Craftsman 917372823 Owner’s Manual
®
MODEL NUMBER 917.372823 OWNER'SMANUAL
®
Convertible
Assembly
oOperation
Customer
Responsibilities
oService
oAdjustments
oRepair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
149059 REVo 1 05.30.95 Printed in U.S.,A.
P ..................................................._ '....................................................I''l' I' ...........
iX
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers _
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.,
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT iN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY. YOUR UNiT IS
EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLS UNIZJERANY CIRCUMSTANCES..
TRAINING:
, Read this operator's manual carefully.. Become familiar with
the controls and know how to operate your mower properly
Learn how to quickly stop mower.
,, Donot allow children to use your mower, Never allow adults
to use mower without proper instructions..
,, Keep the area of operation clear of atl persons, especially
small children and pets.
• Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de-
scribed in this manual..
• Do not operate mower ifit has been dropped or damaged in
any manner,. Always have damage repaired before using
your mower_
. Do not use accessory attachments thatare not recommended
by the manufacturer, Use of such attachments may be
hazardous_
• Theblade turnswhentheengineisrunning.
PREPARATION:
• Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear it of
all 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 theengine is running orwhen 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 thiswhile the engine is running
° Mow only in daylight or good artificial light
OPERATION:
= Keep youreyes 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 runwhile operating
your mower. Always be sure of your footing -keep afirm hold
on the handles and walk.
• Do not puthands or feet near or' under rotating pads. 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 matedal 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 thespark ptugwire and
keep it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental
starting.,
• Do notcontinue to run your mower if you hit a foreignobject°
Follow the procedure outiined 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 persona_ injury may result.
. Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnormatfy Exces-
sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration and repair as required.
e
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
Ioseyourfooling. Do not mow excessively steep sEopes Use
caution when operating the mower onuneven terrain orwhen
changing directions - maintain good footing
,' Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates,
grass catcher 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 tobe sure mower is insafe working condi-
tion.
,, Keep alt safety devices inplace and working_
,, To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves
orexcessive grease and oil
o 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 coo{ 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 ahot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc.
portant safety precautions. It means J
I _ Look for this symbol to point out im- !
CAUTIONI!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR i
,.vo o .........................,j
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
not contact spark plug in order to pre-
plug wire and place wire where it can,,
vent accidental starting when setting
up, transporting, adjusting or making
repa=rs.
& WARNING &
The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains chemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.
2
€ONGRATULATIONS on your purchase ofa Sears Lawn
M0wer_ It has been designed, engineered and manufac-
tured to give you the best possible dependability and
performance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized
Service Center/Departmento We have competent, weIF
trained technicians andthe proper tools to service or repair
tHs lawn mower.,
Please read and retain this manual The instructions wiil
enable you to assemble and maintain your !awn mowei-
properly,. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES"°
MODEL
NUMBER 917.372823
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATEOFPURCHASE
THE MC)DEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND
ON A DECAL A-FTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING
YOUSHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND
DATEOF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 45
DISPLACEMENT: 1t.5 CU. IN
GASOLINECAPACITY 145QUARTS
ANDTYPE: UNLEADEDREGULAR
OILTYPE(AP1-SFtSG): SAE 30(ABOVE32°F)
SAE 5W-30(BELOW32°F)
OILCAPACITY: 20 OZS.
i SPARKPLUG: CHAMPIONJ19LM, RJt"gLM
(GAP: _030") STD361458
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: 008"
EXHAUST: °008"
SOLIDSTATEIGNITION
AIRGAP: .0125IN,
BLADEBOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT..LBS.
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 ru(es..
• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower.,
- Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual.
