Craftsman 536.88521 User Manual

5.0 Horsepower
21 Inch Single Stage

Auger Propelled

SNOW THROWER
Electric Start

MODEL NO.

536.885210

Caution:
Read and follow all Safety

Rules and Operating
Instructions before first use

of this product,

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

761893 07/27/98

Table of Contents 2

Warranty 2
Safety Rules. 2-4
Contents of Shipping Carton 4
Assembly 5

Operation 6-10

Maintenance f 1

Service and Adjustments 12-15
Storage 16

Troubleshooting 17

Snow Repair Parts ' 18-24

Engine Repair Parts 25-29
Spanish(Espa=5ol) 30-46

Parts Ordering/Service Back Cover

LIMITED TWO-YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN SNOW THROWER

For two years from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman Snow Thrower is main-

tained, lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instruc-
tions in the owner's manual, Craftsman will repair, free of charge, any defect in mate-

rial or workmanship.
If this Craftsman Snow Thrower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this war-

ranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.

This warranty does not cover the following:

• Items which become worn during normal use, such as spark plugs, drive belts and
shear pins.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crank
shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con-

tained in the owner's manual.

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN SNOW
THROWER TO THE NEAREST CRAFTSMAN SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN

THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE THIS PRODUCT

IS IN USE IN THE UNITED STATES.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
may vary from state to state.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., D817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means--

,,,k

N CAUTION: Always turn key to OFF

position and remove key to prevent

accidental starting when setting-up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

IMPORTANT: Safety standards require
operator presence controls to minimize the

risk of injury. Your snow thrower is
equipped with such controls. Do not attempt
to defeat the function of the operator

_resence control under any circumstances,

ATTENTION!!! Become alertJI Your safety is involved.

_ California Proposition 65

WARNING: The

engine exhaustfrom this product

contains chemicals known to the

State of California to cause cancer

birth defects or other reproductive

harm.

BEFORE USE

• Read the owner's manual carefully. Be
thoroughly familiar with the controls and

the proper use of the snow thrower. Know

how to stop the snow thrower and
disengage the controls quickly.

• Do not operate the snow thrower without

wearing adequate outer garments. Wear
footwear that will improve footing on
slippery surfaces.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all

persons, particularly small children and
pets.

• Thoroughly inspect the area where the

snow thrower is to be used and remove
all foreign objects.

• Use extension cords and receptacles as
specified by the manufacturer for all snow

throwers with electric drive motors or with
factory-installed or optional starting

motors.

• Use only attachments and accessories
approved by the manufacturer of the

snow thrower (such as e|ectric starter kits,

etc.).

• Never operate the Snow thrower without

good visibility or light. Always be sure of
your footing, and keep a firm hold on the

handles. Walk; never run.

• This snow thrower isfor use on side-

walks, driveways, and other ground level

surfaces. CAUTION: should be exercised
while using on steep sloping surfaces. DO

NOT USE SNOW THROWER ON
SURFACES ABOVE GROUND LEVEL

such as roofs of residences, garages,
porches or other such structures or

buildings.

• Check all bolts at frequent intervals for
proper tightness to be sure the snow

thrower is in safe working condition.

• Disengage clutch before starting the
engine.

• Let engine and snow thrower adjust to
outdoor temperatures before starting to
clear snow.

FUEL SAFETY

• Handle fuel with care; it is highly flam-

mable.

• Use an approved container.

• Check fuel supply before each use,

allowing space for expansion as the heat
of the engine and/or sun can cause fuel to

expand.

• Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care.
Never fill fuel tank indoors. Replace fuel

tank cap securely and wipe up spilled

fuel.

• Never remove the fuel tank cap or add
fuel to a running or hot engine.

• Never store fuel or snow thrower with fuel
in the tank inside a building where fumes

may reach an open flame.

OPERATING SAFETY

• Never allow children or young teenagers

to operate the snow thrower. Keep them
away while it is operating. Never allow

adults to operate the snow thrower
without proper instruction.

• Do not operate this machine if you are

taking drugs or other medication which
can cause drowsiness or affect your

ability to operate this machine.

• Do not use this machine if you are
mentally or physically unable to operate
this machine safely.

• Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields during operation or while perform-

ing an adjustment or repair to protect
eyes from foreign objects that may be

thrown from the snow thrower.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge

opening at all times.

• Exercise extreme caution to avoid
or falling, especially when operating in

reverse or backing up.

• Do not clear snow across the face of

slopes. Excercise caultion when changing
direction on slopes..Do not attempt to
clear steep slopes.

• Never operate the snow thrower without

proper guards, plates, or other safety
protective devices in place.

• Never operate the snow thrower near

glass enclosures, automobiles, window
wells, drop-offs, and the like without

proper adjustment of the snow discharge
angle. Keep children and pets away.

