Craftsman 358798420 Owner’s Manual

IMPORTANT MANUAL Do Not Throw Away

Operator's

Manual

Model No.

358.798420

CUSTOMER

ASSISTANCE

1-800-235-5878

_IL WARNING:

READ THE OPERATOR'S

MANUAL AND FOLLOW ALL WARNINGS AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.

FAILURE TO DO SO CAN

RESULT IN SERIOUS

INJURY.

Always Wear Eye Protection

CRAIq'$MAN®

cc/1.3 cu. in. 2-CYCLE ENGINE

16 Inch Semi-Automatic Head®

GAS WEEDWACKER®

• Assembly

• Operation

• Customer Responsibilities

• Service and Adjustments

• Repair Parts

530-083344-1-08/04/95

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

SAFETY RULES

CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE AND PLACE WIRE WHERE IT CANNOT CON- I

TACT SPARK PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETTING UP, TRANSPORTING,

ADJUSTING OR MAKING REPAIRS.

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, short pants, short

sleeves. Being fully covered helps to protect you from pieces of toxic plants thrown by the cuffinghead.

• Secure hair so it is above shoulder length. Secure

loose clothing, jewelry, or clothing with loosely han_- ing ties, straps, tassels, etc.; they can be caught in moving parts.

• Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.

• Wear hearing protection if you use this unit for more

than 1-1/2 hours per day.

• Never start or run the engine inside a closed room or

building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill.

• Keep handles free of oiland fuel.

• If situations occur which are not covered in this

manual, use care and good judgement.

UNIT/MAINTENANCE SAFETY

• Look for and replace damaged or loose parts before

each use. Look for and repair fuel leaks before use.

Keep the unit in good workingcondition.

• Use only .080" diameter monofilament line. Never use

wire, rope, string, etc.

• Keep the cutting line at the proper length.

• Make sure the unit is maintained and assembled cor-

rectly as listed in this manual.

• Install the required shield properly before using the unit,

• Use only the specified trimmer head,

• Make carburetor adjustments with the lower end sup-

ported to prevent the trimmerline from contactingany object. Hold unit by hand,

• Keep others away when making carburetor adjust- ments.

• Use only quality SEARS accessories and replace-

ment parts as recommended forthis unit. Have all maintenance and service not explained in this

manual performed byyour SEARS Service Center,

FUEL SAFETY

• Mix and pour fuel outdoors.

• Keep away from sparks or flames.

Use a container approved for fuel.

SAFETY NOTICE

Exposure to vibrations through prolonged use of gasoline powered hand unitscould cause blood vessel or nerve damage in the

fingers, hands, and joints of people prone to circulationdisorders or abnormal 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, discontinuethe use of this unit and seek medical atten- tion. An anti-vibration system does not guarantee the avoidance of these problems. Users who operate power tools ona continu-

al and regular basis must monitorclosely their physical condition and the condition of this unit.

• Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or the unit or

while usingthe unit.

• Wipe up all fuel spills before starting engine.

• Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from fueling site

before startingengine.

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

CUTTING SAFETY

• Inspect the area to be cut before each use. Remove

objects (rocks, broken glass, nails,wire, string, etc.) which can be thrown or become entangled in the semi-automatic head.

• Keep others including children, animals, bystanders and helpers at least 50 feet (15 meters) away. Stop

the engine immediately ifyou are approached.

• Always keepthe engine on the right-handside of your

body.

• Hold the unitfirmly with both hands.

• Keep firm footingand balance. Do not over-reach.

• Keep the semi-automatic line head below waist level.

• Do not raise the engine above yourwaist.

Keep all parts of your body away from semi-automatic head and muffler when engine is running.

• Cut from your right to your left.

• Use only forjobs explained in this manual.

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

• Stop the unitbefore transporting.

• Allow the engine to cool, and secure the unit before

storingor transportingin a vehicle.

• Empty the fuel tank before storingor transporting the unit. Use up any fuel left in the carburetor by starting

the engine and letting the engine run until itstops.

• Store unit and fuel in an area where fuel vapors can-

not reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motorsor switches, furnaces, etc.

• Store unit sothe line limiter cannot accidentallycause injury.

• Store the unitout of the reach ofchildren.

A, Jk LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.

