Craftsman 536.773510 User manual

6.5 Horsepower
HIGHWHEEL WEEDTRIMM_L_
MODEL NO.
536.773510
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
712490 02/17/99

TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARRANTY STATEMENT ...... 2
SAFETY RULES ................ 3
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS .... 5
ASSEMBLY ......................... 6
OPERATION ...................... 9
MAINTENANCE ................. 13
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT . , o 16
TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART ._ 20
SLOPE GUIDE ................. 22
REPAIR PARTS .................... 23
ENGINE REPAIR PARTS ......... 28
SPANISH (ESPA_IOL) ........... 34
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ... 56
,1,, rr,,r ....,r,,,_,r,,,
WARRANTY STATEMENT
LIMITED TWO-YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN WEEDTRIMMER
For two years from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman Weedtrimmer is maintained,
lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the
owner's manual, Craftsman will repair, free of charge, any defect in material or workman-
ship
If this Craftsman Weedtrimmer is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty ap-
plies for only 90 days from the date of purchase
This warranty does not cover the following:
Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as spark plugs eta
Repair necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts
and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the
owner's manual
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN WEED-
TRIMMER TO THE NEAREST CRAFTSMAN SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE
UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANT'( 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 ]L 60179
IMPORTANT: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and must not be
used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land
unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it must be maintained in
effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California
Public Resources Code), Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on fed-
eral lands. See an Authorized Service Center for a spark attester for the muffler°
712490 2

SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Trimmer.
_ ARNING: Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions,It means: "Attention! Become Alert! Your Safety Is involved."
I General Operation
1 Read. understand, and follow al! instruc-
tions on the machine and in the manual(s)
Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and
the proper use of the trimmer before start-
ing
2 Familiarize yourself with all of the safety
and operating decals on this equipment
and on any of its attachments or accesso-
ries
3 Do not put Inands or feet near or under rotat-
ing parts
4 Only allow responsible individuals, who are
familiar with the instructions, to operate the
trimmer
5 Inspect the area where the trimmer is to be
used Your equipment can propel small ob-
jects at high speed causing personal injury
or property damage Stay away from
breakable objects, such as house win-
dows. auto glass, greenhouses, etc
6 Keep the area of operation clear of al! per-
sons particularly small children, and pets
7 Wear appropriate clothing such as a !ong-
sleeved shirt or jacket Also wear long trou-
sers or slacks Do not wear shorts
8 Do not wear loose clothing which could get
caught in this equipment
9 Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when operating
trimmer to protect your eyes from foreign
oblects which can be thrown from the unit
10 Always wear work gloves and sturdy foot-
wear Leather work shoes or short boots
work well for most people These will pro-
tect the operators ankles and shins from
small sticks, splinters, and other debris
and improve traction
11 It is advisable to wear protective headgea_
to prevent the possibility of being struck by
small flying particles, or being struck by low
hanging branches, twigs, or other objects
which may be unnoticed by the operator
12 Do not operate tlne trimmer without proper
guards or other safety protective devices
in place
t3 Use this equipment for its intended pur-
pose only
14 See manufacturer's instructions for proper
operation and installation of accessories
712490
Only use accessories approved by the
manufacturer
15 Operate only in daylight or good artificial
light
16 De not operate the trimmer while under the
influence of alcohol, drugs or other medica-
tion which can cause drowsiness or affect
your ability to operate this machine safely
17 Never operate trimmer in wet grass Al-
ways be sure of y_Jr footing; keep s firm
hold on the handle and walk; never run
18 Before each use, inspect the throttle con-
trol lever and cable Make sure that the
cable is free and that the lever is not dam_
aged Also check the cable linkage running
to the carburetor for kinks, loose fittings,
and obstructions Verify that the control
bail is working properly
19 Stop the rotating trimmer head when cross-
ing gravel drives, walks, or roads Wait for
the cutting lines to stop rotating
20 Watch for traffic when operating near, or
when crossing roads
21 Stop the engine (motor) whenever you
leave the equipment, before cleaning re-
pairing or inspecting the unit. be sure the
trimmer head and all moving parts have
stopped Let the engine cool, disconnect
the spark plug wire and move it away from
the spark plug
22 If the equipment should start to vibrate ab-
normally, stop the engine (motor), discon-
nect the spark plug wire and prevent it from
touching the spark plug Check immediate-
ly for the cause Vibration is generally a
warning of trouble
23 After striking a foreign object, stop the en-
gine (motor) Remove the wire from the
spark plug Inspect the trimmer for dam-
age If damaged, repair before starting and
operating the trimmer
24 Never leave the trimmer unattended when
the engine is running Remove the wire
from the spark plug
25 Regularly inspect the trimmer Make sure
parts are not bent, damaged or loose
IL Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall
accidents which can result in severe injury All

