Craftsman 358.798940 User manual

Operator's
®
RRFT$1VIRN
26cc 2-Cycle
GASOLINE BLOWER
Manual
Model No.
358.798940
9
ii
WARNING' I
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
530-084330 04/11/96

Warranty Statement 2 Storage 9
Safety Rules 2 Troubleshooting Chart 10
Assembly 4
Operation 5 Parts List 11
Maintenance 7 Spanish 15
Service & Adjustments 8 Parts Ordering Back Cover
FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN® GAS BLOWER
For one (!) year from the date of purchase, when this Gas Blower is maintained,
lubricated and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions
in the owner's manual, Sears witl repair, free of charge, any defect in materials or
workmanship.
This warranty excludes blower tubes, spark plug, and air cleaner, which are ex-
pendable parts and become worn during normal use.
If this Blower is used for commercial purposes, this warranty applies for only 90
days from the date of purchase. If this Blower is used for rental purposes, this
warranty applies for only 30 days from the date of purchase. This warranty ap-
plies only while this product is in use in the United States.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE BLOWER TO "THE
NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER IN THE UNITED ST_.TES.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co. Dept. 13/81TWA Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Faiiu reto follow all Safety Rules and Pre-
cautions carl result in serious injury.
KNOW YOUR UNIT
• Read your Operator's Manual care-
fully until you completely understand
and can follow all warnings and
safety rules before operating the unit.
,, Restrict unit to users who understand
and witl follow all warnings and safety
rules in this manual.
PLAN AHEAD
o Always wear eye protection when op-
erating, servicing, or peffom'ting 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.
=Always wear respirator or face mask
when working with unit in dusty envi-
ronments.
2
° Secure hair above shoulder length.
Secure or remove jewelry, loose
clothing, or clothing with loosely
hanging straps, ties, tassels, etc.
They car] be caught in moving parts.
, Do not operate unit when you are tired,
ill, upset, or if you are under the influ-
ence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
• Keep children, bystanders, and ani-
mals away from work area a mini-
mum of 50 feet (15 m) when starting
or operating unit.
° Inspect tile area before starting the
unit. Remove all debris and hard ob-
jects such as rocks, glass, wire, etc.
that can ricochet, be thrown, or other-
wise cause injury or damage during
operation°
HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION
°Eliminate all sources of sparks or
flame (including smoking, open
flames, or work that can cause

sparks)intheareaswherefuelis
mixed,poured,orstored.
oMixandpourfuelin anoutdoorarea;
storefuelin acool,dry,wellventilated
place;useanapproved,markedcon-
tainerforallfuelpurposes.
• Donotsmokewhilehandlingfuelor
whileoperatingtheunit.
°Do not fill fuel tank while engine is
running.
° Wipe up fuel spills before starting en-
gine.
• Move at least 10 feet (3 meters)
away from fuel and fueling site before
starting engine.
OPERATE YoUR UNIT SAFELY
°inspect unit before each use for
worn, loose, missing, or damaged
part& Do not use until unit is in
proper working order.
• Keep outside surfaces free of oil and
fuel.
oNever 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 unit.
oDo not set unit on any surface except
a clean, hard area while engine is
running. Debris such as gravel, sand,
dust, grass, etCo could be picked up
by the air intake and thrown out
through discharge opening, damag-
ing unit, property, or causing 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 blowing de-
bris 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 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.
• Check air intake opening, and blower
tubes, frequently, always with engine
stopped and spark plug discon-
nected_ Keep vents and discharge
tubes free of debris which can accu-
mulate and restrict proper air flowo
° Never place any object in the air in-
take 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, etco
• Use only for jobs explained in this
manual.
MAINTAIN YOUR UNIT PROPERLY
°Have all maintenance other than the
recommended procedures described
in the Operator's Manual performed
by Sears Service°
o Disconnect spark plug before per-
forming maintenance except for car-
buretor adjustment&
° Use only recommended CRAFTS-
MANe replacement parts; use of any
other parts may void your warranty
and cause damage 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 attach-
ment 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
hot 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, in-
cluding California(Public Resources
Codes 4442 and 4443), Idaho, Maine,
Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, and
Washington: Certain internal combus-
tion engines operated on forest, brush,
and/or grass covered land in the above
areas are required to be equipped with
a spark arrestor, maintained in effective
3

