Service & Adjustments9Parts and OrderingBack Cover
Emissions Statement
12
WARRANTY STATEMENT
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, iubricated, and tuned up according to
the operating and maintenance instructions in this manuai, Sears wili repair, free
of charge, any defect in materials or workmanship.
This warranty exciudes nyion line, spark plug, and air filter, which are expendable
parts and become worn during normai 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 oniy 30 days from the date of pur
chase.
This warranty applies only while this product is in use in the United States.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE WEEDWACKER LINE TRIMMER
TO THE NEAREST SEARS STORE OR SERVICE CENTER IN THE UNITED STATES.
This warranty gives you specific iegal rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
SAFETY RULES
rWARNING; When using gar
dening appliances, basic safety pre
cautions must always be followed to
reduce the risk of fire and serious
injury. Read and foilow 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 wiil foilow the instructions and
warnings on the unit and in the manual.
Never allow children to operate this unit.
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
ik DANGER:
flailing devices.
SAFETY INFORMATION
ON THE UNIT
Never use blades or
This unit is designed
for iine trimmer use only. Use of any
other accessories or attachments will
increase the risk of injury.
A WARNING: Trimmer iine throws
objects violentiy. You and others can be
blinded/injured. Wear eye and leg
protection. Keep body parts clear of ro
tating line.
Eye Protection
Boots
Keep children, bystanders, and animals
50 feet (15 meters) away. Stop unit im
mediately if approached.
!f situations occur wtiicti are not cov
ered in this manual, use care and
good judgment. If you need assis
tance, contact your Sears Service
Center or call 1-800-235-5878.
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, iii, 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.
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
iine at proper iength.
• Use only Craftsman® replacement
line. Never use wire, rope, string,
etc.
• Instail 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 al! 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
^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 iine. 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 ail 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 wil! 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 cooi 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 ietting 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.
• 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
ASSEMBLY
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. Do 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
WARNING: 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
A WARN IN G: The sh ield must be
properly installed. The shield provides
partial protection from the risk of thrown
objects to the operator and others 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
KNOW YOUR TRIMMER illustration in OP
ERATION section.
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.
OPERATION
KNOW YOUR TRIMMER
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.
Assist Handle
Trimmer
Head
Line Limiter
Blade
Muffler
ON/STOP SWITCH
The ON/STOP switch is used to stop the
engine. To stop the engine, push and
release the engine ON/STOP switch.
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.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
A WARNING; 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-cooled 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
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.
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
engine and let it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh
fuel next season.
Never use engine or carburetor clean
er products in the fuel tank or perma
nent damage may occur.
See the STORAGE section for addition
al information.
HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT
• To stop the engine, push and re
lease the engine ON/STOP switch.
The switch will automatically return
to the ON position. Wait 5 seconds
before attempting to restart unit to
allow switch to reset.
• If engine does not stop, move choke
lever to FULL CHOKE position.
ON/STOP
Switch
Throttle Trigger
Choke
position
decal
Squeeze the throttle trigger fully and
hold through all remaining steps.
Pull starter rope handle sharply
until engine sounds as if it is trying
to start, but do not pull rope more
than 6 times.
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).
HOW TO START YOUR UNIT
^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)
' d f /''’'I
U; Starting Position
Starter Handle
Choke
Lever
Primer Bulb
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
deca!
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 pul!
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
STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE.
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
deca!
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
1. Move the choke lever to the HALF
CHOKE position.
2. Squeeze and hold 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 not 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 how badly
the unit is flooded.
If the unit still doesn’t start, refer to
TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE or call
1-800-235-5878.
OPERATING POSITION
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
 WARNING: Use minimum
speed and do 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 not
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 ,
ill^ WARNING: 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.
Right
Wrong
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.
• For mowing or sweeping, use full
throttle for a good clean job.
TRIMMING - Hold the bottom of the
trimmer head about 3 in. (8 cm) above
the ground and at an angle. Allow only
the tip of the line to make contact. Do
not force trimmer line into work area.
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.
MOWING - Your trimmer is idea! 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.
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.
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
4l9k WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance
except for carburetor adjustments.
CARE & MAINTENANCE TASKWHEN TO PERFORM
Check for loose fasteners and partsBefore each use
Check for damaged or worn partsBefore each use
Inspect and clean unit and decalsAfter each use
Clean air filterEvery 5 hours of operation
Inspect muffler and spark arresting screenEvery 50 hours of operation
Replace spark plugYearly
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
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.
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.
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 puli 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.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS
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: