Craftsman 358795390 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

CRRFTSMRW

18cc/1.1 cu. in. 2-Cycle

GASOLINE HEDGE TRIMMER

Model No.

358.795390 - 18" Blade

WARNING:

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

530O88614 9/20/00

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; 10 am-7 pm, Sun

1-800-235-5878 (Hours listed are Central Time)

Warranty Statement

Safety Rules

Assembly

Operation Maintenance

Service & Adjustments

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ® GAS POWERED HEDGE TRIMMER

For one (1) year from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman Gas Powered Hedge Trimmer is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to the operat-

ing and maintenance instructions in the operator's manual, Sears will repair, free of charge, any defects in materials or workmanship.

This warranty excludes spark plug, air filter, and the blade which are expendable parts and may become worn during normal use.

Ifthis Hedge Trimmer is used for commercial purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase. If this Hedge Trimmer is used for rental purposes,

this warranty applies for only 30 days from the date of purchase.

THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE THIS PRODUCT IS USED IN THE UNITED

STATES. WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE HEDGE TRIMMER

TO THE NEAREST SEARS 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., Dept. 817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

2 2

4 5

Storage 9

Troubleshooting Table 10

Emissions Statement 11 Repair Parts List 13

Spanish 15 Parts and Ordering Back Cover

DANGER - THISPOWERTOOL

CAN BE DANGEROUS! This unit can

cause serious injury including amputa-

tion or blindness to the operator and

others. The warnings and safety in- structions in this manual must be

followed to provide reasonable safety and efficiency in using this unit.

The operator is responsible for follow- ing the warnings and instructions in this

manual and on the unit. Never allow

children to use this tool.

WARNING:

Blades can throwobjectsviolently

Safety Glasses Boots

• You can be blinded or injured.

• Wear safety glasses.

_, WARNING:

Hazard zone for thrown objects

• Blades can throw objects violently. Others can be blinded or in ured.

: Keep people and an mas 30 feet

(10 m) away.

Blades move I Allow blades to stop,_ WARNING:

._ _ momentarily before removing Blades move momentarily after the trigge

._)_"._ after the them from the cut. is released

"_K_ t_ggeris[ -_,_..._ _ • The blades can seriously cut you or

-_leaseo. ] _ _: ."_ others

I .... "/ ! • Allow I_lades to stop before

I _ "_ removing them from the cut.

-2-

WARNING: Failure to follow all

Safety Rules and Precautions can re-

sult in serious injury.

KNOW YOUR UNIT

• Read your Operator's Manual care- fully until you completely understand and can follow all warnings and safety rules before operating the unit.

• Restrict unit to users who understand and will follow all warnings and safety

rules in this manual and on the unit.

PLAN AHEAD

• Always wear eye protectionwhen op- erating, servicing, or performing main-

tenance on unit. Wearing eye protec- tionwill help to prevent brush or debris from being thrown or ricochetinginto eyes and face which can result in

blindness and/or serious injury.

• Wear hearing protection when using

this unit.

• 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 unitwhen you are tired,

ill,upset, or if you are under the influ- ence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.

• Keep children, bystanders, and ani-

mals away from work area a mini- mum of 30 feet (10 m) when starting

or operating unit.

• Inspect the area before starting the

unit. Remove all debris and hard ob-

jects such as rocks, glass, wire, etc. that can ricochet, be thrown, or other-

wise cause injury or damage during operation.

HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION

• 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.

• Do not fill fuel tank while engine is

running.

• Wipe up fuel spills before starting the

engine.

• Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from fuel and fueling site before

starting engine.

OPERATE YOUR UNIT SAFELY

• 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.

_IL DANGER: RISK OF CUT; KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM BLADE-Blade

moves momentarily after the trigger is released. Do not attempt to clear away

cut material when the blade is in mo-

tion. Make sure the switch is in the OFF

position, the spark plug wire is discon- nected, and the blade has stopped

moving before removing jammed mate- rial from the cutting blade. Do not grab

or hold the unit by the cutting blade.