413k

IT MEANS -- ATTENTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

-2-

SAFETY RULES

DANGER

THIS POWER UNIT CAN BE DANGEROUSI THIS UNIT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR

BLINDNESS TO THE OPERATOR AND OTHERS. THE WARNINGS AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS IN

THIS MANUAL MUST BE FOLLOWED TO PROVIDE REASONABLE SAFETY AND EFRCIENCY IN USING THIS UNr_. THE OPERATOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR FOLLOWING THE WARNINGS AND

INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL AND ON THE UNrl:. READ THE ENTIRE OPERATOR'S MANUAL BEFORE ASSEMBLING AND USING THE UNIT! RESTRICT THE USE OF THIS POWER UNIT TO

PERSONS WHO READ, UNDERSTAND AND FOLLOW THE WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL AND ON THE UNrl: NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN TO USE THIS TOOL.

THIS UNIT IS DESIGNED FOR LINE TRIMMER USE ONLY, NEVER USE ANY OTHER CUTTING ATTACHMENT WITH THIS UNIT. BLADES AND HEADS WITH

FLAILING DEVICES CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY.

OOQ

WARNING

TRIMMER LINE CAN THROW OBJECTS VIOLENTLY. YOU CAN BE BLINDED

OR INJURED. WEAR EYE AND LEG PROTECTION.

HAZARD ZONE FOR THROWN OBJECTS. TRIMMER LINE CAN THROW OBJECTS VIOLENTLY. OTHERS CAN BE BLINDED OR INJURED. KEEP PEOPLE AND ANI-

MALS 50 FEET (15 METERS)AWAY.

THROWN

PROTECTION BOOTS LEG GUARDS

HAZARD ZONE

READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL. FOLLOW ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS.

FAILURE TO DO SO CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

MANUAL

-3-

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Craftsman Gas Weedwacker. It has been designed, engi-

neered and manufactured to give you the best possibJe

dependability and performance.

PRODUCT SPECIRCATIONS

CUTTING PATH ............... 16"

TRIMMER LINE ................ 080" Diameter

Should you experience any problems you cannot easily

remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Service Cen-

ter/Department. Sears has competent, well trained techni- cians and the proper toolsto service or repairthis unit.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructionswill enable you to assemble and maintain your unit propedy.

Always observe the "SAFETY RULES."

=MODELNUMBER: 358398420

DATE GOD.SERIAL NO.:

:DATE OF PURCHASE:

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBER WILL BE FOUND

ONTHEPRODUCT.

IYOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE

PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement isavailableon this prod-

uct.Contact your nearest Sears Store for details. CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Followa regular schedule in maintaining, caring for, and

using your unit.

• Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibili-

ties"and "Storage" sections of this Operator's Manual.

SEMI-AUTOMATIC

HEAD ROTATION ............ Clockwise (for operator)

ENGINE ............................ 21cc, 2.-cycleAirCooled

FUEL/OIL MIX RATIO ...... 40:1 (3.2 oz. oilper gallon

gas)

IGNITION .......................... Solid State

(airgap .010" to .014")

IGNITION TIMING ............ Non-adjustable, Fixed

SPARK PLUG .................. Champion (RCJ-SY)

SPARK PLUG GAP .......... 025"

ENGINE RPM ................... 8,000 RPM Max

SPECIAL NOTICE

For users on U.S. Forest Land and in some states, including

California (Public Resoumes Codes 4442 and 4443), Idaho,

Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington:

Certain internal combustion engines operated on forest, brush, and/or grass-_overecl lands in the above areas are

required to be equipped with a spark arrestor, 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 regulations pertaining

to these requirements. Failure to follow these requirements

is a violation ofthe law. This unit is not factory_quipped with

a spark arrestor; however, a spark arrestor is available as an

optional part. If a spark arrestor isrequired in your area, con-

tact your SEARS Service Center/Department for the correct

kit.

