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Craftsman 358.797931 - User Manual

Craftsman 358.797931
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___,_ Operator's Manual
CRRFTSMRN
1.4 cu. in./24cc 2-Cycle
GASOLINE POWERED
IBLOWER/VAC/MULCHER
Model No.
358.797931
9
[]
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 pm, Mon-Sat; Sun, 10 am-7 pm
1-800-235-5878
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 USA
530-084149 08112196

Table of Contents

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Summary

Safety Rules

Know Your Unit

Read manual and understand warnings before operating the unit.

Plan Ahead

Handle Fuel With Caution

Safe practices for mixing, pouring, and storing fuel.

Operate Your Unit Safely

Safe operating practices, avoiding hazards and improper use.

Operation

Fueling Engine

Proper procedure and mixture for fueling the unit.

Starting the Engine

Detailed steps for starting cold, warm, or flooded engines.

Service and Adjustments

Carburetor Adjustment

Critical steps for adjusting the carburetor for optimal performance.

Carburetor Presets and Procedure

Troubleshooting Chart

Summary

Safety Rules

Know Your Unit

Read manual and understand warnings before operating the unit.

Plan Ahead

Handle Fuel With Caution

Safe practices for mixing, pouring, and storing fuel.

Operate Your Unit Safely

Safe operating practices, avoiding hazards and improper use.

Operation

Fueling Engine

Proper procedure and mixture for fueling the unit.

Starting the Engine

Detailed steps for starting cold, warm, or flooded engines.

Service and Adjustments

Carburetor Adjustment

Critical steps for adjusting the carburetor for optimal performance.

Carburetor Presets and Procedure

Troubleshooting Chart

Overview

  1. Function Description
  2. Important Technical Specifications
  3. Usage Features
  4. Maintenance Features

This document is an Operator's Manual for the Sears Craftsman Model No. 358.797931, a 1.4 cu.in./24cc 2-Cycle Gasoline Powered Blower/Vac/Mulcher.

Function Description:

The Craftsman Model 358.797931 is a versatile outdoor power tool designed for multiple functions:

  • Blower: Used to clear leaves, grass clippings, and other light debris from various surfaces.
  • Vacuum: Converts the unit to pick up leaves and debris.
  • Mulcher: When operating in vacuum mode, the unit mulches collected debris, reducing its volume for easier disposal.

Important Technical Specifications:

  • Engine Type: 2-Cycle Gasoline Powered
  • Engine Displacement: 1.4 cubic inches (cu.in.) / 24 cubic centimeters (cc)
  • Fuel Mixture: Requires a mixture of gasoline and a good quality 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil at a ratio of 40:1. Sears recommends Craftsman brand oil. Automotive oil or boat oil should NOT be used as they can cause engine damage.
  • Spark Plug: Champion RCJ-8Y, with a gap setting of 0.025 inches.
  • Fuel Type: Certified to operate on unleaded gasoline.
  • Warranty: Full two-year warranty for defects in material or workmanship when maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to the manual. This excludes expendable parts like blower tubes, spark plug, and air cleaner. For commercial use, the warranty is 90 days; for rental use, it's 30 days.

Usage Features:

