WARNING: When using gardening appliances, basic safety precautions must always be followed to reduce the

risk of fire and serious injury. Read and follow all instructions.

This power unit can be dangerous I. Op-

erator is responsible for following instruc- tions and warnings on unit and in manual. Read entire Operator's Manual before using unit! Be thoroughly familiar

with the controls and the proper use of the unit. Restrict the use of this unit to

persons who have read, understand, and will follow the instructions and warn-

ings on the unit and in the manual. Nev- er allow children to operate this unit.

Safety information on the unit __

DANGER: Never use blades or flailing devices. This unit is designed for line

trimmer use only. Use of any other ac- cessories or attachments will increase

the risk of injury.

G-OG

wARNING: Trimmer line throws ob-

jects violently. You and others can be blinded/injured. Wear eye and leg protection. Keep body parts clear of ro- tating line. Keep children, bystanders, and animals 50 feet (15 meters) away. If approached stop unit immediately.

Eye Protection

/ HazardZone

E oots

If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgement. If you need assistance, contact your Authorized Service Dealer or call 1-800-235-5878.

2

torscreenIfyouoperateinalocale.

wheresuchregulationsexist,youare legallyresponsibleforinstallingand

maintainingtheoperatingconditionof thesepartsFailuretodosoisaviola.- tionoflawContactSearsService.

Centerforthecorrectparts.

SPECIALNOTICE:Exposureto vibrationsthroughprolongeduseof

gasolinepoweredhandtoolscould causebloodvesselornervedamage inthefingers,hands,andjointsof peoplepronetocirculationdisorders

abnormalswellingsProlongedusein.

CARTONCONTENTS

Checkcartoncontentsagainstthefol- lowinglist.

Model 358.798210

???Trimmer

???Shield

???Wing Nut (screwed onto shield)

???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 for 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.

coldweatherhasbeenlinkedtoblood

vesseldamageinotherwisehealthy peopleIfsymptomsoccursuchas.

numbness,pain,lossofstrength,

changeinskincolorortexture,orloss

offeelingthefingers,hands,or

joints,discontinuetheuseofthistool andseekmedicalattentionAnanti.-

vibrationsystemdoesnotguarantee theavoidanceoftheseproblemsUs.-

erswhooperatepowertoolsonacon- tinualandregularbasismustmonitor closelytheirphysicalconditionandthe conditionofthistool.

???Rotate the handle on the tube to an upright position; retighten wing nut.

ATTACHING SHIELD

WARNING:The shield must be prop- erly installed. The shield provides partial protection from the risk of thrown objects to the operator and others and is equipped with a line limiter which cuts excess line to the proper length. The line limiter (on underside of shield) is sharp and can cut you. For proper orientation, see illustration in Operation section.

???Remove wing nut from shield.

???Insert bracket into slot as shown.

???Pivot shield until bolt passes through hole in bracket.

???Securely tighten wing nut onto bolt.

ASSEMBLY

WARNING:If received assembled, repeat all steps to ensure your unit is properly assembled and all fasteners are secure.

ADJUSTING THE HANDLE WARNING:When adjusting the han- dle, be sure it remains between the trigger and the safety label.

??? Loosen wing nut or knob on handle.

Shield

Slot

,J

Bracket

Wing

Nut

ON/STOP SWITCH

The STOP switch is used to stop engine. Press and hold switch to stop engine.

PRIMER BULB

The primer bulb removes air from the fuel lines and fills them with fuel. This

allows you to start the engine with few- er pulls on the starter rope. Activate

the primer bulb by pressing it and

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE WARNING:Be sure to read the fuel

information in the safety rules before you begin. If you do not understand the safety rules, do not attempt to fuel your 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 40:1 (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.

allowing it to return to its original form.

CHOKE

The choke helps to supply fuel to the carburetor during starting. This allows you to start a cold engine. Activate the choke by moving choke lever to the Full position. After the engine has started, move the choke to the Off position.

Once oil is added to gasoline, shake container momentarily to assure that the fuel is thoroughly mixed. Always read and follow the safety rules relating to fuel before fueling your unit.

