Craftsman 944.361065, Owner'S Manual

Page: 14 / 24

14
ENGINE
FUEL SYS TEM
IMPORTANT
: It is important to prevent
gum deposits from forming in essential fuel
system parts such as carburetor, fuel fi lter,
fuel hose or tank during storage. Alcohol
blended fuels (called gasohol or using
ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture
which leads to separation and formation of
acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage
the fuel system of an engine while in storage.
• Empty the fuel tank by starting the en-
gine and letting it run until the fuel lines
and car bu re tor are empty.
• Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
prod ucts in the fuel tank or per ma nent
damage may occur.
• Use fresh fuel next season.
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable
al ter na tive in minimizing the formation of fuel
gum deposits during stor age. Add stabilizer
to gasoline in fuel tank or storage con tain er.
Always follow the mix ratio found on stabilizer
container. Run engine at least 10 min utes
after adding stabilizer to allow the stabilizer
to reach the car bu re tor. Do not drain the gas
tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
EN GINE OIL
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace
with clean engine oil. (See “ENGINE” in
the Maintenance section of this man ual).
CYLINDER
1. Remove spark plug.
2. Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through
spark plug hole into cylinder.
3. Pull starter handle slowly a few times
to dis trib ute oil.
4. Replace with new spark plug.
OTHER
• Do not store gasoline from one season
to another.
• Replace your gasoline can if your can
starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your
gasoline will cause problems.
• If possible, store your unit indoors and
cover it to protect it from dust and dirt.
• Cover your unit with a suitable protective
cover that does not retain moisture. Do
not use plastic. Plastic cannot breathe,
which allows con den sa tion to form and
will cause your unit to rust.
IMPORTANT : Never cover trimmer while
en gine and exhaust areas are still warm.
CAUTION: Never store the trimmer
with gaso line in the tank inside a build ing
where fumes may reach an open fl ame
or spark. Allow the engine to cool before
storing in any en clo sure.
Does not start 1. Dirty air fi lter. 1. Clean/replace air fi lter.
2. Out of fuel. 2. Fill fuel tank.
3. Stale fuel. 3. Empty fuel tank and refi ll
with fresh, clean gasoline.
4. Water in fuel. 4. Empty fuel tank and refi ll
with fresh, clean gasoline.
5. Spark plug wire is disconnected. 5. Connect wire to plug.
6. Bad spark plug. 6. Replace spark plug.
7. Throttle (if equipped) not in correct position. 7. Move throttle lever to FAST position.
Loss of power 1. Dirty air fi lter. 1. Clean/replace air fi lter.
2. Buildup of grass/leaves/trash under trimmer. 2. Clean underside of trimmer and head.
3. Too much oil in engine. 3. Check oil level.
4. Walking speed too fast. 4. Trim at slower walking speed.
Excessive 1. Lines uneven or broken. 1. Check trimmer lines.
Vibration 2. Loose nuts or bolts. 2. Check engine bolts and all hardware.
3. Damaged trimmer head. 3. Check/repair trimmer head.
Starter rope 1. Bent engine crankshaft. 1. Contact a Sears or other qualifi ed
hard to pull Service Centre / Department.
No head drive 1. Belt not driving. 1. Put belt on pulleys/replace if broken.
Hard to push 1. Handle height position not right for you. 1. Adjust handle height to suit.
Poor trimming 1. Trimmer line length is too short. 1. If line is half original length, replace it.
performance 2. Throttle (if equipped) not in correct position. 2. Move throttle lever to FAST position.
Trimmer head 1. Trimmer line not properly installed. 1. Follow instructions in Maintenance.
does not 2. Broken line retainer clip. 2. Replace string carrier plate assembly.
retain line 3. Incorrect size of trimmer line. 3. Use .155 inch diameter trimmer line.
PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION
TROUBLESHOOTING - See appropriate section in this manual unless
directed to a Sears Service Centre / Department.