Craftsman 358.798980 Operator's Manual

GASOLINE BLOWER/VACUUM Model No. 358.798980 / / H 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; Sun, 10 am-7 pm 1-800-235-5878 Sears. Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 USA 530-084301 03/16/96

8 Parts and Ordering Back FULL TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON SEARS BEST CRAFTSMAN" GAS BLOWER For two (2) years from date of purchase, when this Gas Blower is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to the instructions in the operator's manual, Sears witl repair, free of charge, any defects in material 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, thiswarranty applies for 90 days from the date of purchase. Ifthis Blower is used for rental purposes, this warranty applies for 30 days from the dale of purchase. This warranty applies only while this product is in use in the United States. WARRANTY SERVICE 1SAVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE BLOWER TO THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER IN THE UNITED STATES. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from slate to state. Sears, Roebuck and Co. Dept. D/81TWA Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 Failure to follow all Safety Rules and Pre- cautions can result in serious injury. KNOW YOUR UNIT • Read your Operator's Manual care- fully until you completely understand and can follow all wamings and safety rules before operating the unit. • Restrict unit to users who understand and wil! follow all warnings and safety rules in this manual. PLAN AHEAD • Always wear eye protection when op- erating, servicing, or performing maintenance on unit. Wearing eye protection will help to prevent rocks or debris from being blown or rico- cheting into eyes and face which can result in blindness and/or serious in- jury. • Always wear respirator or face mask when working with unit in dusty envi- ronments. o Secure hair above shoulder length. Secure or remove jewelry, loose clothing, or clothing with loosely hanging straps, ties; tassels, etc. They can be caught in moving pads. • Do nol operate the unit when you are tired, ill, upset, or if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or me_- cation. • Keep children, bystanders, and ani- mals away from work area a mini- mum of 50 feet (15 m) when starting or operating unit. • Inspect the 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 al! sources of sparks or flame (including smoking, open flames, or work that can cause sparks) in the areas where fuel is mixed, poured, or stored, . Mix and pour fuel in an outdoor area: store fuel in a cool, dry, well venti- lated place; use an approved, -2-

poses. • Do not smoke while handling fuel or while operating the unit. , Do not fill fuel lank while engine is running. ,, Wipe up luel spills before starting en- gine. • Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from fuel and fueling site before starling engine. OPERATE YOUR UNIT SAFELY • Stop the engine before opening the vacuum inlel door. The engine must be stopped and the impeller blades no longer lurning Io avoid serious in- jury Irom the rotating blades. • Inspect unit before each use for worn, loose, missing, or damaged parts. Do not use until unit is in proper working order. • Keep outside surfaces free of oil and fuel. • Never slart 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. • Do not set unit on any surface except a clean, hard area while engine is running. Debds such as gravel, sand, dust, grass, etc. 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 environmenls. 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 ob.iects 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 a_rcan 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 und as a blower, always install blower tubes. When using your unit as a vacuum, always install vacuum tubes and vacuum bag assembly. Make sure vacuum bag assembly is completely zipped. • Check air intake opening, blower tubes, vacuum tubes, and elbow tube 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 flow. • Never place any object in the air in- take opening as this could restdct 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, etc. • 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 pedormed by Sears Service. • Disconnect spark plug before per- forming maintenance except for car- buretor adjustments. ° Use only recommended CRAFTS- MAN® replacement parts; use of any other parts may void your warranty and cause damage to your unit. • Empty fuel tank before storing the unit. Use up fuel left in carburetor by starting engine and letting it run until it stops. • Do not use any accessory or attach- ment other than those recommended by 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 hol 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

