Craftsman Weedwacker 358.791980 User manual

Operator's Manual
_P R 0 F E S S I 0 N A L_
28cc/1.7 cu.in. 2-Cycle
GASOLINE WEEDWACKER ®
Model No.
358.791980
• Safety
•Assembly
•Operation
•Maintenance
•Parts List
•Espa_ol, p. 19
&WARNING:
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 pro, Mon.-Sat., or 10 am-7 pro, Sun.
1-800-235-5878 (HourslistedareCentr_31me)
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
545167661 Rev. 36/19/08 BRW

Warranty Statement 2 Storage 13
Identification of Safety Symbols 2 Troubleshooting Table 14
Safety Rules 4 Emissions Statement 15
Assembly 6
Operation 7 Parts List 17
Maintenance 10 Spanish 19
Service & Adjus_nents 11 Parts and Ordering Sack Cover
CRAFTSMAN PROFESSIONAL FULL WARRANTY
When used and maintained according to the operator's manual, ifthis product fails
due to a defect in material or workmanship within three (3) years from the date of
purchase, retum it to any Sears store, Sears Service Center, or other Craftsman out-
let in the United States for flee repair (or replacement if repair proves impossible).
This warranty applies for only 1 year from purchase date if this product is ever
used for commercial or rental purposes.
This warranty covers ONLY defects in material and workmanship. Sears will
NOT pay for:
•Expendable items that can wear out from normal use within the warranty period,
such as cutting line, filters or spark plugs=
•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 gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other tights
which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co=, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
®®®
_DANGER: Use only specified trimmer
head, spool, and recommended trimmer line.
Never use blades, flailing devices, wire,
rope, string, eto. This unit is designed for line
trimmer use only. Failure to follow these
instructions may result in serious injury.
I_ ]_WARNING: This unit can be dangerous! Careless or
improper use can cause serious injury.
_1 Read the operator's manual before use. Failure to follow
instructions could result in serious injury. Save operator's
manual.

Trimmerlinecanthrowobjectsvio-
lently.Youcanbeblindedorinjured.
Always wear hearing protection and
safety glasses marked Z87. Always
wear heavy, long pants, long
sleeves, boots and gloves.
Hazard zone for thrown objects.
•Trimmer line throws objects violently.
•You and others can be blinded/injured.
•Keep children, bystanders, and animals
50 feet (15 meters) away.
®®® Secure hair above shoulder length.
Do not wear jewelry, loose clothing,
or clothing with loosing hanging
straps, ties, tassels, etc. They can
be caught in moving parts.
Assist handle to be positioned only below
the arrow.
Never allow children to operate this unit.
__ i Store unit indoors in ahigh, dry place out of the
l
Ireach of children. Store unit and fuel in area where
fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames
from water heaters, elecl_ic motors or switches,
furnaces, etc.
__ When sen/icing unit, use only identical replace-
ment parts.
Always stop unit and disconnect spark plug before
cleaning or servicing.

