Craftsman 358797550-BLOWER Owner’s Manual

Instruction Manual

25cc/1.5 cu.in. 2-Cycle
200 MPH/400 CFM

GASOLINE POWERED
BLOWERNAC

Model No.

358.797550

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts List

• Espahol

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 U.S.A.

530088120 12/3/01

Warranty Statement 2 Storage 11
Safety Rules 2 Troubleshooting Table 12

Assembly 4 Emissions Statement 12
Operation 6 Parts List 14

Maintenance 9 Spanish 17

Service & Adjustments 10 Parts and Ordering Back Cover

FULL TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ® GAS BLOWER
For two (2) years from date of purchase, when this Gas Blower is maintained,

lubricated, and tuned up according to the instructions in the instruction manual,
Sears will repair, free of charge, any defects in material or workmanship.
This warranty excludes blower tubes, spark plug, and air cleaner, which are ex-

pendable parts and become worn during normal use.

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

for 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 BLOWER TO THE NEAREST
SEARS STORE OR 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/817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

_IkWARNING: Failure to follow all
Safety Rules and Precautions can re-

sult in serious injury.

KNOW YOUR UNIT

• Read your instruction manual care-

fully until you completely understand

and can follow all warnings and
safety rules before operating the unit.

• Restrict unit to users who under-

stand and will follow all warnings and
safety rules in this manual.

_IkWARNING: Inspect area before
starting unit. Remove all debris and

hard objects such as rocks, glass,
wire, etc. that can ricochet, be thrown,

or otherwise cause injury or damage
during operation.

Use your unit as a blower for:

• Sweeping debris or grass clippings

from driveways, sidewalks, patios, etc.

• Blowing grass clippings, straw, or

leaves into piles, around joints, or be-

tween bricks.

Use your unit as a vacuum for:

• Picking up dry material such as

leaves, grass, small twigs, and bits of
paper.

• For best results during vacuum use,
operate your unit at high speed.

• Move slowly back and forth over the
material as you vacuum. Avoid forc-

ing the unit into a pile of debris as

this can clog the unit.

• Keep the vacuum tube about an inch
above the ground for best results.

PLAN AHEAD

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

tenance on unit. Wearing eye protec-
tion will help to prevent rocks or debris

from being blown or ricocheting into

eyes and face which can result in
blindness and/or serious injury. Eye
protection should be marked Z87.

• Always wear foot protection. Do not
go barefoot or wear sandals.

• Always wear respirator or face mask

when working with unit in dusty envi-

ronments.

• Secure hair above shoulder length.
Secure or remove jewelry, loose

clothing, or clothing with loosely
hanging straps, ties, tassels, etc.

They can be caught in moving parts.

-2-

• Do not operate unit when you are
tired, ill, upset, or if you are under the

influence of alcohol, drugs, or medi-
cation.

• Keep children, bystanders, and ani-

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

starting or operating unit. Do not
point blower nozzle in the direction of
people or pets.

HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION, IT IS
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE

• Eliminate all sources of sparks or
flame (including smoking, open

flames, or work that can cause

sparks) in the areas where fuel is
mixed, poured, or stored.

• Mix and pour fuel in an outdoor area;

store fuel in a cool, dry, well ventilated
place; use an approved, marked con-

tainer for all fuel purposes.

• Do not smoke while handling fuel or
while operating the unit.

• Make sure the unit is properly as-

sembled and in good operating con-
dition.

• Do not fill fuel tank while engine is

running.

• Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up fuel

spills before starting engine.

• Move at least 10 feet (3 meters)

away from fuel and fueling site be-

fore starting engine.

• Always store gasoline in a container

approved for flammable liquids.

OPERATE YOUR UNIT SAFELY

_JkWARNING: Stop the engine be-
fore opening the vacuum inlet door.

The engine must be stopped and the

impeller blades no longer turning to

avoid serious injury from the rotating

blades.

• Inspect unit before each use for
worn, loose, missing, or damaged

parts. Do not use until unit is in
proper working order.

• Keep outside surfaces free from oil

and fuel.

• Never start or run engine inside a

closed room, building or other un-

ventilated area. Breathing exhaust
fumes can kill.