a spark arrestor, maintained in effective 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 unff 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 too! and seek medical attention. An ant!vibration system does not guaran- tee Ihe avoidance of these problems. Users who operate power tools on a COntinualand regular basis must moni- tor closely their physical condition and the condition of this tool_ CARTON CONTENTS Check carton contents against the fol- lowing list. Model 358.798980 • Blower • Blower tube • Nozzle • Upper vacuum tube • Lower vacuum tube • Elbow tube o Vacuum bag ° 2-Cycle Engine Oil NOTE: It is normal for the fuel filter to rattle in the empty fuel lank. ASSEMBLY WARNING: If received assembled, repeat a!l steps to ensure your unil is properly assembled and all fasteners are secure. • No tools are required for assembly. BLOWER TUBE ASSEMBLY • Assemble the blower tube and nozzle to the unit (turn clockwise to tighten). Blower Slower _ Tube. Outlet _ B_ __Nozzle VACUUM BAG ASSEMBLY • Open the zipper on the vacuum bag and insert the etbow tube. • Push the end of the elbow tube with the grooves through the small bag tube opening. Make sure the bag tube opening is flush against the raised rib in the middle of the tube. • Close the zipper on the bag. Make sure the zipper is closed completely and the zipper seam is tucked toward inside of the bag. Raised Si___ Bag Tube Efbow_ JI _ Opening Tube _ - _ Looped Zipper I _ _ Strap 0°% VACUUM TUBE ASSEMBLY WARNING Slop engine and be sure the impairer blades have stopped turn- ing before opening the vacuum inlet door or attempting to insert or remove the vacuum tubes. The rotating blades can cause sedous injury. ,, Remove blower tube from engine. = Insert a screwdriver into the latch area on the vacuum inlet cover. _r_l _ sl_er _ (_ ._ Vacuum LA_'-J/7,-4, InletCover

er Iorward toward blower outlet while pulling up on the vacuum inlet cover with your other hand. • Hold the vacuum inlet cover open un- til upper vacuum tube is installed. • Align slanted end ol lower vacuum tube as shown. Push lower vacuum tube into upper vacuum tube. • Assemble upper vacuum to unit; turn clockwise to tighten, • Insert the elbow tube into the blower outlet, Make sure the elbow tube is curved to the left. • Turn lube counterclockwise to tighl- eN. • Slide the looped strap on the bag over the upper vacuum tube. • When converlJng back to the blower feature, make sure latch on the vacu- um inlet cover is securely fastened. Elbow Tube Curved To The Left Slanted End Vacuum Inlet Cover Vacuum Inlet KNOW YOUR BLOWER READ THIS OPERATOR'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR UNIT. Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the Iocalion of the various controls and adjustments. Save this manual lot future reference, ! Upper VacuumTube_._ ON/STOP Switch _. Vacuum I \ Bag I Lower I 'J-'--" VacuumTube _ "P"" ON/STOP SWITCH The ON/STOP switch is used to stop the engine. The switch must be in the ON position when starting the engine, To stop the engine, move the switch to the STOP position, PRIMER BULB The primer bulb removes air from the fuel lines and fills them with lueL This allows you to start the engine with lew- er pulls on the starter rope. Activate the primer bulb by pressing it and allowing it to return to its onginal form. THROTTLE LOCK The throttle lock is used to hold the throttle in the run and starting poslt=ons. ChokeLever Primer Thrott/e Trigger Bulb FuelMix Fitl Cap BIower Rear ElbowTube To activatethrottle lock, squeeze and hold throttle trigger, press and hold throttte lock, then release throttle trigger, THROTTLE TRIGGER The throttle trigger controls engine speed, Fully squeeze the trigger for full speed operation. 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 Off position, -5-

information in the safety rules before you begin. If you do not understand the safely rules, do not aflempt to fuel your unit. Call 1-800-235-5878. FUELING ENGINE This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline, Before operation, gasoline must be mixed with a good quality 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil. We recommend Craftsman brand oil. Mix gasoline and oil at a ratio of 40: f (A 40:1 ratio is obtained by mixing 3.2 ounces of oil with 1 gallon of unleaded gasoline). DO NOT USE automotive oil or boat oil. These oils will cause engine 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 alcoho! blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract mois- ture which leads fo 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 untilthe 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. Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alterna- tive in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage, CraBs- man brand oil is already blended with fuel stabilizer. See the STORAGE Sec- tion for additional information. STOPPING YOUR ENGINE • Move On/Stop switch to STOP. , 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 el least 10 feet (3 meters) away from the fueling site. • Hold the unit in the staffing position as shown. Make sure the blower end is directed away from people, ani- mals, glass, and solid objects. Stading Positions_ WARNING: When startingengine, hold the unit as illustrated.Do not set unit on any sudace except a dean, hard area when starting engineor while engine is running. Debris such as gravel,sand. dust, grass, etc. could be picked up by the air intakeand thrown out through the discharge opening, damaging the unit or property, or _using s.ed(yJs iniu_to by- standers or the operator. Throttle /,,,,f I ThrottleLock iwitch PrimerBulb STARTING A COLD ENGINE OR A WARM ENGINE AFTER RUNNING OUT OF FUEL • Move switch Io the ON position. • Activate the throttle lock. • Move choke to FULL position. • Press primer bulb 6 times. • Sharply pull starter rope 5 times. -6-

