R
Instruction Manual
Manual de Instrucciones
Manuel d’Instructions
P400
IMPORTANT MANUAL -- Do not throw away
MANUAL IMPORTANTE -- No lo descarte
MANUEL IMPORTANT -- À Conserver
WARNING:
Read the instruction manual and follow all warnings and
safety instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious
injury. Always wear eye protection.
ADVERTENCIA:
Lea el manual de instrucciones y siga todas las adverten-
cias e instrucciones de seguridad. El no hacerlo puede re-
sultar en lesiones graves.
AVERTISSEMENT:
Lire le manuel d’instructions et bienrespecter tous les aver-
tissements et toutes les instructions de sécurité. Tout dé-
faut de le faire pourrait entraîner des blessures graves.
Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
250 Bobby Jones Expressway
Augusta, GA 30907
530088812
4/26/02
Copyright E2002 Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
may void your warranty and cause damage
to your unit.
such regulations exist, you are legally re-
sponsible for maintaining the operating condi-
tion of these parts. Failure to do so is a viola-
tion of the law.
D Empty fuel tank before storing the unit. Use
up fuel left in carburetor by starting engine and
letting it run until it stops.
SPECIAL NOTICE: Exposure to vibra-
tions through prolonged use of gasoline pow-
ered hand tools could cause blood vessel or
nerve damage in the fingers, hands, and
joints of people prone to circulation disorders
or abnormal swelling. Prolonged use in cold
weather has been linked to blood vessel dam-
age in otherwise healthy people. If symptoms
occur such as numbness, pain, loss of
strength, change in skin color or texture, or
loss of feeling in the fingers, hands, or joints,
discontinue the use of this tool and seek
medical attention. An antivibration system
does not guarantee the avoidance of these
problems. Users who operate power tools on
a continual and regular basis must monitor
closely their physical condition and the condi-
D Do not use any accessory or attachment
other than those recommended by manufac-
turer for use with your unit.
D Do not store the unit or fuel in a closed area
where fuel vapors can reach sparks or an
open flame from hot water heaters, electric
motors or switches, furnaces, etc.
D Store in a dry area out of reach of children.
SPECIAL NOTICE: Your blower is
equipped with a temperature limiting muffler
and spark arresting screen which meets the
requirements of California Codes 4442 and
4443. All U.S. forest land and the states of
California, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New
Jersey, Oregon, and Washington require by
law that many internal combustion engines be
equipped with a spark arrestor screen. If you
operate a blower in a state or locale where tion of this tool.
ASSEMBLY
CARTON CONTENTS
1. Engine Assembly
2. Hose Clamp with Screw
3. Flexible Tube
4. Base Tube
5. Middle Tube
6. Nozzle
7. Assembly Tool
WARNING: If you receive your unit
assembled, check each step to insure your
unit is properly assembled and all fasteners
are secure. Follow all safety information in
the manual and on the unit.
Hose Clamps
Base Tube
D Locate and identify all components.
D Slip one hose clamp onto each end of the
flexible tube.
Output
Tube
D Install the flexible tube onto the output tube
on the engine.
Flexible Tube
D Connect the base tube to the flexible tube
and securely tighten both hose clamp
screws.
D Assemble the middle tube and nozzle, then
connect them to the base tube.
Middle Tube
Nozzle
-- 3 --
D Before operating the blower, loosen the S To reduce noise levels, limit the number of
knob and rotate the throttle arm to the posi-
tion as shown in the illustration. Retighten
the knob.
pieces of equipment used at any one time.
S To reduce noise levels, operate power
blowers at the lowest possible throttle
speed to do the job.
S Use rakes and brooms to loosen debris be-
fore blowing.
S In dusty conditions, slightly dampen sur-
faces or use a mister attachment when wa-
ter is available.
Throttle lever
S Conserve water by using power blowers
instead of hoses for many lawn and garden
applications, including areas such as gutters,
screens, patios, grills, porches, and gardens.
S Watch out for children, pets, open windows,
or freshly washed cars. Blow debris away
safely.
Throttle arm
Knob
NOTE: When the blower is strapped to the
back of the operator, the throttle lever is lo-
cated on the left side. The lowest position of
lever is IDLE setting, and the highest position S Use the full blower nozzle extension so the
is the FULL THROTTLE setting.
START/STOP Switch
air stream can work close to the ground.
S After using blowers and other equipment,
CLEAN UP! Dispose of debris in trash re-
ceptacles.
FULL
HALF
IDLE
FUELING
Throttle lever
WARNING: Be sure to read the fuel
information in the safety rules before you be-
gin. If you do not understand the safety rules,
do not attempt to fuel your unit. Contact your
local service dealer.