SAFETY RULES
slopes require extra caution If you feel uneasy
on a slope, do not trim it
De trim across the face of slopes; never up and
down Do net trim excessively steep slopes
(maximum 15 degrees) or areas where the
ground is very rough See the "Guide" in the
back of this manual to check e slope Exercise
extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes
De remove objects such as rocks, tree limbs,
etc
Do watch for holes, ruts, or bumps Tell grass
can hide obstacles
Do not trim near drep-offs, ditches, o_embank-
ments The operator could lose footing or bal-
ance
Do not trim excessively steep slopes
De not trim on wet grass Reduced footing
could cause slipping,
IlL Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not
alert to the presence of children Children ere
often attracted to the trimmer and the trimming
activity Never assume that children will remain
where you last sew them
1 Keep children out of the trimming area and
under the watchful care of aresponsible
adult
2 Be alert and turn trimmer oft if children en-
ter the area
3 Before and while moving backwards, look
behind and down for small children
4 Never allow children to operate the trim-
mer
5 Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that
may obscure vision
6 On electric start models, remove the igni-
tion key to prevent accidental starting when
the trimmer is net is use
IV, Service
Use extra care in handling gasoline and
ether fuels They are flammable and va-
pors are explosive
a Use only an approved container
b Never remove gas cap or add fuelwith
the engine running AlLow engine to
cool before refueling Do net smoke
c Never refuel the machine indoors
d Never store the machine or fuel con-
tainer inside where there is an open
flame, such as a water heater,
2. Never run an engine indoors or inside a
closed area.
.3 Never make adjustments or repairs with
the engine (motor) running Disconnect the
spark plug wire, and keep the wire away
from the plug to prevent accidental starting
(remove the ignition key if equipped with an
electric start) Always wear eye protection
when you make adjustments or repairs
4 Check the trimmer head end engine
mounting bolts at frequent intervals for
proper tightness
5Keep all nuts and bolts tight and kee F
equipment in good condition Chec_
mounting hardware on trimmer head ever_
time you change trimmer line and prior tc
each use
6 Never tamper with safety devices Checl
their proper operation regularly
7 When servicing or repairing the trimmer, dc
not tip the machine over or up unless spe
cificaUy instructed to do so in this Manual
Service and repair procedures can be done
with the trimmer in an upright position
Some procedures will be easier if the ma
chine is lifted on a raised platform or work
ing surface
8 To reduce fire hazard, keep trimmer free e
grass, leaves, or other debris build-up
Clean up oil or fuel spillage Al!ow trimme
to cool before storing
9 Stop and inspect the equipment if ym
strike an object Repair, if necessary, be
fore restarting
1(3 Always disconnect spark plug wire bafor_
cleaning, repairing, or adjusting
11 Do not change the engine governor settinc
or over-speed the engine
12 Clean and replace safety and instructior
decals as necessary
13 To guard against engine over-heating, a
ways have engine debris filter meunte
and ctean
14 Inspect trimmer before storage.
15 Use only original equipment or authorize
replacement parts
71249O 4

SAFETY RULES
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
IMPORTANT: Many of the following symbols are located on your unit or on literature sup-
plied with the producL Before you operate the unit, learn and understand the purpose for
each symbol.
Control And Operating Symbols
Slow Fast Fuel Oil
Safety Warning Symbols
WARNING
Thrown Objects.
Keep Bystanders Away.
WARNING
Rotating Parts. Stop Engine.
Disconnect Spark Wire Before
Making Adjustments.
WARNING
IMPORTANT
Read Owner's Manual
Before Operating
This Machine.
WARNING
Wear Eye Protection
WARNING
Never Operate Up Or
Down Slopes. Operate
Across Slopes.
STOP
712490 5

ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLY
CONTENTS OF PARTS BAG
1 Owner's Manual
- Parts Bag
Not shown actual size) _,._
1 - T-Handle Wrench 1 - Safety Glasses 1- 20 oz, Bottle Oil 2Sets - Trimmer Lines
(0.155 inch diameter)
WARNING: Always wear safety
glasses or eye shields while as-
sembling the trimmer.
TOOLS REQUIRED
1- Knife to cut carton
1- T-Handle Wrench
Figure 1 shows the trimmer completely as-
sembled and positioned in the carton for ship-
ment
References to the right or left hand side of the
trimmer are from the viewpoint of the opera-
tors position behind the unit
TO REMOVE THE
TRIMMER FROM CARTON
1 Remove the bottle of oil and parts bag
from carton
2 Remove the packing material positioned
around the unit
3 Cut down all four corners of the carton and
lay the side panels flat
4 Pull the trimmer out of the carton and off
the base pad
5 Remove packing matenal from around the
trimmer head
6 Remove protective plastic from front of
frame
Figure 1
71249O 6

ASSEMBLY
HOW TO RAISE THE HANDLE
1 Hold the handle with one hand and loosen both handle adjustment knobs until the ratchet
teeth are disengaged Do not remove the handle adjustment knobs See Figure 2
2 Raise the handle to the
operating position
3 Stand in the operator's
poMtion behind the trim-
mer Put the handle in a
comfortable position
Make sure both sides of
the handle are level
NOTE: Make sure the
cables are not caught
between the upper and
lower handle,,
Tighten the handle ad-
justment knobs Make
sure the handle pivots
are locked in place
NOTE: The handle
height is adjustable,
See "How To Adjust
The Height Of The Han-
dle" in the Adjustment
section.
Handle Adjustment
Knob
Figure 2
5 To attach the recoil start handle to the rope guide, twist the rope through
the rope guide mounted on the right side of the handle
HOW TO INSTALL
THE ENGINE DEBRIS SHIELD
!
2
Remove the engine debris shield from the
protective packaging
Attach the engine debris shield to the two
mounting brackets with the wingnuts as
shown in Figure 3 Make sure the wing-
nuts are tight
71249O 7

ASSEMBLY
ENGINE PREPARATION
Fill Crankcase With Oil
The tdmmer was shipped with a container of
SAE30 motor oil This oil must be added to the
engine before operating
1 Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick shown in
Figure 4 Fill the crankcase to the FULL
line on oil fill cap/dipstick DO NOT OVER-
FILL.
2 install the oil fill cap/dipstick and tighten
securely
Fill Fuel Tank With Gasoline
For the correct procedure and grade of
gasoline, see "How To Fill With Gasoline" in
the Operation section
Fuel Cap
Oil Fill Cap/
Figure 4
,I CHECKLIST
For the best performance and satisfaction
from this quality product, please review the fol-
lowing checklist before you operate the trim-
met:
_-" All assembly instructions have been
completed
l-" Check carton Make sure no loose parts
remain in the carton
As you learn how to use the trimmer, pay extra
attention to the following important items:
v",_" Engine oil is at correct level
v,'_t Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, reg-
ular unleaded gasoline
_--"_" Become familiar and understand the
function of all controls Before your start
the engine, operate all controls
712490 8

OPERATDON
KNOW YOUR TRIMMER
READ THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE YOU OPERATE the trim-
mer To familiarize yourself with the location of the controls, compare the illustrations with your trim-
rner Save this manual for future reference,
Control Bail Trimmer Head Drive Lever
J
._pper Handle
Throttle Control Lever
Recoil Starter Handle Fuel Cap
Engine Debris Shield
Handle Adjustment Knob
Dipstick
Shield Edge Guard
Trimmer Head
Trimmer Une
Figure 5
Trimmer Head Drive Lever - Engages
the rotation of the trimmer head
Control Bail - Release to stop the rotation
of the trimmer head
Throttle Control Lever - Controls the
speed or stops the engine
Primer Button - Injects fuel directly into the
carburetor manifold for faster starts See
Figure 8
Recoil Starter Handle - The engine is
equipped with an easy pull recoil starter
Shield Edge Guard - Protects the shield
by automatically cutting the line to the correct
length
Engine Debris Shield - Protects the en-
gine from debris Can be easily removed to
service the engine
EYE PROTECTION
WARNING: Debris thrown from
the trimmer call result in foreign
objects being thrown into the
eyes, which can cause severe
eye damage, Always wear safety
glasses or eye shields when op-
erating the trimmer.
Always wear safety glasses If you wear eye
glasses put a Wide Vision Safety Mask over
your eye gIasses
712490
HOW TO STOP
THE TRIMMER HEAD
Releasethe control bail Itwillreturn toits
open position and disengage the trimmer
head
HOW TO STOP THE ENGINE
1 Move the throttle control lever com-
pletely back to the STOP position
9