trymg to start before the 5th pull, go to the next step. • Move choke to HALF position. • Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs, but no more than 6 pulis. NOTE: If engine has not started after 6 pulls, repeat all of the above steps. , Allow engine to run for 15 seconds, then move choke to OFF position. • Squeeze and release the throttle trig- ger to allow engine to idle. NOTE: If engine dies wdh choke at OFF position, move the choke to the Half position and pull the starter rope 6 more times. If engine does not start and operate properly, refer to "Carbure- tor Adjustments." • To stop eng=ne, move switch to OFF. FOR A WARM ENGINE • Move switch to the ON position. • Move choke to OFF position. • Activate the throttle lock. • Press primer bulb 6 times. • Sharply pull starter rope until engine runs. NOTE: If engine does not run after 5 pulls, it is probably flooded. Wait a few minutes and repeat procedure with choke at OFF. • To stop engine, move switch to OFF. DIFFICULT STARTING OR STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE Flooded engines can be started by placing choke lever in the Off Choke position and On/Stop switch in the On position. Activate the throttle lock; then, pull rope until engine starts. After the engine starts, squeeze and release the throttle trigger to allow engine to idle. Starting could require pulling the starter handle many times depending on how badly unit is flooded. If unit still doesn't start, refer to the TROUBLESHOOTING chart or call 1-800-235-5878. CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ] CARE & MAINTENANCE TASK i Check lot Loose fasteners and parts t Check for damaged or worn parts I Clean unit and labels [ Clean air tilter Replace spark plug GENERALRECOMMENDATIONS The warranty on this unit does not cov- er items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To re- ceive full value from the warranty, the operator must maintain unit as instruct- ed in this manual. Various adjustments will need to be made periodically to WHEN TO PERFORM Before each use Belore each use After each use Every 5 hours of operation Yearly Make sure engine stops; then restart engine and continue. • Fuel Tank - Discontinue use of unit if fuel tank shows signs of damage or leaks. • Vacuum Bag - Discontinue use of vacuum bag ifit is torn or damaged. CLEAN UNIT & LABELS propedy maintain your unit. CHECK FOR LOOSE FASTENERS AND PARTS - Spark Plug Boot • Air Filter • Housing Screws CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR WORN PARTS Refer replacement of damaged/worn parts to your Sears Service Center. • On'Stop Switch - Ensure On/Stop sw_tch functions properly by moving the swntchtO the "Stop" position. • Clean the unit using a damp cloth with a mild detergent, • Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth. CLEAN AIR FILTER Do nol clean filter in gasoline or other flammable solvent. Doing so can create a fire hazard or produce harmful evaporative emissions. Cleaning the air filter: A dirty air filter decreases engine per- Iormance and increases fuel consump- tion and harmful emissions. Always clean after every 5 hours of operation. -7-

itto keep debris from faTlinginto the carburetor chamber when the cover is removed. * Remove parts as illustrated. . Wash the filter in soap and water. o Allow filter to dry. • Replace parts. REPLACE SPARK PLUG Replace spark plug each year to en- sure the engine starts easier and runs better. Set spark plug gap at .025 in_ Ignition timing is fixed, nonadjustabre. • Twist, then pull off spark plug boot. • Remove spark plug from cylinder and discard. • Replace with Champion RCJ-8Y spark plug and tighten with a 3/4 in. socket wrench (10-12 ft.-Ibs). • Reinstall the spark plug boot. We recommend att 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 fue!, a dirty air filter, a dirty tuel 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 idle. See "Idle Speed" and "Mixture" under adjusting procedure. • Engine dies or hesitates instead of accelerating. See "Acceleration Check" under adjusting procedure. • Loss of power. See "Mixture" under adjusting procedure. 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." TOadjust presets: • Turn the mixture screw countemlock- wise until it slops, -8 • 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, if engine does not start, refer to trouble- shooting chart or call 1-800-235-5878. If engine performance is acceptable at the preset posffions, no further adjust- ments are necessary. cove, . € (with Ltmiter Cap) ADJUSTING PROCEDURE Idle Speed "IDLE" 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 necessary if performance is satisfactory. Mixture "MIX" Allow engine to idle. Then accelerate the engine and note performance, tf engine hesitates, bogs down, or smokes during acceleration, lure mix- lure screw clockwise in 1/t6-tum incre- ments until performance is satisfactory. Repeat this procedure as necessary