working order, or the engine must be
constructed, equipped, and maintained
for the prevention of fire° Check with
your state or local authorities for regu-
lations pertaining to these require-
ments. Failure to follow these require-
ments 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 required in your area, con-
tact Sears Service for the correct kit.
The spark arrestor, blower tubes, and
nozzles must be assembled to unit to
be in full compliance with regulations.
SPECIAL NOTICE: Exposure to vibra-
tions through prolonged use of gaso-
line powered hand tools could cause
blood vessel or nerve damage in the
fingers, hands, and joints of people
prone to circulation disorders or abnor-
mal 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 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 guaran-
tee the avoidance of these problems.
Users who operate power tools on a
continual and regular basis must moni-
tor closely their physical condition and
the condition of this tool.
CARTON CONTENTS
Check carton contents against the fol-
lowing listo
Model 358.798940
•Blower
oBlower tube
• Nozzle
°Container of oil
NOTE: It is normal for the fuel filter to
rattle in the empty fuel tank,
ASSEMBLY
WARNING: If received assembled,
repeat all steps to ensure your' unit is
properly assembled and all fasteners
are secure.
•No tools are required for assembly.
BLOWER TUBE
,, Assemble the blower tube and nozzle
to the unit (turn clockwise to tighten).
Grooves
4

KNOW YOUR GAS BLOWER
READ THIS OPERATOR'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERAT-
ING YOUR UNIT. Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself
with the location of the various controls and adjustment& Save this manual for
future reference.
Top Handle ---_...j..
Nozzle Throttle/Choke Knob Fuel Cap
Spark Plug -Engine Stop Button
,,dr---Starter Rope
Blower Tube
ENGINE STOP BUTTON
The engine stop button is used to stop
the engine_ To STOP the engine,
press and hold the button in the STOP
position.
PRIMER BULB
The primer bulb removes air from the
fuel lines and fills them with fuel. This
allows you to start the engine with few-
er pulls on the starter rope. Activate the
primer bulb by pressing it and allowing
it to return to its original form.
CHOKE
The choke helps to supply fuel to the
carburetor during starting. This allows
you to start a cold engine. Activate the
choke by moving the choke lever to the
Full or Half position° After the engine
has started, move the choke lever to
the Full Throttle position.
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
uniL Call !-800-235-587&
FUELING ENGINE
This engine is certified to operate on
unleaded gasoline. Before operation,
gasoline must be mixed with a good
quality 2-cycte air-cooled engine oil.
We recommend Craftsman brand oil.
Mix gasoline and oil at a ratio of 40: I
(A 40:1 ratio is obtained by mixing 32
ounces of oil with 1 gallon of unleaded
gasoline). DO NOT USE automotive oil
or boat oil. These oils will cause engine
Rear Handle
damage. When mixing fuel, follow
instructions printed on container.
Once oil is added to gasoline, shake
container momentarily to assure that
the fuel 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-
ture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage° Acid-
ic gas can damage the fuel system 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 cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
See the STORAGE section for additional
information.
Blower
Eye
Protection
5

STOPPING YOUR ENGINE
,, Press and hold the Engine Stop But-
ton in the STOP position_
• If engine does not stop, move the
choke to the Full position.
STARTING YOUR ENGINE
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
You MUST make sure the tubes are se-
cure before using the unit.
° Fuel engine. Move at least I0 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.
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 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 caus-
ing sedous injury to bystanders or the
operator°
Primer
Bulb
Throttle Choke
Engine stop Button t
STARTING A COLD ENGINE OR A
WARM ENGINE AFTER RUNNING
OUT OF FUEL
°Move choke to FULL position_
° Press primer bulb 6 times.
°Pull starter rope sharply until engine
attempts to run, but no more than 8
pulls on full choke.
NOTE: If the engine sounds as if it is
trying to start before the 8th pull, go
to the next step.
• Move choke to HALF position.
° Pull starter rope sharply until engine
runs, but no more than 5 pulls.
NOTE: If engine has not started after 5
pulls, repeat all of the above steps.
• Allow the engine to run for 10 to 15
seconds, then move choke to the Full
Throttleposition.
NOTE: If engine dies with Throttle at
Full Throttle position, move the choke
to the Half position and pull the starter
rope 5 more times. If engine does not
start and operate properly, refer to
"Carburetor Adjustments."
•To stop engine, press and hold the
Engine Stop Button in the STOP
position.
FOR A WARM ENGINE
°Move Throttle to Full Throttle position°
•Press primer bulb 6 times.
°Pull starter rope sharply until engine
runs.
NOTE: If engine does not run after 20
pulls, it is probably flooded. Wait a few
minutes and repeat procedure with
throttle at Full Throttle position.
• To stop engine, press and hold the
Engine Stop Button in the STOP
position.
DIFFICULT STARTING OR
STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE
Flooded engines can be started by
placing the choke lever in the Off
Choke position and the On/Stop Button
in the On 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 chart or call
1-800-235-5878_
-6-