• Never operate the snow thrower at high
transport speeds on slippery surfaces.

Look behind and use care when backing.

• Never direct discharge at bystanders or
allow anyone infront of the snow thrower.

• Do not run the engine indoors, except
when starting the engine and for trans-

porting the snow thrower in or out of the

building. Open the outside doors; exhaust

fumes are dangerous, containing CAR-

BON MONOXIDE, an ODORLESS and
DEADLY GAS.

• Take all possible precautions when
leaving the snow thrower unattended.

Disengage the auger/impeller, stop

engine, and remove key.

• Do not overload the machine capacity by

attempting to clear snow at too fast a rate.

SAFE STORAGE

• Always refer to the owner's manual

instructions for important details ifthe
snow thrower is to be stored for an

extended period.

• Disengage power to the auger/impeller
when snow thrower is transported or not

in use.

• Never store the snow thrower with fuel in

the fuel tank inside a building where
ignition sources are present such as water

and space heaters, clothes dryers, and
the like. Allow the engine to cool before
storing in any enclosure.

REPAIR/ADJUSTMENTSSAFETY

• Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe

engine (motor). Turn key to OFF position

and remove key to prevent accidental
starting. Thoroughly inspect the

snowthrower for any damage, and repair

the damage before restarting and
operating it.

• If snow thrower should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop engine (motor) and

check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of

trouble.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you
leave the operating position. Also, turn
key to OFF position and remove key

before unclogging the auger/impeller
housing or discharge chute, and when
making any repairs, adjustments, or

inspections. Remove wire from spark

plug to prevent accidental starting.

• When cleaning, repairing, or inspecting,

make certain the auger/impeller and all
moving parts have stopped.Turn key to
OFF position and remove key to prevent

accidental starting.

• Never attempt to make any adjustments
while the engine is running except when

specifically recommended by the
manufacturer.

• Maintain or replace safety and instruction

labels, as necessary.

• Run the snow thrower a few minutes after

throwing snow to prevent freeze-up of the
auger/impeller.

Z_ WARNING: This unit is equipped with

an internal combustion engine and should
not be used on or near any unimproved for-
est-covered, brush-covered or grass-cov-

ered land unless the engine's exhaust sys-
tem is equipped with a spark arrester meet-

ing applicable local or state laws (if any). If a

spark arrester is used, it should be main-

tained in effective working order by the op-
erator.

In the state of California the spark arrester is
required by law (Section 4442 of the Califor-

nia Public Resources Code). Other states

may have similar laws. Federal laws apply

on federal lands. A spark arresterimuffler is

available through your nearest Craftsman

Authorized Service Center (See ENGINE

REPAIR PARTS section in this manual).

Contents of Parts Bag

1 - 3.2 ounce container

Craftsman 2-cycle oil

1 - Owner's Manual (not shown)
1 -Warranty Card (not shown)

1 - Parts Bag (not shown)

1 - 10 ft. Electric Cord

CAUTION" Always wear safety

glasses or eye shields while assembling
snow thrower.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

1 - Knife to cut carton

The figure to the right shows the snow
thrower completely assembled.

References to the right or left hand side
of the snow thrower are from the viewpoint

of the operator's position behind the unit.
TO REMOVE SNOW THROWER

FROM CARTON

• Locate and remove container of Crafts-
man 2-cycle oil.

• Remove the inserts positioned around the

unit and the packing material.

• Cut down all four corners and lay the
panel down flat.

• Remove and discard bottom packaging.

• Pull snow thrower out of the carton.

TO ASSEMBLE THE SNOW
THROWER

• Remove wrap on upper handle and along

the side of both handles.Discard wrap.

• Unfold upper handle to remove
packaging on the control panel and

discard.

• Loosen the tee knobs on each side of the
upper handle.

• Raise the upper handle to the operating
position.

NOTE: Make sure the cable is not caught

between the upper and lower handle.

• Check to be sure the clutch cable is not

caught in the handle.

• Tighten tee knobs.

Chute Deflector

CHECKLIST

Before you operate your new snow thrower,

to ensure that you receive the best perfor-

mance and satisfaction from this quality
product, please review the following

checklist:
_/ All assembly instructions have been

completed.

The discharge chute rotates freely.

No remaining loose parts in carton.

While learning how to use your snow
thrower, pay extra attention to the following

important items:

_/_/ Make sure gas tank is filled with the

40:1 ratio mixture of gasoline and oil.

_/_/ Become familiar with all controls-their

location and function. Operate controls
before starting engine.

Au

Chute Control Rod

Operatin i Position

\

Tee Knob

KNOW YOURSNOW THROWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

SNOW THROWER. Compare the illustrations with your SNOW THROWER to familiarize
yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future

reference.

