Craftsman Weedwacker 316.794490 User manual

Operator's Manual
M
4-Cycle
WEEDWACKER® GAS TRIMMER
Model No. 316.794490
CAUTION: Before using this product,
read this manual and follow all its Safety
Rules and Operating instructions.
*SAFETY
*ASSEMBLY
*OPERATION
*MAINTENANCE
.ESPANOL, R 19
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our website: www.craftsman.com
769-09618 /00 12/13

TABLEOFCONTENTS
Safety............................................... 2
Warranty............................................. 5
KnowYourUnit........................................ 6
Specifications......................................... 6
Assembly............................................. 7
OilandFuel........................................... 9
StartingandStopping.................................. 11
Operation............................................ 12
Maintenance......................................... 13
CleaningandStorage.................................. 16
Troubleshooting....................................... 17
RepairProtectionAgreements........................... 18
ServiceNumbers.............................. BackCover
Allinformation,illustrationsandspecificationsinthismanualarebased
onthelatestproductinformationavailableatthetimeofprinting.
Wereservetherighttomakechangesatanytimewithoutnotice.
©SeamBrands,LLC
Thepurposeofsafetysymbolsistoattractyourattentionto
possibledangers.Thesafetysymbols,andtheirexplanations,
deserveyourcarefulattentionandunderstanding.Thesafety
warningsdonotbythemselveseliminateanydanger.The
instructionsorwarningstheygivearenotsubstitutesforproper
accidentpreventionmeasures.
iSYMBOL MEANING •
DANGER. Signals an EXTREME hazard.
Failure to obey a safety DANGER signal WILL result in
serious injury or death to yourself or to others.
WAR NING: Signals a SERIOUS hazard.
Failure to obey a safety WARNING signal CAN result in
serious injury to yourself or to others.
L _JCAUTION: Signals a MODERATE hazard.
Failure to obey a safety CAUTION signal MAY result in
property damage or injury to yourself or to others.
SPARK ARRESTOR NOTE
NOTE: For users on U.S. Forest Land and in the states of
California, Maine, Oregon and Washington. All U.S. Forest Land
and the state of California (Public Resources Codes 4442 and
4443), Oregon and Washington require, by law that certain internal
combustion engines operated on forest brush and/or grass-covered
areas be equipped with a spark arrestor, maintained in effective
working order, or the engine be constructed, 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 could subject you to liability or a fine.
This unit is factory equipped with a spark arrestor, if it requires
replacement, contact a Sears Parts & Repair Service Center to
install the appropriate muffler assembly.
CALiFORNiA PROPOSiTiON 65
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents and certain finished components contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.
NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the
operation or maintenance of the equipment.
Read the operator's manual and follow all warnings and safety
instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the
operator and/or bystanders.

