Craftsman 917.29555 User Manual

Caution: Read and follow

all Safety Rules

and Instructions Before Operating

This Equipment

COUNTER ROTATING TI

oAssembUy

• Operation

, Customer Responsibilities oService and Adjustments

oRepair Parts

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

.................................................................. i i

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Powered Rotary Tillers

TRAINING

• Read the Owner's Manual carefully. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the

equipment. Know how to stop the unit and disengage

the controls quickly°

• Never allow children to operate the equipment. Never allow adults to operate the equipment without proper

instruction.

• Keep the area of operation clear of afl persons, particu- larly small children, and pets°

PREPARATION

• Thoroughly inspect the areawhere the equipment is to

be used and remove all foreign objects.

• Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before

- starting the engine (motor).

• Do not operate the equipment without wearing ad- equate outer garments. Wear footwear that will im- prove footing on slippery surfaces.

• Handle fuel with care; it is highly flamrnabteo

o Use an approved fuel container.

• Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.

• Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fill fuel tank indoors

• Replace gasoline cap securety and clean up spilled

fuel before restarting

• Use extension cords and receptacles as specified by the manufacturer for all units with electric drive motors

or electric starting motors

• Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine (motor) is running (except where specifically recommended by manufacturer)_

OPERATION

° Do riot put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.

• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or cross- inggravel drives, walks, or roads, Stay alert for hldden

hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.

• After' striking a foreign object, stop the engine (motor), remove the wire from the spark plug, thoroughly in-

spect the tiller for any damage, and repair the damage

before restarting and operating the tiller'.

• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling,

• If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause.

Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

, Stop the engine (motor) when leaving the operating

position_

, Take all possible precautions when leaving the ma-

chine unattended, Disengage the tines, shift into neutral, and stop the engine.

• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, shut off the

engine and make certain all moving parts have stopped_

Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire

away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.

Disconnect the cord on electric motors.

• Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust fumes are dangerous.

• Never operate the tiller without proper guards, plates, or other safety protective devices in place.

° Keep children and pets away. , Do not overload the machine capacity by attem pting to

till too deep at too fast a rate,

• Never operate the machine at high speeds on slippery surfaces Look behind and use care when backing.

, Never allow bystanders near the unit,

• Use only attachments and accessories approved by

the manufacturer of the tiller (such as wheel weights,

counterweights, cabs, and the like),

• Never operate the tiller without good visibility or tight.

• Be careful when tilling in hard ground The tines may

catch inthe ground and propel the tiller forward. If this occurs, let go ofthe handlebars and do not restrain the

machine.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

o Keep machine, attachments, and accessories insafe

working condition,

• Check shear pins, engine mounting bolts, and other bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.

• Never store the machine withfuel in the fuel tank inside a building where ignition sources are present, such as hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers, and the

like. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure,

• Always refer to the operator's guide instructions for important details if the tiiler is to be stored for an extended period.

- IMPORTANT -

CAUTION, tMPORTANTS, AND NOTES ARE A MEANS OF ATTRACTING ATTENTION TO IMPORTANT OR CRITI- CAL INFORMATION iN THIS MANUAL..

IMPORTANT; USED TO ALERT YOU THAT THERE IS A

CAUTION: Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions° it

means _Attention! Become Alertt Your safety is involved.

POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGING THIS EQUIPMENT.

NOTE: Gives essential informationthat wiltaid you to better understand, incorporate,or execute a particularset of instruc-

tions

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Tiller..

It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance..

Should you experience any problems you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized Sears

Service Center/Department They have competent, well- trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair

this unit_ Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will

enable you to assemble and maintain your tiller properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES"°

MODEL NUMBER 917.295550

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS •

HORSEPOWER: 5°0HP

DISPLACEMENT: t257 cu in..

GASOLINE CAPACITY: 3 Quarts

Unleaded Regular

OIL : SAE 30W (Above 32°F)

(CAPACITY:20 oz ) SAE 5W-30 (Below 32°F)

SPARKPLUG : Champion (GAP: .030") RJI9LM (STD361458)

SERIAL

NUMBER DATE OF

PURCHASE

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE

FOUND ON THE MODEL PLATE ATTACHED TO

THE TOP OF THE TRANSMISSION,.

YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SER!AL NUMBER AND DATE OF PURCHASE Af_D KEEP IN A SAFE

PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this prod- uct, Contact your nearest Sears store for details..

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

o Read and observe the safety rules, ° Follow aregular schedule in maintaining, caring for and

using your tiller.

° Follow the instructions under the "Customer

Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections of this Owner's

Manual..

LiMiTED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER

For one year from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Ti!ler is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to

the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears wil! repair free of charge any defect in

material or workmanship. This Warranty does not cover: ° Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as tines, spark plugs, air cleaners and belts,.

o Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to

maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual,

° If this Craftsman Tiller is used for commercial or rental purposes, this Warranty applies for only 30 days from the

date of purchase,

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN TILLER TO THE NEAREST SEARS

SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE THIS

PRODUCT IS IN USE INTHE UNITED STATES. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

- IMPORTANT-

This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest_covered, brush-covered or grass covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).. If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the

operator.

In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code)., Other states may have similar lawso Federal laws apply on federal lands. Seeyou rSears Authorized Service Center/Department for spark

arrester. Refer to the Repair Parts section of this manual for part number°

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ...................... 3,14-16

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3

WARRANTY ................................................................... 3

ACCESSORIES ............................................................. 5

ASSEMBLY ................................................................6-8

OPERATION .............................................................9-13

INDEX

Accessories ....................................... 5

Adjustments:

Carburetor ............................... 19

Depth Stake .............................. 10

Handle Height .......................... 16

"Side Shields ............................. 11

Throttle ..................................... 19

Tines ......................................... 18

V-Belt (Ground Drive) ............... 17

Wheels ..................................... 13

Air Cleaner ...................................... 15

Belt:

Belt Guard ................................ 17

Repair Parts ............................... 23

V-Belt (Ground Drive) ............... 17

Cooling System .............................. 15

Controls:

Choke .......................................... 9

Throttle ....................................... 9

Drive (Tines) .............................. 9

Cultivating ....................................... 13

Customer Responsibilities:

Air Cleaner ............................... 15

Cooling System ....................... 15

Finish.......................................16

Maintenance Schedule ............ 14

Muffler......................................16

Oil Change ............................... 15

Spark Plug ................................ 16

Tines .......................................... 18

Transmission ........................... 16

V-Belt (Ground Drive) .............. 17

Depth Stake:

Adjustment ............................... 10

Repair Parts .............................. 26

Engine:

Air Cleaner ............................... !5

Cooling System ........................ 15

Fuel Type ................................. 11

Engine (cont'd)

Lubrication ............................... 15

OIl Level ................................... 11

OilType ..............................11,15

Spark Plug................................16

Starting .................................... 12

Stopping ................................... 10

Storage .................................... 20

Winter Operation .....................15

Fuel:

Filling"Tank...............................11

Storage .................................... 20

Type .........................................II

Finish'.

Maintenance ............................ 16

Handle:

Height Adjustment ................... 16

Repair Parts .............................. 22

Lubrication:

Lubrication Chart .................... 14

Engine .......................................15

Muffler:

Maintenance ............................ 16

Spark Arrester ........................... 3

OIl:

Level.........................................11

Type ..................................... 11,15

Operation:

Cultivating ................................ 13

Fitl Fuel Tank ........................... 11

Starting Engine ......................... 12

Stopping Tines & Engine ......... 10

Tilling ....................................... I 0

TillingHints ..............................12

Tine Operation ......................... 10

Transporting Tiller .................... 11

Winter' Operation ..................... 15

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 14

SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS ................................. 16-19

STORAGE .................................................................... 20

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 21

REPAIR PARTS-TILLER ........................................ 22-28

REPAIR PARTS-ENGINE ....................................... 29-33

SERVICE/PARTS ORDERING ................ BACK COVER

Repair Parts:

Tiller .................................... 22-28

Engine ................................ 29-33

Rules for Safe Operation .................. 2

Service & Adjustments:

Carburetor .............................. 19

Handle Height .......................... t6

Side Shields ............................. 11

Throttle.........................................19

Tines ........................................ 18

V-Belt (Ground Drive) .............. 17

Wheels ................................ 13,16

Service:

Repair Parts ....................... 22-33

Service Record ......................... 14

Shear Pins:

Operation ................................. 12

RepairParts.............................27

Spark Plug:

Gap ............................................ 3

Maintenance ............................16

Storage:

Fuel System ............................. 20

Tiller ......................................... 20

Tilling ......................................... i O,12

Tines:

Arrangement/Replacement ...... 18

Operation ................................. 10

Repair Parts ............................. 27

Shear Pins...............................12

Transmission:

Maintenance ............................ 16

Repair Parts ............................. 25

Troubleshooting ............................. 21

Transporting ................................... 1t

Warranty ...........................................3

Wheels:

Adjustment ............................... 13

Removal .................................. 16

Repair Parts ............................. 24

ACCESSORIES

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These accessories were available when the tiller was purchased. They are also available at most Sears Retalt outlets, Catalog and Service Centers. Most Sears Stores can order repatr parts for you when you provide the mo del

number of your tiller.

ENGINE

SPARK PLUG

,,, ,,,..................... ................

MUFFLER

TILLER PERFORMANCE

....... ,_,_ .............................. ,, ,,, u,,Lu

FURROW OPENER

TILLER MAINTENANCE

BELT TINES SHEAR PIN

AIR FILTER

GAS CAN ENGINE OIL STABILIZER

HAIRPIN CLIP

ASSEMBLY

......... ................................................. i i ,, illl ii ll,,

Your' new tiller has been assembled atthe factory with exception ofthose parts leftunassembled for' shipping purposes, To

ensure safe and proper operation of your tiller all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary' to insure proper tightness.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly easier_ Standard wrench sizes are listed.

(1) Utility knife (1) Wire cutter

(t) Screwdriver

(t) Tire pressure gauge (1) Pair of pliers (1) 9/16" wrench

OPERATOR'S POSITION (See Fig. 1)

When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means when you are in the operating position (standing

behind tiller handles).

FRONT

LEFT RIGHT

OPERATOR'S POSITION

FIG. 1

.................. ........ i illllllllll ijiiii ii ii Hll : ....

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

!tIIIHI/Y

(2) Handle Locks (2) Carriage Bolts 3/8-16 UNC x 1 Gr. 5 (2) Center Locknuts 3/8-16 UNC

........... •:::: ......................................................................................................

(1) Rat Washer 13/32 x 1 x 11 Ga. (1) Handle Lock Lever

(2) Hairpin Clips

(1) Cable Clip

(1) Owner's Manual

UNPACKING CARTON (See Fig. 2)

staples when handling or disposing of

CAUTION: Be careful of exposed

cartoning material,

IMPORTANT: WHEN UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING TILLER, BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRETCH OR KINK

CABLES.

• While holding handle assembly, cut cable ties securing handle assembly to top frame and depth stake.. Let

handle assembly rest on tiller,

o Removetop frame ofcartono . Slowly ease handle assembly up and place on top of

carton°

. Cut down right hand front and right hand rear corners

of carton, lay side carton wall down.

° Remove packing material from handle assembly. ° Separate shift rod from handle assembly_

SHIFT ROD

HANDLE ASSEMBLY

FIG. 2

INSTALL HANDLE (See Figs. 3, 4, and 5)

° Insert one handle lock (with teeth facing outward) in

gearcase notch, (Apply grease on smooth side of

handle lock to aid in keeping lock in place until handle

assembly is lowered into position°)

HANDLE ASSEMBLY

o Grasp handle assembly, Hold in"up" position. Be sure

handle lock remains in gearcase notch. Slide handle assembly into position_

_,_-=_._;, / HANDLE ASSEMBLY

-'--.._,, '.;:: _ "UP" POSITION

LOCKLEVERTO

TIGHTEN HANDLE 1

HOLD

FIG. 4

° Rotate handle assembly down to install two carriage

boIts and Iocknuts, Insert rear carriage bolt (Fig° 5)first, with head of bolt on L.H. side of tiller° Lower the handfe

assembly,, Tighten bolts so handle moves with some resistance°

° Place flat washer on threaded end of handle lock lever° ° Insert handle lock lever through handle base and

ghearcaseo Screw in handle lock lever just enough to

old lever in place,,

° Insert second handle lock (with teeth inward) in the slot

of the handle base (just inside of washer)_

° With handle assembly in lowest position, securely

tighten handle lock lever by rotating clockwise. Leav- ing handle assembly in _owest position will make it

easier to remove tiller from carton.

