Craftsman 143996706 Owner’s Manual

SEARS

operator's

manual

MODEL NO. 143.99670E

6.75 RESERVE POWER

12.56 CUBIC INCH (207cc)
DISPLACEMENT

SOLID STATE IGNITION

CAUTION:

Read RULES for

Safe OPERATION

and INSTRUCTIONS

Carefully

A

Califomia Proposition 65 WARNING: The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals

known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Sold by SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., CHICAGO, IL 60684 U.S.A.

and SEARS CANADA, INC., TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA

ENGIN

• Operating

• Maintenance

• Repair Parts

I

Printedin U.S.A. 2-1-99 181-1183.11

MODELAND

D.O.M. DECAL

SPARK PLUG WIRE

IFFLER SPARK PLUG

SPARK PLUG /

THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH IF NOT FOLLOWED COULD

ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS. READ AND

FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL AND ANY PROVIDED WITH THE EQUIPMENT ON WHICH

STARTER

HANDLE

PRIMER_

WIRE

Figure 1

THIS ENGINE IS USED BEFORE A'I-rEMPTING TO OPERATING.

OIL FILL PLUG AND

DIPSTICK

SPARK PLUG

MUFFLER

OIL DRAIN PLUG

OIL DRAIN PLUG

BOTTOM OF ENGINE

a4k

THESE SYMBOLS (_

MAYAPPEARON 4_ J'_ I'_ B

THE ENGINE: OFF FULL

FAST SLOW STOP CHOKE

ENGINES WHICH ARE CERTIFIED TO COMPLY WITH CALIFORNIA ..... IMPORTANT

AND U.S. EPA EMISSION REGULATIONS FOR ULGE ENGINES: Ar_ KEEP THiS_,,MANUAL HANDY AT ALL TIMES FOR FUTURE
certifiedtooperateon regularunleadedgasoline. Include the following ':_ REFERENCI=_ READrFCAREFULLYAND FAMILIARIZEYOURSELF

emissioncontrolsystem(s): EM,TWC (itso equipped); Do not include
any useradjustablefeatures-'thereforeno otheradjustmentsare needed: WITH .THE' OPERATING, MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY

OIL & FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS :

TO OPERATE ENGINE, YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING: 1li_ =__'_=dDF..I;'rJrtl= STARTING

_'" :_ PARTS LISTING:

JNSTRUCTIONS. THIS MANUAL ALSO CONTAINS A COMPLETE

(_) A CLEAN, HIGH QUALITY, DETERGENT OIL. '

Be sure original container is marked: A.P.I. service "SF" - "SJ':, (,JJ REA_ALL INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDEDWiTH THE EQUIPMENT ON
FOR SUMMER (ABOVE 32°F; (PC) USE SAE 30 OIL. -; _ WHICH THIS ENGINE IS USED.

(SAE 10W30 is acceptable substitute.)
FOR WINTER (BELOW 320F; (PC) USE SAE 5W30 OIL.

(SAE 10W is an acceptable substitute.)
DO NOT USE 10W40 OIL.

OIL SUMP CAPACITY: 27 ounces (1-3/4 U.S. pint,S)

.80 liter

_J A FRESH, CLEAN, UNLEADED REGULAR, UNLEADED

PREMIUM, OR REFORMULATED AUTOMOTIVE
GASOLINE ONLY. DO NOT USE LEADED GASOLINE.

NOTE: DO NOT USE GASOLINE CONTAINING METHANOL
(WOOD ALCOHOL). Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol or

grain alcohol ('Gasohol'), or up to 15% MTBE (Methyl Tertiary
Butyl Ether), may be used but requires special care when engine

is unused for extended pedods.
See "STORAGE" instructions of Page 4.
NOTE: Use clean oil and fuel and store in approved, clean

covered containers. Use clean fill funnels.
Never use "stale"gasoline left over from last season or stored for

long pedods.

Page 1 181-1183-11

THIS ENGINE IS EQUIPPED WITH A FEDERALLY MAN DATED
MECHANISM WHICH STOPS THE ENGINE. DO NOT INTERFERE

WITH OR BYPASSTHISMECHANISM.PARTS OFTHE MECHANISM

MAYBESUBJECTTOWEARANDMUSTBECHECKEDONCEAYEAR
BY AN AUTHORIZED SEARS ROEBUCK AND CO. (OR SEARS

CANADA.INC.)SERVICE CENTER.INTHE EVENTTHE MECHANISM
FAILSFORANYREASON,YOUMUSTNOT USETHE ENGINE UNTIL

CORRECTED BYANAUTHORIZEDSEARSROEBUCKAND CO. (OR
SEARS CANADA, INC.) SERVICE CENTER.

,_k DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE FROM SPARK PLUG AND

ATrACH IT TO RETAINING POST (see Figure 6 on Page 3).
INSTALL ENGINE BRAKE CABLE AND STARTER ROPE:

BRAKE CABLE (see Figure 2):
Attach engine brake cable to brake mechanism as shown.

STARTER ROPE:
A. Depress mower control bar (see Figure 3) against mower

handle and hold it in this position.