•iMPORTANT SAFETY iNSTRUCTiONS •
READ ALL iNSTRUCTiONS BEFORE OPERATING
m
WAR NING. When using the unit, all safety
instructions must be followed. Please read these
instructions before operating the unit in order to ensure the
safety of the operator and any bystanders. Please keep
these instructions for later use.
• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and
proper use of the unit.
Do not operate this unit when tired, ill or under the influence of
alcohol, drugs or medication.
Children must not operate the unit. Teens must be accompanied
and guided by an adult.
All guards and safety attachments must be installed properly
before operating the unit.
Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts. Check for
fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in place and secure.
Replace parts that are cracked, chipped, or damaged in any
way. Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.
Only use the trimming line described in the Specifications section
of this manual. Never use metal-reinforced line, wire, chain or
rope. These can break off and become dangerous projectiles.
Do not replace the cutting head with rigid or metal blades. Doing
so could result in serious injury.
Be aware of risk of injury to the head, hands and feet.
Carefully inspect the area before starting the unit. Remove
rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string and other objects that
may be thrown or become entangled with the unit.
Clear the area of children, bystanders and pets; keep them
outside a 50-foot (15 m) radius, at a minimum. Even then, they are
still at risk from thrown objects. Encourage bystanders to wear
eye protection. If you are approached, stop the unit immediately.
Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns
automatically to the idle position. Make all adjustments or
repairs before using the unit.
This unit is intended for occasional, household use only.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS
WARNING: Gasoline is highly flammable and
its vapors can explode if ignited. Take the following
precautions:
Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and approved
for the storage of such materials.
Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the
tank. Never remove the fuel tank cap or add fuel when the
engine is hot. Always loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve
any pressure in the tank before fueling.
Always add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area where
there are no sparks or flames. DO NOT smoke.
Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place.
Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Wipe up any
spilled fuel from the unit immediately, before starting the unit.
Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fueling source and
site before starting the engine. DO NOT smoke.
Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or building.
Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. Operate this unit only in a well
ventilated outdoor area.
3
WHILE OPERATING
Wear safety glasses or goggles that meet current ANSI /ISEA
Z87.1 standards and are marked as such. Wear ear/hearing
protection when operating this unit. Wear a face mask or dust
mask if the operation is dusty.
Wear heavy long pants, boots, gloves and a long sleeve shirt. Do
not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals or go
barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level.
The cutting head shield must always be in place while operating
the unit. Do not operate the unit without both trimming lines
extended and the proper line installed. Do not extend the
trimming line beyond the length of the shield.
This unit has a clutch. The cutting head remains stationary when
the engine is idling. If it does not, take the unit to a Sears or
other qualified service dealer for an adjustment.
Adjust the handle to provide the best grip, if applicable.
Make sure the attachment is not in contact with anything before
starting the unit.
Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position whenever
pulling the starter rope. The operator and unit must be in a
stable position while starting. Refer to Starting and Stopping.
Use the right tool. Only use this tool for its intended purpose.
Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a
firm grip on both handles or grips.
Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance. Take
extra care when working on stairs, steep slopes or inclines. To avoid
serious injury, do not operate the unit while on a ladder or a roof.
Keep hands, face, and feet away from all moving parts. Do not
touch or try to stop moving parts.
Do not touch the engine, gear housing or muffler. These parts get
extremely hot from operation, even after the unit is turned off.
Do not operate the unit faster than the speed needed to do the
job. Do not run the unit at high speed when not in use.
Do not force the unit. It will do a better, safer job when used at
the intended rate.
Always stop the unit when operation is delayed or when walking
from one location to another.
If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop the
unit immediately and check for damage. Do not operate the unit
before repairing damage. Do not operate the unit with loose or
damaged parts.
Turn the engine to off and disconnect the spark plug for
maintenance or repair.
Use only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement
parts and accessories for this unit. Use of any other parts or
accessories could lead to serious injury to the user, or damage
to the unit, and void the warranty.
Keep the unit clean. Carefully remove vegetation and other
debris that could block moving parts.
To reduce fire hazard, replace a faulty muffler and spark arrestor.
Keep the engine and muffler free from grass, leaves, excessive
grease or carbon build up.
If the unit starts to vibrate abnormally, stop the unit immediately.
Inspect the unit for the cause of the vibration. Vibration is
generally an indicator of trouble.