• Never start or run engine inside a closed room or building. Breathing

exhaust fumes can kill.

• 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.

• Do not raise unit above your shoul- ders; the cutting blade can come

dangerously close to your body.

• Always keep unitin front of your body.

Keep all parts of your body away from

the cutting blade.

• Keep the cutting blade and air vents free from debris.

• Use only for jobs explained in this

manual.

MAINTAIN YOUR UNIT PROPERLY

• Have all maintenance other than the

recommended procedures described

in the Operator's Manual performed by Sears Service.

• Disconnect spark plug before per- forming maintenance except for car-

buretor adjustments.

• Do not use a cutting blade that is

bent, warped, cracked, broken, or

damaged in any other way. Have worn or damaged parts replaced by

your Sears Service Center.

• Use only recommended Craftsman

cutting blades and replacement parts; use of any other parts may void your warranty and cause dam-

age to your unit.

• Empty fuel tank before storingthe unit. Use upfuel leftin carburetor by starting

engine and letting it run untilit stops.

• Hand carry the unit with the engine stopped and the muffler and cutting

blade away from your body.

• Allow engine to cool, empty the fuel tank, and secure the unit before stor-

ing or transporting it in a vehicle.

• 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 the unit so the cutting blade cannot accidentally cause injury.

• Store in a dry area out of reach of children.

SPECIAL NOTICE: Your hedge trim-

mer is equipped 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 Cali- fornia, idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington re-

quire by law that many internal com- bustion engines be equipped with a

spark arresting screen. If you operate

a hedge trimmer in a state or locale where such regulations exist, you are

legally responsible for maintaining the operating condition of these parts.

Failure to do so is a violation of the law. For normal homeowner use, the muffler and spark arresting screen will not re-

quire any service. After 50 hours of use, we recommend that your muffler

be serviced or replaced by your Sears Service Center.

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.

CARTON CONTENTS Check carton contents against the fol-

lowing list. Model 358.795390

• Hedge Trimmer

• 2-Cycle Engine Oil

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

ASSEMBLY

No assembly is required.

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KNOW YOUR HEDGE TRIMMER

READ THIS OPERATOR'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR UNIT. Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the loca-

tion of the various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future refer- ence.

ONIOFF Switch _ _ Choke

Throttle

Trigger

Starter Rope

Muffler

Primer Bulb

Spark Plug

ON/OFF SWITCH The ON/OFF SWITCH is used to stop the engine. To stop engine, move switch to

OFF.

CHOKE

The CHOKEhelps to supply fuel to the

engine to aid in cold starting.Activate the choke by moving choke lever to the de-

sired position. See STARTINGYOUREN- GINE for complete starting information.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

_WARNING: Be sure to read the fuel information in the safety rules

before you begin. If you do not

understand the safety rules, do not attempt to fuel your unit. Call

1-800-235-5878. FUELING ENGINE This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline. Before operation,

gasoline must be mixed with a good quality 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil.

We recommend Craftsman brand 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). 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.

PRIMER BULB

The PRIMER BULBremoves air from the fuel lines and fillsthem with fuel. This

allows you to start the engine with few- er pulls on the starter rope. Activate

primer bulb by pressing it and allowing it to return to its original position.

THRO'I-rLE TRIGGER The THROTTLETRIGGERcontrols engine

speed. Squeeze the trigger for full speed operation; release it for idle speed.

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. Acid- ic gas can damage the fuel system 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 alterna-

tire 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.

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OPERATING POSITION

Eye Protection

STOPPING YOUR ENGINE

• To stop engine, move switch to OFF. STARTING YOUR ENGINE

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

• Fuel engine. Move at least 10 feet (3

meters) away from the fueling site.

• Hold the unit on the ground in the starting position as shown. Support

unit so the blade is off of the ground and away from trees, bushes, on-

lookers, etc.

ON OFF

3. Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.

