Craftsman 917373491 Owner’s Manual

SEARS

CRRFTZMI:IN

MODEL NUMBER 917.373491 OWNER'SMANUAL

* Assembly

- Operation
" Customer

Responsibilities

, Service
" Adjustments

Repair Parts

Caution:
Read and Follow

all Safety Rules
and Instructions

Before Operating

This Equipment

J

[

!

SAFETY RULES

PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETTING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING
CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE AND PLACE WIRE WHERE IT CANNOT CONTACT SPARK _D

&

REPAIRS.

IMPORTANT

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 UNDER ANY CIRCUM-

STANCES.

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.
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 inthis 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 recom-

mended by the manufacturer. Use of such attachments may
be hazardous.

Be aware that the mower blade turns when the engine is
running.

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 blad e 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

Always stop the engine whenever you leave orare 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 ifyou hit e foreign 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 itvibrates abnormally. Exces-

sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check forthe cause ofvibration and repair as required.

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,
grass catcher or other safety devices in place.

tractionwhen mowing; MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

Check fuel tank before starting engine. Do not fill gas tank
indoors, when the engine isrunning 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 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
your mower. 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.

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

Check all bolts, nuts end 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 end wear and

replace worn bags. Use on!y 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 e 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,

2

I

I

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears

Craftsman Lawn Mower. It has been designed, engineered
and manufactured to give you the best possible de-

pendability and performance.
Should you experience any problems you cannot easily

remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Service Cen-

ter/Department. Sears has competent, well trained tech-

nicians 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 lawn mower
properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

MODEL
NUMBER 917,373491

SERIAL
NUMBER

DATE OF
PURCHASE

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE

FOUND ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR

OF THE LAWN MOWER HOUSING.
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER

AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE
PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

PRODUCT SPECiFICATiONS

HORSEPOWER: 5.0
DISPLACEMENT: 11.5 cu. in.

GASOLINE CAPACITY: 1.25 quart

(Unleaded)

OIL (20 oz. Capacity): SAE 30 (Above 32°F

5W30 (Below 32°F)

SPARK PLUG (GAP .030 in.): Champion

(0.76 mm) RJ19LM or

Sears"zz 33312
or STD 361458

or STD 360950

VALVE CLEARANCE: Intake: .008 in.

Exhaust: .008 in.

SOLID STATE IGNITION

AIR GAP: .0125 in.

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

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

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

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILmES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

, Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower.

• Fellow the instructions under "Customer Responsibilities" 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

_cc0rding to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owneCs manual, Sears will repair free of charge any

efect 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:
o Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mo_verblades, 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 APPLIES 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/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

CUSTOMER RESPONSiBILiTIES ............. 3, 11-14

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

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

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

OPERATION ::........................................................ 7

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE .............................. 11

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

STORAGE ........................................................... 18

TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................... 19

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

REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ............................ 25=27

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

INDEX

A

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

Adjustments:

Carburetor .................................. 17

Engine Speed ............................ 17

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

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

Air Filter:

Replacement .............................. 14

Assembly:

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

Grass Catcher .............................. 6

B

Blade:

Sharpening ................................. 12

Replacement .............................. 12

C

Controls:

Operator Presence Control Bar_7

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

Customer ResponsibiJities .....3, 11-14

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

Blade Care/Replacement .;.,,,.12 Engine ;;:.::......:::,....:::::,...,....,..:;9 TroubJe Shooting Chart ...:..::.:.;::;,, 19

Drive Wheels .............................. 13 Storage ....................................... 18 W

Engine ..........".............................. 14

Grass Catcher ............................ 12

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

Lubrication ........................................ 11

E

Engine:

Oil Change ............................ ,... 14

Oil Level ....................................... 9

Oil Type ........................................ 9

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

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

Fuel:

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

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

Handle:

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

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

Lubrication:

Engine ........................................ 11

Brake Spring Bracket ................ 11

Drive Pawls ................................ 11

Drive Pinions ............................. 11

Handle Bracket Mounting Pin _ 11

Wheel Adjusters ........................ 11

Maintenance Agreement .................... 3

Maintenance Schedule ..................... 11

Mowing Tips ...................................... 10

Oih

Operation:

Operating Lawn Mower ............... 8

Control Bar ................................... 7

Speed Control .............................. 8

Operator Presence Control Bar ......... 7

Options:

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

F

Repair Parts

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

H

L

M

O

Engine ................................... 25-27

Responsibilities, Customer .._ 3, 11-14

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

Service and Adjustments:

Carburetor .................................. 17

Drive Belt .................................... ! 5

Drive Control .............................. 16

Engine Speed ............................. 17

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

Rear Deflector ............................ 16

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

Specifications ..................................... 3

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

Speed Control .............................. 8

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

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

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

Wheels:

P

R

S

T

4

LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES

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.