instead of accelerating, turn low speed mixture adjustment counterclockwise until you have smooth acceleration. Recheck and adjust as necessary for acceptable pedormance. 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 cool, and secure the unit before storing or transpoding. • Store unit and luei in a well ventilated area where fuel 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 welt out of the reach of children. EXTERNAL SURFACES • If your unit is to be stored for a period ol time, clean it thoroughly before storage. SIore in a clean dry area. • Lightly oil external melal sudaces. FUEL SYSTEM Under Fueling Engine in the Operating Section of this manual, see message labeled iMPORTANT regarding the use ol 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 Ihe 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 I tea- spoon of 40:1, 2-cycle engine oil (air cooled) through the spark plug open- ing, Slowly pull the starter rope 8 to 10 times to distribute oil. • 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 itstarts to rust. -9-

start. TROUBLESHOOTING CHART CAUSE ° Ignition switch off. • Engine flooded. • Fuel tank empty F• Spark plug not fidng i• Fuel not reaching carburetor. E'ngine will not idre properly. Engine will not accelerate, tacks power, or dies under a load. Enginesmokes : excessively. Engine runs hot. • Compression low, • Carburetor requires adjustment. * Crankshaft seals worn. o Compression low. * Air filter dirty. • Spark plug touted • Carburetor requires adjustment, - Carbon build up • Compression low. • Choke partially on. , Fuel mixture incorrecL * Air filter dirty. o Carburetor requires adjustment. - Fue! mixture incorrect. • Spark plug incorrect. • Carburetor requires adjustment , Carbon build up, i REMEDY • Move Ignition switchtoON. • See "Starting Instructions" ; • Flittank with correct fuel mixture. , • Install new spark plug i • Check for dirty fuel filter; replace. i Check for kinked or split fuel line; t repair or replace. }_ Contact Sears Service. See =Carburetor Adjustments." J ,, Contact Sears Service. j • Contact Sears Service. • Clean or replace air filter. • Clean or replace spark plug an{/re-gap. • See "Carburetor Adjustments." I , Contact Sears Service. • Contact Sears Service. I " Adjust choke. i ° Empty fuel tank and reBI with f correct fuel mixture. • Clean or replace air fitter. , • See "Carburetor Adjustments." • See "Fueling Your Unit." , Replace with correct spark plug. I ° See =Carburetor Adjustments." 4 • Contact Sears Service. -10-

530-047747 530-0t4347 530--Ot 4362 53G=014160 530-029728 530_3_9112 De_,c_iplion Handle Front |so_tor S_3acer S_Jew Rear ISOJ,at_ Screw Tr,gger Sprig "C* C_ l"_o_le LOCkButton p,n 5p-n o ShtouO-Leff Grommet Switch tsctator-Engme Mount IsaLatot-Ta_ Screw Fue_ Tank Assay Fuet Calo Ass_/ Fuel P_k_Jo ASSy H_rt_e Cove_ Ass'y _=nc= 9 10& 12_ Cove_ -_t F_l{er R_f. 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 3g 40 41 42 43 44 45 a6 47 4g 50 11 Fad No. 530-0477_4 530-059293 530-029116 Champ,on 530-00_624 530-069626 530-039t 94 53O.--O39137 530_q15816 530-019178 530-325875 530-069349 530-015:=62 530_5843 530..039t9_ 530-037492 530-.069303 5-30-_19232 _30-029404 530-0t 0960 530-023877 530069247 530-047854 530-0692 ",6 530-",047721 34 Pescdption Assist Handle Muffler Kit Spring Spark P_ug (RCJ-_Y) Sc_'ew Cylinder K_t Lead Wire lgnihon Mocl_e Serew Gaskel PisIon'R,ng Piston Kil flncl 36.38 & Pin) Retainer Screw Ground Wi_e Throttle Cable Ass'y. Muffler Guard Heat ShiekJ Gasket Ai_ Baffle Connecting Rod Ass'y Vent Fitting Line Kit - _erbJ;Purge Vent Fd(ing Line K_t- Tank/Purge Purge Bulb

1 2 KIT KIT KIT ._ // KIT I'tJT,_.. _ ;_TK_ T KIT J Key P_rt Descrlpb_ NO No. 1 530-069729 Carburelor Reoa_" Kit (KiT = Can'Le,',ts) 530038403 L_-t _t_" Cap-S_gle Ne_le KEY NO. PART NO. ,,,,,,, ,, '_ 53G-.095358 2 53_037250 3 530--069750 530-03855S 530-095117 DESCRIPllON Coltecfion Bag Shoulder SIrap Vacuum Tube Tube & Nozzle ASS'y. Elbow 13