Craftsman 358.796280 User Manual

CRAFTSMAN

Operator's Manual /

25cc/1.5 cu.in. 2-Cycle

17 Inch Cutting Path / .080 In. Line

GASOLINE WEEDWACKER ®

Model No.

358.796280

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 USA

530088549 3/1/00

Warranty Statement 2 Storage 11
Safety Rules 2 Troubleshooting Chart 12
Assembly 4 Emissions Statement 12

Operation 5 Parts List 14
Maintenance 8 Spanish 17
Service & Adjustments 9 Parts and Ordering Back

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 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 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.

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE WEEDWACKER LINE TRIM-
MER 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 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 Operator's 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.

SAFETY INFORMATION
ON THE UNIT __

_. 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.

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. Keep children, bystanders,
and animals 50 feet (15 meters) away. If
approached stop unit immediately.

oteotion

If situations occur which 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

• 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. Being fully
covered also helps protect you from

debris and pieces of toxic plants
thrown by spinning line.

• Do not operate when you are tired,

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

• Wear hearing protection.

• Never start or run inside a closed

room or building. Breathing exhaust
fumes can kill.

• Keep handles free from 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, scalping, mow-
ing, edging, 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-

ginesbeequippedwithasparkarres-
torscreen.Ifyouoperateinalocale

wheresuchregulationsexist,youare
legallyresponsibleforinstallingand
maintainingtheoperatingconditionof

theseparts.Failuretodosoisaviola-

tionoflaw.ContactaSearsService
Centerforthecorrectparts.
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.
Model358.796280

• Trimmer

• Shield

• Wing Nut (screwed onto shield)

• Container of Oil

• Replacement Spool
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 tile
handle, be sure it remains between
the trigger and the safety label.

• Loosen wing nut or knob on handle.

• Rotate the handle on the tube to an
upright position; retighten wing nut.

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.

• Remove wing nut from shield.

• Insert bracket into slot as shown.

• Pivot shield until bolt passes through
hole in bracket.

• Securely tighten wing nut onto bolt.

Shield

Slot

Bracket

Wing

Nut

KNOW YOUR 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.

Assist Handle

Tube

Trimmer

Muffler

ON/STOP Trigger

Switch X Spark Plug

Starter

X Throttle

ON/STOP SWITCH
The STOP switch is used to stop en-

gine. Press and hold switch to stop en-
gine.

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

Choke Lever

Primer Bulb
Fuel Mix

Fill Cap

Shield

\

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

Head

Line
Limiter

Blade

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

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

_L, 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

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.

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

5

orlonger.Drainthegastank,startthe
engineandletitrununtilthefuellines

andcarburetorareempty.Usefresh
fuelnextseason.

Neveruseengineorcarburetorclean-
erproductsinthefueltankorperma-
nentdamagemayoccur.
SeetheSTORAGEsectionforaddition-
alinformation.

STOPPING YOUR ENGINE

• Press and hold the ON/STOP switch

in the STOP position.

• If engine does not stop, move choke

lever to FULL CHOKE position.

Engine
Stop

Switch

STARTING YOUR ENGINE
COLD ENGINE OR WARM ENGINE

AFTER RUNNING OUT OF FUEL

will turn while starting the engine.
Avoid any contact with the muffler. A

hot muffler can cause serious burns.

• Set unit on a flat surface.

• Slowly press the primer bulb 6

times.

• Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE

position.

• Squeeze the throttle trigger fully and

hold through all remaining steps.

• Pull starter rope handle sharply 6

times.

Choke Lever

WARNING: The trimmer head

Choke

/ Lever

Primer

Bulb

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.

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 engine runs.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE

• Move the choke lever to the HALF
CHOKE position.

• Squeeze and hold the throttle
trigger. 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 START-

ING 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.

Iftheunitstilldoesn'tstart,referto

TROUBLESHOOTINGCHARTorcall

1-800-235-5878.

OPERATINGINSTRUCTIONS
OPERATINGPOSITION

ALWAYSWEAR:_/_

Z_'__,EyeProtection

Heavy Shoes i_ _

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.

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.

WARNING: 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
_' 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 the Line Line Crowded into
Does The Cutting Work Area

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.

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.

