Weed Eater BARRACUDA SV30 Owner’s Manual

Trademark

Operator's Manual

Manual del Operador

Manuel de L'utilisateur

BARRACUDA

IMPORTANT MANUAL - Do not throw away
MANUAL IMPORTANTE - No Io descarte

MANUEL IMPORTANT - A Conserver

warnings and safety instructions. Failure to do so can

WARNING: Read the operator's manual and follow all
result in serious injury. Always wear eye protection.

SV-30

ADVERTENCIA: Lea el manual del operador y siga todas
las advertencias e instrucciones de seguridad. El no
hacerlo puede resultar en lesiones graves.

AVERTISSEMENT: Ure le manuel de I'utilisateur et bien
respecter tousles avertissements et toutes les instructions

de s6curite. Tout defaut de le faire pourrait entra_ner des
blessures graves.

Electrolux Home Products, Augusta, GA 30907
WCI Outdoor Products, Inc. 530087724 7/28/00

nWARNIN_: Failure to follow all

Safety Rules and Precautions can result in
serious injury.
KNOW YOUR UNIT

• Read your Operator's Manual carefully
until you completely understand and can

follow all warnings and safety instructions

before operating the uniL

• Restrict your unit to users who understand
and will follow all warnings and safety in-

structions in this manual.

PLAN AHEAD

• Always w.ear eye protection when operat-
ing, servicing, or performing maintenance

on your unit. Wearing eye protection will

help to prevent rocks or debris from being
blown or ricocheting into eyes and face

which can result in blindness and/or seri-
ous in ury. Eye protection should meet the

requ rements of ANSI Z87.1.

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

working with unit in dusty environments.

i Always wear respirator or face mask when

Secure hair above shoulder length. Secure

or remove ewelry, loose clothing, or clothing
with loosely hanging straps, ties, tassels, etc.

They can be caught _nmoving parts.

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

alcohol, drugs, or medication.

• Keep children, bystanders, and animals
away from work area a minimum of 30 feet
(t0 m) when starting or operating unit. Do
not point the blower nozzle in the direction

of people or pets.

• Inspect the area before starting the unit.
Remove all debris and hard objects such
as rocks, glass, wire, etc. that can rico-

chet, be thrown, or otherwise cause injury
or damage during operation.

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 inan outdoor area; store

fuel in acool, dry, well ventilated place; and

use an approved, marked container for all

fuel purposes.

• Do not smoke while handling fuel or while

operating the unit.

• Make sure the unit is properly assembled

and in good operating condition.

• Do not fill fuel tank while engine is hot or
running.

• Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up fuel spills
before starting engine.

• Move at least t 0 feet (3 meters) away from

fuel and fueling site before starting engine.

• Always store gasoline in a container ap-
proved for flammable liquids.

OPERATE YOUR UNIT SAFELY

_WARNING: Stop the engine before

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 of oil and fuel.

• Never start or run engine inside a closed
room or building. Breathing exhaust fumes

can kill.

• To avoid static electricity shock, do not

wear rubber gloves or any other insulated
gloves while operating the unit.

• Do not set unit on any surface exce£t 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 causing

serious iniury to bystanders or operator.

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

sive vapors or carbon monoxide build up
could be present.

• Do not overreach or use from unstable

surfaces such as ladders, trees, steep
slopes, rooftops, etc. Keep firm footing

and balance at all times.

• Never place obects inside the blower

tubes; aways d rect the blowing debris
away from people, animals, 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 rico-

chet which can hurt people or animals,

break glass, or cause other damage.

• Never run unit without the proper equip-
ment attached. When using your unit as a
blower, always install blower tubes. When
using your unit as avacuum, always install

vacuum tubes and vacuum bag assembly.

Make sure vacuum bag assembly _scom-
pletely zipped.

• Check air intake opening, blower tubes,

vacuum tubes, and elbow tube frequently,
always with the engine stopped and the
spark plug disconnected. Keep vents and
discharge tubes free of debris which can
accumulate and restrict proper air flow.