OTHERSAFETYWARNINGS
• Allservice,otherthanthemaintenanceproceduresdescribedin
thismanual,shouldbeperformedbyaSearsorotherqualified
servicedealer.
Beforeinspecting,servicing,cleaning,storing,transportingor
replacinganypartsontheunit:
1.Stoptheunit.
2.Makesureallmovingpartshavestopped.
3.Allowtheunittocool.
4.Disconnectthesparkplugwire.
Securetheunitwhiletransporting.
Neverstoretheunitwithfuelinthetank,insideabuildingwhere
fumesmayreachanopenflame(pilotlights,etc.)orsparks
(switches,electricalmotors,etc.).
Storetheunitinadryplace,securedorataheighttoprevent
unauthorizeduseordamage.Keeptheunitoutofthereachof
children.
Neverdouseorsquirttheunitwithwateroranyotherliquid.
Keephandlesdryandclean(freefromdebris,oilandgrease).
Cleantheunitaftereachuse.RefertoCleaning and Storage. Do
not use solvents or strong detergents.
Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use them to
instruct other users. If you loan this unit to others, also loan
them these instructions.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
,, SAFETY & iNTERNATiONAL SYMBOLS ,,
This operator's manual describes safety and international symbols and pictographs that may appear on this product. Read the operator's
manual for complete safety, assembly, operating and maintenance and repair information.
SYMBOL MEANING SYMBOL MEANING
_i o SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
|Indicates danger, warning or caut!onl Maybe used in
B conjunct on wth other symbo sot p ctographs.
oREAD OPERATOR'S MANUAL_AD _| | _| _ •
...-..,.,,.,.,. Road,heo era,ors
manua!(s) and follow all warnings and safety
instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious ....
Iinjuryt° the operator and/0r bystandersl
oWEAR EYE AND HEARING| _,| £"_-• PROTECTION
WARN,, . Thrownobjectsand,cud
_ ! noise car] cause severe eye !njury and hearing Iossl
Wear eye protection meeting Current ANSI /ISEA
Z87;! standards and ear protection when operating
. this unit. Use a full face shield when needed.
i _ ,UNLEADED FUEL ....
tresh unieaded fue!:
I° OIL
DO NOT USE E85 FUEL=IN THiS UNiT
IWARNIN ;
d°ntiigie ng griat;rn tharndlv0o__thanw°alrwi!nitI_ke!Y
|
JON/OFF STOP CONTROL
OFF or STOP
_PRIMER BULB
Push primer bulb, fully and slowly, 10 times.
H I<l I 'l
2 • PARTIAL choke position
3. = RUN choke position
___ _THROWN OBJECTS AND ROTATING CUTTER CAN
//_ CAUSE SEVERE iNJURY
WARNING = Small objects can be
propelled at high speed, causing injury. Keep away
• from the rotating rotor.
A ". KEEP BYSTAN DERS AWAY
WARNING: Keep all bystanders,
, especially children and pets, at least 50 feet (15 m)
from the operating area.
J HOT SURFACE •
WARNING. Do not touch a hot muffler
,, or cylinder. You may get burned. These parts get
extremely hot from operation. When turned off they
remain hot for a short time.
J SHARP BLADE
[]
WARN ING. Sharp blade on trimmer
attachment shield. To prevent serious injury,do not
. touch the line cutting blade.

CRAFTSMANTWO YEAR LiMiTED WARRANTY
FOR TWO YEARS from the date of sale, this product is warranted against defects in material or workmanship. With proof of purchase, a
defective product will receive free repair or replacement at option of seller.
ADDITIONAL LIMITED WARRANTY on TRIMMER SHAFTS
FOR THE THIRD THROUGH TENTH YEAR from the date of purchase, the outer metal housing of the upper and lower trimmer shafts is
warranted against any defects in material or workmanship. With proof of purchase, a new housing will be supplied free of charge. You are
responsible for the labor cost of installation. This additional coverage does not apply to inner trimmer shaft components.
For warranty coverage details to obtain free repair or replacement, visit the web page: www.craftsman.com/warranty
This warranty covers ONLY defects in material and workmanship. Warranty coverage does NOT include:
• Expendable items that can wear out from normal use within the warranty period, such as cutting line, spark plugs, or filters.
• Product damage resulting from user attempts at product modification or repair or caused by product accessories.
• Repairs necessary because of accident or failure to operate or maintain the product according to all supplied instructions.
• Preventive maintenance, or repairs necessary due to improper fuel mixture, contaminated or stale fuel.
This warranty is void if this product is ever used while providing commercial services or if rented to another person.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
To order parts or schedule service for this product, call 1-888-331-4569.
5