ltt+'
J
_IWARNING: Fire hazard. Never mix, pour, or store gasoline
or use the unit near aflame or sparks (including smoking, open
flames, or work that can cause sparks).
Use unleadedgasoline and two-stroke oil mixed at a
ratio of 40:1 (2.5%).
_WARNING: When using gar-
dening appliances, basic safety pre-
cautions must always be followed to
reduce the nsk of fire and serious
injury. Read and fellow all instructions.
Th,_ power unit can be dangerous! Op-
erator is responsible for following
instructions and warnings on unitand in
manual. Read entire operator's manual
before using unit! Be thoroughly familiar
with the consols and the proper use of
the unit. Rester the use of this unitto
persons who have read, understand,
and will follow the instructions and
warnings on the unit and in the manual.
Never allow children to operate this unit.
OPERATOR'S SAFETY INFORMATION
MANUAL ONTHEUNIT
ADANGER: Never use blades or
flailing devices. This unit is designed
for line trimmer use only. Use of any
other accessories or attachments will
increase the risk of injury.
If situations occur which are not cov-
ered in this manual, use care and
good judgment. If you need assis-
tance, contact your Sears Service
Center or call 1_00-235_._78.
OPERATOR SAFETY
•Dress properly. Always wear safety
glasses or similar eye protection
when operating, or performing main-
tenance, on your unit (safety
glasses are available). Eye protec-
tion should be marked Z87.
•Always wear face or dust mask if
operation is dusty.
• Always wear heavy, long pants, long
sleeves, boots, and gloves. Wearing
safety leg guards is recommended.
• Always wear foot protection. Do not
go barefoot or wear sandals. Stay
clear of spinning line.
•Secure hair above shoulder length.
Secure or remove loose clothing or
clothing with loosely hanging ties,
straps, tassels, etc. They can be
caught in moving parts.
•Being fully covered also helps pro-
tect you from debris and pieces of
toxic plants thrown by spinning line.
•Stay Alert. Do not operate this unit
when you are tired, ill, upset or un-
der the influence of alcohol, drugs,
or medication. Watch what you are
doing; use common sense.
•Wear hearing protection.
•Never start or run inside aclosed
room or building. Breathing exhaust
fumes can kill.
•Keep handles free of oil and fuel.
UNIT /MAINTENANCE SAFETY
_WARNING: Disconnect the
spark plug before performing mainte-
nance except carburetor adjustments.
•Look for and replace damaged or
loose parts before each use. Look
for and repair feel leaks before use.
Keep in good working condiiton.
•Replace t_mmer head parts thst are
chipped, cracked, broken, or dam-
aged in any other way before using
the unit.
•Maintain unit according to recom-
mended procedures. Keep cutting
line at proper length.
•Use only Craftsman@ replacement
line. Never use wire, rope, string, etc.

• install required shield properly before
using the unit. Use only specified trim-
mer head; make sure it is propedy
installed and securely fastened.
• Make sure unit is assembled cor-
rectly as shown in this manual.
•Make carburetor adjustments with
lower end supported to prevent line
from contacting any object.
•Keep others away when making car-
buretor adjustments.
•Use only recommended Craftsman
accessories and replacement parts.
•Have all maintenance and service
not explained in this manual per-
formed by aSears Service Center.
FUEL SAFETY
•Mix and pour fuel outdoors.
•Keep away from sparks or flames.
• Do not smoke or allow smoking near
fuel or the unitor while using the unit.
•Avoid spilling fuel or oil.Wipe up all
fuel spills before staring engine.
•Move at least 10 feet (3 meters)
away from fueling site before start-
ing engine. Stop engine and allow it
to cool before removing fuel cap.
• Empty the fuel tank before storing or
ftanspordng the unit. Use up fuel left
in the carburetor by starting the en-
gine and let_ng it run until it stops.
• Store unit and fuel in area where fuel
vapors cannot reach sparks or open
flames from water heaters, alectdc
motors or switches, furnaces, etc.
• Always store gasoline in a container
approved for flammable liquids.
CUTTING SAFETY
WARNING: Inspect the area be-
fore each use. Remove objects
(rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, etc.)
which can be thrown by or become
entangled in line. Hard objects can
damage the trimmer head and be
thrown causing serious injury.
•Use only for tnmming, scalping, mow-
ing, edging and sweeping. Do not use
for pruning or hedge trimming.
•Keep firm footing and balance. Do
not overreach.
•Keep all parts of your body away
from muffler and spinning line. Keep
engine below waist level. Ahot mot-
fieF can cause serious burns.
• Cut only from your right to your left.
Cutting on left side of the shield will
throw debris away from the operator.
•Use only in daylight or good artificial
light.
•Use only for jobs explained in this
manual.
TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE
• Stop the unit before carrying.
• Allow engine to cool before storing
or transporting in vehicle.
• Empty the fuel tank before storing or
transporting the unit. Use up fuel left
in the carburetor by starting the en-
gine and letting it run until it stops.
•Store unitand fuel in area where fuel
vapors cannot reach sparks or open
flames from water heaters, elec_aic
motors or switches, furnaces, etc.
•Store unit so line limitsr blade can-
not accidentally cause injury. The
unit can be hung by the shaft.
•Store unit out of reach of children.
This unit is not equipped with an anti-
vibration system and is intended for
occasional use only.
SAFETY 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 ab-
normal swellings. Prolonged use in
cold weather has been linked to blood
vessel 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 anti-
vibration system does not guarantee
the avoidance of these problems. Us-
ers who operate power tools on a con-
tinual and regular basis must monitor
closely their physical condition and the
condition of this tool.
SPECIAL NOTICE: This unit is
equipped with a temperature limiting
muffler and spark arresting screen
which meets the requirements of Cali-
fernia Codes 4442 and 4443. All U.S.
forest land and the states of California,
Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey,
Oregon, and Washington require by
law that many internal combustion en-
gines be equipped with a spark arrest-
ing screen. If you operate in a locale
where such regulations exist, you are
legally responsible for maintaining the
operating condition of these parts.
Failure to do so is a violation of the
law. For normal homeowner use, the
muffler and spark arresting screen will
not require any service. After 50 hours
of use, we recommend that your muf-
fler be serviced or replaced by a
Sears Service Center.