• Never place any object in the air intake

opening as this could restrict proper air
flow and cause damage to the unit.

• Never use for spreading chemicals, fertil-
izers, or other substances which may con-

tain 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.

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MAINTAIN YOUR UNIT PROPERLY

• Have all maintenance other than the rec-
ommended procedures described in the

Operator's Manual performed by your
Service Dealer.

• Disconnect spark plug before performing

maintenance except for carburetor adjust-
ments.

• Use only recommended WEED EATER

replacement parts; use of any other parts
may void your warranty and cause dam-

age to your unit.

• Empty the fuel tank before storing the unit.

Use up fuel left in carburetor by starting the

engine and letting it run until it stops.

• Do not use any accessory or attachment
other than those recommended by the

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 water heaters, electric

motors or switches, furnaces, etc.

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

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

California(Public Resources Codes 4442
and 4443), Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New

Jersey, Oregon, and Washington: Certain in-
ternal combustion engines operated on for-

est, brush, and/or grass covered land in the
above areas are required to be equipped
with a spark arrestor, maintained in effective

working order, or the engine must be con-
structed, 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 of the law. This
unit is not factory equipped with a spark ar-

restor; however, a spark arrestor is available
as an optional part. If a spark arrestor is re-
quired in your area, contact your Authorized

Service Dealer for the correct kit. The spark
arrestor, blower tubes, and nozzles must be

assembled to the unit to be in full compliance
with the regulations.

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

powered hand tools could cause blood ves-
sel or nerve damage in the fingers, hands,

and joints of people prone to circulation dis-
orders or abnormal swelling. Prolonged use
in cold weather has been linked to blood ves-

sel damage in otherwise healthy people. If
symptoms occur such as numbness, pain,

loss of strength, change in skin color or tex-
ture, or loss of feeling in the fingers, hands, or

joints, discontinue the use of this tool and
seek medical attention. An antivibration sys-
tem 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.

PREPARATION

WARNING: Stop the engine and be

sure the impeller blades have stopped turn-

ing before opening the vacuum inlet door or
attempting to insert or remove the vacuum
tubes. The rotating blades can cause seri-
ous injury.

i_k WARNING: If you receive your unit

assembled, check each step to insure your

unit is properly assembled. Follow all safety

information in the manual and on the unit.

BLOWER TUBE ASSEMBLY

• Assemble the blower tube and nozzle to

the unit (turn clockwise to tighten).

Blower Outlet

Tube

Nozzle

SHOULDER STRAP ASSEMBLY

(for blower use only)

• Pass the shoulder strap over your head

and onto your left shoulder,

• Snap the hook onto the retainer on the top

handle.

_ Retainer

VACUUM BAG ASSEMBLY

• Open the zipper onthe vacuum bag and in-

serf the elbow tube.

• Push the end of the elbow tube with the

grooves through the small bag tube open-

ing. Make sure the bag tube opening is

flush against large raised rib on the tube,

• Close the zipper on the bag, Make sure the

zipper is closed completely and the zipper
seam is tucked toward inside of the bag.

Raised Rib,s.. jBag Tube

Zipper [

Blower

f_--_ Opening

t

-3-

VACUUM TUBE ASSEMBLY

• Remove the blower tube from the engine.

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

• Gently tilt the tip of the screwdriver forward
toward blower outlet while pulling up on the
vacuum inlet cover with your other hand.

• Hold the vacuum inlet cover open until up-

per vacuum tube is installed.

ea _ Blower

• Assemble upper vacuum to unit; turn
clockwise to tighten.

• Align slanted end of lower vacuum tube as

shown. Push lower vacuum tube into up-
per vacuum tube.

• Insert the elbow tube into the blower outlet.

Make sure elbow tube is curved to the left.

• Turn tube counterclockwise to tighten,

Elbow Tube

The Left

Slanted
End

• When converting back to the blower fea-
ture, make sure that the latch on the vacu-

um inlet cover is securely fastened,

SHOULDER STRAP ADJUSTMENT
(for vacuum bag)

• Hold the unit as shown below.

• Pass the shoulder strap over your head
and onto your left shoulder.