Zrimr.,ng

Above Ground

SCALPING-Thescalpingtechnique
removesunwantedvegetation.Hold

thebottomofthetrimmerheadabout
3in.(8cm)abovethegroundandat

anangle.Allowthetipofthelineto
strikethegroundaroundtrees,posts,

monuments,etc.Thistechniquein-
creaseslinewear.

Scalping /'_

SWEEPING - The fanning action of

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

line parallel to and above the surfaces
being swept and move the tool from

side to side.

Sweeping

\. _ _ "--4 _.-"_" _'"%

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 )1

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
instruct-

ed in this manual. Various adjust-
ments will need to be made periodical-
ly to properly maintain your unit.

EDGING - Your unit can be used for

edging sidewalks, patios, driveways,
etc. While edging, allow the tip of the

line to make contact. Do not force line.

Take extra caution while edging as ob-

Edging

jects ca_ __ ine.

CHECK FOR LOOSE

FASTENERS AND PARTS

• Spark Plug Boot

• Air Filter

• Housing Screws

• Assist Handle Screws

• Debris Shield

\\

CHECKFORDAMAGEDOR
WORNPARTS

Referreplacementofdamaged/worn
partstoyourSearsServiceCenter.

• ON/STOP Switch - Ensure ON/STOP

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 - Discontinue use of unit

if fuel tank shows signs of damage
or leaks.

• Debris 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 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.

• Add a few drops of oil to the filter;

squeeze the filter to distribute oil.

• Replace parts.

<_Filter

.._t_[d." -- Screws

Cover

REPLACE SPARK PLUG
Replace the spark plug each year to

ensure the engine starts easier and

runs better. Set spark plug gap at
.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 CJ-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 inthe direction shown on top of the
cap.

• Remove line guide ring and spool.

Line guide ring

Use a pre-wound spool or refill spool

with line. If using a pre-wound spool,

remove tape strip from line and spool.

REFILLING THE SPOOL WITH LINE

WARNING: Use only .080" (2

mm) diameter round line. Other

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

propercuttingheadfunctionorcan
causeseriousinjury.Donotuseother

materialssuchaswire,string,rope,
etc.Wirecanbreakoffduringcutting
andbecomeadangerousmissilethat
cancauseseriousinjury.

• Cutalengthof30feetof.080"(2ram)

diameterroundCraftsmanbrandline.

f __._ Feedlinein

f ,,_,) \'_'_ direction

,',_/.!f.;_-'_'t_,t__', shown on

/t'_J_l,:,,J spool.

Spool

• Insert one end of line into center cavity

of empty spool. Ensure line will feed
into spool in the direction shown on
the spool (counterclockwise).

• Continue feeding line into spool, leav-

ing 4 - 6 inches (10 - 15 cm) unwound
from center of spool.

INSTALLING SPOOL WITH LINE

• Install replacement spool.

• Thread line through line guide ring.

Line through guide ring

Replacement Spool

• Rest guide ring on spool and place

line through slot. Allow line to extend
4 - 6 inches (10 - 15 cm) from center
of spool.

• Ensure line remains in slot while

screwing cap on to the shaft. Only

tighten cap hand tightt

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT

WARNING: The trimmer head

will be spinning during most of this
procedure. Wear your protective
equipment and observe all safety pre-
cautions. After making mixture adjust-
ments, recheck idle speed.

ff

Carburetor adjustment is critical and if

done improperly can permanently
damage the engine as well as the car-

buretor. If you require further assis-
tance or are unsure about performing
this procedure, call our customer as-

sistance help line at 1-800-235-5878.

Old fuel, a dirty air filter, a dirty fuel fil-
ter, or flooding may give the impres-

sion of an improperly adjusted carbu-

retor. Check these conditions before
adjusting 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

under adjusting procedure.

• Engine dies or hesitates instead of
accelerating. See ACCELERATION

CHECK under adjusting procedure.

• Loss of cutting power. See MIXTURE
ADJUSTMENT under adjusting

procedure.

There are two adjustment screws on
the carburetor.

_dle Speed

Mixture Screw_'_ Air Filter
(with Limiter I_-.,_--

Cap)_ Cover

CARBURETOR PRESETS
When making carburetor preset ad-

justments, do not force plastic limiter
caps beyond stops or damage will oc-

cur.

