Craftsman 917372471 Owner’s Manual

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MODEL NUMBER 917.372471

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OWNER'S MANUAL

- Assembly
, Operation

• Maintenance

• Service

- Adjustments

• Repair Parts

Caution:

Read and Follow
all Safety Rules

and Instructions
Before Operating

This Equipment

1

I IIIIIIIIIIII

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SAFETY RULES

PLUGTO PREVENTACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETTING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING
CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECTSPARK PLUGWIRE ANDPLACEWIREWHEREIT CANNOTCONTACT SPARK

REPAIRS.

IMPORTANT

SAFETY STAN DARDS REQUIRE OPE RATOR PRESEN CE CONTROLS TO MINtMIZE THE RIS K OF INJU RY. YOU R UNIT IS EQU IPPED WIT H SUCH
CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

TRAINING:

Read this operator's manual carefulIy. Become familiar with
the controls and know how to operate your mower properly.
Learn how to quickly stop mower.

Do not allow children to use your mower. Never allow adults
to use mower without proper instructions.

Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially
small children and pets.

Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de-
scribed in this manual.

Do not operate mower if it has been dropped or damaged in
any manner. Always have damage repaired before using

your mower.

Do not use accessory attachments that are not recommended
by the manufacturer. Use of such attachments may be

hazardous.

The blade turns when the engine is running.

PREPARATION:

Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear it of
atl stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects.

These objects will be thrown by the blade and can cause
severe injury.

• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when starting and
while using your mower.

• Dress properly. Do not operate mower when barefoot or
wearing open sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good

traction when mowing.

• Check fuel tank before starting engine. Do not fill gas tank
indoors, when the engine is running or when the engine is hot.
Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before filling the
gas tank, Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the

engine,

Always make wheel height adjustments before starting your

mower. Never attempt to do this while the engine is running.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

OPERATION:

• Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being

cut. Do not let other interests distract you.

• Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never run while operating

you rmower. Always be sure of your footing - keep a firm hold
on the handles and walk.

Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep
clear of the discharge opening at all times.

Always stop the engine whenever you leave or are not using
your mower, or before crossing driveways, walks, roads, and
any gravel-covered areas.

* Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor

allow anyone near the mower while you are operating it,

, Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your mower, stop

the engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all
moving parts have stopped. Then disconnect the spark plug
wire and keep it away from the spark plug to prevent
accidental starting.

, Do not continue to run your mower if you hit aforeign object.

Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any dam-
age before restarting and operating you mower.

, Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the

engine. Engine damage or personal injury may result.

, Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnormally. Exces-

sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration and repai ras requ ired.

o Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are danger-

ous,

• Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you, Mow
across the face of slopes, never up and down or you might

lose your footing. Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
Use caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain or

when changing directions - maintain good footing.

• Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates or
other safety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

• Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to be
sure they are tightened properly.

• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for
proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working condi-

tion.

• Keep all safety devices in place and working.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves
or excessive grease and oil.

• Check grass catcher often for deterioration and wear and
replace worn bags. Use only replacement bags that are

recommended by and comply with specifications of the
manufacturer of your mower.

- Always keep a sharp blade on your mower,

• Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

• Never store mower with fuel in the tank inside a building

where fumes may reach an open flame or an ignition source

such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc,

LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS,
IT MEANS - ATTENTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED,

CONGRATULATIONSon your purchaseof a Sears
CraftsmanLawnMower.Ithasbeendesigned,engineered

andmanufacturedto give youthe best possiblede-
pendabilityandperformance.

Shouldyouexperienceanyproblemsyoucannoteasily
remedy,pleasecontactyournearestSearsServiceCen-
ter/Department.Searshascompetent,welltrainedtech-
niciansandthepropertoolstoserviceorrepairthisunit.

Pleasereadandretainthismanual.Theinstructionswill
enableyoutoassembleandmaintainyourlawnmower

properly.Alwaysobservethe SAFETYRULES.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 5.0
DISPLACEMENT: 11.57 cu. in,

1

GASOLINE CAPACITY: 1.5 quarts

(Unleaded)

OIL (20 oz. Capacity): SAE 30 or

(SAE 10W30)

MODEL
NUMBER917.37247t

SERIAL
NUMBER

SPARK PLUG (GAP ,030 IN.):

(0.76 mm)

Champion
RJ19LM or
Sears zt 33312

or STD 361458
or STD 360950

DATEOF
PURCHASE

VALVE CLEARANCE: Intake: .006 in.

Exhaust: .008 in.

THEMODELANDSERIALNUMBERSWILLBE
FOUNDONA DECALATTACHEDTOTHEREAR
OFTHELAWNMOWERHOUSING.

YOUSHOULDRECORDBOTHSERIALNUMBER
ANDDATEOFPURCHASEANDKEEPINASAFE

SOLID STATE IGNITION

AIR GAP: .010 in.

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 ft.-lbs.

PLACEFORFUTUREREFERENCE.

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

- Read and observe the safety rules.
o Follow a regular scheduie in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower.

o FolIow the instructions under "Maintenance" and "Storage" sections of this Owner's Manual,

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up
according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears wilt repair free of charge any

defect in material or workmanship.
If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from

the date of purchase.
This Warranty does not cover:

, Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts,

air cleaners and spark plug.
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.

