piston replacement on craftsman leaf blower

[dummy01]

Have a new piston, ring, and connecting rod assy. for Craftsman leaf blower 358.794770. Was not aware that the arrow under the piston head must point in a particular direction. I did not notice which way it was pointing when I disassembled. Can anyone help? Articles state it should point toward the exhause port. That is impossible on this unit. It must point towards the flywheel or away from it. Which is correct?

[jkason]

Probably pointing at the flywheel.

If it was mine, I would have bought a new blower. That one looks like it was made by Homelite (frickin' junk - personal opinion).
$27.00 for a piston kit - another $72.00 and you have a brand new one.

At the shop I work at (in CT) that would be considered a junker for the simple reason that it would cost you more in time than you would have to spend on a new unit. (and cost you a $35.00 bench charge to boot - or $0.00 if we scrap it/use it as a parts machine.)

[lucas]

most 2 strokes point arrow toward exhuast ,but finding a manual to be sure would be good

[Fixitman_Mike]

It is a Poulan product.

Install the piston so the ring gap is not passing any ports in the cylinder.