Check For Loose Fasteners And Parts; Check/Change Engine Oil; Inspect And Clean Unit And Decals; Clean Air Filter - Craftsman WEEDWACKER 358.796121 Instruction Manual

• Once each year, replace the spark
plug and air filter. A new spark plug
and clean/new air filter assure proper
air-fuel mixture and help your engine
run better and last longer.
• Follow the maintenance schedule in
this manual.
CHECK FOR LOOSE
FASTENERS AND PARTS
• Spark Plug Boot
• Air Filter
• Housing Screws
• Assist Handle Screw
• Debris Shield
CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR
WORN PARTS
For replacement of damaged or worn
parts, contact Sears Service or call
1-800-235-5878.
• ON/OFF Switch - Ensure ON/OFF
switch functions properly by moving
the switch to the OFF position. Make
sure engine stops. Restart engine
and continue.
• Fuel System - Discontinue use of
unit if fuel lines, tank, or cap show
signs of damage or leaks.
• Debris Shield - Discontinue use of
unit if debris shield is damaged.
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
• See ADD OIL in the OPERATION sec-
tion.
INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT AND DE-
CALS
• After each use, inspect complete
unit for loose or damaged parts.
Clean the unit and decals using a
damp cloth with a mild detergent.
• Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL
To prolong the useful life of your trim-
mer, change engine oil as recom-
mended in this section.
• Change oil after first 4 hours of
use, then every 8 hours or every
season. Change oil every 4 hours
when operating the engine under
heavy load or in high temperatures.
Change the oil after every 8 hours of
operation or at least once a year if the
unit is not used for 25 hours in one
year. Check the crankcase oil level be-
fore each start. Tighten oil dipstick se-
curely each time you check the oil level.
CHANGING OIL AND CHECKING
LEVEL
CAUTION: Used oil is a hazardous
waste product, Dispose of used oil
properly. Do not discard with house-
hold waste. Contact Sears Service for
information regarding safe disposal/re-
cycling facilities.
Change oil while engine is OFF, but
still warm. Ensure fuel cap is tightened
securely.
1. Remove engine oil fill cap/dipstick;
lay aside on a clean surface.
2. Drain oil into a suitable container in
direction shown (see illustration).
3. Wipe off any spilled oil from trim-
mer.
4. Fill engine with oil (see ADD OiL in
the OPERATION section).
5. Replace engine oil fill cap/dipstick.
Tighten securely.
CLEAN AIR FILTER
A dirty air filter decreases engine per-
formance and increases fuel con-
sumption and harmful emissions. Al-
ways clean after every 8 hours of
operation. Clean more often under
dusty conditions or when airborne de-
bris is present. Replace air cleaner
parts if very dirty.
1. Clean the cover and the area
around it to keep dirt from falling
into the carburetor chamber when
the cover is removed.
NOTE: Move red choke lever to FULL
CHOKE position before removing com-
ponents.
2. Remove parts by pressing button
to release air filter cover.
NOTE: To avoid creating a fire hazard
or producing harmful evaporative
emissions, do not clean filter in gaso-
line or other flammable solvent.
3. Wash the filter in soap and water.
4. Allow filter to dry.
5. Add a few drops of oil to the filter;
squeeze the filter to distribute oil.
6. Re-assemble parts.
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