HANDLE LOCK

SLOT

CARRIAGE

FLAT

WASHER

BOLT

HANDLE LOCK

LEVER

FIG. 3

REAR CARRIAGE

BOLT

HANDLE

BASE

LOCKNUTS

FIG. 5

ASSEMBLY

:: ii_Ul, i ill ,l_ i i..... i,

CONNECT SHIFT ROD (See Fig. 6) , Insert end of shift rod farthest from bend into hole of

shift lever indicator.

, Insert hairpin clip through hole of shift rod to secure.

• Insert other end of shift rod into hole in shift lever,

• Insert second hairpin clip through hole of shift rod,

ATTACH THIS END

TO SHIFT LEVER

INDICATOR

ATTACH THIS

END TO SHIFT

LEVER _.\

-\,

SHIFT ROD

HAIRPIN SHIFT CLIP LEVER

INDICATOR

REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE , Make sure shift lever indicator is in "N" (neutral) posi-

tion (See Fig. 6)

• Tilt tillerforward by lifting handle, Separate cardboard cover from leveling shield.

• Rotate tiller handle to the right and pull tiller out of

carton,

INSERT CABLE CLIP (See Fig. 7)

• Insert plastic cable clip into hole on the back of handle column, Push cables into clip.

CABLES

SHIFT

'CABLE CUP

FIG. 7

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your unit were overinflated at the factory for

shipping purposes. Correct and equal tire pressure is important for best tilling performance.

° Reduce tire pressure to 20 PSI,

HANDLE HEIGHT ° Handle height may be adjusted to better suit operator.

(See "TO ADJUST HANDLE HEIGHT' in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual),

SHIFT ROD

HAIRPIN CLiP

FIG. 6

KNOW YOUR TILLER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFEFY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TILLER,

Compare the illustrationswith your tiller to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference_

DRIVE CONTROL THROTTLE BAR CONTROL

SHIFT LEVER

INDICATOR

DEPTH STAKE

LEVELING SHIELD

OUTER SIDE

SHIELD

RECOIL

STARTER

HANDLE

FIG. 8

MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Our tillers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute,

CHOKECONTROL

DRIVE CONTROL BAR - Used to engage tines° DEPTH STAKE - Controls depth at which tiller will dig.

LEVELING SHIELD .. Levels tilled soi!. OUTER SIDE SHIELD - Adjustable to protect small plants

from being buried. THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control engine speed°

SHIFT LEVER - Used to shift transmission gears°

SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR - Shows which gear the

transmission is in,

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine_

CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine.

.......... ,,_i IHIIlll ................... " _I_l,I I ............ |

The operation of any tiller can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can

result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before starting your tiller and while tilling° We recommend wide vision safety mask for over the spec-

tacles or standard safety glasses.

' ,/ ,llll ..........

HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER

Know how to operate all controls before adding fuel and oil or attempting to start engine,.

STOPPING (See Fig. 9)

TINES AND DRIVE . Release drive control bar to stop movement.

• Move shift lever to "N" (neutral) position.

ENGINE

.. Move throttle control to "STOP" position°

• Never use choke to stop engine

DRIVE CONTROL BAR "ENGAGED" POSITION THROTTLE

SHIFT LEVER

DRIVE CONTROL BAR

"DISENGAGED" POSITION

FIG. 9

TINE OPERATION -WITH WHEEL DRIVE

o Always release drive control bar before moving shift

lever into another position°

° Tine movement is achieved by moving shift lever to"T"

(till) position and engaging drive control bar,,

FORWARD-WHEELS ONLY/FINES STOPPED

° Release drive control bar and move shift lever indicator

to"F" (forward)positiono Engage drive control bar and

tiller will move forward.

DEPTH STAKE (See Fig. 10)

The depth stake can be raisedor lowered toallow you more versatile tiltingand cultivating, or to more easily transport

your tiller.