IMPORTANT

Experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract mois- ture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel sys- tem 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.

5

Neveruseengineorcarburetorclean- erproductsinthefueltankorperma- nentdamagemayoccur.

SeetheSTORAGEsectionforaddi- tionalinformation.

STOPPINGYOURENGINE

???PressandholdtheOn/Stopswitchin

theSTOPposition.

???Ifenginedoesnotstop,movechoke

levertofullposition.

Engine ChokeLever

Stop

Switch",

STARTING YOUR ENGINE

COLD ENGINE OR WARM ENGINE

AFTER RUNNING OUT OF FUEL

WARNING:The trimmer head will turn while starting the engine.

Avoid any contact with the muffler. A hot muffler can cause serious burns.

???Rest engine and shield on ground, supporting trimmer head off ground.

???Move the choke lever to the Full Choke position.

???Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.

???Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger. Keep throttle trigger fully squeezed until the engine runs smoothly.

:; ;,Ohoke

Lever

U_ r

???Pull starter rope sharply 5 times. NOTE: If the engine sounds as if it is trying to start before the 5th pull, go to the next step.

???Move the choke lever to the Half Choke position.

???Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs, but no more than 6 pulls.

NOTE: If the engine has not started after 6 pulls (at half choke), check to make sure the choke lever is in the

proper position. Then, move the choke lever to the Full Choke position and press the primer bulb 6 times; squeeze and hold the throttle trigger and pull the starter rope 2 more times. Move the choke lever to Half Choke and pull the starter rope until the engine runs, but no more than 6 more pulls. If the engine still has not started, it is prob- ably flooded. Proceed to "Starting a Flooded Engine."

???Allow the engine to run 10 seconds, then move the choke lever to Off Choke. Allow the unit to run for 30 more seconds at Off Choke before releasing the throttle trigger.

NOTE: If engine dies with the choke lever at the Off Choke position, move the choke lever to Half Choke and pull the rope until engine runs.

STARTING A WARM ENGINE

???Move the choke lever to the Half Choke position.

???Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger. Keep throttle trigger fully squeezed until the engine runs smoothly.

???Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs, but no more than 5 pulls.

???Allow engine to run 15 seconds, then move the choke lever to Off Choke.

NOTE: If engine has not started, pull starter rope 5 more pulls. If engine still does not run, it is probably flooded.

DIFFICULT STARTING OR

STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE

Flooded engines can be started by placing the choke lever in the Off Choke position; then, pull the rope to clear the engine of excess fuel. This could require pulling the starter handle many times depending on how badly the unit is flooded.

If the unit still doesn't start, refer to TROUBLESHOOTING chart or call

1-800-235-5878.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

OPERATING POSITION

To advance line, tap bottom of trimmer head on ground one time.

Llrnplei_e rg_hUs.linet t?? "_

H_??;gY _t_s __

Cut from your right to your left.

Bring the engine to cutting speed be- fore entering the material to be cut.

Do not run the engine at a higher speed than necessary. The cutting line

will cut efficiently when the engine is run at less than full throttle. At lower

speeds, there is less engine noise and vibration. The cutting line will last longer and will be less likely to "weld" onto the spool.

If the trimmer head does not turn when the engine is in operation, make sure the drive shaft housing is properly seated in engine shroud.

Always release the throttle trigger and allow the engine to return to idle speed when not cutting.

To stop engine:

???Release the throttle trigger.

???Push and hold down the on/stop switch until the engine has stopped completely.

TRIMMER LINE ADVANCE

The trimmer line will advance approxi- mately 2 in. (5 cm) each time the bot- tom of the trimmer head is tapped on the ground with the engine running at full throttle.

The most efficient line length is the maximum length allowed by the line limiter.

Always keep the shield in place when the tool is being operated.

To Advance Line:

???Operate the engine at full throttle.

???Hold the trimmer head parallel to and above the grassy area.

???Tap the bottom of the trimmer head lightly on the ground one time. Ap- proximately 2 in. (5 cm) of line will be advanced with each tap.

