Craftsman 358.79558 Instruction Manual

Instruction Manual

32cc/1.9 cu.in. 2-Cycle
GASOLINE WEEDWACKER ®

Model No.

358.795580

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts List

• Espahol

For Occasional Use Only

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 l,ours listed are Central Time)

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

530163585 10/21/02

Warranty Statement 2 Storage 11
Safety Rules 2 Troubleshooting Table 12

Assembly 4 Emissions Statement 12
Operation 5 Parts List 14

Maintenance 8 Spanish 16

Service & Adjustments 9 Parts and Ordering Back Cover

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ® GAS POWERED

WEEDWACKER ® LINE TRIMMER.

For one year from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman Gas Powered
Weedwacker Line Trimmer is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to
the operating and maintenance instructions in this manual, Sears will repair, free
of charge, any defect in materials or workmanship.

This warranty excludes nylon line, spark plug, and air filter, which are expendable

parts and become worn during normal use.

If this Weedwacker line trimmer is used for commercial purposes, this warranty ap-

plies for only 90 days from the date of purchase. If this Weedwacker line trimmer is
used for rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 30 days from the date of pur-

chase.
This warranty applies only while this product is in use in the United States.

WARRANTYSERVICE IS AVAILABLEBYRETURNINGTHE WEEDWACKER LINE TRIMMER
TO THE NEARESTSEARS STORE OR SERVICECENTER INTHE 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

lllWARNING: When using gar-
dening appliances, basic safety pre-
cautions must always be followed to

reduce the risk of fire and serious

injury. Read and follow all instructions.

This power unit can be dangerous! Op-
erator is responsible for following

instructions and warnings on unit and in
manual. Read entire instruction manual

before using unit! Be thoroughly familiar
with the controls and the proper use of

the unit. Restrict the use of this unit to

persons who have read, understand,
and will follow the instructions and

warnings on the unit and in the manual.

Never allow children to operate this unit.

J

INSTRUCTION SAFETY INFORMATION

MANUAL ON THE UNIT

_i_ DANGER: Never use blades or
flailing devices. This unit is designed

for line trimmer use only. Use of any
other accessories or attachments will

increase the risk of injury.

@@O

_]!I_WARNING: Trimmer line throws
objects violently. You and others can be

blinded/injured. Wear eye and leg
protection. Keep body parts clear of ro-

tating line,

Eye Protection

Keep children, bystanders, and animals
50 feet (15 meters) away. Stop unit im-
mediately if approached.

2

Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcov-
eredinthismanual,usecareand

goodjudgment.Ifyouneedassis-
tance,contactyourSearsService

Centerorcall1-800-235-5878.

OPERATOR SAFETY

• Dress properly. Always wear safety

glasses or similar eye protection
when operating, or performing main-
tenance, on your unit (safety

glasses are available). Eye protec-
tion should be marked Z87.

• Always wear face or dust mask if op-
eration is dusty.

• Always wear heavy, long pants, long
sleeves, boots, and gloves. Wearing
safety leg guards is recommended.

• Always wear foot protection. Do not
go barefoot or wear sandals. Stay
clear of spinning line.

• Secure hair above shoulder length.
Secure or remove loose clothing or
clothing with loosely hanging ties,
straps, tassels, etc. They can be
caught in moving parts.

• Being fully covered also helps pro-

tect you from debris and pieces of
toxic plants thrown by spinning line.

• Stay Alert. Do not operate this unit

when you are tired, ill, upset or un-

der the influence of alcohol, drugs,
or medication. Watch what you are
doing; use common sense.

• Wear hearing protection.

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

fumes can kill.

• Keep handles free of oil and fuel.

UNIT / MAINTENANCE SAFETY

• Disconnect the spark plug before
performing maintenance except car-
buretor adjustments.

• Look for and replace damaged or
loose parts before each use. Look

for and repair fuel leaks before use.

Keep in good working condition.

• Replace trimmer head parts that are
chipped, cracked, broken, or dam-
aged in any other way before using

the unit.

• Maintain unit according to recom-
mended procedures. Keep cutting

line at proper length.

• Use only Craftsman® replacement
line. Never usewire, rope, string,

etc.

• Install required shield properly before
using the unit. Use only specified

trimmer head; make sure it is properly

installed and securely fastened.

• Make sure unit is assembled cor-
rectly as shown in this manual.

• Make carburetor adjustments with
lower end supported to prevent line

from contacting any object.

• Keep others away when making car-
buretor adjustments.

• Use only recommended Craftsman
accessories and replacement parts.

• Have all maintenance and service
not explained in this manual per-

formed by a Sears Service Center.

FUEL SAFETY

• Mix and pour fuel outdoors.

• Keep away from sparks or flames.

• Use a container approved for fuel.

• Do not smoke or allow smoking near

fuel or the unit.

• Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all

fuel spills.

• Move at least 10 feet (3 meters)
away from fueling site before start-
ing engine.

• Stop engine and allow to cool before
removing fuel cap.

• Always store gasoline in a container
approved for flammable liquids.

CUTTING SAFETY

41_WARNING: Inspect the area be-
fore each use. Remove objects

(rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, etc.)

which can be thrown by or become
entangled in line. Hard objects can

damage the trimmer head and be
thrown causing serious injury.

• Use only for trimming, scalping, mow-
ing and sweeping. Do not use for edg-
ing, pruning or hedge trimming.

• Keep firm footing and balance. Do not
overreach.

• Keep all parts of your body away from
muffler and spinning line. Keep engine

below waist level. A hot muffler can
cause serious burns.

• Cut from your left to your right. Cutting
on right side of the shield will throw de-
bris away from the operator.

• Use only in daylight or good artificial
light.

• Use only for jobs explained in this
manual.

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

• Allow engine to cool before storing or
transporting in vehicle.

• Empty the fuel tank before storing or
transporting the unit. Use up fuel left in
the carburetor by starting the engine
and letting it run until it stops.

• Store unit and fuel in area where fuel
vapors cannot reach sparks or open

flames from water heaters, electric

motors or switches, furnaces, etc.

3

• Store unit so line limiter blade cannot
accidentally cause injury. The unit can

be hung by the tube.

• Store unit 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 ab-
normal swellings. Prolonged use in

cold weather has been linked to blood
vessel 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 anti-
vibration system does not guarantee

the avoidance of these problems, Us-
ers who operate power tools on a con-
tinual and regular basis must monitor

closely their physical condition and
the condition of this tool.

SPECIAL NOTICE: This unit is

equipped with a temperature limiting

muffler and spark arresting screen

which meets the requirements of Cali-
fornia Codes 4442 and 4443. All U.S.

forest land and the states of California,

Idaho, 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. For normal homeowner use, the

muffler and spark arresting screen will
not require any service. After 50
hours of use, we recommend that your
muffler be serviced or replaced by a

Sears Service Center.

CARTON CONTENTS
Check carton contents against the fol-

lowing list.

Model 358.795580

• Trimmer

• Shield

• Wing Nut (screwed onto shield)

• Container of line

• Container of oil

Examine parts for damage. De not
use damaged parts.

NOTE: If you need assistance or find

parts missing or damaged, call

1-800-235-5878.

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

Finding fuel or oil residue on muffler is

normal due to carburetor adjustments
and testing done by the manufacturer.

ASSEMBLY

_WARNING: If received as-
sembled, repeat all steps to ensure

your unit is properly assembled and all
fasteners are secure.

ADJUSTING THE HANDLE

_kWARNING: When adjusting the

handle, be sure it remains between
the trigger and the safety decal.

1. Loosen wing nut on handle.

2. Rotate the handle on the tube to an

upright position; retighten wing nut.

ATTACHING SHIELD
_I_WARNING: The shield must be

properly installed. The shield provides
partial protection from the risk of thrown

objects to the operator and ethers and

is equipped with a line limiter blade

which cuts excess line to the proper

length. The line limiter blade (on under-

side of shield) is sharp and can cut you.

For proper orientation of shield, see
KNOWYOURTRIMMER illustration in OP-

ERATIONsection.

1. Remove wing nut from shield.

2. Insert bracket into slot as shown.

3. Pivot shield until bolt passes
through hole in bracket,

4. Securely tighten wing nut onto bolt.

Sl°t __ing Nut

Shield

4

KNOW YOUR TRIMMER
READTHiS INSTRUCTIONMANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFOREOPERATINGYOUR

UNIT. Compare the illustrationswith your unit to familiarize yourself with the location

of the various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

Assist Handle

,/

Tube

Trimmer

ON/STOP Switch

Head

Starter Handle

Shield

Primer Bulb

Line Limiter Throttle
Blade Trigger

Choke

ON/STOP SWITCH
The ON/STOP switch is used to stop the

engine. To stop the engine, push and
release the engine ON/STOPswitch.

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 allowing it to return

to its original form.

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 FULL CHOKE position. After the en-
gine attempts to start, move the choke

lever to the HALF CHOKE position. Once
engine has started, move the choke le-
ver to the OFF CHOKE position.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

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

before 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

_WARNING: Remove fuel cap

slowly when refueling.
This engine is certified to operate on

unleaded gasoline. Before operation,
gasoline must be mixed with a good
quality synthetic 2-cycle air-ceoled en-
gine oil. We recommend Craftsman

brand synthetic oil. Mix gasoline and oil

at a ratio of 40:1. A 40:1 ratio is ob-
tained by mixing 3.2 ounces of oil with 1

gallon of unleaded gasoline. Included
with this trimmer is a 3.2 ounce contain-

er 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 relat-

ing to fuel before fueling your unit.