USING YOUR UNIT
FUELING ENGINE
WARNING: You MUST make sure the
This engine is certified to operate on
unleaded gasoline. Before operation,
gasoline must be mixed with a good quality
2-cycle air-cooled engine oil. We recommend
Poulan or Poulan PRO brand oil. Mix gasoline
and oil at a ratio of 50:1 (A 50:1 ratio is
obtained by mixing 2.6 ounces of oil with 1
gallon of unleaded gasoline). Do not use
automotive oil or boat oil. These oils will
cause engine damage. When mixing fuel,
follow the instructions printed on the
container. Always read and follow safety
rules under HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION
in the safety rules section.
tubes are secure before using the unit.
OPERATING POSITION
otection
IMPORTANT
Experience indicates that 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. To avoid
engine problems, empty the fuel system
before storage for 30 days or longer. Drain the
gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the
fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh
fuel next season.
OPERATING TIPS
S To reduce the risk of hearing loss
associated with sound level(s), hearing
protection is required.
S To reduce the risk of injury associated with
contacting rotating parts, stop the engine be-
fore installing or removing attachments. Do
not operate without guard(s) in place.
S Operate power equipment only at reasonable
hours--not early in the morning or late at night
when people might be disturbed. Comply with
times listed in local ordinances. Usual recom-
mendations are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,
Monday though Saturday.
STARTING
TO STOP THE ENGINE
D To stop the engine, move the throttle control
lever all the way downward to the engine
idle position, then move the stop switch to
the STOP position.
-- 4 --
S Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
NOTE: Only short pulls are necessary. Nev-
er pull the starter cord to its fullest extension.
Never let go of the starter grip until it is at the
fully returned position.
S Once the engine has started, slowly move
the choke lever to the OPEN position.
S Allow the unit to warm up at less than HALF
speed.
WARNING: Try on the unit and adjust
the shoulder straps for fit and comfort before
starting the engine to avoid losing control of
the unit. Always start and run the unit in an up-
right position.
D Fuel engine. Move at least 10 feet (3 me-
ters) away from the fueling site.
D Hold the unit in the starting position as
shown. Make sure the blower end is di-
rected away from people, animals, glass,
and solid objects.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
S Move the choke lever to the OPEN position.
S Set the throttle lever at HALF speed.
S Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs.
DIFFICULT STARTING (or starting a
flooded engine)
STARTING POSITION
S Move the choke lever to the OPEN position.
S Set the throttle lever at HALF speed.
S Pull rope to clear engine of excess fuel.
This could require pulling the starter rope
many times.
If unit still doesn’t start, contact your authorized
service dealer.
BLOWER OPERATION
When the engine has warmed up, the blower
can be positioned on the back of the operator.
Once the blower is positioned and ready for
operation, adjust the throttle to a speed re-
quired to accomplish the task.
NOTE: Always run the engine at idle speed
for a few minutes to allow cooling before stop-
ping the engine.
WARNING: When starting engine,
hold the unit as illustrated. Do not set unit on any
surface except a clean, hard area when starting
engine or while engine is running. Debris such
as gravel, sand, dust, grass, etc. could be
picked up by the air intake and thrown out
through the discharge opening, damaging the
unit or property, or causing serious injury to by-
standers or the operator.
SERVICE
WARNING: Avoid contact with the
muffler. A hot muffler can cause serious
burns.
We recommend all service and adjustments
not listed in this manual be performed by an
Authorized Service Dealer.
STARTING A COLD ENGINE (or warm
engine that has run out of fuel)
S Press the primer bulb (located under the
carburetor) until fuel can be seen flowing
through the fuel return line.
S Move the choke lever to the CLOSED posi-
tion.
S Move the START/STOP switch to START.
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS
Your carburetor is equipped with limiter caps.
Carburetor adjustment is a complicated task.
We recommend that you take your unit to an
Authorized Service Dealer. Damage may occur
if you turn the needles beyond the limiter stops.
IGNITION TIMING
Ignition timing is fixed, non-adjustable.
Choke Lever
SPARK PLUG
Replace the spark plug yearly using a Cham-
pion RCJ--7Y plug. Spark plug gap is .025”.
AIR FILTER
CAUTION: Do not clean filter in gasoline or
other flammable solvent to avoid creating a
fire hazard or producing harmful evaporative
emissions
Fuel
Return
Line
Muffler
Primer
Bulb
A dirty air filter decreases engine perfor-
mance and increases fuel consumption and
harmful emissions. Always inspect the air fil-
ter each time you use the blower (more often
in extreme conditions) by removing the air fil-
ter cover.