B. Pullat least2 feetofstarterropeoutofstarterand tiea slip

knotatstartertopreventstarterropefrom rewindingbackinto
starter.

BEFORE STARTING (Continued)

C.

Feed starter rope through starter handle (see Figure 5) and

tie a left hand knot, leaving 1/2 inch to 1 inch of starter repeRI

extending beyond lefthand knot. DO NOT PULL LEFT HAND
KNOT INTO STARTER HANDLE YET.

O.

With starter handle resting on rope guide (see Figure 4),
check starter rope for slack, If there is any slack, pull more
starter rope through starter handle and relocate left hand
knot to eliminate slack.

E.

Untie slip knot at starter.

F.

Pull left hand knot into starter handle. _k

(_ CHECK OIL LEVEL:

IMPORTANT: NEVER RUN ENGINE UNLESS OIL LEVEL IS

BETWEEN "FULL" AND "ADD" MARKS ON
DIPSTICK.

CHECK OIL LEVEL OFTEN DURING ENGINE BREAt(-IN.
NEVER RUN ENGINE UNLESS OIL FILL PLUG ISTIGHTENED
SECURELY INTO OIL FILL HOLE.

A. POSITION EQUIPMENT SO ENGINE IS LEVEL.
B. Clean area around oil fill plug (see Figure 1).

C. Remove oil fill plug and dipstick. /
D. Wipe dipstick clean, insert it into oil fill hole and tighten

securely.

E. Remove oil fill plug and check oil level. If level is not up to

=FULL" mark on dipstick, add recommended oil, until it is.
POUR SLOWLY,

Wipe dipstick clean each time oil level"is checked.

DO NOT FILL ABOVE =FULL" MARK ON DIPSTICK.

F, Replace oil fill plug and tighten securely.

See =MAINTENANCE" section for any future oil level and oil
change instructions (see Page 3).

(_ FILL FU EL TAN K with gasoline as specified inthe preceding

"OIL & FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS," item 2,

NEVER MIX OIL WITH GASOLINE

Never use =stale" gasolin_ leftover from last season or stored for
long periods.

,_ NEVER FILL FUEL TANK INDOORS. NEVER FILL FUEL TANK

WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING OR HOT. DO NOT SMOKE WHEN

I I:ILLINP. RII=LTANK

_ NEVER FILL FUEL TANK COMPLETELY. FILL TANK TO 1/2"

BELOW BOTFOM OF FILLER NECK TO PROVIDE SPACE FOR
FUEL EXPANSION.WIPE ANY FUEL SPILLAGE FROM ENGINE
AND EQUIPMENT BEFORE STARTING ENGINE.

_bANY LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM (LPG) OR NATURAL GAS FUEL

SYSTEM MUST BE LEAKPROOF AND MEETALLAPPLICABLE

I CODES AND REGULATIONS.

CHECK THE FOLLOWING:

A. BE SURE EQUIPMENT IS IN NEUTRAL GEAR WITH

,_ CLUTCHES, BELTS, CHAINS AND SAFETY SWITCHES

DISENGAGED. (FOLLOW EQUIPMENT MANU-
FACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS.) THIS SHOULD PLACE
ANY SAFETY SWITCHES IN SAFE STARTING PosmoN.

B. Be sure spark plug wire is attached to spark plug (see Figure

1).

STARTING

NEVER RUN ENGINE INDOORS OR IN ENCLOSED, POORLY
VENTILATED AREAS. ENGINE EXHAUST CONTAINS

CARBON MONOXIDE, AN ODORLESS AND DEADLY GAS
(CARBON MONOXIDE IS ALSO PRESENT IN ENGINE
EXHAUST FROM LIQUID PETROLEUM (LPG) AND NATURAL
GAS FUEL SYSTEMS).

KEEP HANDS, FEET, HAIR AND LOOSE CLOTHING AWAY I
FROM ANY MOVING PARTS ON ENGINE AND EQUIPMENT.

u

A

WARNING - TEMPERATURE OF MUFFLER AND NEARBY I

AREAS MAY EXCEED 150°F (65°C). AVOID THESE AREAS. I

NOTE: See equipment manufacturer's instructions for control

positions which correspond to engine control positions
in Figure 2.

BRAKE CONTROL

-_ CABLE

_PRIMER BOWL DRAIN

__CAR SCREw

BURETOR

CONTROL KNOB IN
'FAST" OR START

POSITION

Figure2

C) ENGINE WITH PRIMER

1) Move control lever (figure 2) to =FAST"or =START"(see

equipmentmanufacturer'sinstructions).

2) Thecarburetoronyourenginehasbeencompletely edjusteq
at thefactory. Whenstartinga cold engine,pushredprimer

bulbfirmlywith yourthumb 3 tlmee,allowingprimerbulbto
returncompletely to originalpositionbetweenpushes. Re-

peatthe abovefor each starteroperationas necessary.
NOTE: DO NOT USE PRIMER TO RESTART A WARM

ENGINE AFTER A SHORT SHUTDOWN.

3) Operate mowercontrolto release enginebrake.