Manufactured under _le or more of the fo=lto_" U.S. i_tents: 5.383.427; 5,367,988; 5r_._: 5.343,831: 5.276.968: 5.269.665: 5,020,_3; 4,940,028: 4.89;t,923; 4.852,258; 4,846,123; 4,PAl .929; 4.635.867; 4,825.548; 4.623.465; 4.619,742; 4,7_.185; 4.508,068; 4,483,069; 4,451,983; 4,366,6_; 4,366,621; 4,352,243: 4,347,6_B; 4,290,200; 4,21_6,675;

4,236,312; 4,177,561; 4.172,322; 4,167,812; 4,162,675; 4,161,E2_ 4.122,653; 4,104,797; Re 3,?,,266: D344,088; D324,051: D304.tg6: 0276.160. Other U.S and foreign petmmls

pending,

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN GAS-POWERED

WEEDWACKER ° LINE TRIMMER

For one year from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman Gas-Powered WeedwackeP 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 airfilter, which are expendable parts and become worn during normal

use.

If this Weedwacker _ Line Trimmer is used for commercial purposes, this warranty applies for only90 days from the date of purchase. If this WeedwackeP Line Trimmer is used for rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 30 days from

date of purchase. This warranty applies only while this product isin use in the United States.

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE WEEDWACKER e 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/817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

-4-

TABLE OF CONTENTS .,.

Safety Rules.................................................................... 2

Product Specifications..................................................... 4

Warranty .......................................................................... 4

Accessories ..................................................................... 6

Assembly ......................................................................... 7

Operation ........................................................................ 9

INDEX

Accessories..................................................................... 6

Adjustments

Assist Handle ............................................................. 10

Carburetor.................................................................. 20

Air Filter......................................................................... 16

Assembly......................................................................... 7

Assist Handle ................................................................ 10

Carburetor Adjustments................................................ 20

Carton Contents.............................................................. 5

Controls......................................................................... 10

Customer Responsibilities.............. ._............................. 15

Spark Plug ................................................................... 4

Cutting Techniques........................................................ 12

Debris Shield................................................................... 7

Drive Shaft Lubrication.................................................. 16

Engine

Fuel/Oil....................................................................... 13

Spark Plug ................................................................... 4

Starting ...................................................................... 14

Storage ...................................................................... 21

Fueling .......................................................................... 13

Fuel Filter ...................................................................... 17

Customer Responsibilities............................................. 15

Service and Adjustments.............................................. 18

Storage.......................................................................... 21

Trouble Shooting........................................................... 22

Repair Parts .................................................................. 23

Repair Parts Ordering/Service ....................... Back Cover

Know YourWeedwacker .................................................. 9

Line Advancement ........................................................ 10

Line Replacement ......................................................... 18

Maintenance Schedule ................................................. 15

Model Number................................................................. 4

Operation ........................................................................ 9

Ordering Repair Parts .................................... Back Cover

Repair Parts .................................................................. 23

Ordering ...................................................... Back Cover

Service and Adjustments.............................................. 18

Spark Arrestor Screen .................................................. 16

Specifications .................................................................. 4

Starting .......................................................................... 14

Storage .......................................................................... 21

Trouble Shooting .......................................................... :22

Warranty .......................................................................... 4

ACCESSORIES

These accessories and attachments were available when the unit was originally pumhased. They are also available at

mostSears retailoutletsand service centers.Most Sears stores can order theseitems for youwhen you providethe model number of your unit.

SAFETY HEARING SEMI- SPOOL I SULK SPARK AIR GAS SEARS

GOGGLES P_I_CTION auTo_at,c wrrHUNE I LINE PLUG FILTER CAN EN2G_CLoEL

-5-

CARTON CONTENTS

Hardware shown full size

(1) Debris Shield Knob

Parts bag contents not shownfull size

Long Hex Key

Parts packed separately in carton

Operator's Manual

Plastic Debris Shield

ASSEMBLY

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

• TorqueWrench (optional) - Reference torque values are provided throughout this manual for tightening hard-

ware.

• Long hex key (included)

• Adjustable wrench or large pliers

TO REMOVE WEEDWACKER

FROM CARTON

• Remove loose parts bag included with Weedwacker.

• Remove your Weedwacker from the packing material.

• Remove the packing material from your Weedwacker,

including the clear protective cover from the tube.

• You may use the opened packing material as a work

surface.

Engine Oil

NOTE: Model 358.798420 is partially assembled.

• After removing the contents from the carton, check

parts against the Carton Contents list.

• Examine the parts for damage. Do not use damaged

parts.

• Notify Customer Assistance at 1-800-235-5878 imme-

diately if a part is missingor damaged.

NOTE: It is normal to hear the fuel filter rattle in an empty

fuel tank.