• To avoid static electricity shock, do

not wear rubber gloves or any other
insulated gloves while operating unit.

• Do not set unit on any surface ex-

cept a clean, hard area while engine
is running. Debris such as gravel,

sand, dust, grass, etc. could be

picked up by the air intake and

thrown out through discharge open-

ing, damaging unit, property, or caus-
ing serious injury to bystanders or

operator.

• Avoid dangerous environments. Do
not use in unventilated areas or

where explosive vapors or carbon

monoxide build up could be present.

• Do not overreach or use from unsta-
ble surfaces such as ladders, trees,
steep slopes, rooftops, etc. Keep firm

footing and balance at all times.

• Never place objects inside the
blower tubes; always direct the blow-

ing debris away from people, ani-
mals, glass, and solid objects such
as trees, automobiles, walls, etc. The

force of air can cause rocks, dirt, or

sticks to be thrown or to ricochet

which can hurt people or animals,

break glass, or cause other damage.

• Never run unit without the proper
equipment attached. When using

your unit as a blower, always install

blower tubes. When using the op-

tional vacuum kit, always install vac-

uum tubes and vacuum bag assem-
bly. Make sure vacuum bag assem-

bly is completely zipped.

• Check air intake opening, blower

tubes, and vacuum tubes frequently,

always with engine stopped and
spark plug disconnected. Keep vents
and discharge tubes free of debris

which can accumulate and restrict

proper air flow.

• Never place any object in air intake
opening as this could restrict proper air

flow and cause damage to the unit.

• Never use for spreading chemicals,

fertilizers, or other substances which

may contain toxic materials.

• To avoid spreading fire, do not use
near leaf or brush fires, fireplaces,

barbecue pits, ashtrays, etc.

• Use only for jobs explained in this
manual.

MAINTAIN YOUR UNIT PROPERLY

• Have all maintenance other than the
recommended procedures described
in the instruction manual performed

by a Sears Service Center.

• Disconnect spark plug before per-

forming maintenance except for car-

buretor adjustments.

• Use only recommended Craftsman®
replacement parts; use of any other

parts may void your warranty and
cause damage to your unit.

-3-

• Empty fuel tank before storing the
unit. Use up fuel left in carburetor by

starting engine and letting it run until
it stops.

• Be not use any accessory or attach-
ment other than those recommended

by manufacturer for use with your unit.

• Do not store the unit or fuel in a
closed area where fuel vapors can
reach sparks or an open flame from

hot water heaters, electric motors or
switches, furnaces, etc.

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

SAFETY NOTICE: Exposure to vibra-
tions through prolonged use of gasoline

powered hand tools could cause blood

vessel or nerve damage in the fingers,

hands, and joints of people prone to cir-

culation disorders or abnormal swelling.

Prolonged use in cold weather has been
linked to blood vessel damage in other-

wise healthy people. If symptoms occur
such as numbness, pain, loss of

strength, change in skin color or texture,
or loss of feeling in the fingers, hands, or

joints, discontinue the use of this tool
and seek medical attention. An

antivibration system does not guarantee
the avoidance of these problems. Users

who operate power tools on a continual

and regular basis must monitor closely

their physical condition and the condition

of this tool.
SPECIAL NOTICE: For users on U.S.

Forest Land and in some states, includ-
ing California (Public Resources Codes
4442 and 4443), Idaho, Maine, Minne-
sota, New Jersey, Oregon, and Wash-

ington: Certain internal combustion en-
gines operated on forest, brush, and/or

grass covered land in the above areas
are required to be equipped with a spark

arresting screen, maintained in effective

working order, or the engine must be

constructed, equipped, and maintained

for the prevention of fire. Check with
your state or local authorities for regula-
tions pertaining to these requirements.

Failure to follow these requirements is a

violation of the law. This unit is not facto-

ry equipped with a spark arresting
screen; however, a spark arresting
screen is available as an optional part. If

a spark arresting screen is required in

your area, contact Sears Service for the

correct kit. The spark arresting screen,
blower tubes, and nozzles must be as-

sembled to unit to be in full compliance

with regulations.