.... llllll ,I, ll IIII iHi ' I [ I=llll I I I" I' I I _ '
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.
ifthis Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, thiswarranty 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, includingbent crankshafts andthe 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 tNTHE UNITED STATES. ,THISWARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE
THIS PRODUCT IS IN USE 1NTHE UNITED STATES,.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights whichvary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/8t7 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ..; .................................. ;..........................2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS,...; ............;.................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, i1-13
WARRANTY .............._............................ _....................... 3
ASSEMBLY ....;................................................... ;..o.;...... 6
OPERATION ......................... :................... ........_............. 8
gNDEX
A
Accessories ......................................_.......5
Adjustments:
Carburetor ..........................................t5
Drive Belt ............................................14
Engine Speed ...................................t5
Handle Height ...............................15
Height of Cut ..........................................9
Air Filte_
RePlacement .......................... 13
Service ....................................................13
Assembly ..............................................6
g
Blade:
Sharpening ...................................t2
Replacement ...............................,. 12
C
Controls:
Engine Zone Control ...........................9
Engine Speed Control ................8
Operator Presence
Control Bar .........................................8
Customer Responsibilities ....3, t1-13
Air Filter ........................................13
Blade Care/Replacement ....... 12
Drive Wheels. ..............................12
Engine ..............................................13
Lubrication ................................13
Spark Plug ..........................................13
Cutting Levels........................................9
Engine:
Air Filter ...........................................13
Oii Change ...i...................................i3
Oil Level .........................................13
Oil Type .............................................13
Starting ............................................10
Stopping .............................;..:......10
Storage ......................................16
Fuel:
Capacity .......................................3
Storage ........................., .............I6
Type ......:............_................._:........10
Handle Adjustment:
Assembly ..........................................6
Cutting Height .............:............15
Lubrication:
Engine ...........................................13
Lawn Mower ........................... 11
Maintena:nce Agreement ....................3
Maintenance Schedule ....................11
Mowing "Tips.......................:.............10
Oil:
Engine ..........................................13
Storage ......................................16
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..... ;................................. 11
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ......o,........................ 14
STORAGE ;................................................. _.......... ;...........16
TROUBLESHOOTING o............................................ o.._17
REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ............... _......... '!8"21
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ................... :................. 22-24
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ..................................... 26
E
F
H
L
Ivl
O
Operation:
Drive Control .................. ..........9
Engine Control .................................9
Grass Catcher .....................................9
Mower .........................................9
Operator Presence
Control Bar .......................... 9
Options:
Accessories ...............................5
R
Repair Parts:
Engine .....................................22-24
Lawn Mower ..........................18-21
Responsibilities, Customer. 3, t 1:'i 3
S
Safety Rules ............._......................... 2
Service and Adjus.tments .............. 14
Carburetor ..............................i........ 15
Drive'Belt ...................................14
Engine Speed ...................... 15
Handle ...........,...................... 15 "
Spark Plug ...............................................13
Specifications ................................. 3
Speed Control:
Engine ............................._*................ 9
Starting the Engine ...................... 10
Stopping the Engine ..........................t0
Storage ..........:.....................................16
T
Trouble Shooting Chart .............. 17
W
Warranty .................................................3
4
LAWN
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced They are also available at most Sears retail outlets
and service centers_ Most Sears stores canalso order repair parts for you, when you provide the model number o{ your lawn
mower.. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower..
MOWER ACCESSORIES
; ' ,/_ i i ui i ,L _ ii i • -
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR.DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
REAR DISCHARGE
I.... GAS CANS
i lll i
FOR
LAWN MOWERS
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ',, ,
MULCHER KITS ..... STABILIZER
t GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
, i
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
BELTS
MUFFLERS
BLADES
AIR FILTERS
BLADE ADAPTERS ,WHEELS
SPARK PLUGS
,)
ENGINE OtL
Jl
, i! ,ill ¸ ii,i i ill
ASSEMBLY
Read these instructionsand tl_is manual in its entirety
before ymJ attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn
mower:. Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the
factory with the exception ofthose parts left unasserabled
for shipping purposes. All parts s.uch as nuts, washers,
bolts, etc. necessary to complete the assembly have been
placed in the parts bag. To ensure safe and .proper
operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you
assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct
tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness..
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
. Remove loose parts includedwith mower°
. Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel
down flat.
