Craftsman 358796270 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

CRAFTSMAN

24cc/1.46 cu.in. 2-Cycle

17 Inch Cutting Path GASOLINE WEEDWAOKER ®

Model No.

358.796270

g 0

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating

WARNING:

Instructions before first use of this product.

t_ For answers to your questions about this product:

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 USA

530088523 3/t 5/00

Call 7 am-7 pm, Mon-Sat; Sun, 10 am-7 pm

• 1-800-235-5878

0 g

Warranty Statement 2 Storage 11 Safety Rules 2 Troubleshooting Chart 12

Assembly 4 Emissions Statement 12 Operation 5 Repair Parts List 14

Maintenance 8 Spanish 17 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 WeedwackeKR: Line Trimmer is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the Operator's 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 WeedwackerrR; Line Trimmer is used for commercial purposes, this warran- ty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase. If this WeedwackeK_ Line

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 in use in the

United States. WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE WEEDWACKERrR; LINE

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., D/817 WA Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

_WARNING: When using garden- ing appliances, basic safety precau- tions must always be followed to re-

duce the risk of fire and serious injury.

Read and follow all instructions.

This power unit can be dangerous!

Operator is responsible for following instructions and warnings on unit and

in manual. Read entire Operator's

Manual before using unit! Be thor- oughly 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 chil-

dren to operate this unit.

dl_ 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.

@0©

_,WARNING: Trimmer line throws objects violently. You and others can

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

rotating line. Keep children, bystand-

ers, and animals 50 feet (15 m) away.

If approached, stop unit immediately.

Eye Protection

_Y INFORMATION

ON THE UNIT

• If situations occur which are not cov-

ered in this manual, use care and good judgement. Ifyou need assis-

tance, contact your Sears Service Center or call 1-800-235-5878.

OPERATOR SAFETY

• Always wear safety eye protection.

• Always wear long pants, long

sleeves, boots, and gloves. Wearing safety leg guards is recommended. 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.

• Do not operate when you are tired,

ill, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.

• Wear hearing protection if you use

unit for more than 1-1/2 hours per day.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

CUTTING SAFETY

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

• Inspect the area before 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.

• 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 muf-

fler can cause serious burns.

• Cutting on left side of the shield will throw debris away from the operator.

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

• Allow engine to cool; secure unit be- fore storing or transporting in ve-

hicle.

• Empty the fuel tank before storing or transporting the unit. Use up fuel left

in the carburetor by starting the en- gine 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, fur- Races, etc.

• Store unit so line limiter cannot acci- dentally cause injury. The unit can

be hung by the tube.

• Store unit out of reach of children.

• If situations occur which are not cov- ered in this manual, use care and good judgment. If you need assis-

tance, call 1-800-235-5878.

SPECIAL NOTICE: This unit is not 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 arres-

tarscreen.Ifyouoperateinalocale wheresuchregulationsexist,youare

legallyresponsibleforinstallingand maintainingtheoperatingconditionof theseparts.Failuretodosoisaviola-

tionofthelaw.ContactyourSears ServiceCenterforthecorrectparts.

SPECIALNOTICE:Exposureto vibrationsthroughprolongeduseof gasolinepoweredhandtoolscould causebloodvesselornervedamage inthefingers,hands,andjointsof

peoplepronetocirculationdisorders orabnormalswellings.Prolongeduse

incoldweatherhasbeenlinkedto bloodvesseldamageinotherwise

healthypeople.Ifsymptomsoccur suchasnumbness,pain,lossof strength,changeinskincolorortex-

ture,orlossoffeelinginthefingers,

hands,orjoints,discontinuetheuseof thistoolandseekmedicalattention.

Ananti-vibrationsystemdoesnot guaranteetheavoidanceofthese

problems.Userswhooperatepower toolsonacontinualandregularbasis

mustmonitorcloselytheirphysical conditionandtheconditionofthistool.

CARTONCONTENTS Checkcartoncontentsagainstthefol-

lowinglist. Model358.796270

• Trimmer

• Shieldwithwingnut

• AssistHandlewithboltandknob

• Containerofoil

• Replacementspool Examinepartsfordamage.Donot

usedamagedparts.

NOTE:Ifyouneedassistanceorfind

partsmissingordamaged,call

1-800-235-5878. Itisnormalforthefuelfiltertorattlein

theempty 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.

Be sure to assemble the handle to the

unit before you assemble the shield.