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER TO THE NEAREST
SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPUES ONLY WHILE

THIS PRODUCT IS IN USE IN THE 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/731CR-W SEARS TOWER, CHICAGO, tL 60684

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ......... ........ 3

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

LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES ................... 5

ASSEMBLY .................................................... 6

OPERATION ................................................... 7

iNDEX

A

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

Adjustments:

Carburetor .................................. 16

Drive Control Cable ................... 15

Handle Height ............................ 17

Height of Cut ................................ 9

Air Filter:

Service ........................................ 14

Assembly:

Handle .......................................... 6

B

Blade:

Sharpening ................................. 13

Replacement .............................. 13

C

Controls:

Operator Presence Control Bar ,7

Drive Control ............................... 7

Customer Responsibilities ................ 3

E

Engine:

Oi_ Change ................................. 14

Oil Leve_ ..................................... 14

Oil Type ...................................... 14

Starting ....................................... 10

Storage ....................................... 18

F

Fuel:

Type ............................................ 10

Storage ....................................... 18

Handle,"

Adjustment ................................. 17

Assembly ..................................... 6

Lubrication:

Engine ........................................ 12

Rear Door Hinge ........................ t2

Handle Bracket Mounting Pin .. 12

Wheel Adjuster .......................... 12

Maintenance:

Agreement .................................... 3

Air Filter ...................................... 14

Blade Care/Replacement .......... 13

Drive Wheels .............................. 13

Engine ......................................... 14

Gear Case ................................... 13

Lubrication ................................. 12

Spark Plug .................................. 14

Mowing Tips ...................................... 11

Oil:

Engine ........................................ 10

Storage ....................................... 18

Operation:

Operating Lawn Mower ............... 7

Engine Control ............................. 8

Operator Presence Controt Bar ......... 7

Options:

Attachments .............................. .. 5

MAINTENANCE ............................................ 12

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS .................. 15

STO RAG E ..................................................... 18

TRO UBLES HOOTi NG .................................. 19

REPAIR PARTS = LAWN MOWER ......... 20-24

REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ...................... 25-29

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE,BACK COVER

H

Repair Parts

Lawn Mower .......................... 20-24

Engine ................................... 25°29

L

Responsibilities, Customer ............... 3

Safety Rules ........................................ 2

Service and Adjustments:

M

Carburetor .................................. 16

Drive Control Cable ................... 15

Drive Belt ................................... 15

Engine Speed ............................ 16

Handle ........................................ 17

Spark Plug ......................................... 14

Spedfications ..................................... 3

Starting the Engine .......................... 10

Stopping the Engine ........................ 10

Storage .............................................. 18

Trouble Shooting Chart ................... 19

O

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

Wheels:

Wheel Adjusters .............. _........... 7

P

R

S

T

W

4

LAWN OWE

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets,
catalog and service centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you, when you provide the model number of

your lawn mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

ACCESSO

ENGINE

SPAR[PLUG

If lawn mower is an electric start

LAWNMOWERPERFORMAN(:E

REPL_,(:_MENT

gA6 FORREAR

DISCHARGE

LAWNMOWERS

OPTIONAL

(:AT(:HERFOR

Sl_)EDtS(:HAR6[

LAWNMOWER

5

ASS LY

Your lawn mower has been assembled at the factory
except for the grass catcher bag and the grass catcher

frame,

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with mower.

• Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel
down flat.

• Remove all packing materials except padding between
upper and lower handle and padding holding operator

presence control bar to upper handle.

, Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thor-

oughly for additional loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN

MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)

• Raise handles until lower handle section locks into
place in mowing position.

o Raise upper handle section into place on lower handle,

remove protective padding and tighten both handle
knobs,

" Remove handle padding holding operator presence

control bar to upper handle.

, Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your

mowing comfort, Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the
Service and Adjustment section of this manual.

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER
(See Fig. 2)

• Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with stiff part of
bag on the bottom.

• Slip vinyl bindings over frame.

NOTE: if vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warm

water for a few minutes, tf bag gets wet, let it dry before
using.

OPERATOR PRESENCE

CONTROLBAR

UPPER HANDLE

LIFT UP

MOWING POSITION

LOWER HANDLE

F_G. t

CATCHER FRAME

FRAME OPENING

FIG. 2

6

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LJkWN MOWER. Compare the
illustrations with your lawn mowerto familiarize yourself with the location ofvarious controls and adjustments. Save this manual

for future reference,

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE

GRASS CATCHER

GASOLINE CAP

PRIMER

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR

DR_VE CONTROL LEVER

STARTER HANDLE

CABLE CLiP

ENGINE OtL CAP W!DIPSTICK

AiR FILTER

WHEEL ADJUSTER
(ON EACH WHEEL)

HOUSING

F_G. 3

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotary waIkobehind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute
and the U.S, Consumer Product Safety Commission, The btade turns when the engine is running,

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL omust be held down

to the handle to start the engine. Release to stop the

engine,

STARTER HANDLE - used for starting the engine.

