Craftsman 358798530 Owner’s Manual

___ Operator's Manual

CRFIFTSMFIN

1.3 cu. in./24cc 2-Cycle

17 Inch Cutting Path / .080 In. Line

GASOLINE WEEDWACKER ®

Model No.

358.798530

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; Sun, 10 am-7 pm

1-800-235-5878

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

530-084026 4/2/96

Warranty Statement 2 Service &Adjustments 10 Safety Rules 2 Storage 11

Assembly 4 Troubleshooting Chart 12 Operation 5 Spanish 16

Maintenance 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 matedals or workmanship.

This warranty exctudes 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 warran-

ty applies for only g0 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 purchase. This warranty applies only while this product is in use in the

United States. WARRANTY SERVICE tSAVAILABLEBY RETURNING THE WEEDWACKER® UNE

TRIMMER TO THE NEARESTSEARS SERVICE CENTER INTHE 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 gardening

appliances, basic safety precautions

must always be followed to reduce the

risk of fire and serious injury. Read and

follow al! 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 thorough-

ly 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 instruc-

tions and warnings on the unit and in the manual. Never allow children to

operate this unit.

Safetyinformationonthe unit

DANGER: Never use blades or flail- ing devices. This unit is designed for line trimmer use only. Use of any other

accessories or attachments will in- crease the risk of injury.

@@@

WARNING: Trimmerline throwsob-

jects violently. Youand otherscanbe blinded/injured.Weareye andleg

protection. Keep body parts clear of

rotating line. Keep chitdren, bystand- ers, and animals 50 feet (15 meters) away. If approached stop unit immedi- ately.

If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgement. If you need

assistance, contact your Authorized Service Dealer or ca!l 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 debds and pieces of toxic plants thrown by spinning line.

• Do not operate when you are tired, ill, or under the influence of alcohol,

drugs, or medication.

• Wear hearing protection ifyou 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 correct- ly 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 !0 feet (3 meters) away from fueling site before starting

engine.

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

CUTTING SAFETY

.,_ Use only for trimming, mowing, 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 fine. Keep

engine below waist level: A hot muf-

fler can cause serious bums.

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

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

• Allow engine to coo!; secure unit be- fore storing or transporting in vehicle,

• Empty the fue! 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 inarea where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open

flames from water heaters, electric

motors or switches, furnaces, 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 Call-

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-

tor screen. If you operate in a locale where such regulations exist, you are

legally responsible for installing and maintaining the operating condition of these parts. Failure to do so is a viola-

tion of the law. Refer to the MAINTE- NANCE section in this manual.

SPECIAL NOTICE: Exposure to vibrationsthrough prolonged use of

gasoline powered hand tools could

cause blood vessel or nerve damage in the fingers, hands, and jointsof people prone to circulation disorders or abnormal swellings. Prolonged use in

coldweather 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

offeeling inthe fingers, hands, or joints, discontinue the use of this tool and seek medical attention. An anti-

vibration system does not guarantee the avoidance of these problems. Us- ers who operate power tools on a con- tinual and regular basis must monitor closely their physical condition and the

condition of this tool.

CARTON CONTENTS

Check carton contents against the fol- lowing list.

Model 358.798530

• Trimmer

• Shield

• Wing Nut (screwed onto shield)

• Container of Oil

Examine parts for damage. Do not use damaged parts.

NOTE= If you need assistance or find

parts missing or damaged, calf

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 assembled,

repeat all steps to ensure your unit is properly assembled and all fasteners

are secure.

ADJUSTING THE HANDLE WARNING: When adjusting thehan-

dle,besure it remains between the

trigger and the safetylabel.

• Loosen wing nut or knob on handle. ° Rotate the handle on the tube to an

upright position; retighten wing nut.

ATTACHING SHIELD

WARNING: The shieldmust be propedy

installed. The shieldprovidespartial

protectionfrom the riskof thrown objects tothe operator and othersand is

equippedwith a line limiterwhich cuts excess lineto the proper length.The line

fimiter(on underside of shield) is sharp

and can cut you. For properorientation,

see illustrationin Operation 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 boll

_\ Slot

KNOW YOUR TRIMMER

READ THIS OPERATOR'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATINGYOUR UNIT.Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the loca-

tion of the vadous controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future refer-

ence.

AssistHandle

Tube

ON/STOP \ ThroWe Tdmmer Switch Head

Starter

Choke Lever Shield

Line

Limiter

ON/STOP SWITCH The STOP switch is used to stop the

engine. Press and hold the switch to

stop the unit. PRIMER BULB

The primer bulb removes air from the

fuel lines and fitls them with fuel. This allows you to start the engine with few-

er pulls on the starter rope. Activate

FuelMix FIllCap

•4_,.._...,... Blade

allowing it to return to its original form.

CHOKE The choke helps to supply fuel tothe carburetor during starting. This allows

you to start a cold engine. Activate the choke by moving the choke lever to the Full position. After the engine has

started, move the choke to the Off

position,

the pdmer bulb by pressing it and

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE 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 This engine iscertified 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 ratiois obtained by mixing 3.2 ounces of oil with 1 gallon of unleaded gasoline). DO NOT USE automotive oil

or boat oil.These oils wilt cause engine damage. When mixing fuel,

Once oi! is added to gasoline, shake container momentarily to assure that

the fue! 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-

turo 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

follow instructions printed on container, fuel next season.

Never use engine or carburetor clean- er products in the fue! tank or perma-

nent damage may occur. See the STORAGE section for addi- tionaf information.

STOPPING YOUR ENGINE * Press and hold the OntStop switch in

the STOP position.