CARTON CONTENTS
Check carton contents against the fol-

lowing list.
Model 358.797550

Blower
Blower tube
Elbow tube

Vacuum bag

Upper vacuum tube
Lower vacuum tube
Gasoline container

2-Cycle Engine Oil

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

ASSEMBLY

_IkWARNING: Stop engine and be
sure the impeller blades have stopped
turning before opening the vacuum in-

let door or attempting to insert or re-
move the vacuum tubes. The rotating

blades can cause serious injury.

_]kWARNING: If you receive your

unit assembled, repeat all steps to en-

sure your unit is properly assembled
and all fasteners are secure.

• Astandard screwdriver is required
for assembly.

BLOWER ASSEMBLY
BLOWER TUBE ASSEMBLY

If you have already assembled your
unit for use as a vacuum, remove the

vacuum tubes and collection bag.

1. Align the rib on the blower tube
with the groove in the blower outlet;
slide the tube into place.

NOTE: Tube clamp must be loose
enough to allow blower tube to be in-

serted in blower outlet. Loosen tube
clamp by turning knob counterclockwise.

Blower
Outlet Blower

_i Zub_

Groove1L_ Rib--

2. Tighten the tube clamp by turning
the knob clockwise.

-4-

3. To remove the tube, turn the knob
to loosen clamp; remove tube.

VACUUM ASSEMBLY

VACUUM BAG ASSEMBLY

1. Open the zipper on the vacuum
bag and insert the elbow tube.

2. Push the small end of the elbow
tube through the small opening in

the bag.

Elbow
Tube

Opening Rib

Small
Opening

NOTE: Make sure edge of the small
opening is flush against the flared area
of the elbow tube, and the rib on the
elbow tube is on the bottom.

3. Close the zipper on the bag. Make

sure the zipper is closed completely.

4. Remove blower tube from engine.

Upper

Vacuum Tub_-_.._

Lower

Vacuum Tube

2. Insert a screwdriver into the latch
area on the vacuum inlet cover.

Latch Outlet

Area

Blower

_-_ Latch Area

_]_ V_ct _mver

3. Gently tilt the handle of the screw-
driver toward the back of the unit

while pulling up on the vacuum in-
let cover with your other hand.

4. Hold the vacuum inlet cover open
until upper vacuum tube is installed.

Vacuum Inlet

Retaining Post

Vacuum _

Inlet

Cover

roove

5. Insert the elbow tube into the blow-
er outlet. Make sure elbow tube is

aligned with the blower outlet
groove.

6. Turn clamp knob clockwise to tight-
eR.

VACUUM TUBE ASSEMBLY

1. Align the lower vacuum tube as
shown. Push lower vacuum tube

into upper vacuum tube.

5. Place the hooks on the vacuum tube
on the retaining posts; pivot tube into

position. Secure vacuum tube by
turning the knob clockwise until tight.

Hooks

6. When converting back to the blow-
er feature, make sure latch on the
vacuum inlet cover is securely fas-
tened.

-5-

SHOULDER STRAP ADJUSTMENT

(for vacuum use only)

1. Hold the unit as shown.

2. Pass the shoulder strap over your
head and onto your right shoulder.

3. Extend your left arm toward the
rear of the vacuum bag.

4. Adjust shoulder strap until the vac-
uum bag/shoulder strap seam lies
between your thumb and index

finger.

5. Make sure air flows freely from the
elbow tube into bag. If bag is kinked,

the unit will not operate properly.

KNOW YOUR BLOWER
READTHIS INSTRUCTIONMANUALAND SAFETYRULES BEFOREOPERATINGYOUR

UNIT, Compare the illustrations with your unitto familiarize yourself with the location

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

Lower

Vacuum

Vacuum Tube

Vacuum Bag _/[

, Throttlee _/(T_

Lever

Elbow Tube Spark Plug--:--_

Upper T_

Primer Button

Choke Lever
_,, Fuel Mix

Fill Cap

_,_Stoapfle r

TBI°Lwer _

THRO']-rLE LEVER
The THRO]-i-LE LEVER is used to select
the desired engine speed and to stop the

engine. Move the throttle lever to the

•r_ position for full speed operation.
Move the throttle lever to the -4_ posi-

tion for idle speed. To stop the engine,

move the throttle lever to the STOP posi-

tion.