OPERATION
HOW TO USE THE
TRIMMER HEAD DRIVE LEVER
To engage the trimmer head, hold the con°
trol bail against the handle Move the
trimmer head drive lever forward to en-
gage the trimmer head See Figure 6 The
faster the engine runs, the faster the trim-
mer head will rotate
Once the trimmer head is rotating, push
the trimmer forward to trim
Control Bail
_Handle
Trimmer Head
Drive Lever Figure 6
HOW TO USE THE
THROTTLE CONTROL
2
During normal use, set the throttle con-
trol lever in the FAST position to run the
engine at full speed
Pull the throttle control lever back to de-
crease engine speed Push the throttle
control lever forward to increase engine
speed
To stop the engine, pull the throttle con-
trol lever completely back to the STOP
position
Throttle Control
Lever
Figure 7
HOW TO USE
THE PRIMER BUTTON
! Push the primer button five times See
Figure 8 for location Wait approximately
two seconds between each push
NOTE: Do not use the primer button to re-
start a warm engine after a short shutdown.
712490 tO

OPERATION
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
Oi! Recommendation
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with
API service classification SG Select the oil's
SAE viscosity grade according to your ex-
pected operating temperature:
Cotder <_,_ _ _. _. ,_ ,_,_> Warmer
<<....... ..->>
5w30 SAE30
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils
(5W30, 10W30, etc.) improve starting in
cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils
will result in increased oil consumption
when used above 32°E To avoid possible
engine damage from running low on oil,
frequently check your engine oil level
Check The Engine Oil
Before each use check the engine oil as
follows:
1 Put the trimmer on a level surface
2 Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick shown in
Figure 9
3 Make sure the oil reaches the FULL mark
on the oil fill cap/dipstick
4 If necessary, add oil until the FULL mark
on the oil fill cap/dipstick is reached DO
NOT OVERFILL See "Oil Recommenda-
tion" for the grade and type of oil to use
Fuel Cap
Oil Fill Cap/Dipstick
Debris Screen
712490
Figure 9
How To Fill With Gasoline
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 follow-
ing emission control system(s): EM, TWC (if
so equipped) include any user adjustable
features-therefore no other adjustments are
needed
WARNING: Never fill the gas tank
while the engine is running or
hot. Allow the engine to cool
before adding gasoline, Immedi-
ately wipe off any spilled gaso-
line before you start the engine.
WARNING: Gasoline is flam-
mable. Use caution when han-
dling or storing gasoline. Keep
away from an open flame or an
electrical spark. Do not smoke
while filling the fuel tank. Store
gasoline In a clean, approved
container in a cool well ventilated
place; never In the house.
Fill the fuel tank with a fresh, clean, unleaded
regular, unleaded premium, or reformulated
automotive gasoline only DO NOT use
leaded gasoline Be sure that the gasoline
container is clean and free from dust or other
foreign particles Never use gasoline that is
stale from long periods of storage Reinstall
fuel cap
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called
gasohol or using methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an en-
gine while in storage, To avoid engine
problems, empty the fuel system before
storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the fuel
tank. Start the engine and let it run until the
fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Never
use engine or carburetor cleaner products
in the fuel tank or permanent damage may
occur. See "Storage Instructions" for addi-
tional information.
11