4. Move the choke lever to FULL CHOKE.

Choke

Primer Bulb

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

Throttle Lock

Throttle

1. Engage the throttle lock as follows:

• press the throttle lock-out;

• squeeze and hold throttle trigger;

• press and hold throttle lock

• release the throttle trigger

Keep the throttle lock engaged until the engine runs smoothly.

2. Make sure switch is in ON position.

5. Pull starter rope handle sharply 6 times.

NOTE: The engine may sound as if it is

trying to start before 6th pull. If so, go to the next step immediately.

6. Move the choke lever to HALF

CHOKE.

7. Pull starter rope sharply until the en-

gine runs, but no more than 6 pulls.

NOTE: If the engine has not started af-

ter 6 pulls (at HALF CHOKE), check to make sure the ON/OFF switch and the

choke lever are in the proper positions. Then, move the choke lever to the

FULL CHOKE position and press the

primer bulb 6 times; pull the starter rope 2 more times. Move the choke le-

ver to HALF CHOKE and pull the starter rope until the engine runs, but no more

than 6 more pulis.

NOTE: If engine still has not started, it is probably flooded. Proceed to START-

ING A FLOODED ENGINE.

8. Allow the engine to run 10 seconds, then move the choke lever to OFF

CHOKE. Allow the unit to run for 30 more seconds at OFF CHOKE, then

release the throttle lock by squeez- ing and releasing the trigger.

-6-

NOTE: If engine dies with the choke

lever at the OFF CHOKE position, move the choke lever to HALF CHOKE and

pull the rope until the engine runs.

9. To stop engine, move switch to OFF.

FOR A WARM ENGINE

1. Make sure switch is in ON position.

2. Move the choke lever to HALF

CHOKE.

3. Engage the throttle lock as directed

in STARTING A COLD ENGINE. Keep

the throttle lock engaged until the engine runs smoothly.

4. Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs, but no more than 5 pulls.

5. Allow the engine to run 10 seconds, then move the choke lever to OFF

CHOKE. Release the throttle lock by squeezing and releasing the trigger.

_)A WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance

except for carburetor adjustments.

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

Replace spark plug

Replace fuel filter

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 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.

• ON/OFF Switch - Ensure ON/OFF

switch functions properly by moving the switch to the OFF position. Make sure engine stops; then restart engine

and continue.

NOTE: If engine has not started, pull

starter rope 5 more pulls. If engine still does not run, it is probably flooded.

Proceed to STARTING A FLOODED EN-

GINE. STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE

Flooded engines can be started by placing the switch in the ON position

and the choke lever in the OFF CHOKE

position; then, pull the rope to clear the

engine of excess fuel. 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 TROUBLE- SHOOTING 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

• Fuel Tank - Do not use unit if fuel tank shows signs of damage or leaks.

INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT AND LABELS

• After each use, inspect complete unit for loose or damaged pads. Clean

the unit and labels using a damp cloth with a mild detergent.

• Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.

CLEAN AIR FILTER

Air

Filter

Air Filter Cover

Screws

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Cleaning the air filter: A dirty air filter decreases engine per-

formance and increases fuel consump- tion and harmful emissions. Always clean after every 5 hours of operation.

1. Clean the cover and the area around it to keep debris from falling

into the carburetor chamber when

the cover is removed.

2. Remove parts as illustrated.

NOTE: Do not clean filter in gasoline or other flammable solvent. Doing so can create a fire hazard or produce

harmful evaporative emissions.

3. Wash the filter in soap and water.

4. Allow filter to dry.

5. Add a few drops of oil to the filter;

squeeze filter to distribute oil.

6. Replace pads.

REPLACE SPARK PLUG Replace spark plug each year to en- sure the engine starts easier and runs

better. Set spark plug gap at 0.025 in. Ignition timing is fixed, nonadjustable.

1. Twist, then pull off spark plug boot.

2. Remove spark plug from cylinder

and discard.