APPLiCATiONS
Asatrimmer:
• Cuttinggrassandlightweeds.
Edging
Decorativetrimmingaroundtrees,fences,etc.
Otheroptionalaccessoriesmaybeusedwiththisunit.
ASSEMBLYTOOLS REQUIRED:
= #2 Phillips screwdriver
• 3/8" Socket
Muffler
Starter
Rope Grip _
Shaft Grip
On/Off Switch
Oil Fill Plug\
Spark Plug
Fuel Cap
Handle
Shaft Housing
2Coupler
Throttle
Control
Choke Lever
Primer Bulb
Cutting Head
Shield
Cutting
Line Cutting Blade
Air Filter Cover
Engine Type ........................................................................................ Air-Cooled, 4-Cycle
Displacement ........................................................................................ 29 cc (1.8 cu. in.)
Spark Plug Gap .................................................................................... 0.025 in. (0.635 mm)
Spark Plug ......................................................................... Champion® RDZ4H or equivalent plug
Lubrication ............................................................................................... SAE 30 Oil
Crankcase Oil Capacity ................................................................................. 3.04 oz. (90 ml)
Fuel Tank Capacity ...................................................................................... 14 oz. (414 ml)
Approximate Unit Weight (No fuel) ............................................................... 14.5 - 15.5 Ibs. (6.6 - 7.0 kg)
Trimmer Mechanism ....................................................................................... Bump Head
Trimming Line Diameter ........................................................................... 0.095 inches (2.41 mm)
Cutting Path Diameter ................................................................................... 17 in. (43.2 cm)
* All specifications are based on the latest product information available at the time of printing. We reserve the right to make changes at any
time without notice.

iNSTALLiNG THE CUTTING HEAD SHIELD
_ WARNING: To prevent serious personal injury, never ]
operate the unit without the cutting head shield in place.
1. Place the cutting head shield onto the mount bracket. Align the
holes in the cutting head shield with the holes in the mount
bracket. (Fig. 1)
Screw the 2 screws through the mount bracket and into the
cutting head shield until finger tight.
Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, tighten the screws until the
cutting head shield is firmly in place. Tighten the screws equally.
The gap between the mount bracket and the cutting head shield
should be the same on each side.
2,
3.
Screws (2}
Mount Bracket "hield
Fig. 1
iNSTALLiNG AND ADJUSTING THE HANDLE
installing the Handle
1. Push the handle down onto the shaft housing (Fig. 2). The bolt
hole in the handle should be to the right.
2. Insert the bolt into the bolt hole and push it through (Fig. 2).
Tighten the bolt with a 3/8" socket, but do not tighten the bolt
completely.
3. While holding the unit in the operating position (Fig. 11), move
the handle to the location that provides the best grip. Place it a
minimum of 6 inches (15.24 cm) from the end of the shaft grip
(Fig. 2).
4. Tighten the bolt with a 3/8" socket until the handle is secure.
Adjusting the Handle
If the handle requires adjustment:
1. Loosen the bolt with a 3/8" socket (Fig. 2).
2. While holding the unit in the operating position (Fig. 11), move
the handle to the location that provides the best grip. Place it a
minimum of 6 inches (15.24 cm) from the end of the shaft grip
(Fig. 2).
3. Tighten the bolt with a 3/8" socket until the handle is secure.
Shaft Grip
Minimum 6in.
(15.24cm}
Bolt J
Fig. 2
Handle
Shaft
Housing

WARNING: Before using any attachment, read and i
understand the manual that came with the attachment. IFollow all safety information contained within.
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury and i
damage to the unit, shut the unit off before removing or I
installing an attachment.
OPERATING THE COUPLER
The coupler enables the use of various optional attachments.
Installing the Attachment
1. Remove the hanger cap from the attachment. Keep the hanger
cap for use when storing the attachment. If present, remove the
gray spacer from the coupler.
2. Set the unit on a flat, level surface.
3. Turn the knob counterclockwise to loosen the coupler (Fig. 4).
4. Align the release button with the guide recess (Fig. 5).
5. Push the attachment straight into the coupler (Fig. 3) until the
release button snaps firmly into the primary hole (Fig. 5).
6. Turn the knob clockwise to tighten the coupler (Fig. 4).
NOTE: For decorative trimming with a string trimmer attachment,
lock the release button into the 90° hole (Fig. 4).
CAUTION: Before operating the unit, make sure the
release button is fully snapped into the primary hole and the
knob is securely tightened.
CAUTION: Unless specified otherwise, the release
button should be snapped into the primary hole only. Using
the wrong hole could lead to personal injury or damage to
the unit.
Removing the Attachment
1. Set the unit on a flat, level surface.
2. Turn the knob counterclockwise to loosen the coupler (Fig. 4).
3. Press and hold the release button (Fig. 5).
4. Pull the attachment straight out of the coupler (Fig. 3).
Coupler
90°Hole
(Trimmer Onl
Tighten t
Primary Hole
Attachment
Fig. 3
Loosen
Fig. 4
Knob
Release Button
Guide Recess
Fig. 5