Always tap the trimmer head on a grassy area. Tapping on surfaces such as concrete or asphalt can cause ex- cessive wear to the trimmer head.

Ifthe line is worn down to 2 in. (5 cm) or less, more than one tap will be re- quired to obtain the most efficient line length.

WARNING;Use only .080" (2 mm) diameter line. Other sizes of line will

not advance properly and can cause serious injury. Do not use other materi- als such as wire, string, rope, etc. Wire can break off during cutting and be- come a dangerous missile that can cause serious injury.

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 seri- ous 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.

???The line will easily remove grass and weeds from around walls, fences, trees and flower beds, but it also can cut the tender bark of trees or shrubs and scar fences. To help avoid dam-

age especially to delicate vegetation or trees with tender bark, shorten line

to 4-5 in. (10-13 cm) and use at less than full throttle.

SCALPING - The scalping technique removes unwanted vegetation. Hold the bottom of the trimmer head about 3

in. (8 cm) above the ground and at an angle. Allow the tip of the line to strike the ground around trees, posts, monu- ments, etc. This technique increases line wear.

Scalping

EDGING - Your unit can be used for

edging sidewalks, patios, driveways, etc. While edging, allow the tip of the line to make contact. Do not force line. Take extra caution while edging as objects can be thrown by trimmer line.

MAINTENANCESCHEDULE

CARE & MAINTENANCE TASK Check for Loose fasteners and parts Check for damaged or worn parts Clean unit and labels

Clean air filter

Replace spark plug

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

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 properly maintain your unit.

CHECK FOR LOOSE

FASTENERS AND PARTS

???Spark Plug Boot

???Air Filter

???Housing Screws

???Assist Handle Screws

???Debris Shield

CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR

WORN PARTS

Refer replacement of damaged/worn parts to your Sears Service Center.

???On/Stop Switch - Ensure On/Stop switch functions properly by pressing and holding the switch in the "Stop" position. Make sure engine stops; then 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.

CLEAN UNIT & LABELS

???Clean the unit using a damp cloth with a mild detergent.

???Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.

WHEN TO PERFORM

Before each use

Before each use

After each use

Every 5 hours of operation

Yearly

CLEAN AIR FILTER

Do not clean filter in gasoline or other flammable solvent to avoid creating a fire hazard or producing harmful evap- orative emissions.

A dirty air filter decreases engine per- formance and increases fuel consump- tion and harmful emissions. Always clean after every 5 hours of operation.

???Clean the cover and the area around

it to keep dirt from falling into the carburetor chamber when the cover is removed.

???Remove parts as illustrated.

???Wash the filter in soap and water.

???Allow filter to dry.

???Add a few drops of oil to the filter; squeeze the filter to distribute oil.

???Replace parts.

Air Filter -" "_

Cover

REPLACE SPARK PLUG

Replace the spark plug each year to ensure the engine starts easier and runs better. Set spark plug gap at

.025 in. Ignition timing is fixed and nonadjustable.

???Twist, then pull off spark plug boot.

???Remove spark plug from cylinder and discard.

???Replace with Champion CJ-8Y spark plug and tighten with a 3/4 in. socket wrench (10-12 ft.-Ibs).

???Reinstall the spark plug boot.

REPLACING THE LINE

???Push and hold the engine stop switch in the stop/off position until the unit has fully stopped.

???Disconnect the spark plug lead wire.

???Remove the spool by firmly pulling on the tap button.

???Clean entire surface of hub and spool.

???Replace with a pre-wound spool, or cut two 12.5 foot (3.8 m) lengths of

.080" (2 mm) diameter Craftsman brand line. Never use wire, rope, string, etc., which can break off and become a dangerous missile.

???Insert ends of line about 1/2 inch (1 cm) into the small holes inside spool.

???Wind the line evenly and tightly onto the spool. Wind in the direction of the arrows found on the spool.

???Push the line into the notches, leaving 3 to 5 inches (7 - 12 cm) unwound.

???Insert the line into the the exit holes in the hub as shown in the illustration.

