Primer bulb for Craftsman blower.
#1
Primer bulb for Craftsman blower.
Ok, this is crazy. Have an older Craftsman blower/vac 358.797300, worked fine til I went to use it earlier this year and the primer bulb is cracked.
Finally got around to looking for a replacement part...and Sears lists almost nothing for the carb. A diaphragm, limiter caps and the whole carb...thats it. Why would I buy a new carb (not that it couldn't use it probably) to replace a $.50 rubber bulb? And of course I'll need a new gasket when I pull the bowl (?) to replace the bulb. Also not available.
Can't find the exact model at ereplacement parts but one that's close doesn't list it either
Finally got around to looking for a replacement part...and Sears lists almost nothing for the carb. A diaphragm, limiter caps and the whole carb...thats it. Why would I buy a new carb (not that it couldn't use it probably) to replace a $.50 rubber bulb? And of course I'll need a new gasket when I pull the bowl (?) to replace the bulb. Also not available.
Can't find the exact model at ereplacement parts but one that's close doesn't list it either
#2
Well, did a little searching on the Sears Parts Q&A area....and even their "Expert" says you have to buy a new carb. Ridiculous!
Anyone know who made this model so I can at least check the manufacturers site if I can cross reference it.
Anyone know who made this model so I can at least check the manufacturers site if I can cross reference it.
#5
Excellent AJ!! TY! Can you give me any info on the gasket I'll need?
Or if you can just tell me the carb number I can do the research.
I see C10 and W11A 17A on the sides.
Or if you can just tell me the carb number I can do the research.
I see C10 and W11A 17A on the sides.
#6
Member
You don't need a gasket to replace the primer. If you need to rebuild carb full kit RB-47 GASKETS ONLY GND-18
AJ
AJ
#7
Very cool! I guess the primer itself is the gasket? Haven't taken it down that far.
I can probably get the primer at a local engine shop, now that I know what I need.
Thanks again.
I can probably get the primer at a local engine shop, now that I know what I need.
Thanks again.
#8
Yep, the primer seals itself, it has a rim that squeezes between the mounting areas. Two screws and it's a done deal!
#9
Ok, I'm back to this old project. Finally included the parts I needed in an Amazon order with some other stuff and after waiting 4 weeks for the carb kit from China (hey, it was the cheapest listing, what did I know or care about how long it would take?) I finally broke down the blower.
The kit has a lot of stuff that I don't see a place for on my carb. A big and small plunger for the needle valve (looks like the small is correct), some press in aluminum plugs that don't seem to have any matches, I think an extra gasket. Is this common? Extra parts to cover all variations?
Also, should I really try to use the new filter screen? First it looks way too big and second, the old one is plenty clean.
Finally, will I need to adjust the mixture and if so whats the best method?
The kit has a lot of stuff that I don't see a place for on my carb. A big and small plunger for the needle valve (looks like the small is correct), some press in aluminum plugs that don't seem to have any matches, I think an extra gasket. Is this common? Extra parts to cover all variations?
Also, should I really try to use the new filter screen? First it looks way too big and second, the old one is plenty clean.
Finally, will I need to adjust the mixture and if so whats the best method?
#10
Not uncommon at all to have extra parts in the kit, yes it is to cover several models of carbs. A lot of kits come that way. Use what ever screen will fit. Adjusting the carb. may be needed and I think you can find that info. on you-tube. Myself I always thought of those blowers as disposable since they are not only pricy for parts and a pain to get running right it's just cheaper to replace the whole thing.
#11
Ok thanks. The carb re-build kit was only about $4.50, so that wasn't a big deal. It started and ran fine right up til the primer bulb got old and cracked, so that's really the only issue (I hope). I bought the kit since it was same price as just the bulb with free shipping. If it had been something mechanical or electrical in the engine, I'd have tossed it long ago.
Still can't figure how they can mail something from China that cost so little and make a profit. Prob $2 just for postage.
Still can't figure how they can mail something from China that cost so little and make a profit. Prob $2 just for postage.
#12
Originally Posted by GunGuy45
". . . If it had been something mechanical or electrical in the engine, I'd have tossed it long ago . . ."
After getting into the habit of doing that, I've found it to be both a challenge AND a new found pleasure.
And I have found that some of these units, when treated like good valuable machinery, they actually behave like it.
#13
Well, it is about 15-17 y/o...so I'd say it's done ok, even if I do wind up tossing it eventually. I mean, it was a $120 Sears vac and blow that got plenty of use when I had trees and leaves. What I can see of the cylinder and the piston through the intake look good. Using the right mix and doing even minimal maintenance makes a difference I guess.
#14
Well, I must have done something right. Rebuilt the carb, cleaned everything up, new plug and fresh gas, 10 pumps to prime, and it burped on the first pull. 1/2 choke and a step down on the speed and she fired right up. May not even have to do any adjustments as she idles fine and accelerates when I kick it up.
Does seem to vibrate more than I remember, but that could be because I'm used to an electric.
Should I worry about scraping carbon out of the muffler? No mention in the manual I found online.
Does seem to vibrate more than I remember, but that could be because I'm used to an electric.
Should I worry about scraping carbon out of the muffler? No mention in the manual I found online.
#15
I wouldn't worry about the carbon I think. A blower runs full speed when its running usually, so it should keep the carbon cooked out if your mixture is right. Good job getting it going again!