PRIMER BUTTON

The PRIMER BLFF]ONremoves air from
the carburetor and fuel lines and fills
them with fuel. This allows you to start

_Rear

Handle

the engine with fewer pulls on the starter

rope. Activate primer button by pressing
it and allowing it to return to its original
position.

CHOKE LEVER

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 engine

attempts to start, move the choke lever

to the HALFCHOKE position. Once en-

gine starts, move choke lever to the
RUNposition.

-6-

OPERATING TIPS

• While vacuuming or blowing debris,

hold the unit with the muffler side fac-
ing away from your body and clothes

(see OPERATING POSITION).

• TO reduce the risk of hearing loss

associated with sound level(s), hear-
ing protection is required.

• To reduce the risk of injury associated

with contacting rotating parts, stop the

engine before installing or removing
attachments. Do not operate without

guard(s) in place.

• Operate power equipment only at rea-

sonable hours-not early in the morn-
ing or late at night when people might
be disturbed. Comply with times listed

in local ordinances. Usual recommen-
dations are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,

Monday though Saturday.

• To reduce noise levels, limit the num-

ber of pieces of equipment used at
any one time.

• To reduce noise levels, operate pow-

er blowers at the lowest possible

throttle speed to do the job.

• Use rakes and brooms to loosen

debris before blowing.

• In dusty conditions, slightly dampen

surfaces or use a mister attachment

when water is available.

• Conserve water by using power blow-

ers instead of hoses for many lawn
and garden applications, including
areas such as gutters, screens, patios,

grills, porches, and gardens.

• Watch out for children, pets, open

windows, or freshly washed cars.

Blow debris away safely.

• Use the full blower nozzle extension

so the air stream can work close to

the ground.

• After using blowers and other equip-

ment, CLEAN UP! Dispose of debris
in trash receptacles.

OPERATING POSITION

Blower Vacuum

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

_h, WARNING: Be sure to read the
fuel information in the safety rules

before you begin. If you do not
understand the safety rules, do not

attempt to fuel your unit. Call
1-800-235-5878.

FUELING ENGINE

_IkWARNING: Remove fuel cap

slowly when refueling.

This engine is certified to operate on un-

leaded gasoline. Before operation, gaso-
line must be mixed with a good quality
synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil.

We recommend Craftsman brand syn-
thetic oil. Mix gasoline and oil at a ratio

of 40:1. A 40:1 ratio is obtained by mix-
ing 3.2 ounces of oil with 1 gallon of un-

leaded gasoline. Included with this
blower is a 3.2 ounce container of oil.

Pour the entire contents of this container
into 1 gallon of gasoline to achieve the
proper fuel mixture. DO NOT USEauto-

motive oil or boat oil. These oils will
cause engine damage. When mixing

fuel, follow instructions printed on con-
tainer. Once oil is added to gasoline,

shake container momentarily to assure

that the fuel is thoroughly mixed. Al-
ways 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

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.

Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alter-
native in minimizing the formation of

fuel gum deposits during storage.

Craftsman brand oil is already blended

with fuel stabilizer. See the STORAGE

section for additional information.

STOPPING YOUR ENGINE

• TO stop the engine, move the throttle
lever to the STOP position.

-7-

STARTING THE ENGINE

_IIbWARNING: You MUST make sure
the tubes are secure before using the

unit.

• Fuel engine. Move at least 10 feet (3
meters) away from the fueling site.

• Hold the unit in the starting position
as shown. Make sure the blower end

is directed away from people, ani-
mals, glass, and solid objects.

STARTING POSITION

Blower

Vacuum

aeI_WARNING: When starting engine,

hold the unit as illustrated. Do not set
unit on any surface except a clean, hard

area when starting engine or while en-
gine is running. Debris such as gravel,

sand, dust, grass, etc. could be picked

up by the air intake and thrown out

through the discharge opening, damag-

ing the unit or property, or causing seri-

ous injury to bystanders or the operator.
STARTING A COLD ENGINE (or a

warm engine after running out of

fuel)

1. Slowly press the primer button 8
times.

2. Move the choke lever to the FULL
CHOKE position.

3. Move the throttle lever to the ,r_
position.

Throttle Lever Primer Button

NOTE: Ifthe engine attempts to start
before the 5th pull, go to the next step
immediately.