???Align notches with the line exit hole.

???Push the spool into the hub until it snaps into place.

???Pull the line extending outside of the hub to release it from the notch.

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT WARNING:The trimmer head will be spinning during most of this procedure. Wear your protective equipment and observe all safety precautions. After making mixture adjustments, recheck idle speed.

Carburetor adjustment is critical and if done improperly can permanently

damage the engine as well as the car- buretor. If you require further assis- tance or are unsure about performing this procedure, call our customer as- sistance help line at 1-800-235-5878. Old fuel, a dirty air filter, a dirty fuel fil- ter, or flooding may give the impres- sion of an improperly adjusted carbu- retor. Check these conditions before adjusting 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" under adjusting procedure.

???Engine dies or hesitates instead of accelerating. See "Acceleration Check" under adjusting procedure.

???Loss of cutting power. See "Mixture Adjustment" under adjusting procedure.

There are two adjustment screws on the carburetor.

When making carburetor preset adjust- ments, do not force plastic limiter caps beyond stops or damage will occur.

If carburetor presets are not needed, proceed to "Adjusting Procedure, Idle Speed."

To adjust presets:

???Turn mixture screw counterclockwise until it stops.

???Turn the idle speed screw clockwise

until it stops. Now turn counterclock- wise 4-1/2 turns.

???Start motor, cut grass for 3 minutes, and proceed to the adjustment section. If engine does not start, refer to troubleshooting chart or call 1-800-235-5878.

???If engine performance is acceptable at the preset positions, no further adjustment is necessary.

10

ADJUSTING PROCEDURE

Idle Speed

Allow engine to idle. Adjust speed until engine runs without stalling.

???Turn clockwise to increase engine speed if engine stalls or dies.

???Turn counterclockwise to decrease

speed.

No further adjustments are necessary if performance is satisfactory.

Mixture Adjustment "H"

DO NOT operate engine at full throttle for prolonged periods while making ad- justments. Damage to the engine can occur. Extend line to the length allow by the line limiter and cut some grass. Based on performance while cutting, turn the mixture adjustment in

1/16-turn increments as follows:

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 transporting.

???Store unit and fuel in a well venti- lated 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 well out of the reach of children.

EXTERNAL SURFACES

If your unit is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thoroughly before stor- age. Store in a clean dry area.

??? Lightly oil external metal surfaces.

FUEL SYSTEM

Under Fueling Engine in the Operating Section of this manual, see message labeled IMPORTANT regarding the use of gasohol in your engine.

Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alter- native in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage. Add

???Clockwise until the engine has good power while cutting with no hesita- tion.

Do not adjust by sound or speed, but judge by how well the engine per- forms while cutting.

???Counterclockwise if the engine has speed but dies or lacks power while

cutting.

After completing adjustments, check for acceleration. Reset if necessary.

Acceleration Check

If engine dies or hesitates instead of accelerating, turn mixture adjustment

counterclockwise until you have smooth acceleration. Recheck and ad-

just as necessary for acceptable per- formance.

stabilizer to the gasoline in the fuel tank or fuel storage container. Follow the mix instructions found on stabilizer container. Run engine at least 5 min- utes after adding stabilizer. CRAFTSMAN 40:1,2-cycle engine oil (air cooled) is already blended with fuel stabilizer. If you do not use this Sears oil, you can add a fuel stabilizer to your fuel tank.

INTERNAL ENGINE

???Remove spark plug and pour 1 tea- spoon of 40:1,2-cycle engine oil (air cooled) through the spark plug open- 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 it starts to rust.

REMEDY

???See "Starting Instructions."

???Fill tank with correct fuel mixture.

???Install new spark plug.

???Check for dirty fuel filter; replace. Check for kinked or split fuel line; repair or replace.

???Contact a Sears Service Center.

Engine runs hot. ??? Fuel mixture incorrect.

???Spark plug incorrect.

???Carburetor requires adjustment

???Carbon build up.

???See "Fueling Your Unit."

???Replace with correct spark plug.

???See "Carburetor Adjustments."

???Contact a Sears Service Center.