• If engine does not stop, move choke lever to full position.

Engine Stop

Switch

STARTING YOUR ENGINE COLD ENGINE OR WARM ENGINE

AFTER RUNNING OUT OF FUEL WARNING: The trimmer head will

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

hot muffler can cause serious bums.

• Rest engine and shield on ground, supporting trimmer head off ground.

o Move the choke lever to the Full

Choke position.

• Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.

• Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger. Keep throttle trigger fully squeezed until the engine runs smoothly.

_ Choke

_h_mer

• Pult starter rope sharply 5 times. NOTE: If the engine sounds as if it is

trying to start before the 5th pull, go to

the next step.

Choke Lever

Lever

Bulb

• Move the choke lever to the 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 position and press the primer bulb 6 times; squeeze

and hold the throttle trigger and pull the starter rope 2 more times. Move the choke lever to Half Choke and pull the starter rope until the engine runs, but no more than 6 more pulls. If the

engine still has not started, it is prob- ably 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 thechoke levertothe Half

Chokeposition.

* Squeezeand holdthethrottletrigger.

Keep throttletriggerfully squeezed untiltheenginerunssmoothly.

• Pul!starter ropesharplyuntilengine runs,butnomore than5 pulls.

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

Choke.

NOTE: If enginehas notstarted,pull

stafferrope5 morepulls.Ifengine still does notrun,itis probablyflooded.

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

TROUBLESHOOTING chaff or call

1-800-235-5878.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS OPERATING POSITION

ALWAYS WEAR: "_

Eye Protection

Toadvance line, tap bottom of trimmer headonground onetime.

Line lirnitercutsline to '_'_

pr°per leng__, =._t _,.x_

Long Pants -._

Heavy Shoes

Cut from your right to your left.

Bring the engine to cutting speed be-

fore entering the material to be cut.

Do not run the engine at a higher

speed than necessary. The cutting line

will cut efficiently when the engine is run at less than full throttle. At lower

speeds, there is less engine noise and vibration. The cutting line will last

longer and will be less likely to "weld" onto the spool.

If the trimmer head does not turn when

the engine is in operation, make sure the driveshaft housing is properly seated in engine shroud.

Always release the throttle trigger and allow the engine to return to idle speed

when not cutting. To stop engine:

o Release the throttle trigger.

• Push and hold down the on/stop switch untilthe engine has stopped

completely.

TRIMMER LINE ADVANCE The trimmer line will advance approxi-

mately 2 in. (5 cm) each time the bot-

tom ofthe trimmer head is tapped on the ground with the engine running at

full throttle. The most efficient line length is the

maximum length allowed by the line ltmiter,

Always keep the shield in place when

the tool is being operated. To Advance Line:

• Operate the engine at full throttle.

• Hold the trimmer head parallel to and

above the grassy area.

• Tap the bottom of the trimmer head lightlyon the ground one time. Ap-

proximately 2 in. (5 cm) of line will be

advanced with each tap.

Always tap the trimmer head on a grassy area. Tapping on surfaces such as concrete or asphalt can cause ex-

cessive wear to the trimmer head. tf the line is worn down to 2 in. (5 cm)

or less, more than one tap will be re- quired to obtain the most efficient line

length. WARNING: Use only ,080" (2 ram)

diameter line. Other sizes of line will

not advance properly and can cause serious injury. Do not use other materi- als such as wire, string, rope, etc. Wire can break off during cutting and be-

come a dangerous missile that can cause serious injury.

CUTTING METHODS

WARNING: Use minimum speed and do notcrowd 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 sed-

ous 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 rightand wrong ways are

shown below

Tipofthe Line j LineCrowdedInto DoesThe CuttingI WorkArea

]

__t wrong

• The line will easily remove grass and

weeds from around walls, fences, trees and flower beds, but italso can

cut the tender bark of trees or shrubs and scar fences. To help avoid dam-

age especially to delicate vegetation or trees withtender bark, shorten line

to 4-5 in. (10-13 cm) and use at less than full throttle.

• Fortrimmingorscalping,useless

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 protec-

tion. Never lean over the trimmer head.

Rocks or debris can ricochet or be

thrown into eyes and face and cause blindness or other serious injury.

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 /. _

%. • • •

3in._\

Above Ground _ '= _;'

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, monu-

merits, etc. This technique increases

line wear.

Scalpi_. _ ...

MOWING - Yourtrimmer 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 groundas this can scalp the ground and damage the tool.

Mowing I_

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 be- ing swept and move the tool from side

to side.

swo :;

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

CARE & MAINTENANCE TASK

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

Clean unit and labels

Clean air filter Replace spark plug

WHEN TO PERFORM

Before each use Before each use

After each use Every 5 hours of operation Yearly

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

• Assist Handle Screws

• Debris Shield

CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR WORN PARTS

Refer replacement of damaged!worn parts to your Sears Service Center.

• On/Stop Switch - Ensure On/Stop switch functions properly by pressing

and holding the switch in the "Stop"

position. Make sure engine stops; then restart engine and continue.

,, Fuel Tank - Discontinue use of unit if

fuel tank shows signs of damage or

leaks.

• Debris Shield - Discontinue use of unit if debris shield isdamaged.

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

Do not clean filter in gasoline or other flammable solvent to avoid creating a

fire hazard or producing harmful evap- orative emissions.

A dirty air filter decreases engine per- formance and increases fuel consump-

tion and harmful emissions. Always 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,

• Wash the filter in soap and water. = Allow filter to dry.

• Replace parts.

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 RCJ-8Y

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

• Reinstall the spark plug boot.

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