ATTACHING THE HANDLE

(some units are already assembled)

Groove /

• Assemble handle to the unit as shown; make sure bottom of handle is seated in the groove in the trigger

housing.

NOTE: Knob must be assembled on

the right hand side of the unit as shown in the illustration.

• Make sure the bolt is seated into the hex-shaped hole in the handle.

• Pivot handle to a comfortable posi- tion.

• Tighten handle securely.

ATTACHING SHIELD

_ WARNING: The shield 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 which cuts

excess line to the proper length. The

line limiter (on underside of shield) is

sharp and can cut you. For proper orientation, see illustration in OPERA- TION section.

• Removewingnutfromshield.

• Insertbracketintoslotasshown.

• Pivotshielduntilboltpassesthrough holeinbracket.

• Securelytightenwingnutontobolt.

KNOW YOUR TRIMMER READ THIS OPERATOR'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULESBEFORE 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.

b_ Assist Handle

Shield "_\/

_ _._F--_"__,)")Bracket

" _) Wing

_ nut

Slot

Tube

Muffler

ENGINE STOP SWITCH

Tile engine STOP switch is used to stop the engine. Push and hold the engine stop switch in the STOP or OFF posi-

tion until the engine has fully stopped.

PRIMER BULB

The PRIMER BULB removes air from the carburetor and fuel lines and fills

them with fuel. This allows you to start the engine with fewer pulls on the

starter rope. Activate the primer bulb by pressing it and allowing it to return

to its original form.

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.

Engine Stop \ Throttle Trimmer Switch Trigger Edge

Starter Rope _ Choke

Spark Plug Guide

Lever Shield

Primer Bulb

Fuel Mix Fill Cap

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 en-

gine attempts to start, move the choke

lever to the HALF CHOKE position. Once engine starts, move choke lever

to the OFF CHOKE position.

EDGE GUIDE

The EDGE GUIDE protects the unit from contacting the ground during

edging.

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

Line Limiter Blade

ouncesofoilwith1gallonofunleaded gasoline).DONOTUSEautomotiveoil

orboatoil.Theseoilswillcause enginedamage.Whenmixingfuel,

followinstructionsprintedon container.

Onceoilisaddedtogasoline,shake containermomentarilytoassurethat

thefuelisthoroughlymixed.Always readandfollowthesafetyrules relatingtofuelbeforefuelingyourunit.

IMPORTANT

Experienceindicatesthatalcohol blendedfuels(calledgasoholorusing ethanolormethanol)canattractmois-

turewhichleadstoseparationand formationofacidsduringstorage. Acidicgascandamagethefuelsys- temofanenginewhileinstorage.

Toavoidengineproblems,emptyfuel systembeforestoragefor30daysor longer.Draingastank,startengineand

letitrununtilfuellinesandcarburetor areempty.Usefreshfuelnextseason.

Neveruseengineorcarburetorcleaner productsinthefueltankorpermanent

damagemayoccur.SeetheSTORAGE sectionforadditionalinformation.

HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT

Push and hold tile engine stop switch in the STOP or OFF position until the unit has fully stopped.

STARTING YOUR ENGINE

Engine Stop

Switch _

Choke Lever

HOW TO START YOUR UNIT WARNING: The trimmer head will turn

while starting the engine. A hot muffler can cause serious burns.

COLD ENGINE STARTING OR STARTING AFTER REFUELING

• Set unit on a flat surface.

POSITION

STARTING _

• Slowly press primer bulb 6 times.

• Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE- position.

Choke Lever

Primer Bulb \i_J_''_'l_// Muffler

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

• Pull starter rope handle sharply 6 times.

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

• Move choke lever to HALF CHOKE position.

• Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs, but no more than 6 pulls.

NOTE: If the engine has not started

after 6 pulls (at HALF CHOKE), check to make sure the choke lever is in the

proper position. Then, move the

choke lever to the FULL CHOKE posi- tion 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 HALF CHOKE

and pull the starter rope until the en- gine runs, but no more than 6 more

pulls. If the engine still has not started, it is probably flooded. Proceed to

STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE.

• 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 before releasing the throttle trigger.

RESTARTING A WARM ENGINE

• Move the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE position.

• Squeeze and hold the throttle trig- ger. Keep throttle trigger fully

squeezed until the engine runs smoothly.

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

• Allow engine to run 15 seconds, then move the choke lever to OFF

CHOKE.

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

DIFFICULT STARTING OR

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

TROUBLESHO©TING CHART or call

1-800-235-5878.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

OPERATING POSITION

ALWAYS WEAR:

Eye Protection

Lonc

Heav

Cut from your right to your left.