• Snap the hook onto the retainer on the top

handle.

• Extend your right arm toward the rear of
the vacuum bag.

• Adjust shoulder strap until the vacuum

bag/shoulder strap seam lies between

your thumb and index finger.

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

not operate properly.

/,_ Outlet

_atch Area

[__'_ inlet

_,_,_-- Cover__--

Vacuum

Vacuum Inlet

YOU MUST make sure the tubes are secure

before using the unit.

Eye

BLOWER VACUUM

OPERATING TIPS

• To reduce the risk of hearing loss associat-
ed with sound level(s), hearing 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 guards in place.

• Operate power equipment only at reason-
able hours - not early in the morning or late
at night when people might be disturbed.
Comply with times listed in local ordi-

nances. Usual recommendations are 9:00

a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Satur-
day.

• To reduce noise levels, limit the number of

pieces of equilgment used at any one time.

• To reduce noise levels, operate power

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 sur-
faces or use a mister attachment when

water is available,

• Conserve water by using power blowers

instead of hoses for many lawn and gar-

den applications, including areas such as

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gutters, screens, patios, grills, porches,

and gardens.

• Watch out for children, pets, open win-
dows, 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 equipment,

CLEAN UP! Dispose of debris in trash re-

ceptacles.

Throttle
Trigger

Throttle

I Look

This engine is certified to operate on un-
leaded gasoline. Gasoline must be mixed

with a good quality 2-cycle air-cooled engine
oil designed to be mixed at a ratio of 40:1.
Poulan/Weed Eater brand oil is recom-

mended. (A 40:1 ratio is obtained by mixing

3.2 ounces of oil with 1 gallon of unleaded

gasoline). When mixing fuel follow the
instructions printed on the container. Always

read and follow safety rules under HANDLE
FUEL WITH CAUTION in the SAFETY

RULES section.

TO STOP THE ENGINE:

• Tostop engine, moveswitch to STOP.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE:

• Fuel the 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 di-
rected away from people, animals, glass,

and solid objects.

STARTING POSITION

BLOWER VACUUM

nWARNING: 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 engine 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,
damaging the unit or property, or causing se-

rious injury to bystanders or the operator.

(shown in HALF CHOKE position)

STARTING A COLD ENGINE (or a
warm engine after running out of

fuel):

• Move switch to the ON position.

• Activate the throttle lock as follows:

• squeeze and hold throttle trigger;

• press and hold throttle look, then

• release the throttle trigger

• Move choke to FULL CHOKE position.

• Pull starter rope handle sharply until en-
gine attempts to run. but NO MORE THAN6

PULLS.

LISTEN: The engine may sound as if it is

trying to start before the 6th pull. This
sound may be hard to hear. If so, go to the

next step immediately.

• Move choke to HALF CHOKE position.

• Pull starter rope handle sharply until en-
gine runs, but no more than 6 pulls.

NOTE: If engine has not started after 6
pulls, repeat all of the above steps.

• Allow engine to run for 10 to 15 seconds,
then move choke to OFF CHOKE position.

• Squeeze and release the throttle trigger to

release the throttle lock.

NOTE: If engine dies with choke at OFF

CHOKE position, move the choke to the HALF
CHOKE position and pull the starter rope han-

dle 5 more times. If engine does not start and
operate properly, refer to CARBURETOR AD-
JUSTMENTS.

• TO stop engine, move switch to STOE

STARTING A WARM ENGINE:

• Move switch to the ON position.

• Move choke to HALF CHOKE position.

• Activate the throttle lock.

• Pull starter rope handle sharply until en-
gine runs, but no more than 6 pulls.

• Move choke to OFF CHOKEposition. Then,
squeeze and release the throttle trigger to

release the throttle lock.

NOTE: If engine does not run after 5 pulls, it
is probably flooded. Wait a few minutes and

repeat procedure with choke at OFF CHOKE.

• TO stop engine, move switch to STOP.

-5-

cated task. We recommend that you take
your unit to an Authorized Service Dealer.