OPERATION
HOW TO START THE ENGINE
NOTE: DO NOT BE ALARMED, your engine
will smoke the first time it is started. It is
burning offthe protective coating that is on
the internal engine parts.
_WARNING: Never leave the trim=
mer unattended whil the engine
is runngin, Wait for the trimmer
lines to stop rotation,
2
3
4
5
Before each use remove debris from the
debris screen shown in Figure 9 Debris
can cause the engine to overheat Wipe
the debris screen with a cloth or paper
towel
Move the throttle control lever forward to
the START or FAST position
Tostart a cold engine, push the primer but-
ton five times Wait two seconds between
each push of the primer button
NOTE: Do not use the primer to start a
warm engine.
Firmly hold the recoil starter handle with
your right hand See Figure 10
Pull back sharply on the recoil starter
handle DO NOT allow the starter rope to
snap back Let the starter rope slowly re-
wind as you hold the recoil starter handle
NOTE: If engine fails to start after three
pulls, push the primer button two times and
again pull the recoil starter handle.
WARNING: Never run the en=
gine indoors or in apoorly venti-
lated area_ Engine exhaust con-
tains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas° Keep
hands, feet, hair and loose
clothing away from the trimmer
and any moving parts on the en-
gine. Avoid the muffler and sur-
rounding areas= Temperatures
may exceed 150°E
Recoil Starter Handle Figure lO
TRIMMER TIPS
_ WARNING: Debris such as sticks,
gravel or rocks, can be thrown
with sufficient force to cause per-
sonal injury or property damage.
Set the throttle control in the FAST posi-
tion If the weeds or grass are tall and
thick, operate the trimmer at a slower
walking speed
Frequently clean the underside of the trim-
mer to remove any grass build up See the
Maintenance section for details
For best results and longer lasting line,
use the ends of the line to do the cutting
This is easily done by moving slowly
through very thick or heavy weeds
Ifthe trimmer lines become too short, it will
712490
take longer to complete the job If the trim-
met lines are worn to less than half their
original length, change to a new trimmer
line "See How To Change The Trimmer
Une" in the Service And Adjustment sec-
tion
Do not trim on excessively steep slopes If
a slope is difficult to stand on, do net trim
Do not trim on slopes when the ground is
slippery or wet Trim across the face of e
slope, not up and down
12
Trimmer head contact to concrete, asphalt
and harder services may create prema-
ture wear to the height guide (See
Figure 18)

MAINTENANCE
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
SERVICE RECORDS
Fill in datesasyou
completeregularservice.
;,.., . .,,,,..,,
ICheck Engine Oil Level
Before Every Every Every
Each 5 25 100 As SERVICE
Use Hours Hours Hours Noted DATES
V
Check trimmer Lines
Check Trimmer Head
Engagement
Engine/Machine Cleaning
Check Nuts and Bolts
Check Spark Plug
Change Engine Oil
Service Air Filter
Lubricate Jackshaft Assembly
Lubricate Wheel Bearings
,/ 2
V
,/
V
,/
_ _ i i _ "_ • _ I_
3
Note I - When old line is half the original length, replace with new line
Note 2 - Clean daily if used in extremely dusty or dirty conditions
Note 3 - Change more often if used in extremely dusty or dirty conditions
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Trimmer Line Diameter 0 155 inch
Trimmer Line Length 21 5 inches
Horse Power 6 5
Displacement 12 0 cu in
Gasoline Capacity 1 5 quarts
Oil Capacity 20 oz
Spark Plug Champion
RJ-t9LM
Spark Plug Gap 0 030 inch
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this trimmer does not cover
items that have been subjected to operator
abuse or negligence To receive full value from
the warranty, the operator must maintain the
trimmer as instructed in this manual
Some adjustments must be made periodically
to properly maintain your trimmer
All adjustments in the Service and Adjust-
ments section of this manual must be checked
at least once each season
712490 13

LUBRICATION MAaNTENANCE
How To Lubricate
The Jackshaft Assembly
Agrease fitting is provided to lubricate the
jacksheft assembly Use a grease gun with au-
tomotive type grease to lubricate the jackshaff
assembly as shown in Figure 11 Figure 11
How To Change Engine Oil
Change the engine oil when the engine is
warm For the proper oil capacity, see "Product
Specifications"
1 Disconnect spark plug wire from the spark
plug
2 Remove the oil drain plug as shown in
Figure 12
7 Connect the spark plug wire to the spark
plug
3 Drain all the engine oil into a flat pan
4 Install the oil drain plug Make sure the
oil drain plug is tight
5
6
Remove the dipstick
Fill the engine crankcase DO NOT
OVERFILL For proper oil capacity, see
"Product Specifications"
HOW TO REPLACE THE AIR FILTER 5 Put the new air filter into the cover
Replace the air filter once a year or more often
in dusty or dirty conditions DO NOT attempt to
clean or oil the air filter Remove and install e
new air filter as follows:
CAUTION: Never run the engine without
the air filter installed. An air filter clogged
with dust can result in loss of engine power
and can cause excessive wear or damage
to the engine. If the air filter is clogged, re-
place immediately.
1 Disconnect the spark plug wire from the
spark plug
2 Turn the cover clockwise as shown in
Figure 13 Remove the cover and the air
filter,
3 Discard the old air filter,
Push the cover firmly against the flange,
Turn the cover counterclockwise until
tight Be sure the retainers are locked
around the flange
Connect the spark plug wire to the spark
plug
Air Filter
4 Clean the cover and the flange
71249o 14