USING THE RIGHT OiL
Use a high-quality SAE 30 weight oil. DO NOT use dirty oil. Failure
to use clean oil of the correct type can cause premature engine
wear and failure.
ADDING OiL: iNiTiAL USE
WARNING: OVERFILLING THE CRANKCASE MAY
CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY. Check the oil level
before each use. The importance of maintaining the proper
oil level cannot be overemphasized. Change the oil
according to the Maintenance Schedule.
Funnel Spout _(_ 4+Cycle Motor Oil
Fig. 6
NOTE: This unit was shipped without oil in the crankcase. Oil must
be added before starting the unit.
NOTE: This unit comes with a 3.04 fluid oz. (90 ml) bottle of oil.
1. Unscrew the top of the oil bottle. Remove the paper seal.
Reinstall the top of the oil bottle.
2. Remove the cap from the oil bottle. Cut the tip off the funnel
spout (Fig. 6).
3. Set the unit on a fiat, level surface.
4. Unscrew the oil fill plug (Fig. 7).
5. Pour the entire bottle into the oil fill hole (Fig. 7). DO NOT
overfill. Refer to Checking the Oil Level.
NOTE: Never add oil to the fuel tank. This unit has a four-cycle
engine. DO NOT mix oil with gasoline.
6. Wipe up any oil that may have spilled.
7. Reinstall the oil fill plug.
NOTE: Make sure the O-ring is in place on the oil fill plug (Fig. 7).
NOTE: Save the empty oil bottle. Use the bottle to measure the
correct amount of oil during future oil changes.
o, FmP+u+ ++
O=Rinc
Oil FlU Hole
Fig. 7
9

USING THE RIGHT FUEL
The use of old fuel is the most common cause of performance
problems. Use only fresh, clean unleaded gasoline.
NOTE: This unit has afour-cycle engine. DO NOT mix oil with gasoline.
Definition of Blended Fuels
Today's fuels are often a blend of gasoline and oxygenates such as
ethanol, methanol or MTBE (ether). Alcohol-blended fuel absorbs
water. As little as 1% water in the fuel can make fuel and oil
separate, forming acids when stored. ALWAYS use fresh fuel (less
than 30 days old).
NOTE: Dispose of old fuel according to federal, state and local
regulations.
Using Blended Fuels
If using a blended fuel:
• Always use fresh unleaded gasoline
Use the fuel additive STA-BIL Qor an equivalent
Drain the tank and run the engine dry before storing the unit
__ IWARNING: DO NOT USE E85 FUELIN THIS UNIT.
!
1
It has been proven that fuel containing greater than 10%
ethanol will likely damage this engine and void the warranty.
Using Fuel Additives
Use a fuel additive, such as STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer or an
equivalent, to inhibit corrosion and minimize gum deposits. Add 0.8
oz. (23 ml) of fuel additive per gallon of fuel, according to the
instructions on the container. NEVER add fuel additives directly to
the unit's fuel tank.
FUELING THE UNiT
WARNING: Gasoline is extremely flammable, ignited
vapors may explode. Always stop the engine and allow it
to cool before filling the fuel tank. Do not smoke while
filling the tank. Keep sparks and open flames at a distance
from the area.
WARNING: Remove the fuel cap slowly to avoid injury
from fuel spray. Never operate the unit without the fuel cap
securely in place.
WARNING: Add fuel in a clean, well ventilated outdoor
area. Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately. Avoid creating
a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do not start the engine
until fuel vapors dissipate.
1. Position the unit with the fuel cap facing up.
2. Remove the fuel cap.
3. Place the fuel container spout into the fill hole on the fuel tank
and fill the tank.
NOTE: Do not overfill the tank.
4. Wipe up any fuel that may have spilled.
5. Reinstall the fuel cap.
6. Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fuel container and
the fueling site before starting the engine.
10