Damage will occur ifyou turn the needles be-

We recommend all service and adjustments
not listed in this manual be performed by an

Authorized Service Dealer.

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS
Your carburetor is equipped with limiter

caps. Carburetor adjustment is a compli-

yond the limiter stops.

SPARK PLUG

Replace spark plug yearly using a Champion
RCJ-8Y spark plug. Spark plug gap is .025".

IGNITION TIMING
Ignition timing is fixed, nonadjustable.

TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE

WARNING: Always stop unit and disconnect spark plug before performing any of the

recommended remedies below other than remedies that require operation of the unit.

TROUBLE CAUSE REMEDY

Engine will not • Engine flooded.
start. Fuel tank empty. : See "Starting Instructions."

Engine will not • Carburetor requires adjustmenl • See "Carburetor Adjustments."
idle properly. • Crankshaft seals worn. • Contact Authorized Service Dealer

Engine will not • Air filter dirty. • Clean or replace air filter.
accelerate, • Spark plug fouled. • Clean or replace spark plug; re-ga[

lacks power, or " Carburetor requires adjustmenl • See "Carburetor Adjustments."
dies under a • Carbon build up. • Contact Authorized Service Dealer

load. • Compression low. • Contact Authorized Service Dealer
Engine : Choke partially on.

smokes Fuel mixture incorrect.
excessively.

Engine
runs hot.

Need Assistance? Call 1-800-554-6723,
Need a Service Part? Contact your dealer.

ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, Divi-

sion WCI Outdoor Products, Inc., warrants
to the original purchaser that each new

Weed Eater brand gasoline tool or attach-
ment is free from defects in material and

workmanship and agrees to repair or replace
under this warranty any defective gasoline

product or attachment as follows from the
original date of purchase.

2 YEARS - Parts and Labor, when used for
household purposes.

60 DAYS - Parts and Labor, when used for
commercial, professional, or income pro-

ducing purposes.

• Fill tank with correct fuel mixture.
Spark plug not firing. Install new spark plug.

Fuel not reaching carburetor. : Check for dirty fuel filter; replace.

Check for kinked or split fuel line;

• Compression low. • Contact Authorized Service Dealer

• Compression low. • Contact Authorized Service Dealer

• Air filter dirty.

• Carburetor requires adjustmenl

• Fuel mixture incorrect.

• Spark plug incorrect.

• Carburetor requires adjustmenl

• Carbon build up.

repair or replace.

• Adjust choke.

• 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 Authorized Service Dealer

30 DAYS - Parts and Labor, if used for rental

purposes.

This warranty is not transferable and does

not cover damage or liability caused by im-
proper handling, improper maintenance, or

the use of accessories and/or attachments

not specifically recommended by ELEC-

TROLUX HOME PRODUCTS for this tool.
Additionally, this warranty does not cover
tune-ups, spark plugs, filters, starter ropes,

starter springs, cuthng line, or rotating head

parts that will wear and require replacement

with reasonable use during the warranty pe-

riod. This warranty does not cover predeliv-
ery setup or normal adjustments explained in
the operator's manual.

THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC

LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY HAVE
OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM
STATE TO STATE.

NO CLAIMS FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR
OTHER DAMAGES WILL BE ALLOWED,
AND THERE ARE NO OTHER EXPRESS

-6-

WARRANTIES EXCEPT THOSE EX-
PRESSLY STIPULATED HEREIN.

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITA-
TIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WAR-

RANTY LASTS OR THE EXCLUSION OR
LIMITATIONS OF INCIDENTAL OR CON-
SEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE
ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION
MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS' policy
is to continuously improve its products.

Therefore, ELECTROLUX HOME PRO-
DUCTS reserves the right to change, mod-

ify, or discontinue models, designs, specifi-
cations, and accessories of all products at
any time without notice or obligation to any
purchaser.

YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OB-
LIGATIONS: The U. S. Environmental

Protection Agency and POULAN/WEED
EATER, DIVISION OF WCI OUTDOOR
PRODUCTS are pleased to explain the
emissions control system warranty on your
lawn and garden equipment engine. All new
utility and lawn and garden equipment en-
gines must be designed, built, and equipped
to meet the stringent anti-smog standards.

