit and disconnect spark plug

O before cleaning or servicing.

I @@1

_, WARNING: Stop the engine before opening the vacuum inlet door. The
engine must be stopped and the impeller blades no longer turning to avoid serious

injuryfrom the rotating blades. Gently tilt the handle of the screwdriver toward the

back of the unit to release the latch while pulling up on the vacuum inlet cover with

your other hand.

When using the vacuum attachment, the unit is designed to

pick up dry material such as leaves, grass, small twigs, and bits
of paper. Do not vacuum stones, gravel, metal, broken glass,
etc., to avoid severe damage to the impeller.

@ --_ruTeAttReNulnNitGn:eFirre haZmardorNpVa_t_sm(iiX'ciP°Urng rsst° rktngaSplint

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

sult in serious injury.

f ames, or work that can cause sparks).

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.

-3-

z_
_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.

• 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 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-

-4-

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
_.WARNING: Disconnect spark

plug before performing maintenance
except for carburetor adjustments.

• Have all maintenance other than the
recommended procedures described

in the instruction manual performed
by a Sears Service Center.

• 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.

SAFETY 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
antivibration system does not guaran-

tee the avoidance of these problems.

Users who operate power tools on a

continual and regular basis must moni-
tor 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.

-5-

CARTON CONTENTS
Check carton contents against the fol-

lowing list.
Model 358.794944

• 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.
/_#/_ Blower

c,_i/'_ _ _, Tube

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.

Outlet Blower

Groove _ _ Rib -'--_

VACUUM ASSEMBLY
VACUUM BAG ASSEMBLY

1. Open the 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

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.

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 the lower vacuum tube as
shown. Push lower vacuum tube

into upper vacuum tube.

Upper
Vacuum Tube

Lower
Vacuum Tube

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

Small
Opening

-6-

Outlet

_. LatchArea

Vacuum

L,__ _ Blower

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

Inlet Cover

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

Inlet _j,,.__.1-- j_j_ ,'_"

Cover

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

Inlet Cover

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.

Latch Area

3. Remove the vacuum bag.

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

5. Reinstall the blower tube (see

BLOWER TUBE ASSEMBLY).

SHOULDER STRAP ADJUSTMENT
(for vacuum use only)

1. Hold tile 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.

5. Make sure air flows freely from the
elbow tube into bag. If bag is kinked,

the unit will not operate properly.

Hook Post

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.

-7-

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.

Upper

Vacuum Tube

Lower Vacuum T_

Primer Button

Choke Lever

Throttle
Lever

Elbow Tube

Blower
Tube

Fuel Mix
Fill Cap

Starter

Rope

Rear
Handle

THROTTLE LEVER

The THROTI-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

• WMe 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

the engine with fewer pulls on the starter

rope. Activate primer button by pressing
it and allowing itto 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.

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

-8-

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

Protection

BJower Vacuum

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

_f_,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 is added 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 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 cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent 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).

HOW TO STOP YOUR ENGINE

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

HOW TO START YOUR 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.

-9-

STARTING POSITION

Blower \

Vacuum

A

dl_ 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 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 position.

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 '(_
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
_r_ ; then, pull rope until engine starts.

After engine starts, move the throttle le-
ver to the slow position -Jr 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.

-10-