MABNTENANCE
HOW TO SERVICE Engine Debris Shield
THE ENGINE AND SPARK PLUG
1 To access the engine or the spark plug, re-
move the engine debris shield as shown in
Figure 14
2 After engine service is completed, replace
the engine debris shield /
Wingnut
Figure 14
SPARK PLUG
Check the spark plug every 25 hours Re-
place the spark plug if the electrodes are
pitted or burned or if the porcelain is cracked
Make sure the spark plug is clean Clean
the spark plug by carefully scraping the
electredes Ida net sand blast er use a wire
brush)
2
3
Check the spark plug gap with a feeler
gauge See 'Product Specifications" for
the correct spark plug gap and replace r
ment spark plug
Before installing the spark plug, ceat the
threads lightty with oi_ for easy removal
Tighten the spark plug to a torque of 15
foot-pounds
712490 15

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT
WARNING: Before you inspect, clean or service the trimmer, stop the engine.
Make sure that all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the wire from the
spark plug.
HOW TO
REPLACE THE TRIMMER LINE
For the best performance, use a heavy
gauge (0 155" diameter) trimmer line Cut
the length of the trimmer line to 21 5 inches
Use the length guide, located on the shield,
to make sure the trimmer line is the correct
length See Figure 16 Do not allow the
length of the lines to vary more than one
inch This is important to make sure the trim-
mer head is balanced and does not vibrate
IMPORTANT: To extend the life of the trim-
mer line, keep the trimmer line moist. If not
kept moist, the nylon trimmer line will be-
come dry and brittle. Keep extra trimmer
line in acan of water. The line will then stay
flexible and easy to change. Aflexible line
will also last much longer.
Trimmer Une Shield
Figure 16
HOW TO CHANGE TRIMMER LINES
When the trimmer line becomes worn to half the original !ength, replace the trimmer line as
fol!ows:
Une Trimmer
Retainer Une
1 Stop the engine Wait for
all moving parts to stop
2 Remove worn trimmer
line from line retainer
3First, thread the ends of
the new trimmer line
through the outside
loops
Line
Retainer
4Next, taketheends of the
line, cross over the line
retainer, and thread the
ends through the center
hole
5Then, check to make
sure that the ends of the
line are even
712490 16

SERVDCE AND ADJUSTMENT
HOW TO ADJUST
THE HEIGHT OF THE HANDLE
Use the knobs, on each side of the handle, to
adiust the height of the handle
1 Hold the handle with one hand and loosen
both knobs until the ratchet teeth are dis-
engaged Do net remove the knobs See
Figure 17
2 Move the handle up or down to the de-
sired position, then align the ratchet
teeth Make sure both sides of the handle
are level
3 Tighten the knobs
HOW TO SET THE HEIGHT OF CUT
CAUTION: Before you set the
height of cut: stop the engine.
Wait for all moving parts to stop.
Allow the engine to cool and dis-
connect the spark plug wire.
The height of cut can be set from 1-1/2 inches
to 3 inches Recommended cutting height for
the average yard is 2"
1 Use the T-wrench. found in the parts bag,
to loosen the set screw shown in
Figure 18
2 Set the trimmer head at the desired
height
3 Tighten the sat screw.
Height Of Cut Positions
Trimmer
Set Screw Head
Height Guide T-Wrench
Figure 18
712490 17