POULAN/WEED EATER 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
abuse, neglect, or improper maintenance of
your lawn and garden equipment engine.
Your emission control system includes parts
such as the carburetor and the ignition sys-

tem. Where a warrantable condition exits,
POULAN/WEED EATER will repair your

lawn and garden equipment engine at no
cost to you. Expenses covered under war-
ranty include diagnosis, parts and labor.

MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY COV-
ERAGE: If any emissions related part on

your engine (as listed under Emissions Con-
trol Warranty Parts List) is defective or a de-

fect in the materials or workmanship of the
engine causes the failure of such an emis-
sion related part, the part will be repaired or

replaced by POULAN/WEED EATER.

OWNER'S WARRANTY RESPONSIBILI-
TIES: As the lawn and garden equipment en-

gine owner, you are responsible for the per-
formance of the required maintenance listed

in your Owner's Manual. POULAN/WEED
EATER recommends that you retain all re-
ceipts covering maintenance on your lawn
and garden equipment engine, but POU-
LANHVEED EATER cannot deny warranty
solely for the lack of receipts or for your fail-
ure to ensure the performance of all sched-
uled maintenance. As the lawn and garden
equipment engine owner, you should be

aware that POULAN/WEED EATER may
deny you warranty coverage if your lawn and
garden equipment engine or a part of it has
failed due to abuse, neglect, improper main-

tenance, unapproved modifications, 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 POULAN/
WEED EATER authorized repair center as

soon as a problem 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 con-

tact your nearest authorized service center
or call POULAN/WEED EATER at

1-800-554-6723. WARRANTY COM-
MENCEMENT DATE: The warranty period

begins on the date the lawn and garden

equipment engine is purchased. LENGTH
OF COVERAGE: This warranty shall be for

a period of two years from the initial date of

purchase. WHAT IS COVERED: REPAIR

OR REPLACEMENT OF PARTS. Repair or

replacement of any warranted part will be

performed at no charge to the owner at an

approved POULAN/WEED EATER servic-

ingcenter. If you have any questions regard-
ing your warranty rights and responsibilities,

you should contact your nearest authorized
service center or call POULAN/WEED EAT-

ER at 1-800-554-6723 WARRANTY PE-
RIOD: Any warranted part which is not

scheduled for replacement as required

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 sched-

uled for replacement as required mainte-
nance shall be warranted for the period of

time up to the first scheduled replacement

point for that part. DIAGNOSIS: The owner

shall not be charged for diagnostic labor
which leads to the determination that a war-

ranted part is defective if the diagnostic work
is performed at an approved POULAN/

WEED EATER servicing center. CONSE-
QUENTIAL DAMAGES: POULAN/WEED

EATER 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 covered. ADD-ON OR MODIFIED

PARTS: The use of add-on or modified parts
can be grounds for disallowing a warranty

claim. POULAN/WEED EATER is not liable to
cover failures of warranted parts caused by

the use of add-on or modified parts. HOW
TO FILE A CLAIM: If you have any ques-
tions regarding your warranty rights and re-
sponsibilities, you should contact your near-

est authorized service center or call POU-

LAN/WEED EATER at 1-800-554-6723.

WHERE TO GET WARRANTY SERVICE:
Warranty services or repairs shall be provided

-7-

at all POULAN/WEED EATER service cen-
ters, call: 1-800-554-6723 MAINTENANCE,

REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR OF EMIS-
SION RELATED PARTS: Any POULAN/

WEED EATER approved replacement part
used in the performance of any warranty
maintenance or repair on emission related
parts will be provided without charge to the

owner if the part is under warranty. EMIS-

SION CONTROL WARRANTY PARTS

LIST: Carburetor, Ignition System: Spark

Plug (covered upto maintenance schedule,

Ignition Module. MAINTENANCE STATE-

MENT: The owner is responsible for the per-
formance of all required maintenance as de-

fined in the owner's manual,

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