IMPORTANT

Experience indicates that alcohol

blended fuels (called gasohol or using
ethanol or methanol) can attract mois-
ture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage.
Acidic gas can damage the fuel sys-
tem of an engine while in storage.

To avoid engine problems, empty the
fuel system before storage for 30 days
or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the

5

engineandletitrununtilthefuellines
andcarburetorareempty.Usefresh

fuelnextseason.

Neveruseengineorcarburetorclean-

erproductsinthefueltankorperma*

nentdamagemayoccur.
SeetheSTORAGEsectionforaddition-
alinformation.

HOWTOSTOPYOURUNIT

• Tostoptheengine,pushandre-

leasetheengineON/STOPswitch.
Theswitchwillautomaticallyreturn

totheONposition.Wait5seconds

beforeattemptingtorestartunitto

allowswitchtoreset,

• Ifenginedoesnotstop,movechoke

levertoFULLCHOKEposition.

_'_ _" ON/STOP

ThrottleTrigger_

X

\

HOW TO START YOUR UNIT

_lk WARNING: The trimmer head
will turn while starting the engine.

Avoid any contact with the muffler. A

hot muffler can cause serious burns.

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

fuel)

g Position

Primer Bulb

.,_--Stader Handle

Choke

.Lever

Muffler

1, Set unit on a flat surface,

2. Slowly press the primer bulb 6

times,

3. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE

by aligning lever with position
shown on decal (see illustration
below).

Choke
position

decal

4. Squeeze the throttle trigger fully and
hold through all remaining steps.

5. Pull starter rope handle sharply
until engine sounds as if it is trying
to start, but do not pull rope more

than 6 times.

6. As soon as engine sounds as if it
is trying to start, move choke lever

to HALF CHOKE by aligning lever
with position shown on decal (see

following illustration).

Choke
position

6

7. Pull starter rope sharply until engine
runs, but no more than 6 pulls. If the
engine doesn't start after 6 pulls (at
the HALF CHOKE position), move the

choke lever to the FULL CHOKE
position and press the primer bulb 6

times. Squeeze and hold the throttle
trigger and pull the starter rope 2

more times. Move the choke lever
to the HALF CHOKE position and pull

the starter rope until the engine
runs, but no more than 6 pulls. If the

engine doesn't start, repeat proce-
dure 2 additional times.

NOTE: If engine still doesn't start, it
is probably flooded. Proceed to

STARTINGA FLOODED ENGINE.

8. Once the engine starts, allow it to
run 10 seconds, then move the
choke lever to OFF CHOKE by
aligning lever with position shown
on decal (see illustration below).

Allow the unit to run for 30 more
seconds at OFF CHOKE before re-

leasing the throttle trigger. NOTE:
If engine dies with the choke lever
in the OFF CHOKE position, move

the choke lever to the HALF
CHOKE position and pull the rope

until engine runs, but no more than
6 pulls.

Choke
position

STARTING A WARM ENGINE

1. Move the choke lever to the HALF
CHOKE position.

2. Squeeze and held the throttle trig-
ger. Keep throttle trigger fully
squeezed until the engine runs
smoothly.

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

4. Allow engine to run 15 seconds,

then move the choke lever to the

OFF CHOKE position.

NOTE: If engine has not started, pull
starter rope 5 more pulls. If engine still
does net run, it is probably flooded,

STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE

Flooded engines can be started by

placing the choke lever in the OFF
CHOKE position; then, pull the rope to
clear the engine of excess fuel. This
could require pulling the starter handle
many times depending on hew badly

the unit is flooded,

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

1-800-235-5878.
OPERATING POSITION

Long Pat_

Cut onI_

QWARNING: Always wear eye

protection. Never lean over the trimmer

head. Rocks or debris can ricochet or

be thrown into eyes and face and
cause blindness or other serious injury.

When operating unit, stand as shown
and check for the following:

• Wear eye protection and heavy
clothing.

• Hold trigger handle with right hand
and assist handle with left hand.

• Keep unit below waist level,

• Cut only from your left to your right to
ensure debris is thrown away from

you, Without bending over, keep line
near and parallel to the ground and

not crowded into material being cut.

Do not run the engine at a higher speed
than necessary. The cutting line will cut
efficiently when the engine is run at less
than full throttle. At lower speeds, there

is less engine noise and vibration.
Always release the throttle trigger and

allow the engine to return to idle
speed when not cutting.

To stop engine:

• Release the throttle trigger.

• Push and release the engine ON/
STOP switch.

CUTTING METHODS

_Jh_WARNING: Use minimum
speed and de not crowd the line when

cutting around hard objects (rock,
gravel, fence posts, etc.), which can

damage the trimmer head, become
entangled in the line, or be thrown
causing a serious hazard.