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT
HOW TO
REPLACE THE DRIVE BELT
To replace the drive belt, the trimmer head
and shield must be removed as follows
WARNINGr Before you remove
the drive belt, disconnect the wire
from the spark plug=
Remove the two fasteners that hold the
rear of the shield to the trimmer housing
(See Figure 19).
2 Remove the four fasteners that hold the
front of the shield and trimmer head to
the trimmer housing.
3 Remove the "V" pulley from the idler
bracket
4.
5
Raise the front of the trimmer housing
and remove the drive belto On some mod-
els, it is necessary to loosen the mount-
ing bolt for the drive pulley to remove the
drive belt (see F_gure 20) Do not bend the
belt guides
NOTE: Make sure you replace the drive
belt only with areplacement belt from
the factory.
To assemble the drive belt, reverse the
above steps, Make sure all fasteners are
tight Make sure the mounting bolt for the
drive pulley is tight,
6 Check the routing of the drive belt. Make
sure the drive belt is inside of all belt
guides shown in Figure 20
iMPORTANT: Test the drive system. Start
the engine and move the throttle control to
the FAST position. Engage and disengage
the trimmer head several times, When dis-
engaged, make sure the trimmer head com-
pletely stops when resting on the ground. If
the trimmer head continues to rotate, take
the trimmer to the nearest Craftsman
Service Center.
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SERVHCE AND ADJUSTMENT
STORAGE
WARNING: Do not remove gaso-
line while inside a building, near
a fire, or while you smoke. Gaso-
line fumes can cause an explo-
sion or a fire.
When the trimmer is put in storage for thirty
days or more. follow the steps below to
make sure the trimmer is in good condition
the following season
Trimmer
Completely clean the trimmer
Put the trimmer in a building that has good
ventilation
NOTE: A yearly checkup or tune-up at a
Craftsman authorized service center will
make sure that the trimmer will provide
maximum performance for the next sea-
SOn_
Engine
IMPORTANT: It is important to prevent gum
deposits from forming in fuel system parts
such as the carburetor, fuel filter, fuel hose,
and tank during storage. Also, using alco-
hol-blended fuels (called gasohol, ethanol
or methanol) can attract moisture which
leads to separation and formation of acids
during storage. Acidic gas can damage the
fuel system of an engine while in storage.
To prevent engine damage when the trimmer
is in storage for 30 days or more, follow the
steps below:
Let the engine run until it is eut of gasoline
Drain the oi! from the warm engine Fill the
engine crankcase with new el!
Remove the spark plug from the cylinder
Pour one ounce of oil into the cylinder
Slowly pull the recoil starter handle so that
the ei] will protect the cylinder Install a new
spark plug in the cylinder
Clean dirt and debris from the cylinder
cooling fins and the engine housing
Ifyou do net want to remove gasoline, add
a fuel stabilizer, such as Craftsman fuel
stabilizer No 33500, to any gasoline left in
the tank Craftsman fue! stalibizer will
minimize the formation of gum deposits
and acids If the tank is almost empty, mix
Craftsman fuel stabilizer with fresh gaso-
line in a separate container and add the
mixture to the tank Always follow the in-
structions on the stabilizer container Run
the engine at least ten minutes after stabi-
lizer is added to allow the mixture to reach
the carburetor
712490 19

TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART
TROUBLE
Engine does not start
Engine runs poorly.
CAUSE
Spark plug wire
disconnected
Engine not primed
Defective or incorrectly
gapped spark plug
Fuel tank empty
Dirty carburetor or fuel line
Dirty air filter
Carburetor out of adjustment
Engine flooded
Throttle control lever in
incorrect position
Stale gasoline
Defective throttle control
lever or wire
Bad spark plug
Dirty air filter
Carburetor out of adjustment
Stale gasoline
Engine cooling system
clogged
CORRECTION
Connect spark plugwire
Prime engine
inspect or replace spark
plug
Add fuel
Clean carburetor or fuel line
Replace air fitter
For carburetor adjustment.
take the unit to a Craftsman
Service Center
Wait several minutes before
starting
Move throttle lever to FAST
or START position
Drain old gasoline and add
fresh gasoline
Inspect lever and wire
Replace if damaged or
defective.
Replace spark plug
Replace air filter
Adjust carburetor Take the
unit to a Craftsman Service
Center
Drain old gasoline Add fresh
gasoline
Clean engine screen and
cooling fins
712490 20