ENGINE

SPARK PLUG MUFFLER

AIR FILTER GAS CAN

©

if _awn mower is an electric start

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

REAR BAG

OPTIONAL

CHARGER BATTERY

DUST SHIELD

ENGINE OIL

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

SIDE DISCHARGE CATCHEF

STABiLiZER

REPLACEMENT

BAG FOR REAR

DISCHARGE

MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

BELT BLADE BLADE WHEELS

OPTIONAL

CATCHER FOR

DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWER

ADAPTER

LAWN MOWER

COVER

5

ASSEMBLY

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety
before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn

mower. Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the

factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled
for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper opera-

tion of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you
assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct

tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness. All parts
such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete

the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.

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 be-

tween upper and lower handle and padding holding
operator presence control bar to upper handle.

Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton

thoroughly for additional loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN

MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Figs. 1 & 2)

iMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.

Raise lower handle section to operating position and

align hole in handle with one of three height positioning

holes.

* Insert handle bolt through handle and bracket and

secure with knob.

Repeat for opposite side of handle.

Raise upper handle section to operating position, re-
move protective ,padding and tighten handle knobs

securely:
Remove any packing material from around control bar.

Your handles may be adjusted for your mowing com-
fort. Refer to Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.

TO UNSTALL ATTACHMENTS (See Fig, 3)

Your iawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher. To convert to bagging, or discharging:

o Open rear door and remove mulcher plate. Store

mulcher plate in a safe place.
You can now install catcher or optional clipping deflec-

tor.

= To return to mulching operation, install mulcher plate

into discharge opening of mower, Be sure al! tabs are

seated properly.

OPERATOR PRESENCE

CONTROLBAR

LiFT UP

LOWER HANDLE

HANDLE

ADJUSTMENT

BRACKET

KNOB

N

r

MULCHER pLATE " _ TABS

MOWING POSITION

FiG. t

BOLT

FiG. 2

TS

FiG. 3

CAUTION." Do not run your mawnmower
without muleher 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
removed or propped open.

6

ASSEMBLY

TO ASSEMBLE & ATTACH GRASS

CATCHER (See Figs. 4 & 5)

° Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigid part

of bag on the bottom. Make sure the frame handle is
outside of the bag top.

Slip vinyl bindings over frame.

NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warm
water for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let it dry before
using.

Lift the rear door on the mower housing and place the
grass catcher frame side hooks onto handle bracket

hooks.

The grass caicher is secured to the lawn mower

housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass

catcher frame.

TO ASSEMBLE CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
(See Fig. 6)

nstall the deflector bar onto the clipping deflector with

two (2) ca. #10-24 x 3/4" truss head screws, flat

washers and Iocknuts as shown.

Tighten securely.

TO ATTACH CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
(See Fig. 7)

Lift rear door and instal the clipping deflector bar legs

nto the slots of the handle support brackets as shown.

When the rear door is lowered it will rest on the top of
the clipping deflector and secure it to the mower

housing.

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without clipping deflector or approved
grass catcher in place. Never attempt
to operate the lawn mower with the rear

door removed or propped open.

CATCHER
FRAME

HANDLE

BRACKET)
HOOK

FIG. 4

FIG. 5

FRAME

OPENING

REAR DOOR

GRASS
CATCHER

HANDLE

/ DEFLECTOR BAR

TRUSS

HEAD

SCREW

DEFLECTOR

FIG. 6

DEFLECTOR

BAR"LEG"

HANDLE

SLOTS

CLIPPING

FIG. 7

7

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THiS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the
ilJustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this

manual for future reference.

DRIVE l

CONTROL BAR

DRIVE SPEED CONTROL

STARTER

LEVER

HANDLE KNOB

GASOLINE FILLER CAP

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER

PRIMER

MUFFLER

MULCHER PLATE

ENGINE OiL CAP

WITH DIPSTICK

WHEEL AD3USTER , HOUSING

FIG=8 (ONEACHWHEEL)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to tile safety standards of the American National Standards institute
and the U.S. Consumer 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 step the

engine.
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER - located on the side
of the engine which allows you to select either fast (_) or

slow (_) engine speed.
DRIVE SPEED CONTROL LEVER -. used to select the

drive speed of your lawn mower.