CARTON CONTENTS
Check carton contents against the fol-
lowing list.
Model 358.791980
• Trimmer
•Shield
•Wing Nut (screwed onto shield)
• Container of line
• Container of oil
Examine parts for damage. Do not
use damaged parts.
NOTE: If you need assistance or find
parts missing or damaged, call
1-800-235-5878.
It is normal fur the fuel filter to rattle in
the empty fuel tank.
Finding fuel or oil residue on muffler is
normal due to carburetor adjustments
and testing done by the manufacturer.
ASSEMBLY
_WARNING: IfreceNed as-
sembled, repeat all steps to ensure
your unti is properly assembled and all
fasteners are secure.
ADJUSTING THE HANDLE
the safety label and below the mark or
arrow on the sha_.
f. Loosen wing nut on handle.
2. Rotate the handle on the shaR to an
upright position; retighten wing nut.
A'I-rAC HING SHIELD
_' WARNING: The shield must be
properly installed. The shield provides
par_al protection from the risk of thrown
objects to the operator and others and
is equipped with a line limiter blade
which cuts excess line to the proper
leng_. The line limiter blade (on under-
side of shield) is sharp and can cut you.
For proper orienta_on of shield, see
KNOW YOUR TRIMMER illustrationin
OPERATION section.
1. Remove wing nut,Tom shield.
2. Insert bracket into slot as shown.
3. Pivot shield until bolt passes
through hole in bracket.
4. Securely tighten wing nut onto pelt_
Bracket _ng Nut
Shield

KNOWYOURTRIMMER
READ THIS OPERATOR'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFOREOPERATING YOUR
UNE Compare the illisbations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the location
of the various conbols and edjusbnents. Save this manual for future reference.
Throttle
AssistHandle
Trimmer
Head
Shield
J
ON/STOP
Switch
Shaft
Une Umiter Choke
Blade Lever
Throttle
Trigger
L_" Muffler
Starter
Handle
ON/STOP SWITCH
The ON/STOP switch is used to stop
engine. To stop the engine, push and
release the engine ON/STOP switch.
PRIMER BULB
The PRIMER BULB removes air from
the carburetor and fuel lines and fills
them with fuel. This allows you to start
the engine with fewer pulls on the
starter rope. Activate the primer bulb
by pressing it and allowing it to return
to its original form.
THRO'FrLE LOCK-OUT
The THROTI]JE LOCK-OUT must be
pressed with the palm of your hand as
you grip the throttle handle before the
trigger can be used. This feature
prevents you from accidentally
squeezing the throttle trigger.
CHOKE
The CHOKE helps to supply fuel to the
engine to aid in cold stsr_ng. Activate
the choke by moving the choke liver to
the FULL CHOKE position. After the en-
gine attempts to start, move the choke
lever to the HALF CHOKE position. Once
engine has started, move the choke le-
ver to the OFF CHOKE position.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
WARNING: Be sure to read
the fuel information in the safety rules
before you begin. If you do not under-
stand the safety rules, do not attempt
to feel your unit. Call 1-800-235-5878.
FUELING ENGINE
_WARNING: Remove feel cap
slowly when refueling.
This engine is cedJfledto operate on
unleaded gasoline. Before operation,
gasoline must be mb<edwith agood
quality synthe_c 2_ycli air-cooled
engine oil We recommend Craftsman
brand synthe_c oil. Mix gasoline and oil
at a ra_o of 40:1. A40:1 ratio is ob-
tained by mixing 3.2 ounces of oil with 1
gallon of unleaded gasoline. Included
with this trimmer is a 3.2 ounce contain-
er of oil. Pour the entire contents of this
container into 1 gallon of gasoline to
achieve the proper fuel mixture. DO
NOT USE automotive oil or marine oil.
These oils will cause engine damage.
When mixing fuel, follow instructions
printed on container.
7