Etecric Ignition Off Ignition On

Start

Auger Control

Chute Control

LowerHandle

Chute Deflector

Discharge.,

Chute

Spark Plug

Oil/Fuel Mixture

Primer Button

AugG

Auger Housing

Auger Control Bar - Starts and stops the
auger which propels the snow thrower.

Chute Control Rod - Changes the direc-
tion of snow discharge.

Chute Deflector - Changes the distance
the snow is thrown.

Discharge Chute - Changes the direction

the snow isthrown.

Ignition Switch Key - Must be inserted
and turned to the ON position to start the

engine.

Choke Control - Used to start a cold en-

gine.

Choke

Primer Button - Injects fuel directly into the

carburetor manifold for fast starts in cold

weather,
Recoil Starter Handle - Starts the engine

manually. ,
Spark Plug Access Panel - Aides in spark

plug removal.

Electric Starter Button - Used to start the

engine using the 120V electric starter.

!lectric Starter

Button

HOW TO USE YOUR
SNOW THROWER

TO STOP YOUR SNOW THROWER

• To stop the auger, release the auger
control bar.

NOTE: If the auger continues to creep, refer
(To Adjust Auger Control Cable paragraph on

page 11).

• To stop the engine, turn key to the OFF

position.

TO CONTROL SNOW DISCHARGE

• Turn the chute control rod to set the

direction of the snow throwing.

• Loosen the tee knob on the chute

deflector and move the deflector to set
the distance. Move the deflector (UP) for

more distance, (DOWN) for less distance.
Then tighten the tee knob (See figure
below).

Tee Knob

A

Z_ CAUTION: Read owner's manual

before operating machine. Never direct

discharge toward bystanders. Release the

auger control bar and stop the engine
before unclogging discharge chute or auger
housing and before leaving the machine.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or

those using ethanol or methanol) can
attract moisture whic h leads to separation

and formation of acids during storage.
Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of
an engine while in storage. To avoid engine

problems, the fuel system should be

emptied before storage for 30 days or

longer. Start engine and let it run until fuel
lines and carburetor are empty. Use

carburetor bowl drain to empty residual

gasoline from float chamber (See figure in
Storage section, page 16). Use fresh fuel

next season. (See Storage Instructions on
page 16 for additional information).

Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.

TO USE AUGER PROPEL ACTION

• Squeeze the auger control bar down
against the upper handle to allow the

auger to turn.

• To propel forward, raise the handle to
allow the rubber auger blades to contact
the ground (See figure below).

Normal

Auger Propelled Operating

Position Position

FILL GAS

NOTICE: ENGINES WHICH ARE CERTI-

FIED TO COMPLY WITH CALIFORNIA

AND US EPA EMISSION REGULATIONS

FOR ULGE ENGINES: Are certified to

operate on regular unleaded gasoline.

Include the following emisssion control

system(s): EM, TWC (if so equipped).

Include any user adjustable features -

therefore no other adustments are

needed.The two cycle engine used on this

snow thrower requires a mixture of gasoline

and oil for lubrication of the bearings and
other moving parts. The correct fuel mixture
ratio is 40:1 (3.2 oz. oil per gallon of gas -

see Fuel Mixture Chart). Gasoline and oil

must be pre-mixed in a clean gasoline

container. Always use fresh, clean, un-

leaded gasoline.

FUEL MIX CHART (Mixture 40:1)

lu.s. I IMPERZAL s.I. (METRIC)I

o,sro,,-p,sro,,.o,sio,,i

RubberAuger

Blades

'°a't °'t"°°"l3.,o..,,,r. too,,,,.I

DO NOT FILL THE FUEL TANK WITH GASOLINE THAT DOES NOT HAVE OIL MIXED IN IT.

THE FUEL TANK.

OII

(1/2 cup or 3.2 oz.)

1 U,S. gallon container

GASOLINE AND OIL MIXTURE

Mix gasoline and oil as follows:

• Pour I U.S. quart of fresh, clean,
unleaded automotive gasoline to a gallon

gasoline container.

• Add 3.2 oz of clean, high quality, Crafts-

man two-cycle oil into the gasoline

Shake Can

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop the engine, turn the key to OFF

and remove key. Keep key in a safe
place. The engine will not start without the

key. See figure on next page.

TO START ENGINE (ELECTRIC

START)

container (One 3.2 ounces of oil pro-
vided).

IMPORTANT: Do not use outboard motor
oil or automobile oils, such as SAE 30 oil,

or multi-viscosity oils, such as 10W-30 or

10W-40.

• Reinstall the cap on the gasoline con-
tainer and shake container vigorously so
the oil mixes with the gasoline

• Add an additional 3 U.S. quarts of

gasoline to the gallon container and
shake the container again.