PRHMER - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the

cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.
STARTER HANDLE ,-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 discharg-
ing operation.

8

OPERATION

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL (See Fig. 9)

The engine speed iscontrolled bya lever (red knob) located
on the side of the engine. Fast ('_) position is for starting

engine, normal cutting and better grass bagging. Slow
(,_) position isfor light cutting, trimming and fuel economy.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

CAUTION: Federal regulations require

art engine contromto be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the

A_ risk of blade contact injury, Do not un-

der any circumstances attempt to de-

feat the function of the operator control.

The blade turns when the engine is

running.

Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence
control bar which requires the operator to be positioned
behind the lawn mower handle to start and operate the lawn

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

(See Fig. 10)

• To remove grass catcher, release operator presence
control bar to stop engine.

Lift up rear door and remove the grass catcher by the
handle.

• Empty by shaking catcher with open end downward. FIG. 10

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying; it wil! cause
unnecessary wear. LOWER WHEELS RAISE WHEELS

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 11) FORHiGHCUT FORLOWCUT

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut. _ -*"_"_

• Wheels are set in low cut for shipping. Adjust cutting X f-'i'J_
height to suit your requirements. Medium position is =:::::_" //;,_-_ -_'----:_,4l

best for most lawns; _,_'ii_ XX

" To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever to- _%c_'_'_ _

ward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your "-_ I _ _v_.'_ '_

requirements. Be sure all wheels are in the same _ _ 1C,._4(4_f_
setting. _ /;_,_

GRASS CATCHER
FRAME HANDLE

I

FIG. 11

9

OPERATION

_ - - __ =

GROUND DRmVE FOUR SPEEDS
(See Fig. 12)

You r lawn mower provides four (4) speeds to let you select
the speed that suits you best.

The drive speed control lever can be changed while
you are mowing.
Speeds 1 and 2 are found when the engine speed

control (red) lever is in low position.
Speeds 1 and 2 are for slower, light grass cutting,
trimming and quiet operation.
Speeds 3 and 4 are found when the engine'speed

control (red) lever is in fast (_,) position.
Speed 3 is for slow, heavy/thick grass cutting or

trimming.
Speed 4 is for normal cutting and bagging and for

ground transport.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SHIFT SPEEDS
WITH THE DRIVE BAR ENGAGED UNLESS THE ENGINE
IS RUNNING.

TO OPERATE DRIVE SYSTEM (See Fig. 13)

• Select ground speed by moving drive speed selector
leverto 1-3 or2-4 position and selecting eitherfast (_r_)

or slow (._) engine speed.

• 1-3 is slower and 2-4 is faster.
The ground speed may be selected either when stand-

ing or moving.

° To start forward motion, slowly pull up drive control bar

to the handle.
To slow or stop forward motion, let the drive control bar

move forward away from handle.

. To stop forward motion release drive control bar.

By slightly releasing the drive control bar the drive can
be slowed or "feathered" so you may make turns

around obstacles or at end of rows.

• Ifthe drive is not pulling properly, the drive cable may
need adjusting (See "TO ADJUST DRIVE CON:

TROL" in the Service and Adjustments section of this

manual.) This adjustment may be required after 15

hours of use.

DRIVE SPEED
SELECTOR LEVER

FroG.12

DRIVE CONTROL / PRF_FN_F

'\ BAR

OPERATOR

FiG, 13

ENGINE OIL CAP
W/DIPSTICK

DRIVE

CONTROL

FEATHERED

CAP

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL (See Fig= 14)

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the engine.

Be sure mower is level and area around oil fill is clean,

• Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fil! to the full line
on the dipstick.

Use20ozs. of oil. Fortypeandgradeofoiltouse, see
"ENGINE" in Customer Responsibilities section of this

manual.
Pour oil slowly. Do not ove_:fill.

Check oi! 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 underdusty, dirty conditions,

GAS (See Fig, 14)

Fill gasoline tank with fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline.
DO NOT USE PREMIUM GASQMNE. BE CAREFUL

NOT TO OVER FILL TANK.

FIG. 14

WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended
fuels (called gasohol 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 fuel tank, start the

engine and let it run until fuel lines and carburetor are
empty. Use fresh fuel next season, See Storage Instruc-

tions for additional information. Never use engine or

carburetor cleaner products in fue! tank or permanent
damage may occur.

10