S Set the throttle lever at HALF speed (see
ASSEMBLY section for illustration of
throttle lever).
-- 5 --
S Clean the cover and the area around it to
keep dirt from falling into the carburetor
chamber when the cover is removed.
S Remove the parts as illustrated.
S Wash the filter in soap and water.
S Allow filter to dry completely before re--
installing.
Air Filter
Screen
Air Filter
Air Filter
Cover
TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE
WARNING: Always stop unit and disconnect spark plug before performing any of the
recommended remedies below other than remedies that require operation of the unit.
TROUBLE
CAUSE
REMEDY
Engine will not S Engine flooded.
S See “Starting Instructions.”
S Fill tank with correct fuel mixture.
S Install new spark plug.
S Fuel tank empty.
S Spark plug not firing.
S Fuel not reaching carburetor.
start.
S Check for dirty fuel filter; replace.
Check for kinked or split fuel line;
repair or replace.
S Compression low.
S Contact Authorized Service Dealer.
Engine will not S Carburetor requires adjustment. S See “Carburetor Adjustments.”
S Crankshaft seals worn.
S Compression low.
S Contact Authorized Service Dealer.
S Contact Authorized Service Dealer.
idle properly.
Engine will not S Air filter dirty.
S Clean or replace air filter.
S Spark plug fouled.
S Clean or replace spark plug; re-gap.
accelerate,
lacks power, or
dies under a
load.
S Carburetor requires adjustment. S See “Carburetor Adjustments.”
S Carbon build up.
S Contact Authorized Service Dealer.
S Contact Authorized Service Dealer.
S Compression low.
Engine
S Choke partially on.
S Adjust choke.
S Fuel mixture incorrect.
S Empty fuel tank and refill with
correct fuel mixture.
smokes
excessively.
S Air filter dirty.
S Clean or replace air filter.
S Carburetor requires adjustment. S See “Carburetor Adjustments.”
Engine
runs hot.
S Fuel mixture incorrect.
S See “Fueling Your Unit.”
S Spark plug incorrect.
S Replace with correct spark plug.
S Carburetor requires adjustment. S See “Carburetor Adjustments.”
S Carbon build up.
S Contact Authorized Service Dealer.
PRODUCTS, INC., for this tool. Additionally,
this warranty does not cover tune-ups, spark
plugs, filters, starter ropes, starter springs, cut-
ting line, or rotating head parts that will wear and
require replacement with reasonable use during
the warranty period. This warranty does not
cover predelivery setup or normal adjustments
explained in the instruction manual.
THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC
LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY HAVE
OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM
STATE TO STATE.
NO CLAIMS FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR
OTHER DAMAGES WILL BE ALLOWED,
AND THERE ARE NO OTHER EXPRESS
WARRANTIES EXCEPT THOSE EX-
PRESSLY STIPULATED HEREIN.
LIMITED WARRANTY
ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.,
warrants to the original purchaser that each new
Poulan or Poulan PRO brand gasoline tool or
attachment is free from defects in material and
workmanship and agrees to repair or replace
under this warranty any defective gasoline prod-
uct or attachment as follows from the original
date of purchase.
2 YEARS-- Parts and Labor, when used for
household purposes.
90 DAYS -- Parts and Labor, when used for
commercial, professional, or income producing
purposes.
30 DAYS -- Parts and Labor, if used for rental
purposes.
SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITA-
TIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WAR-
This warranty is not transferable and does not RANTY LASTS OR THE EXCLUSION OR
cover damage or liability caused by improper LIMITATIONS OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSE-
handling, improper maintenance, or the use of QUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE
accessories and/or attachments not specifically LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT
recommended by ELECTROLUX HOME
APPLY TO YOU.
-- 6 --
The policy of ELECTROLUX HOME PROD-
UCTS, INC., is to continuously improve its
products. Therefore, ELECTROLUX HOME
PRODUCTS, INC., reserves the right to
change, modify, or discontinue models, de-
signs, specifications, and accessories of all
products at any time without notice or obliga-
tion to any purchaser.
any questions regarding your warranty rights
and responsibilities, you should contact your
nearest authorized service center or call
POULAN/WEED
1--800--554--6723.