Onceoil is added to gasoline, shake
container momentarily to assure that
the fuel is thoroughly mixed. Always
read and follow the safety rules relat-
ing to fuel before fueling your unit.
IMPORTANT
Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol
or using ethanol or methanol) can at-
tract moisture which leads to separa-
tion and formation of acids during stor-
age. Acidic 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 oc-
cur. See the STORAGE section for
additional information.
HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT
• Release the throttle trigger.
• Push and release the engine ON/
STOP switch. The switch will auto-
matically return to the ON position.
Wait 5 seconds before attempting to
restart unit to allow switch to reset.
HOW TO START YOUR UNIT
z_
ItmWARNING: Avoid any contact
with the muffler. A hot muffler can
cause serious bums.
Starting Position
STARTING A COLD ENGINE
NOTE: DO NOT squeeze the throttle
trigger until the engine has started and
runs.
1. Set unit on a fiat surface.
2. Slowly press the primer bulb 10
itmes.
PrimerBulb
3. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE
position.
_ _hoke
Lever
4. This unit has the Sim-pul_ starting
system. You do not have to pull the
starter rope handle sharply or brisk-
ly. Pull starter rope handle with a
controlled and steady moiton until
engine sounds as if it is trying to
start, but do not bull rope more
than 3 times.
5. As soon as engine sounds as if it is
_ying to start, move choke lever to
HALFCHOKE posi_on.
6. Pull starter rope unitl engine runs.
NOTE: If the engine doesn_ start
after 6 pulls (st the HALF CHOKE
position), move the choke liver to
the FULLCHOKE position. Pullthe
starter rope 2more times. Move the
choke lever to the HALFCHOKE
position and pull the starter rope un-
itl the engine runs, but no more than
6 pulls. Ifthe engine still doesn't
start, it is probably flooded. Proceed
to STAR33NGA FLOODED ENGINE.
7. Once the engine starts, allow it to
run 10 seconds, then move the
choke lever to the OFF CHOKE
position. NOTE: If engine dies with
the choke lever in the OFF CHOKE
position, move the choke lever to
the FULLCHOKE position and pull
the rope until engine runs, but no
more than 6 pulls.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
1. Move the choke lever to the HALF
CHOKE posi_on.
2. Pull starter rope with a controlled
and steady motion until engine
runs, but no more than 6 pulls.
3. Alliw engine to run 15 seconds,
then move the choke lever to OFF
CHOKE.
8