- Remove all packing materials exceptpadding 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)
IMPORTANT: ,.UNFOLD HANDLES CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.
• Raise handles until lower handle section locks into
place inmowing position
• Raise upper handle section intoplace 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 comforL Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the
Service and Adjustment section of this manual
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
(See Fig. 2)
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcheL To convert to bagging or discharging:
• Open rear door and remove mulcher plate. Store
mulcher plate ina safe place,.
° You can now install catcher or optional clipping deflec-,
tor.
= TOreturn to mulching operation, install mutcher plate
into discharge opening of mower,: Besure all tabs are
seated properly.. P
OPERATORPRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
UPPER HANDLE '
LIFT UP
LOWER HANDLE
SLOTS
MULCHER PLATE
CAUTION: Donot run your lawn mower
without mulcher plate in place or ap-
proved clipping deflector or grass
catcher in place. Never attempt to op-
erate the lawn mower with the rear door
removecl_orpropped open.
MOWING POSITION
FIG. 1
\
TABS
F[G. 2
6
ASSEIVIBLY
TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS
CATCHER (See Figs. 3A thru 4)
,, insert leg of tubular frame through front opening of
grass catcher and thread frame into sewn hem ofbag_
NOTE: Keep bag hem gathered on the straight leg of the
tubularframe,
• When frame comes out the other end of sewn hem,
immediately _!orkthe end of frame down inside the bag
as shown in inseL
• Slide sewn hem evenly around the tubular irame until
both ends of frame are exposed out Ofthe front open-
ing_
- Assemble lower frame to tubulaFframe as shown_ Be
sure handle is outside of bag and frames are fully
seated as shown in JnseL
• Slip vinyl bindings over frame..
NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warm
water for a few minutds. If bag gets wet, let il dry before
using.
• Close the flip lid. Flip lid must be closed white operating
lawn mower.
• Lift the rear door on the mower housing and place the
grass catcher frame onto the formed tabs on the rear
door hinge brackeL
° The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower
housing wl_en the rear door is lowered onto the grass
catcher frame,, '
FIG. 3B
LOWER FRAME HANDLE
\
FIG. 30
without clipping deflector or approved
grass catcher in place. Never attempt
to operate the lawn mower with the rear
CAUTION; DOnot run your lawn mower !
door removed or propped open,
TUBULAR FRAME SEWN
SEWN HEM
FiG. 3A
FLIP LID
BRACKET
DOOR
GRASS
CATCHER
FRAME
FORMED
TAB'S
. FIG. 4
7
OPERATION
' -- _ : _:;: L : ....................... H i, '' ' ......... i ...................... -:J
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the
illustrati6nswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this
manual for future reference.
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature Supplied with the product. Learn and understand
their meaning.
t\l
,CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW
OR WARNING ON ................OFF
CHOKE
FUEL
OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
AND FEET AWAY
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
STARTER ROPE
MULCHER PLATE
ENG,NESPEED
CONTROLLEVER
DRIVE CONTROL
HANDLE KNOB
CABLE CLIP
ENGINE O!L CAP
WITH DIPSTICK
NEFILLCAP
DRIVE COVER
HOUSING
AIR FILTER WHEEL ADJUSTER
(ON EACH WHEEL)
FIG. 5
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary Walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of theAmerican National Standards Institute
and the U,S. C6_sumer Product Safety Commission° The blade turns when the engine is running
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR - must be held
down to the handle to start the engine, Release to stop the
engine,
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER - located on the side
of the engine which allows you to select either fast (_) or
slow (41) position°
PRIMER - pumps add!tional fuel from the carburetor to the
' ' : ::: :::111 r.... /i11/IJ111i i i 1/i ,u,
STARTER ROPE - used for starting the engine,,
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER - used to engage power-pro-
pelled forward motion of lawn mower.
MULCHER PLATE - located at the discharge opening,
must be removed when converting to bagging or dischargo
ing operation
cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.,
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