-6-

ASSEMBLY

HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR WEEDWACKER

IF THiS UNiT IS RECEWED ASSEMBLED,

REVIEW ALL STEPS IN THIS SECTION

TO BE SURE ASSEMBLY IS CORRECT

IA I

ASSIST HANDLE ASSEMBLY (Fig. 1)

NOTE: For pre-assembled units, simply loosen assist handle knob and rotate assist handle to the operating

position, being sure to align between safety label and throttle trigger housing.

• Rotate assist handle from _eftto rightto tiltthe angle of

the semi-automatic head when cutting a large, slopes area such as a ditch bank.

• Tighten assist handle knob securely.

AND PROPERLY ADJUSTED FOR THE

OPERATOR.

CAUTION: WHEN ADJUSTING THE ASSIST HANDLE FOR

SURE THAT THE ASSIST REMAINS BETWEEN THE TRIGGER

• Insert the debds shield bracket, attached to the tube, intothe slot in the debds shield.

• Turn debris shield while aligning and inserting debds

shield screw into hole located in debris shieldbracket.

• Assemble the debris shield knob onto the debris shield screw,Tighten securely.

NOTE: It is possible that a small space will be left between the debds shield and the debds shield bracket

when the shield screwsare fullytightened.

TUBE

DEBRISSHIELD

DEBRIS SHIELD DEBRIS SHIELD SCREW BRACKET

(INSTALLED)

Figure 2

SEMI-AUTOMATIC HEAD ASSEMBLY (Fig. 3)

• Place the dust cup over the hex nuton the bottomof the

tube. The hex nutshould fit completely inside the dust cup.

• Hold the dust cup with a wrench to keep the arbor shaft from turning.

• Thread the semi-automatic head onto the arbor shaft against the dust cup and tighten firmly with your hand.

NOTE: Unless semi-automatic head is tightened ade- quately, itcan unthread when engine is started or stopped.

If the situation occurs, reinstall the semi-automatichead

and tighten more securely.

DEBRIS SHIELD

KNOB

SHOULDER

Figure 1

INSTALLING THE DEBRIS SHIELD (Fig. 2)

WARNING:

THE UNE UMITER IS SHARP AND CAN CUT YOU. BE SURE TO WEAR GLOVES WHILE WORKING WITH THE LINE UMITER.

THE DEBRIS SHIELD MUST BE PROPERLY INSTALLEO FOR ALL LINE TRIMMER

USAGE. THE DEBRIS SHIELD PROVIDES PARTIAL PROTECTION FROM THE RISK

OF THROWN OBJECTS TO THE OPERA- TOR AND OTHERS.

DO NOT ALTER OR REMOVE THE TAB ON THE SHIELD BRACKET. WHEN INSTALLED CORRECTLY, THE BRACKET

TAB ENSURES PROPER DEBRIS SHIELD ALIGNMENT. FAILURE TO INSTALL THE DEBRIS SHIELD IN POSITION SHOWN IN

ILLUSTRATION CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THE OPERATOR.

_ TD INSTALL

_ mRECTION

HEX.._-W ]_" OUST

Ru,.1i cu,

ARBOR

SHAFT _

Figure 3

CHECK LIST

• Check all fasteners, make sure they are tightand there

are no loose parts.

• Check to make surethe throttlecable is positionedcor-

rectly.

• With the unit held in the operating position, adjust the assist handle up or downthe tube for best comfort and

balance before firstuse.

-7-

OPERATION

KNow YOUR WEEDWACKER (Fig. 4)

READ THIS OPERATOR'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR WEEDWACKER. Compare the illustrationswith your unitto familiarize yourselfwith the location ofthe vadous controlsand adjustments. Save this

manual for future reference.

..l!fI.i', 7"

Figure 4

The MOMENTARY SWITCH is used to stop the engine. The STARTER ROPE HANDLE is used for starting the

engine. The PRIMER BULB circulates fuel to the carburetor. The ASSIST HANDLE aids inthe controlof the unit.

LIMrrER

SEMI-AUTOMATIC HEAD

The LINE LIMITER cuts trimmer line automatically to the correct length.

The CHOKE LEVER isused for starting cold engine.

The THROTTLE TRIGGER controls engine speed.

The SEMI-AUTOMATIC HEAD contains spool of line

which advances when head istapped on the ground.

-8-

+ 18 hidden pages