3. Replace with Champion RCJ-8Y spark plug and tighten with a 3/4 in.

socket wrench (10-12 ft.-Ibs).

4. Reinstall the spark plug boot.

REPLACE FUEL FILTER

To replace fuel filter, drain unit by run-

ning it dry of fuel, then remove fuel cap/ retainer assembly from tank. Pull filter

from tank and remove itfrom the fuel

line. Install new fuel filter on fuel line; reinstall pads.

We recommend all service and adjust-

ments not listed in this manual be per-

formed by your Sears Service Center.

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT Carburetor adjustment is critical and if

done improperly can permanently dam- age the engine as well as the carbure-

tor. If you require further assistance or

are unsure about performing this pro- cedure, call our customer assistance

help line at 1-800-235-5878.

Old fuel, a dirty air filter, a dirty fuel fil-

ter, or flooding may give the impression

of an improperly adjusted carburetor. Check these conditions before adjust-

ing the carburetor. The carburetor has been carefully set

at the factory. Adjustments may be necessary if you notice any of the fol- lowing conditions:

• Engine will not idle. See IDLE SPEED and MIXTURE under adjusting

procedure.

• Engine dies or hesitates instead of accelerating. See ACCELERATION

CHECK under adjusting procedure.

• Loss of power. See MIXTURE under adjusting procedure.

ADJUSTING PROCEDURE CAUTION: Do not force plastic limiter

caps on screws beyond the built-in stops or damage will occur.

Initial Settings

1. Turn the mixture screw counter- clockwise until it stops.

2. Turn the idle speed screw clockwise until it stops. Now turn counterclock-

wise 4-1/2 turns.

3. Start motor and let it run for 3 min- utes, then proceed to the adjust

screws according to the instructions

below. If engine performance at ini-

tial settings is acceptable, no further adjustments are necessary. If en-

gine does not start, refer to TROU-

BLESHOOTING TABLE. If still unable

to remedy situation, call

1-800-235-5878.

Low Speed Idle Speed

Screw /._... Screw

H L

High Speed Screws with

Screw Umiter

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Idle Speed "IDLE"

Allow engine to idla If the blade

moves, idle speed is too fast. If the en-

gine stalls, idle speed is too slow.

• Turn IDLE screw clockwise to in- crease idle speed.

• Turn IDLE screw counterclockwise to decrease idle speed.

,_ WARNING: Recheck the idle

speed after each adjustment. The

blade must not move at idle speed to avoid serious injury to the operator and

others. Low Speed Mixture - L

1. Allow the engine to idle.

2. Turn low speed mixture screw (L)

slowly clockwise until the speed starts to drop.

3. Turn the low speed mixture screw

(L) counterclockwise until the speed

increases and then starts to drop

again.

4. Set the low speed mixture screw (L)

at the midpoint between the two

positions.

Readjust the idle speed (see IDLE SPEED ADJUSTMENT).

High Speed Mixture - H

CAUTION: Do not operate engine at full throttle for prolonged periods while mak-

ing high speed adjustments as damage

to the engine can occur. Adjust the high

speed screw 1/16 of a turn at a time. A

1/16 turn is about the width of the slot in

the top of the screw.

1. Allow the engine to idle.

2. Squeeze the throttle trigger fully. Turn the high speed mixture screw

(H) counterclockwise until it stops.

3, Turn the high speed mixture screw

(H) screw the minimum amount clockwise until the engine runs smoothly.

After completing adjustments, check for acceleration and blade movement

at idle. Reset if necessary.

Acceleration Check

If the engine dies or hesitates instead

of accelerating, turn the low speed mix- ture screw (L) counterclockwise until you have smooth acceleration with no

blade movement at idle.

CAUTION: If the engine does not oper- ate according to these instructions after repeating the adjusting steps, do not use the unit, Take it to your Sears Sew-

ice Center,

_ILWARNING: Perform the following steps after each use:

• Allow engine to cool, and secure the

unit before storing or transporting.