EATER
at
WARRANTY COM-
MENCEMENT DATE: The warranty period
begins on the date the lawn and garden equip-
ment engine is purchased. LENGTH OF
COVERAGE: This warranty shall be for a pe-
riod of two years from the initial date of pur-
chase. WHAT IS COVERED: REPAIR OR
REPLACEMENT OF PARTS. Repair or re-
placement of any warranted part will be per-
formed at no charge to the owner at an ap-
proved POULAN/WEED EATER servicing
center. If you have any questions regarding
your warranty rights and responsibilities, you
should contact your nearest authorized ser-
vice center or call POULAN/WEED EATER at
1--800--554--6723 WARRANTY PERIOD:
Any warranted part which is not scheduled for
replacement as required maintenance, or
which is scheduled only for regular inspection
to the effect of “repair or replace as neces-
sary” shall be warranted for 2 years. Any war-
ranted part which is scheduled for replace-
ment as required maintenance shall be war-
ranted for the period of time up to the first
scheduled replacement point for that part.
DIAGNOSIS: The owner shall not be
charged for diagnostic labor which leads to
the determination that a warranted part is de-
fective if the diagnostic work is performed at
an approved POULAN/WEED EATER serv-
icing center. CONSEQUENTIAL DAM-
AGES: POULAN/WEED EATER may be li-
able for damages to other engine compo-
nents caused by the failure of a warranted
part still under warranty. WHAT IS NOT COV-
ERED: All failures caused by abuse, neglect,
or improper maintenance are not covered.
ADD--ON OR MODIFIED PARTS: The use
of add--on or modified parts can be grounds
for disallowing a warranty claim. POULAN/
WEED EATER is not liable to cover failures of
warranted parts caused by the use of add--on
or modified parts. HOW TO FILE A CLAIM: If
you have any questions regarding your war-
ranty rights and responsibilities, you should
contact your nearest authorized service cen-
ter or call POULAN/WEED EATER at
1--800--554--6723. WHERE TO GET WAR-
RANTY SERVICE: Warranty services or re-
pairs shall be provided at all POULAN/WEED
U.S. EPA
EMISSION CONTROL
WARRANTY STATEMENT
YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGA-
TIONS: The U. S. Environmental Protection
Agency and POULAN/WEED EATER, DIVI-
SION OF WCI OUTDOOR PRODUCTS are
pleased to explain the emissions control sys-
tem warranty on your lawn and garden equip-
ment engine. All new utility and lawn and gar-
den equipment engines must be designed,
built, and equipped to meet the stringent anti--
smog standards. POULAN/WEED EATER
must warrant the emission control system on
your lawn and garden equipment engine for
the periods of time listed below provided there
has been no abuse, neglect, or improper
maintenance of your lawn and garden equip-
ment engine. Your emission control system
includes parts such as the carburetor and the
ignition system. Where a warrantable condi-
tion exits, POULAN/WEED EATER will repair
your lawn and garden equipment engine at no
cost to you. Expenses covered under warran-
ty include diagnosis, parts and labor.
MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY COV-
ERAGE: If any emissions related part on your
engine (as listed under Emissions Control
Warranty Parts List) is defective or a defect in
the materials or workmanship of the engine
causes the failure of such an emission related
part, the part will be repaired or replaced by
POULAN/WEED EATER. OWNER’S WAR-
RANTY RESPONSIBILITIES: As the lawn
and garden equipment engine owner, you are
responsible for the performance of the re-
quired maintenance listed in your instruction
manual. POULAN/WEED EATER recom-
mends that you retain all receipts covering
maintenance on your lawn and garden equip-
ment engine, but POULAN/WEED EATER
cannot deny warranty solely for the lack of re-
ceipts or for your failure to ensure the perfor-
mance of all scheduled maintenance. As the
lawn and garden equipment engine owner,
you should be aware that POULAN/WEED
EATER may deny you warranty coverage if
your lawn and garden equipment engine or a
part of it has failed due to abuse, neglect, im-
proper maintenance, unapproved modifica-
tions, or the use of parts not made or ap-
proved by the original equipment manufactur-
er. You are responsible for presenting your
lawn and garden equipment engine to a POU-
LAN/WEED EATER authorized repair center
as soon as a problem exists. Warranty repairs
EATER
service
centers.
call:
1--800--554--6723 MAINTENANCE, RE-
PLACEMENT AND REPAIR OF EMISSION
RELATED PARTS: Any POULAN/WEED
EATER approved replacement part used in
the performance of any warranty mainte-
nance or repair on emission related parts will
be provided without charge to the owner if the
part is under warranty. EMISSION CON-
TROL WARRANTY PARTS LIST: Carbure-
tor, Ignition System: Spark Plug (covered up
to maintenance schedule), Ignition Module.
MAINTENANCE STATEMENT: The owner is
responsible for the performance of all re-
should be completed in a reasonable amount quired maintenance as defined in the instruc-
of time, not to exceed 30 days. If you have tion manual.
-- 7 --
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