Craftsman 358.794741 - User Manual

The Craftsman 358.794741 is a versatile 2-cycle gasoline-powered tool designed for both blowing and vacuuming tasks. As a blower, it is used for sweeping debris or grass clippings from driveways, sidewalks, and patios, or for blowing leaves and straw into piles. As a vacuum, it is designed to pick up dry materials such as leaves, grass, small twigs, and bits of paper. The unit features a Sim-pul™ starting system for smooth and easy starts.

Important Technical Specifications

Engine Type: 2-Cycle gasoline engine
Engine Displacement: 25cc (1.5 cu. in.)
Performance (Blower): 200 MPH (miles per hour) / 430 CFM (cubic feet per minute)
Fuel Mixture: Unleaded gasoline mixed with a good quality synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil at a 40:1 ratio. Craftsman brand synthetic oil is recommended. A 3.2-ounce container of oil is provided for mixing with 1 gallon of unleaded gasoline.
Spark Plug: Champion RCJ-6Y, with a gap of 0.025 inch.
Emissions Compliance: Certified to be emissions compliant for moderate use (50 hours), intermediate use (125 hours), or extended use (300 hours), depending on the specific engine certification indicated on the product label. Equipped with a temperature limiting muffler and spark arresting screen to meet California Codes 4442 and 4443 and other U.S. forest land regulations.
Warranty: Two-year full warranty for defects in material or workmanship when used and maintained according to the operator's manual. A 30-day warranty applies for commercial or rental use. Excludes spark plug and air cleaner. Emissions control system warranty is for two years.

Usage Features

Blower Operation:
- Assembly: Involves aligning the rib on the upper blower tube with the groove in the blower outlet, sliding it into place, and securing it with a knob. The lower blower tube is then attached to the upper tube, aligning slots with tabs and securing it by turning.
- High-Speed Nozzle: An optional high-speed nozzle can be attached to the lower blower tube for increased air speed.
- Operating Position: The unit should be held with the muffler side facing away from the body and clothes.
- Tips: Operate at the lowest possible throttle speed, use rakes and brooms to loosen debris, slightly dampen surfaces in dusty conditions, and use the full blower nozzle extension for ground-level work.
Vacuum Operation:
- Assembly: Requires removing blower tubes. The vacuum bag is assembled by inserting the elbow tube through a small opening and ensuring the edge is flush with the flared area. The elbow tube is then inserted into the blower outlet, aligning the rib with the groove. The upper and lower vacuum tubes are then attached to the unit.
- Material Handling: Designed for dry materials like leaves, grass, small twigs, and paper. Avoid stones, gravel, metal, or glass to prevent impeller damage.
- Technique: Operate at high speed, move slowly back and forth over material, avoid forcing into piles, and keep the vacuum tube about an inch above the ground.
- Shoulder Strap (Optional): An optional shoulder strap (#71-85783) can be used for comfortable carrying during operation.
Controls:
- STOP Switch: Used to stop the engine by pushing and holding it in the STOP position.
- Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed.
- Primer Bulb: Removes air from the carburetor and fuel lines, filling them with fuel for easier starting. Press and allow to return to original position.
- Choke Lever: Aids in cold starting. Positions include FULL CHOKE (for cold starts), HALF CHOKE (after engine attempts to start), and RUN (after engine starts and warms up).
Starting Procedures:
- Cold Engine: Press primer bulb 6 times, move choke to FULL CHOKE, squeeze throttle trigger. Pull starter rope with a controlled, steady motion (Sim-pul™ system) until engine sounds like it's trying to start (max 6 pulls). Move choke to HALF CHOKE, pull rope until engine runs (max 6 pulls). Once running for 10 seconds, move choke to RUN.
- Warm Engine: Move choke to HALF CHOKE position.
- Flooded Engine: Move choke to RUN position and pull starter rope repeatedly to clear excess fuel.
Safety: Emphasizes wearing hearing protection, Z87-marked safety glasses, heavy long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves. Keep children, bystanders, and animals at least 30 feet (10 meters) away. Never point the nozzle at people or pets. Secure hair, avoid loose clothing/jewelry. Always stop the unit and disconnect the spark plug before cleaning or servicing. Stop the engine before opening the vacuum inlet door. Handle fuel with extreme caution outdoors, away from sparks or flames. Never operate in unventilated areas. Avoid overreaching or unstable surfaces.

Maintenance Features

General: Disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance (except carburetor adjustments). All maintenance not described in the manual should be performed by a Sears Service Center. Use only recommended Craftsman replacement parts.
Pre-Use Checks:
- Check for loose fasteners and parts (muffler, spark plug boot, air filter, housing screws).
- Inspect for damaged or worn parts (unit, labels, fuel tank, vacuum bag).
Cleaning:
- Unit: Clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent after each use.
- Air Filter: Clean every 5 hours of operation. Open cover, remove filter, wash in soap and water, allow to dry, apply a few drops of oil, squeeze to distribute, and replace. Do not use gasoline or flammable solvents.
- Air Intake/Blower/Vacuum Tubes: Check frequently for debris.
Replacements:
- Spark Plug: Replace yearly.
- Fuel Filter: Replace yearly. Drain fuel, remove cap/retainer, pull filter from tank and fuel line, install new filter.
- Spark Arresting Screen: Replace every 50 hours of operation or if damaged. Do not attempt to clean. Involves removing muffler cover and hood screws to access.
Adjustments:
- Carburetor: Factory set, but adjustments may be needed if the engine won't idle.
- Idle Speed: Adjust idle speed screw clockwise to increase speed or counterclockwise to decrease speed.
- Muffler Mounting Screws: Check yearly for security.
Storage:
- Short-Term (after each use): Allow engine to cool, secure unit, store in a well-ventilated area away from sparks/flames, with guards in place, out of reach of children.
- Seasonal (30 days or longer): Empty fuel system by draining tank, running engine until empty. Use fresh fuel next season. Fuel stabilizer (like that in Craftsman 40:1 2-cycle oil) is recommended. Clean unit, store in a dry area, lightly oil external metal surfaces.
- Engine Storage: Remove spark plug, pour 1 teaspoon of 40:1 2-cycle engine oil into the opening, slowly pull starter rope 8-10 times, replace spark plug, clean air filter, check for loose parts.
- Fuel Storage: Do not store gasoline from one season to another. Replace rusted gasoline cans.