If carburetor presets are not needed,
proceed to ADJUSTING PROCEDURE,

IDLE SPEED.

To adjust presets:

• Turn mixture screw counterclock-
wise until it stops.

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

wise 4-1/2 turns.

• Start motor, cut grass for 3 minutes,
and proceed to the adjustment
section. If engine does not start,

refer to TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
or call 1-800-235-5878.

• If engine performance is acceptable
at the preset positions, no further
adjustment is necessary.

10

Screw

ADJUSTING PROCEDURE
Idle Speed

Allow engine to idle. Adjust speed until
engine runs without stalling.

• Turn clockwise to increase engine
speed if engine stalls or dies.

• Turn counterclockwise to decrease
speed.

No further adjustments are necessary

if performance is satisfactory.
Mixture Adjustment "H"

DO NOT operate engine at full throttle
for prolonged periods while making
adjustments. Damage to the engine

can occur. Ensure line is fully ex-
tended.

Based on performance while cutting,
turn the mixture adjustment in

1/16-turn increments as follows:

• Clockwise until the engine has good
power while cutting with no hesita-

tion.
Do not adjust by sound or speed,

but judge by how well the engine
performs while cutting.

• Counterclockwise if the engine has
speed but dies or lacks power while
cutting.

After completing adjustments, check
for acceleration. Reset if necessary.
Acceleration Check

If engine dies or hesitates instead of

accelerating, turn mixture adjustment
counterclockwise until you have

smooth acceleration. Recheck and
adjust as necessary for acceptable

performance.

Prepare unit for storage at end of sea-

son or if it will not be used for 30 days
or more.

,_ WARNING:

• Allow engine to cool, and secure the
unit before storing or transporting.

• Store unit and fuel in a well venti-
lated 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 ob-
ject cannot accidentally cause injury.

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

EXTERNAL SURFACES

If your unit is to be stored for a period
of time, clean it thoroughly before stor-
age. Store in a clean dry area.

• Lightly oil external metal surfaces.

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.

Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alter-
native in minimizing the formation of
fuel gum deposits during storage. Add

stabilizer to the gasoline in the fuel
tank or fuel storage container. Follow

the mix instructions found on stabilizer
container. Run engine at least 5 min-

utes 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 1 tea-
spoon of 40:1,2-cycle engine oil (air
cooled) through the spark plug
opening. 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.

11

TROUBLESHOOTINGCHART

TROUBLE
Engine will not

start.

CAUSE

• Engine flooded.

• Fuel tank empty.

• Spark plug not firing.

• Fuel not reaching
carburetor.

• Compression low.

REMEDY

• See "Starting Instructions."

• Fill tank with correct fuel mixture.

• Install new spark plug.

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

repair or replace.

• Contact a Sears Service Center.

Engine will not
idle properly.

Engine will not
accelerate,

lacks power,
or dies under

a load.

Engine smokes
excessively.

Engine runs hot.

YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS: The U. S. Environ-

mental Protection Agency and
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., USA

are pleased to explain the emissions
control system warranty on your lawn
and garden equipment engine. All
new utility and lawn and garden equip-
ment engines must be designed, built,
and equipped to meet the stringent

anti-smog standards. SEARS must
warrant the emission control system
on your lawn and garden equipment
engine for the periods of time listed
below provided there has been no

• Idle speed set too low.

• Idle speed set too high.

• 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.

• Air filter dirty.

• Carburetor requires
adjustment.

• Fuel mixture incorrect.

• Spark plug incorrect.

• Carburetor requires
adjustment

• Carbon build up.

• Adjust idle speed screw
clockwise to increase speed.

• Adjust idle speed screw counter-
clockwise to reduce speed.

• See "Carburetor Adjustments."

• Contact a Sears Service Center.

• Contact a Sears Service Center.

• Clean or replace air filter.

• Clean or replace spark plug
and re-gap.

• See "Carburetor Adjustments."

• Contact a Sears Service Center.

• Contact a Sears Service Center.

• Move choke to off position.

• Empty fuel tank and refill with
correct fuel mixture.

• Clean or replace air filter.

• See "Carburetor Adjustments."

• See "Fueling Your Unit."

• Replace with correct spark plug.

• See "Carburetor Adjustments."