WARNING: Gasoline is flammable and

caution must be used when handling or

storing it. Do not fill fuel tank while snow

thrower is running, hot, or when snow

thrower is in an enclosed area. Keep away

from open flame, electrical spark, and do

not smoke while filling the fuel tank. Never

fill fuel tank completely; but fillthe tank to

The snow thrower engine is equipped with a

120 volt AC electric starter and recoil starter.
Before starting the engine, be certain that

you have read the following information:

COLD START

• Insert the key and turn ON.

• Move the choke control to the FULL

position.

• Connect the power cord to the switch box

on the snow thrower.

• Plug the other end of the power cord into
a three hole, grounded 120 volt AC
receptacle.

• Push the primer button while covering the
vent holes as follows: (Remove finger

from primer button between primes).
Do not prime if temperature is above

50°F.

within 1/4-1/2 inch from the top to provide
space for expansion of fuel. Always fill fuel
tank outdoors and use a funnel or spout to

prevent spilling. Make sure to wipe up any
spilled fuel before starting the engine. Store

gasoline in a clean, approved container, and
keep the cap in place on the container.

Keep gasoline in a cool, well ventilated
place; never inthe house. Never buy more
than a 30 day supply of gasoline to ensure
volatility. Gasoline is intended to be used as
a fuel for internal combustion engines;
therefore, do not use gasoline for any other

purpose. Since many children like the smell
of gasoline, keep itout of their reach

because the fumes are dangerous to inhale,
as well as being explosive.

Two times iftemperature is 50 ° F to 15°F.

Four times iftemperature is below 15°F.

• Push down on the starter button until the
engine starts. Do not crank for more than

10 seconBs at a time. This electric starter
is thermally protected. If overheated it will

stop automatically and can be restarted
only when it has cooled to a safe tempera-

ture (a wait of about 5 to 10 minutes is

required.

• Disconnect the power cord from the

receptacle first and then from the switch

box on the snow thrower.

8

• As engine warms up and begins to

operate evenly, move the choke control
slowly to the OFF position. If the engine

falters, turn to 1/2 choke until it runs
smoothly, then move to OFF position.

NOTE: Allow the engine.to warm up for a
few minutes before using snow thrower, as
the engine will not develop full power until it

reaches operating temperature.

WARM START

• Be sure the choke is in the OFF posi-
tion and pull the starter handle until the

engine starts.

• Do not prime a warm engine. If the en-

gine fails to start, follow the Cold En-
gine Start instructions on page 8.

Recoil Starter

Primer Button Handle

o o

Choke Control Electric Start

Switch Box Button

Z_ CAUTION: This starter is equipped to
operate on 120 volt AC household current.

Follow all instructions carefully as set forth
in the "To Start Engine" section. When

connecting 120 volt AC power cord, always
connect the cord to the switch box on the

engine first, then plug the other end into the

household receptacle. When disconnecting

the 120 volt AC power cord, always unplug
from the household receptacle first.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop the engine, turn the key to OFF
and remove key. Keep key in a safe

place. The engine will not start without the
key. See figure above.

TO START ENGINE (RECOIL START)

Before starting the engine, be certain that

you have read and understood all the

instructions on the preceding pages.

COLD START

• Insert the key and turn ON.

• Move the choke control to the FULL
position.

• Push the primer button while covering the
vent holes as follows: (Remove finger
from primer button between primes).

One time if temperature is above 50°F.
Two times if temperature is 50 ° F to 15°F.

Four times if temperature is below 15°F.

• Pull the starter handle with a smooth rapid
movement. Do not allow the starter rope

to snap back. Rewind smoothly while

holding the starter handle. If the engine

fires but does not start, pull the starter

handle until the engine starts.

• Afterthree pulls, repeat the priming and

pulling steps again.

• As engine starts warms up move choke
lever to "1/2 choke" position. When

engine runs smoothly, move choke lever
to "No Choke" Position

NOTE: Allow the engine to warm up for
several minutes before blowing snow in
temperatures below 0°F.

WARM START

• Be sure the choke is in the OFF posi-
tion and pull the starter handle until the

engine starts.

• Do not prime a warm engine. If the en-

gine fails to start, follow the Cold En-
gine Start instructions on page 8.

/_ CAUTION: Never run engine indoors
or in enclosed, poody ventilated areas.

Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide,

an odorless and a deadly gas. Always stand
behind snow thrower(operator's position)

when starting engine. Do not put hands,
feet, hair or loose clothing in or near the
discharge chute deflector or auger housing
while the engine is running. The tempera-
ture of the muffler and neaby areas may

exceed 150 ° _; avoid these areas also.

,&
LL_ WARNING: Objects such as gravel,

rocks or other debris, if struck by the auger,
may be thrown with sufficient force to cause

personal injury or property damage.

We recommend standard safety glasses or
Wide Vision Safety Mask for over your
glasses.