• Store unit and fuel in a well ventilated area where fuel vapors cannot reach

sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches,

furnaces, etc.

• Store unit with all guards in place.

Position unit so that any sharp object

cannot accidentally cause injury.

• Store unit and fuel well out of the reach of children.

Prepare unit for storage at end of sea- son or if it will not be used for 30 days

or more.

EXTERNAL SURFACES

• If your unit is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thoroughly before

storage. Store in a clean dry area.

• Lightly oil external metal surfaces, in- cluding the blade.

To oil the blade, do the following:

• Stop the engine and allow blade to

come to a complete stop.

• Disconnect the spark plug wire.

• Clean all parts and check for damage. Have damaged parts repaired or re- placed by your Sears Service Center.

• Apply a light machine oil along the edge of the top strap as shown.

OIL

FUEL SYSTEM Under FUELING ENGINE in the OPERA-

TION section of this manual, see mes- sage labeled IMPORTANT regarding

the use of gasohol in your engine.

-9-

Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alterna-

tive in minimizing the formation of fuel

gum deposits duringstorage. Add stabi- lizer to gasoline in fuel tank or fuel stor-

age container. Followthe mix instructions found on stabilizercontainer. Run engine at least 5 minutes after adding stabilizer. Craftsman 40:1, 2-cycle engine oil (air

cooled) is already blended with fuel stabilizer. If you do not use this Sears

oil, you can add a fuel stabilizer to your fuel tank.

INTERNAL ENGINE

• Remove spark plug and pour I tea- spoon of 40:1, 2-cycle engine oil (air cooled) through the spark plug open-

TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE

ing. Slowly pull the starter rope 8 to

10 times to distribute oil.

• Replace spark plug with new one of recommended type and heat range.

• Clean air filter.

• Check entire unit for loose screws, nuts, and bolts. Replace any dam-

aged, broken, or worn parts.

• At the beginning of the next season, use only fresh fuel having the proper

gasoline to oil ratio.

OTHER

• Do not store gasoline from one sea-

son to another.

• Replace your gasoline can if it starts

to rust.

WARNING: Always stop unit and disconnect spark plug before performing all ofthe recommended remedies below except remedies that require opera-

tion of the unit.

TROUBLE

Engine will not start.

Engine will not idle

properly.

Engine will not acceler-i

ate, lacks power, or

dies under a load.

Engine smokes

excessive-

ly.

Engine 1. Fuel mixture incorrect. runs hot. 2. Spark plug incorrect.

If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good

judgment. If you need assistance, contact your Sears Service Center or call the

Customer Assistance Helpline at 1-800-235-5878.

CAUSE

1. Engine flooded.

2. Fuel tank empty.

3. Spark plug not firing.

4. Fuel not reaching carburetor.

5. Compression low.

Carburetor requires adjustment

Crankshaft seals worn.

Compression low.

Air filter dirty.

Spark plug fouled.

Carburetor requires adjustment

Carbon build up.

Compression low.

Choke partially on.

Fuel mixture incorrect.

3. Air filter dirty.

4. Carburetor requires adjustment.

3. Carburetor requires adjustment.

4. Carbon build up. 4. Contact Sears Service.

,5. Contact Sears Service.

1. See Service and Adjustments section

REMEDY

1. See "Starting a Flooded Engine" in Operation Section.

2. Fill tank with correct fuel mixture.

3. Install new spark plug.

4. Check for dirty fuel filter; replace. Check for kinked or split fuel line; repair or replace.

2. Contact Sears Service,

3. Contact Sears Service.

1. Clean or replace air filter.

2. Clean or replace spark plug; re-gap.

3. See Service and Adjustments section.

4. Contact Sears Service.

5. Contact Sears Service.

1. Adjust choke.

2. Empty fuel tank and refill with correct fuel mixture.

3. Clean or replace air filter.

4. See Service and Adjustments section

1. See "Fueling Engine."

2. Replace with correct spark plug.

3. See Service and Adjustments section

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