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. The cutting line will last longer and will be less likely to "weld" onto the spool.

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 hold the engine stop

switch in the STOP or OFF position until the unit has fully stopped.

TWIST AND EDGE

• Pull the tab toward ttle engine.

• Twist the tube to the edging position;

release tab.

TRIMMER LINE ADVANCE

The cutting head advances line auto- matically. Do not tap head on the ground to advance line. This may

break parts and cause cutting head to malfunction.

Upon unit start up, the line will advance

automatically to the correct cutting path

length.

Always keep the shield in place when the tool is being operated.

411WARNING: Use only .080" (2

mm) diameter round line. Other

sizes and shapes of line will not ad- vance properly and will result in im-

proper cutting head function or can

cause serious injury. Do not use other

materials such as wire, string, rope,

etc. Wire can break off during cutting and become a dangerous missile that

can cause serious injury. CUTTING METHODS

_kWARNING: Use minimum speed and do not crowd the line when cutting

around hard objects (rock, gravel, fence

posts, etc.), which can damage the trim- mer 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 performance and minimum line wear by not crowd- ing the line into cutting area. The right and wrong ways are shown in the fol- lowing illustration.

Tip of the Line Line Crowded Into

Does The Cutting Work Area

Night 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.

41 WARNING: Always wear eye protection. Never lean over the trim-

mer head, Rocks or debris can rico- chet or be thrown into eyes and face

and cause blindness or other serious injury. 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.

Trimming __ 1t

AboveGrJon

SCALPING - The scalping technique removes unwanted vegetation. 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 in-

creases line wear.

Scalping

3 in. (8 ore) area. Above Ground

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.

cow,no))

SWEEPING - The fanning action of

rotating line can be used for a quick and easy clean up. Keep line parallel

to and above the surfaces being swept and move the tool from side to

side.

Sweeping_ .....

EDGING - The Twist and Edge fea- ture allows for easy edging of side-

walks, patios, driveways, etc. Adjust trimmer to the edging position. Allow only the tip of the line to make contact.

Do not force trimmer line into work

Edging _,_

_,_;_,:_;_7..-_ _..

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

CARE & MAINTENANCE TASK WHEN TO PERFORM Check for Loose fasteners and parts Before each use

Check for damaged or worn parts Before each use Clean unit and labels After each use

Clean air filter Every 5 hours of operation Replace spark plug Yearly

GENERAL 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.

CHECK FOR LOOSE

FASTENERS AND PARTS

• Spark Plug Boot

• Air Filter

• Housing Screws

• Assist Handle Screws

• Shield Screw CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR

WORN PARTS

Refer replacement of damaged/worn

parts to your Sears Service Center.

• Engine STOP Switch - Ensure switch functions properly by press-

ing and holding the switch in the STOP position. Make sure engine stops; then restart engine and con-

tinue.

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

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

CLEAN UNIT & LABELS

• Clean the unit 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 con- sumption and harmful emissions. Al-

ways clean after every 5 hours of operation.

• Clean the cover and the area around it to keep dirt and debris from falling into the carburetor

chamber when the cover is removed.

• Remove parts as illustrated.

NOTE: Do not clean filter in gasoline

or other flammable solvent to avoid creating a fire hazard or producing

harmful evaporative emissions.

• Wash the filter in soap and water.

• Allow filter to dry.

• Replace parts.

f_. ,_Filter

_/_ -4_,_ Screws

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.

• Twist, then pull off spark plug boot.

• Remove spark plug from cylinder

and discard.

• Replace with Champion RCJ-8Y

spark plug and tighten with a 3/4 in. socket wrench (10-12 ft.-Ibs).

• Reinstall the spark plug boot.

LINE REPLACEMENT

Pre-wound spools offer the most con- venient method for replacing line and ensuring optimum performance.

• Replacement spools are color-

coded to ensure use of the correct spool with your unit. Be sure to use

the same color spool as the existing spool.

NOTE: Always clear dirt and debris from cutting head components when performing any type of maintenance.

• Hold spool and unscrew cap by turn-

ing in the direction shown on top of the cap.

• Remove line guide ring and spool.

NOTE: When removing and/or instal-

ling spool, ensure dust cup remains installed over shaft.

Dust Spool Lin_e Cap

Shaft ciP ,.,_'q_,_, r,ng jf

Use a pre-wound spool or refill spool

with line. If using a pre-wound spool,

remove tape strip from line and spool.

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