  • Controls:
    • ON/STOP Switch: Stays in the ON position during operation. To stop the engine, push and hold the switch in the STOP position until the engine completely stops.
    • Cold Start Lever: Helps supply fuel to the carburetor for starting a cold engine. It has "Start" and "Run" positions.
    • Primer Button: Removes air from fuel lines and fills them with fuel, reducing the number of starter rope pulls needed.
    • Speed Control: Adjusts engine speed from idle to full power.
  • Starting Procedure (Cold Engine or Warm Engine after running out of fuel):
    1. Verify cold start lever is in the "Run" position.
    2. Press primer button slowly 12 times.
    3. Move speed control lever to the fast position.
    4. Move cold start lever to "Start."
    5. Pull starter rope until engine starts.
    6. If the engine doesn't start after 3 pulls, or after it starts, move the cold start lever to "Run."
    7. Run the engine in the fast position for a 30-second warm-up, then adjust speed control to the desired speed.
  • Starting Procedure (Warm Engine):
    1. Verify cold start lever is in the "Run" position.
    2. Move speed control lever to the fast position.
    3. Pull starter rope until engine starts. If it doesn't start in 3 pulls, follow the cold engine starting procedure.
  • Stopping Procedure: Press and hold the ON/STOP switch in the STOP position until the engine stops.
  • Assembly: No tools are required for assembly.
    • Blower Tube Assembly: Align the rib on the blower tube with the groove in the blower outlet, slide it into place, and tighten the tube clamp knob clockwise.
    • Vacuum Bag Assembly: Insert the elbow tube through the small opening in the bag, ensuring the edge of the opening is flush against the flared area of the elbow tube and the rib is on the bottom. Close the zipper completely and secure the shoulder strap through the buckle.
    • Vacuum Tube Assembly: Remove the blower tube. Insert a screwdriver into the latch area of the vacuum inlet cover to open it. Align and push the lower vacuum tube into the upper vacuum tube. Place the hooks on the vacuum tube onto the retaining posts, pivot the tube into position, and secure by turning the knob clockwise. Insert the elbow tube into the blower outlet, aligning the rib with the groove, and tighten the clamp knob.
  • Safety Precautions:
    • Always wear eye protection, a respirator or face mask in dusty environments.
    • Secure hair, jewelry, and loose clothing.
    • Keep children, bystanders, and animals at least 50 feet (15 m) away.
    • Inspect the area for debris before starting.
    • Handle fuel with caution: eliminate sparks/flames, mix/pour fuel outdoors, store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.
    • Stop the engine before opening the vacuum inlet door or handling impeller blades.
    • Do not operate when tired, ill, or under the influence.
    • Never start/run the engine indoors.
    • Do not wear rubber or insulated gloves to avoid static electricity shock.
    • Do not set the unit on soft surfaces while running.
    • Avoid dangerous environments (unventilated areas, explosive vapors).
    • Maintain firm footing and balance.
    • Direct blowing debris away from people, animals, glass, and solid objects.
    • Always install proper equipment (blower tubes for blowing, vacuum tubes and bag for vacuuming).
    • Check air intake, tubes, and elbow tube frequently for debris.
    • Never place objects in the air intake opening.
    • Do not use for spreading chemicals or near fires.
    • Special notice regarding spark arrestors for use on U.S. Forest Land and certain states; this unit is not factory equipped but an optional part is available.

Maintenance Features:

  • Customer Responsibilities:
    • Check for loose fasteners and parts before each use.
    • Check for damaged or worn parts before each use.
    • Clean unit and labels after each use.
    • Clean air filter every 5 hours of operation.
    • Replace spark plug yearly.
    • Replace fuel filter yearly.
  • Air Filter Cleaning: Clean the air filter every 5 hours of operation. Remove the cover, clean the area, remove parts, wash the filter in soap and water, allow it to dry, and replace. Do not use gasoline or flammable solvents.
  • Spark Plug Replacement: Replace yearly. Twist and pull off the boot, remove the old plug, replace with a Champion RCJ-8Y (gap 0.025 in.), tighten with a 3/4 in. socket wrench (10-12 ft.-lbs.), and reinstall the boot.
  • Fuel Filter Replacement: Drain the unit of fuel, remove the fuel cap/retainer assembly, pull the filter from the tank and fuel line, install a new filter on the fuel line, and reinstall parts.
  • Carburetor Adjustment: Factory set, but adjustments may be needed if the engine won't idle, dies/hesitates during acceleration, or loses power. Presets involve turning mixture screw counterclockwise until it stops, then idle speed screw clockwise until it stops, then counterclockwise 4-1/2 turns. Idle speed and mixture adjustments are detailed for fine-tuning.
  • Fuel System Maintenance: To avoid problems with alcohol-blended fuels, empty the fuel system before storage for 30 days or longer. Drain the tank, run the engine until fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. Fuel stabilizer (like that blended in Craftsman oil) can be used.
  • Storage:
    • Prepare the unit for storage at the end of the season or if unused for 30+ days.
    • Allow the engine to cool.
    • Secure the unit.
    • Store in a well-ventilated area away from sparks or open flames (water heaters, electric motors, furnaces).
    • Store with all guards in place, positioned to prevent accidental injury.
    • Store out of reach of children.
    • Clean external surfaces thoroughly before storage. Lightly oil external metal surfaces.
    • Empty the fuel tank before storing the unit. Run the engine until it stops to use up fuel in the carburetor.
  • Troubleshooting Chart: Provides common issues (engine won't start, idles improperly, won't accelerate, smokes excessively, runs hot) with causes and remedies.

Craftsman 358.797931 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandCraftsman
Model358.797931
CategoryBlower
LanguageEnglish

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