NOTE: If engine has not started, pull
starter rope 5 more pulls. If engine still
does not run, it is probably flooded.
STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE
Flooded engines can be started by
placing the choke lever in the OFF
CHOKE posi_on; 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 isflooded.
If the unit still doesn't start, refer to
TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE or call
1-800-235-5878.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
To maximize operating efficiency, do
not run the engine for longer than 1
minute at a time at full throffie.
OPERATING POSITION
ALWAYS USE:
Eye Protec_on
Long
Pants
Cut from your leftto your right.
_k WARNING: Always wear eye
protection and hearing protection. Never
lean over the _mmer head. Rocks or
debits can ricochet or be thrown into
eyes and face and cause blindness or
other serious injury.
When operating unit, stand as shown
and check for the following:
•Wear eye protection, hearing protec-
tion andheavy clothing.
•Hold trigger handle with right hand
and assist handle with left hand.
•Hold unit so that engine is below
waist level.
• Cut only from your ]eft to your right to
ensure debits isthrown away from
you. Without bending over, keep line
near and paraJ]elto the ground and
not crowded into material being cut.
Do not run the engine at a higher speed
than necessary. The cutting line will cut
efficientlywhen the engine is run at less
than full throtfle. At lower speeds, there
is less engine noise and vibration.
Always release the throttle trigger and
allow the engine to retum to idle
speed when not cutting.
HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT
• Release the throttle trigger.
• Push and release the engine ON/
STOP switch.
CUTTING METHODS
_WARNING: Use minimum
speed and do not crowd the line when
cutting around hard objects (rock,
gravel, fence posts, etc.), which can
damage the trimmer head, become
entangled in the line, or be thrown
causing a serious hazard.
•The tip of the line does the cutting.
You will achieve the best perform-
ance and minimum line wear by not
crowding the line into the cutting
area. The right and wrong ways are
shown below.
33pof linedoesthe Line crowded into
work Bres.
cutting.
Right Wr
•The line will easily remove grass
and weeds (TOm around walls,
fences, trees and flower beds, but it
also can cut the tender bark of trees
or shrubs and scar fences.
•For trimming or scalping, use less
than full throttle to increase line life
and decrease head wear, especially:
• During light duty cut_ng.
•Near objects around which the line
can wrap such as small posts,
trees or fence wire.
TRIMMING - Hold the bottom of the
trimmer head about 3 inches (8 cm)
above the ground and at an angle. Al-
low only the tip of the line to make
contact with vegetation. Do not force
trimmer line into work area.
Trimming
(8 crn) above
ground

SCALPING - The scalping technique
removes unwanted vegetation down to
the ground. Hold the bottom of the _im-
mer head about 3 inches (8 cm) above
the ground and at an angle. Allow the
rip of the line to s'_ike the ground
around f_ees, posts, monuments, etc.
This technique increases line wear.
Scalping
MOWING - Your trimmer is ideal for
mowing in places conventional lawn
mowers cannot reach. In the mowing
position, keep the line parallel to the
ground. Avoid pressing the head into
the ground as this can scalp the
ground and damage the tool.
Mowing
SWEEPING - The fanning acrion of the
rotaring line can be used to blew away
loose debris from an area. Keep the line
parallel to and above the area surface
and swing the tool from side to side.
Sweeping
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance
except for carburetor adjustments.
CARE & MAINTENANCE TASK
Check for loose fasteners and parts
Check for damaged or worn parts
inspect and clean unit and decals
Clean air filter
inspect muffler and spark arresting screen
Replace spark plug
WHEN TO PERFORM
Before each use
Before each use
After each use
Every 5 hours of operation
Every 50 hours of operation
Yearly
GENERALRECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this unit does not
cover items that have been subjected
to operator abuse or negligence. To
receive full value from the warranty,
the operator must maintain unit as
instructed in this manual. Various ad-
justments will need to be made peri-
odically to propedy maintain your unit.
CHECK FOR LOOSE
FASTENERS AND PARTS
•Spark Plug Boot
•Air Filter
•Housing Screws
•Assist Handle Screw
• Debris Shield
CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR
WORN PARTS
Contact Sears Service Center for re-
placement of damaged or worn parts.
•ON/STOP Switch - Ensure ON/STOP
switch functions properly by pushing
and releasing the switch. Make sure
engine stops. Wait 5 seconds be-
fore attempting to restart unit to al-
low switch to reset. Restart engine
and continue.
•Fuel Tank -Discontinue use of unit
if fuel tank shows signs of damage
or leaks.
• Debris Shield - Discontinue use of
unit if debris shield is damaged.
10