DRIVE CONTROL LEVER o used to engage power-pro-

peIIed forward motion of lawn mower.

PRIMER, pumps additional fuel from the ca[buretor to the
cylinder for use when starting a cold engine,

7

OPERATION

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

CAUTION; Do not run your Iawn mower

without mulcher plate in place and door

clipping deflector or grasscatcher in

latch in locked position or approved
place. Never attempt to operate the

tawn mower withthe rear door removed

or propped open.

ENGINE SPEED (See Fig. 4)

The engine speed is controlled by a lever (red knob)
located on the side of the engine. "HIGH" (,1_)position

is for starting the engine, normal cutting, and better grass
bagging. "LOW" (_) position is for light cutting, trim-

ming and fuel economy.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to b8 instalted on this

risk of blade contact injury. Do not un-
Jawn mower in order to minimize the

der any circumstances attempt to de-
feat the function of the operator control°

The blade turns when the engine is

running.

ENGINE

FIG, 4

Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator pres-
ence control bar which requires the operator to be

positioned behind the lawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower.

TO iNSTALL ATTACHMENTS

(See Figs. 5 & 6)

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher, To insta!t attachments for bagging or discharging:

o Rotate rear door latch clockwise to allow rear door to be

opened.

, Open rear door, remove mulcher plate and rotate Iatch

counterclockwise to _tsoriginal position,

o You can now insta!! catcher or optional clipping deflector.
, To return to mulching operation reverse the above

steps. BE SURE MULCHER PLATE IS iNSTALLED
AND LATCH iS IN LOCKED POSITION BEFORE

USING FOR MULCHING OPERATION,

TO _NSTALL GRASS CATCHER (See Fig, 7)

• Liftthe rear door on the lawn mower housing and ptace
the grass catcher frame onto the formed up tabs on the
rear door hinge bracket.

• The grass catcher is secured to the Iawn mower when
the rear door is lowered onto the grass catcher frame.

FORIVIED UP TABS _

NULCHER PL,ATE

F_G, 6

BRACKET / /b'_'_ REAR DOOR

-..,.

GRASS CATCHER FRAME

8 F_Go7

OPERATIO

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER (See Fig. 8)

° To remove grass catcher, release operator presence

control bar to stop engine.

° Lift up rear door and remove the grass catcher by the

handle.

• Do not drag the bag when emptying; it wilt cause
unnecessary wear.

DRIVE CONTROL (See Fig. 9)

o Self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator

presence control bar down to the handle and pushing

the drive control lever forward until it clicks; then

release the lever.

• Forward motion will stop when the operator presence
control bar is released. To stop forward motion without
stopping engine, release the operator presence control
bar slightly until the drive control disengages. Hold
operator presence controt bar down to handle to con-
tinue mowing without self-propelling.

- To keep drive control engaged when turning corners,
push down on handle and lift front wheels off ground
while turning lawn mower.

FiG. 8

OPERATOR PRESENCE

CONTROLBAR

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 10)

• Raise wheels for tow cut and lower wheels for high cut.

• Wheets are set in low cut for shipping. Adjust cutting
height to suit your requirements. Medium position is
best for most lawns.

, To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever to-

ward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your

requirements. Be sure at! wheels are in the same
setting.

LOWER WHEELS

FOR HiGH CUT

RAtS E WHEELS

FOR LOW CUT

F_G. I 0

9

OPERATIO

BEFORE STARTING ENGmNE

OIL (See Fig. 11)

A 20 oz. bottle of Pennzoit SAE 30 oil is included with your
new lawn mower.

• Remove engine oil cap and fii! to the FULL line on the
dipstick.

o Use 20 ozs. of SAE 30 oil. SAE 10W30 oil can atso be

used. All oil must meet API service classification SG.

• DO NOT use SAE 10W 40 oil.

• POUR OIL SLOWLY. DO NOT OVERFILL.

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill
to FULL line on dipstick.

- To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap each time.

° Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
, After the first two (2) hours of mowing, change the oil,

and every 25 hours thereafter. You may need to
change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions.

GAS (See Fig. 11)

, Fitl gasoline tank with fresh, clean unleaded gasoline.

DO NOT USE PREMIUM GASOLINE. BE CAREFUL
NOT TO OVERFILL TANK.

WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended
fuels (ca!led gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can

attract moisture which Ieads 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 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. See

Storage instructions for additional information.
Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel

tank or permanent damage may occur.

ENGINE OIL CAP

W/DIPSTICK

AIR CLEANER

\

PRIMER

GASOLINE FILLER CAP

FEG.11

TO START ENGINE

" To start a cold engine, push primer three (3) times

beforetrying to start. Use afirm push_ This step is not
usually necessary when starting an engine which has

already run for a few minutes.

, Push engine speed control lever to HIGH (,_) posi-

tion.

. Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle

and pull starter handle quickly. DO NOT allow starter

rope to snap back.

= To "STOP" engine, release operator presence con-

trol bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat

priming Steps. tn warmer weather over priming may cause
flooding and engine will not start. If you do flood engine,
wait a few minutes before attempting to start and DO NOT

repeat priming steps.

t0