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
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
P=ENERALRECOMMENDATIONS
[he warranty on this unit does not cow
.=ritems that have been subjected to
_perator abuse or negligence° To re-
ceive full value from the warranty, the
_perator must maintain unit as instruct-
.=din this manual Various adjustments
t_ilt need to be made periodically to
_roperly maintain your unit.
DHECK FOR LOOSE
FASTENERS AND PARTS
, Spark Plug Boot
, Air Filter
, Housing Screws
DHECK FOR DAMAGED OR
NORN PARTS
:_efer replacement of damaged/worn
_arts to your Sears Service Center.
, Engine Stop Button - Ensure Button
functions properly by pressing and
holding the button in the "Stop" posi-
tion. Make sure engine stops; then
restart engine and continue.
, Fuel Tank - Discontinue use of unit if
fuel tank shows signs of damage or
leaks.
3LEAN UNIT & LABELS
, Clean the unit using a damp cloth
with a mild detergent.
, Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth_
.?,LEANAIR FILTER
3o not clean filter in gasoline or other
lammable solvent,, Doing so can
"reate a fire hazard or produce harmful
.=vaporative emissions.
;leaning the air filter:
_.dirty air filter decreases engine per,,
ormance and increases fuel consump-
ion and harmful emissions. Always
:lean after every 5 hours of operation.
WHEN TO PERFORM
Before each use
Before each use
After each use
Every 5 hours of operation
Yearly
Screws
• Wash the filter in soap and water,.
• Allow filter to dry°
° Replace parts°
°Remove parts as illustrated.
Air Filter
o Clean the cover and the area around
it to keep debris from falling into the
carburetor chamber when the cover
is removed.

REPLACE SPARK PLUG
Replace spark plug each year to en-
surethe engine starts easier and runs
better. Set spark plug gap at .025 in.
Ignition timing is fixed, nonadjustable.
° Twist, then pull off spark plug boot.
=Remove spark plug from cylinder and
discard.
• Replace with Champion RCJ-SY
spark plug and tighten with a 3/4 in.
socket wrench (10-12 ff.-Ibs).
• Reinstall the spark plug boot.
We recommend all service and adjust-
ments not listed in this manual be per-
formed by your Sears Service Center°
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT
Carburetor adjustment is critical and if
done improperly can permanently dam-
age the engine as well as the carbure-
tor_ If you require further assistance or
are unsure about performing this pro-
cedure, call our customer assistance
help line at 1-800-235-5878.
Old fuel, a dirty air filter; a dirty fuel fil-
ter; or flooding may give the impression
of an improperly adjusted carburetor.
Check these conditions before adjust-
ing the carburetor.
The carburetor has been carefully set
at the factory° Adjustments may be
necessary if you notice any of the fol-
lowing conditions:
.Engine will not idleo See "Idle Speed"
and "Mixture" under adjusting
procedure.
oEngine dies or hesitates instead of
accelerating. See "Acceleration
Check" under adjusting procedure,,
• Loss of power. See "Mixture" under
adjusting procedure.
There are two adjustment screws on
the carburetor. They are located in the
area below the throttle/choke knob.
Mixture Screw with Limiter Cap
CARBURETOR PRESETS
When making carburetor preset adjust-
ments, do not force plastic limiter caps
beyond the stops or damage will occur.
If carburetor presets are not needed,
proceed to "ADJUSTING PROCEDURE,
Idle Speed."
To adjust presets:
° Turn the mixture screw counterclock-
wise until it stops°
•Turn the idle speed screw clockwise
until it stops. Now turn counterclock-
wise 4-1/2 turns°
Start motor, let it run for 3 minutes, and
proceed to the adjustment section, tf
engine does not start, refer to trouble-
shooting chart or call 1-800-235-5878.
If engine performance is acceptable at
the preset positions, no further adjust-
ments are necessary_
ADJUSTING PROCEDURE
idle Speed
Allow engine to idle. Adjust speed until
engine runs without stalling.
°Turn clockwise to increase engine
speed if engine stalls or dies.
• Turn counterclockwise to decrease
speed.
No further adjustments are necessar tif
performance is satisfactory.
Mixture
Allow engine to idler Then accelerate
the engine and note performance, tf
engine hesitates, bogs down, or
smokes during acceleration, turn mix-
ture screw clockwise in !/16-turn incre-
ments until performance is satisfactory.
Repeat this procedure as necessary
for proper adjustment. After completing
adjustments, check for acceleration.
Reset if necessary.
Acceleration Check
If engine dies or hesitates instead of
accelerating, turn low speed mixture
adjustment counterclockwise until you
have smooth acceleration_ Recheck
and adjust as necessary for acceptable
performance_
8