• The tip of the line does the cutting.
You will achieve the best perform*
ance and minimum line wear by net
crowding the line into the cutting
area. The right and wrong ways are

shown below.

Tip of line does the Line crowded into
cutting work area

Right Wrong

7

• The line will easily remove grass
and weeds from around walls,

fences, trees and flower beds, but it

also can cut the tender bark of trees
or shrubs and scar fences.

• For trimming or scalping, use less
than full throttle to increase line life

and decrease head wear, especially:

• During light duty cutting,

• Near objects around which the line

can wrap such as small posts,
trees or fence wire.

• Formowingorsweeping,usefull
throttleforagoodcleanjob.

TRIMMING-Holdthebottomofthe
trimmerheadabout3in,(8cm)above

thegroundandatanangle.Allowonly
thetipofthelinetomakecontact,Do

notforcetrimmerlineintoworkarea.

Trimming

MOWING - Your trimmer is ideal for
mowing in places conventional lawn

mowers cannot reach. In the mowing

position, keep the line parallel to the
ground. Avoid pressing the head into
the ground as this can scalp the
ground and damage the tool.

Mowing

SCALPING - The scalping technique
removes unwanted vegetation down
to the ground. Hold the bottom of the
trimmer head about 3 in. (8 cm) above
the ground and at an angle. Allow the
tip of the line to strike the ground
around trees, posts, monuments, etc.
This technique increases line wear.

Scalping

SWEEPING - The fanning action of
the rotating line can be used to blow
away loose debris from an area. Keep
the line parallel to and above the area
surface and swing the tool from side

to side.

Sweeping

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance

except for carburetor adjustments.

CARE & MAINTENANCE TASK

Check for loose fasteners and parts
Check for damaged or worn parts
Inspect and clean unit and decals

Clean air filter
Inspect muffler and spark arresting screen

Replace spark plug

WHEN TO PERFORM

Before each use
Before each use
After each use

Every 5 hours of operation
Every 50 hours of operation

Yearly

GEN ERAL RECOMMEN DATIONS
The warranty on this unit does not

cover items that have been subjected
to operator abuse or negligence, To
receive full value from the warranty,

the operator must maintain unit as

instructed in this manual. Various ad-
justments will need to be made peri-

odically to properly maintain your unit.

8

CHECK FOR LOOSE

FASTENERS AND PARTS

• Spark Plug Boot

• Air Filter

• Housing Screws

• Assist Handle Screw

• Debris Shield
CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR

WORN PARTS

Contact Sears Service Center for re-

placement of damaged or worn parts.

• ON/STOP Switch - Ensure ON/STOP
switch functions properly by pushing
and releasing the switch. Make sure

engine stops. Wait 5 seconds be-

fore attempting to restart unit to al-

low switch to reset. Restart engine
and continue

• Fuel Tank - Discontinue use of unit
if fuel tank shows signs of damage

or leaks.

• Debris Shield - Discontinue use of
unit if debris shield is damaged.

INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT AND DE-

CALS

• After each use, inspect complete
unit for loose or damaged parts.
Clean the unit and decals using a
damp cloth with a mild detergent.

• Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.

CLEAN 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 dirt from falling

into the carburetor chamber when
the cover is removed.

2. Remove parts by pressing button
to release air filter cover.

NOTE: To avoid creating a fire hazard
or producing harmful evaporative
emissions, do not clean filter in gaso-

line or other flammable solvent.

3. Wash the filter in soap and water.

4. Allow filter to dry.

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

6. Replace parts.
Air Filter

Button

Air Filter
Cover

REPLACE SPARK PLUG
Replace the spark plug each year to

ensure the engine starts easier and

runs better. Set spark plug gap at

0.025 in. Ignition timing is fixed and

nonadjustable.

1. Twist, then pull off spark plug boot.

2. Remove spark plug from cylinder

and discard.

3. Replace with Champion RCJ*6Y
spark plug and tighten securely

with a 3/4 inch socket wrench.

4. Reinstall the spark plug boot.

LINE REPLACEMENT

• Always use Craftsman replacement
line.

Choose the line size best suited for
the job at hand. Red line is designed

for cutting grass and small weeds.
The black colored line is designed for
cutting larger weeds and light brush.

NOTE: Before inserting new line into

the holes in the cutting head, identify the

proper holes. Follow directions as

shown on the line glide plate.

1. Remove the old line and line glide
plate from the cutting head.

2. Clean entire surface of cutting head.

3. Reinstall line glide plate (see il-
lustration). Align arrow with:

(_ when using medium (red) or

large (black) line

when using lines with diameter

(_) smaller than medium (red) line

(optional)

Line glide Arrow

Cutting head

NOTE: Line glide plate must be rein-

stalled in cutting head before inserting

new line.

9