4)

a) RECOIL STARTERS: Grasp starter handle (figure 3) and

pull rope out slowly until you feel drag. Let rope rewind
slowly. Pull rope with rapid, full arm stroke. Return robe

slowly to original position.

NOTE: If engine fails tostart after three pulls, repeat steps

2-3 above.

b) ELECTRIC STARTERS: Crank engine.

NOTE: If engine does not start after five seconds of
NOTE: If equipped with a snap-in control as shown, no

cranking, stop and repeat steps 2-3 above.

adjustment is required.

STOPPING

(_See mower manufacturer's instructions.

(_) AFTER ENGINE IS STOPPED:

_ILA. DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE FROM SPARK PLUG

AND A'n'ACH IT TO RETA N NG POST (see Raure 61.

,_B. NEVER STORE ENGINE WITH FUEL IN TANK IN DOORS I

Page 2

OR IN ENCLOSED, POORLY VENTILATED AREAS, J
WHERE FUEL FUMES MAY REACH AN OPEN FLAME, I
SPARK OR PILOT LIGHT AS ON A FURNACE, WATER

HEATER, CLOTHES DRYER OR OTHER GAS APPUANCE.

181-1183-11

STARTER

CONTROL SAR _

MOWER

HANDLE

MOWER

Figure 3

Figure 5 Figure 6

1/2 TO 1 INCH

HANDLE ROPEGUIDE

ulOWER_

STARTERROPE
NOSL_ _RMI,_SI_._E

Figure 4

SPARK PLUG WIRE SPAF_K_LUG

RETAINING POST

!

MAINTENANCE

_RARNING - TEMPERATURE OF MUFFLER AND NEARBY

EAS MAY EXCEED 150aF (650C)./).VOID THESE AREAS. J

MAINTENANCE (Continued)

FOAM FILTER:

Cleanandre-oileverythree(3) monthsorevery25 operating
hours. Clean and re-oil daily if used in extremelydusty

conditions.

A. Wash in water and detergent solution and squeeze (don't

twist until all did is removed.)

B. Rinse thoroughly in clear water.
C. Wrap in a clean cloth and squeeze (don't twist) to distribute

oil and remove excess oil.

B. TO REMOVE AND INSTALL FILTER:

1. Remove cover from body by loosening wing nut.

Swing cover down to remove from hinge.

2. Inspect filter for discoloration or dirt accumulation. If either

is present, service per preceding "TO SERVICE FILTER"
instructions.

3. Clean inside of cover and body thoroughly.

4. Re-install filter in body.

t

5. Install cover on body by aligning hinges between body and
cover. Swing cover upwardagainst body. Tighten wing nut

securely.

(_ CHECK OIL LEVEL:

Checkoilleveleveryfive(5) operatinghoursoreachtimeengine
isused.See"3CHECKOILLEVEL"in=BEFORESTARTING"on

Page 2.

(_ CHANGE OIL:

Change oil after first two (2) operating hours and every 25
operating hours thereafter, more often if operated in extremely

dusty or dirty conditions. Change oil while engine is still warm

from recent runnino.

_kA. DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE FROM SPARK PLUG

(_) AIR CLEANER (see Figure7):

_,NEVER RUN ENGINE WITHOUT COMPLETE AIR CLEANER

AND ATTACH IT "_ORETAINING POST (sea Figure 6).

B Position equipment so engine oil drain plug is lowest point

on engine.

C. Remove oil drain plug and oil fillplug to drain oil (see Figure

1).

D. Replace oil drain plug and tighten securely.
E. Fill oil sump with recommended oil. See =OIL & FUEL

RECOMMENDATIONS _and "CHECK OIL LEVEL" on Page

1.

F. Replace oil fill plug and tighten securely.
G. Connect spark plug wire to spark plug.
H. Wipe up any spilled oil and/or gasoline.

NOTE: If it is difficult to reach the oil drain plug, drain fuel.

Remove oil fill plug and tip mower on its side. Drain oil
into a suitable container.

STALLED ON ENGINE.

A. TO SERVICE FILTER:

PAPER FILTER:
DO NOT ATI'EMPT TO CLEAN OR OIL FILTER.

Replacefilter onceayear orevery100operatinghours,more
oftenifusedinextremelydustyor dirtyconditions.

Replacementfiltersare availableat any Sears Roebuckand
Co. (orSears Canada, Inc.) ServiceCenter,

JT

FILTER

OVER

BODY

Figure7

(_ SPARK PLUG (see Figure8):

ThissparkignitionsystemmeatsallrequirementsoftheCanadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. This engine

complieswithallcurrentAustralianandNewZealandlimitations
regardingelectromagneticinterference.Checksparkplugyearly
or every 100 operatinghours.

A.

Clean area aroundsparkplug.

B.

Remove and inspectsparkplug.

C.

Replace spark plug if electrodes are pitted, burned or

porcelain is cracked. For replacement use Champion RJ-

19LM or equivalent.
NOTE: A resistor spark plug must be used for replacement.

O.

Check electrodes gap with wire feeler gauge and set gap at
.030 if necessary.

E.

Install spark plug, tighten securely.

Figure8

Page 3 181-1183-11