Prepare unit for storage at end of sea-
son or if it will not be used for 30 days
or more.
WARNING:
•Allow engine to coot, and secure the
unit before storing or transporting.
•Store unit and fuel in a well ventilated
area where fue! vapors cannot reach
sparks or open flames from water
heaters, electric motors or switches,
furnaces, etc.
• Store unit with all guards in place.
Position unit so that any sharp object
cannot accidentally cause injury.
• Store unit and fuel well out of the
reach of children.
EXTERNAL SURFACES
•If your unit is to be stored for a period
of time, clean it thoroughly before
storage. Store in a clean dry area.
° Lightly oil external metal surfaces.
FUEL SYSTEM
Under Fueling Engine in the Operating
Section of this manual, see message
labeled IMPORTANT regarding the use
of gasohol in your engine.
Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alterna-
tive in minimizing the formation of fuel
gum deposits during storage,. Add sta-
bilizer to the gasoline in the fuel tank or
fuel storage container. Follow the mix
instructions found on stabilizer contain-
er. Run engine at least 5 minutes after
adding stabilizer_
CRAFTSMAN 40:1, 2-cycle engine oil
(air cooled) is already blended with fuel
stabilizer. If you do not use this Sears
oil, you can add a fuel stabilizer to your
fuel tank.
INTERNAL ENGINE
°Remove spark plug and pour 1 tea-
spoon of 40:1,2-cycle engine oil (air
cooled) through the spark plug open_
ingo Slowly pull the starter rope 8 to
I 0 times to distribute oilo
•Replace spark plug with new one of
recommended type and heat range,
.Clean air filter_
°Check entire unit for loose screws,
nuts, and bolts° Replace any dam-
aged, broken, or worn parts°
•At the beginning of the next season,
use only fresh fuel having the proper
gasoline to oil ratio_
OTHER
°Do not store gasoline from one sea-
son to another.
,Replace your gasoline can if it starts
to rust.
9

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
TROUBLE
Engine will not
starL
Engine willnot
idle properly.
Engine will not
accelerate,
lacks power, or
dies under a
load.
Engine smokes
excessively.
Engine runs hot.
CAUSE
• Engine flooded.
° Fuel tank empty.
• Spark plug not firing.
• Fuel not reaching
carburetor.
• Compression Iowo
° Carburetor requires
adjustment,.
• Crankshaft seals worn_
• Compression tow.
• Air filter dirty.
• Spark plug fouled,.
• Carburetor requires
adjustmenL
° Carbon build up.
° Compression low.
° Choke partially on.
• Fuel mixture incorrect.
• Air filter dirty.
• Carburetor requires
adjustment.
• Fuel mixture incorrect°
. Spark plug incorrect.
- Carburetor requires
adjus_tent
• Carbon build up.
REMEDY
• See "Starting instructions,"
• Fill tank with correct fuel mixture.
° Install new spark plug.
• Check for dirty fuel filter; replace.
Check for kinked or split fuel line;
repair or replace.
° Contact Sears Service.
°
°
o
See "Carburetor Adjustments,"
Contact Sears Service_
Contact Sears Service.
Clean or replace air filter:,
Clean or replace spark plug
and re-gap,
See "Carburetor Adjustments."
° Contact Sears Service.
° Contact Sears Service.
• Adjust choke.
o Empty fuel tank and refill with
correct fuel mixture.
° Clean or replace air filter:
• See "Carburetor Adjustments."
• See "Fueling '(our Unit°"
° Replace with correct spark plug.
• See "Carburetor Adjustments,"
Contact Sears Service.
-10-