_ TRANSPORT

SHALLOWEST' /

TILLING

DEEPEST

TILLING

DEPTH_STAKE

POSITION

FIG. 10

TILLING (See Fig. 11)

° Release depth stake pin. Pull the depth stake up for

increased tilling depth. Place depth stake pin in hole of depth stake to lock in position.

° Place shift lever indicator in "T" position_

• Hold the drive control bar against the handle to start tilling movement. "Fines and wheels will both turn,

° Move throttlecontrol to "FAST" position for deep tilling.

To cultivate, throttle control can be set at any desired

speed, depending on how fast or slow you wish to cultivate.

IMPORTANT: ALWAYS RELEASE DRIVE CONTROL BAR

BEFORE MOVING SHIFT LEVER INTO ANOTHER

POSITION

DEPTH STAKE PIN

"RELEASED"POSITION

REVERSE - WHEELS ONLY/TINES STOPPED

= DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY BEHIND TILLER_ ° Release the drive control bar,.

° Move throttle control to "SLOW" position_ ° Move shift lever indicator to "R" (reverse) position. = Hold drive control bar against the handle to start tiller

movement.

"LOCKED"

POSITION

NUT"A"

NUT "B"

SIDE SHIELD

FIG. 11

OPERATUON

TURNING

. Release the drive control bar.

• Move throttle control to "SLOW" position

• Place shift lever indicator in "F" (forward) position. Tines wilt not turn.

. Lift handle to raise tines out of ground.

• Swing the handle in the opposite direction you wish to turn, being careful to keep feet and legs away from

tines,

• When you have completed your turn-around, release

the drive co ntrol bar and lower handler Place shift lever

in "T" (till) position and move throttle control to desired

speed. To begin tilling, hold drive control bar against the handle.

OUTER SIDE SHIELDS (See Fig, 11)

The front edges of the outer side shields are slotted so that

the shields can be raised for deep tilling and lowered for shallow titling to protect small plants from being buried.

Loosen nut "A" in slot and nut "B" Move shield to desired position (both sides). Retighten nuts.

TRANSPORTING

_ CAUTION: Before lifting or transport-

• Release the depth stake pin Move the depth stake

down to the top hole for transporting the tiller. Place depth stake pinin hole of depth stake to lock in position,

This prevents tines from scuffing the ground

° Place shift lever indicator in "F" (forward) position for

transporting.

• Hold the drive controt bar against the handle to start tiller movement Tines will not turn,

• Move throttle control to desired speed

ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to cool. Disconnectsparkplugwireo Drain gasoline from fuel tank,

......................................... i

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

IMPORTANT: BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO ALLOW DIRT TO ENTER THE ENGINE WHEN CHECKING OR ADDING OIL OR FUEL. USE CLEAN OIL AND FUEL AND STORE

IN APPROVED, CLEAN, COVERED CONTAINERS, USE CLEAN FiLL FUNNELS.

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 12)

• The engine in your unit has been shipped, from the factory, already filfed with SAE 30 summer weight oil,

• With engine level, clean area around oil filler plug and remove plug,

• Engine oil should be to point of overflowing° For approximate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFICA- TIONS" on page 3 of this manual. All oil must meet

AP]. Service Classification SG.

• For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting (See oil viscosity chart in the Customer

Responsibilities section of this manual).

• To change engine oil, see the Customer Responsibili-

ties section in this manual,

OIL

FILLER

IL DRAIN

PLUG

FIG. 12

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline, (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon

and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life.

IMPORTANT; WHEN OPERATING iN TEMPERATURES BELOW 32°F (0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN, WINTER

GRADE GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER STARTING.

WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasohof 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, the fuel system should be emptied before stor- age of 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, See Storage section ofthis manual for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products inthe fuel tank or permanent

damage may occur

i l/l/, ill/ iiiuii, 1,1,,,,,,,,i,

CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 Inch of top of fuel tank to prevent spills and to

allow for fuel expansion. If gasoline Is accidentally spilled, move machine away from area of spill. Avoid creatlng

any source of ignition until gasoline vapors have disappeared.

Do not overfill. Wipe off any sptlled oil

or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gaso-

line near an open flame.

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