• Contact a Sears Service Center.

abuse, neglect, or improper mainte-

nance of your lawn and garden equip-
ment engine. Your emission control

system includes parts such as the car-

buretor and the ignition system.

Where a warrantable condition exits,

SEARS will repair your lawn and gar-
den equipment engine at no cost to
you. Expenses covered under warran-
ty include diagnosis, parts and labor.

MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY
COVERAGE: If any emissions related

part on your engine (as listed under

Emissions Control Warranty Parts

List) is defective or a defect in the rea-

l2

terialsorworkmanshipoftheengine
causesthefailureofsuchanemission

relatedpart,thepartwillberepairedor
replacedbySEARS.OWNER'S

WARRANTY RESPONSIBILITIES:

As the lawn and garden equipment
engine owner, you are responsible for

the performance of the required main-
tenance listed in your Owner's Manu-
al. SEARS recommends that you re-
tain all receipts covering maintenance
on your lawn and garden equipment
engine, but SEARS cannot deny war-

ranty solely for the lack of receipts or
for your failure to ensure the perfor-

mance of all scheduled maintenance.

As the lawn and garden equipment

engine owner, you should be aware
that SEARS may deny you warranty

coverage if your lawn and garden
equipment engine or a part of it has
failed due to abuse, neglect, improper
maintenance, unapproved modifica-
tions, or the use of parts not made or

approved by the original equipment
manufacturer. You are responsible for
presenting your lawn and garden
equipment engine to a SEARS autho-
rized repair center as soon as a prob-
lem exists. Warranty repairs should be

completed in a reasonable amount of
time, not to exceed 30 days. If you
have any questions regarding your
warranty rights and responsibilities,

you should contact your nearest au-
thorized service center or call SEARS

at 1-800-473-7247 WARRANTY
COMMENCEMENT DATE: The war-

ranty period begins on the date the
lawn and garden equipment engine is
purchased. LENGTH OF COVER-
AGE: This warranty shall be for a peri-

od of two years from the initial date of
purchase. WHAT IS COVERED: RE-

PAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF
PARTS. Repair or replacement of any

warranted part will be performed at no
charge to the owner at an approved

SEARS servicing center. If you have
any questions regarding your warranty
rights and responsibilities, you should
contact your nearest authorized ser-

vice center or call SEARS at

1-800-473-7247. WARRANTY PE-

RIOD: Any warranted part which is not

scheduled for replacement as re-
quired maintenance, or which is

scheduled only for regular inspection
to the effect of "repair or replace as
necessary" shall be warranted for 2
years. Any warranted part which is

scheduled for replacement as re-
quired maintenance shall be war-
ranted for the period of time up to the
first scheduled replacement point for
that part. DIAGNOSIS: The owner
shall not be charged for diagnostic la-

bor which leads to the determination
that a warranted part is defective if the

diagnostic work is performed at an ap-
proved SEARS servicing center. CON-

SEQUENTIAL DAMAGES: SEARS

may be liable for damages to other
engine components caused by the

failure of a warranted part still under
warranty. WHAT IS NOT COVERED:
All failures caused by abuse, neglect,
or improper maintenance are not cov-

ered. ADD-ON OR MODIFIED

PARTS: The use of add-on or modified

parts can be grounds for disallowing a
warranty claim. SEARS is not liable to
cover failures of warranted parts
caused by the use of add-on or modi-
fied parts. HOW TO FILE A CLAIM: If

you have any questions regarding
your warranty rights and responsibili-
ties, you should contact your nearest

authorized service center or call

SEARS at 1-800-473-7247. WHERE
TO GET WARRANTY SERVICE: War-

ranty services or repairs shall be pro-
vided at all SEARS service centers, call:

1-800-473-7247. MAINTENANCE, RE-

PLACEMENT AND REPAIR OF EMIS-
SION RELATED PARTS: Any SEARS

approved replacement part used in
the performance of any warranty

maintenance or repair on emission re-

lated parts will be provided without
charge to the owner if the part is under

warranty. EMISSION CONTROL
WARRANTY PARTS LIST: Carbure-

tor, Ignition System: Spark Plug (cov-
ered up to maintenance schedule),

Ignition Module. MAINTENANCE
STATEMENT: The owner is responsi-

ble for the performance of all required

maintenance as defined in the own-
er's manual.

13