5. Move choke lever to HALF CHOKE.

6. Pull the starter handle sharply until
the engine runs, but no more than
5 pulls (below 30°F, 10 pulls).

7. After a 5 second warm-up, move
the choke lever to the RUNposi-

tion.

8. Allow the unit to run for 30 more
seconds at RUNbefore moving the

throttle lever to the "_v position.

If the engine has not started after 5
pulls (at HALF CHOKE), repeat the
STARTINGA COLD ENGINE procedure.

If the engine still does not start, pro-
ceed to STARTINGA FLOODED ENGINE.

9. TOstop the engine, move the
throttle lever to the STOP position.

STARTING A WARM ENGINE

1. Move the throttle lever to the ,r_
position.

2. Pull the starter handle sharply until
the engine starts, but no more than

5 pulls.

NOTE: If the engine has not started,
pull starter handle sharply for 5 more

pulls. If engine still does not run, it is
probably flooded. Proceed to START-

ING A FLOODED ENGINE.

3. TOstop the engine, move the
throttle lever to the STOP position.

STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE
Flooded engines can be started by plac-
ing the choke lever in the RUN position.

Move throttle lever to the fast position

•r_ ; then, pull rope until engine starts.

After engine starts, move the throttle le-
ver to the slow position "_ to allow en-

gine to idle.
Starting could require pulling the starter

rope many times depending on how
badly the unit is flooded. If the unit still
doesn't start, refer to the

TROUBLESHOOTINGTABLE or call

1-800-235-5878.

Choke Lever

4. Pull starter handle sharply until the
engine attempts to run, but no

more than 5 pulls (below 30°F, 8
pulls).

-8-

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

CARE & MAINTENANCE TASK

Check for loose fasteners and parts
Check for damaged or worn parts

Inspect and clean unit and labels
Clean air filter

Replace spark plug
Replace fuel filter

Check muffler mounting screws

_kWARNING: Avoid touching muf-
tier unless engine and muffler are cold.

A hot muffler can cause serious burns.
_kWARNING: Stop engine and be

sure the impeller blades have stopped
turning before opening the vacuum in-

let door or attempting to insert or re-
move the vacuum or blower tubes.

The rotating blades can cause serious

injury. Always disconnect the spark
plug before performing maintenance or

accessing movable parts.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this unit does not cov-
er items that have been subjected to

operator abuse or negligence. To re-
ceive full value from the warranty, the

operator must maintain unit as instruct-
ed in this manual. Various adjustments

will need to be made periodically to

properly maintain your unit.

CHECK FOR LOOSE

FASTENERS AND PARTS

• Spark Plug Boot

• Air Filter

• Housing Screws

CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR
WORN PARTS
Contact Sears Service Center for re-

placement of damaged or worn parts.

• Throttle Lever - Ensure throttle lever

functions properly by moving the
throttle lever to the STOP position.

Make sure engine stops; then restart
engine and continue.

• Fuel Tank - Do not use unit if fuel tank

shows signs of damage or leaks.

• Vacuum Bag - Do not use vacuum

bag if it is torn or damaged.

WHEN TO PERFORM

Before each use
Before each use

After each use
Every 5 hours of operation

Yearly
Yearly

Yearly

INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT

AND LABELS

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

the unit using a damp cloth with a

mild detergent.

• Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.

CLEAN AIR FILTER

, -.

' /i Air Filter

_ , _ _ ! Cover

P/._/ /VirFilter
A dirty air filter decreases engine per-

formance and increases fuel consump-
tion and harmful emissions. Always

clean after every 5 hours of operation.

Cleaning the air filter:

1. Clean the cover and the area

around it to keep debris from falling
into the carburetor chamber when

the cover is removed.

2. Remove parts as illustrated.

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

harmful evaporative emissions.

3. Wash the filter in soap and water.

4. Allow filter to dry.

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

squeeze filter to distribute oil.

6. Replace parts.

-9-