Craftsman 917373844 Owner’s Manual
®
MODEL NUMBER 917.373844
oAssembly
oOperation
oCustomer
Responsibilities
oService
OWNER'S MANUAL
TM
oAdjustments
oRepair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
149044 1o03 95
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Printed in UoSrA,
SAFETY RULES
PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETTING UP,TRANSPORTING_ADJUSTING OR MAK|NG
REPAIRS,
CAUTION: ALWAYSD|SCONNECTSPARKPLUGWIREANDPLACEWlRE WHEREITCANNOTCONTACT SPARK
IMPORTANT
SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLSTO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY. YOUR UNIT iS EQUIPPEDWITH
SUCH CONTROLS= DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS UNDER ANY ClRCUM-
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, especia_ly
small children and pets
• Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de-
scribed in this manual
e
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 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 isrunning orwhen the engine ishot..
Allow the engine to coo! for several minutes before filling the
gas tank. Clean off any spi_led gasoline before starting the
engine.
° Always make wheel height adjustments before starting your
mower.. Never attempt to do this while the engine isrunning
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light_
OPERATION:
o Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being
cut,. Do not let other interests dLstracI 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
• Always stop the engine whenever you leave or are not using
your mower, orbefore crossing driveways, walks, roads, and
any gravel-covered areas
= Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor
allow anyone near the mower wh|le you are operating it.r
O 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 a 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 ifit vibrates abnormally Exces-
sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safeiy check for the cause of vibration 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
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..
!
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LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
IT MEANS- A'rrENTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
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2
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Lawn
Mower,, 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/DepartmenL We have competent, well-
trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair
this lawn mower°
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 917.373844
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF PU RCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FO UND
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: 5.5
DISPLACEMENT: 12.6cu_in,
GASOLINE CAPACITY 1 25 quart
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (APFSF/SG): SAE 30 (above 32°F)
SAE 5W_30(below 32_F)
OIL CAPACITY: 20 oz.
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJ19LM
(GAP: .030") STD361458
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .008"
EXHAUST: .008"
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: _0125in.
BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for detai_s.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBiUTIES
o Read and observe the safety rules.
o Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower.
o Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual
= = .Hl,.ul ,lu,,i.ul
L MITED 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 instructionsin the owner's manual, Sears will 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:
o Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts,
air cleaners and spark plug..
o Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to maintain
the equipment according to the instructionscontained 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 STATE&
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
i i i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 13-15
WARRANTY .................................................................. 3
ASSEMBLY ...................................................................6
OPERATION ..................................................................9
INDEX
A
Accessories.................................................5
Adjustments:
Ca_bu[etor ...................................... 17
Engine Speed ......................................17
Handle Height ............................... 17
Height of Cut .................................. 10
Air Filter:
Replacement ......................................15
Service .....................................................15
Assembly .................................................. 6
B
Blade:
Sharpening ...................................... 14
Replacement .......................................14
C
Controls:
Drive Control ............................... 10
Engine Zone Control .........................10
Engine Speed Control ..........................10
Operator Presence Control Bar .... 9
Customer Responsibilities ........ 3, 13-15
Air Filter .......................................................15
Blade Care!Replacement ...............14
Drive Wheels ............................. 14
Engine ......................................... 15
Lubrication .................................. 13
Spark Plug .................................... 15
Cutting Levels ..........................................10
Engine:
Air Filter ........................................ 15
Oil Change ...................................... 15
Oil Level ........................................ 15
Oil Type ........................................ 15
Starting ......................................... 11
Stopping .................................................11
Storage .......................................... 18
Fuel:
Capac_y ..................................................3
Stooge .................................................18
Type .............................................. 11
Handle Adjustment .............................. 17
Lubrication:
Engine ............................................ 15
Lawn Mower, .................................. 13
Maintenance Agreement ........................ 3
Maintenance Schedule ............................13
Mowing Tips .............................................12
Oil:
Engine .................................................. 11
Storage ...............................................18
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... 13
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................ 16
STORAG E ................................................................... 18
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 31
REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ........................ 19-24
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 25-28
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................................... 32
E
Operation:
Drive Control .........................................10
Engine Control .....................................t0
Grass Catcher .................................... 11
Mower ...............................................10
Operator Presence Control Bar _ 10
Options:
Accessories .........................................5
R
F
Repair PaRs:
Engine ........................................ 25-28
Lawn Mower ........................... 19-24
Responsibilities, Customer ....... 3,13-15
S
H
L
M
O
Safety Rules .............................................. 2
Service and Adjustments .......................16
Carbureto_ ................................... 17
Drive Belt ..................................... 16
Engine Speed ............................... 17
Handle .................................................. 17
Spark Plug ............................................. 15
Specifications ........................................... 3
Speed Conbol:
Engine ...................................................t0
StaRing the Engine .............................. 11
Stopping the Engine .............................. 11
Storage .........................................................18
T
Troubleshooting Chart ....................... 31
W
Warranty ......................................................3
4
iii¸
LAWN ACCESSORIES
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was producedr They are also available at most Sears retail outlets
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
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SPARK PLUG
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MUFFLER AIR FILTER
GAS CAN
ENGINE OIL
STABILIZER
0
If lawn mower is an electric start
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
,iJ_Jl..p
REAR BAG
OPTIONAL
FABRIC BAG
REPLACEMENT
BAG FOR REAR
DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERSI
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CHARGER
DUST SHIELD
OPTnONAL
CATCHER FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWER
i i
BATTERY
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
SIDE DISCHARGE CATCHER
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LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
BELT BLADE BLADE
ADAPTER
WHEELS LAWN MOWER
COVER
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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. All parts such 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 included with mower.
o Cut down two end comers of carton and lay end panel
down fiat.
° 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-
o
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 Iocks into
place in mowing position.
° 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 rnower handle can be adjusted for your
mowing comfort_ See "TO ADJUST HANDLE" in the
Service and Adjustment section of this manual°
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
UPPER HANDLE
LIFT UF
_IFT UP
LY
i i i l ...................................
SIDE DISCHARGING (See Fig° 2B) *
o Mutcher plate must be installed into rear discharge
opening of mower (see above instructions).
Unleckctosed discharge guard by lifting latch and allow
guard to swing open to discharging position.
o Mower is now ready for discharging operation.
o To convert to mulching or bagging operation, dis-
charge guard must be closed and locked securely,,
SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER
WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER
FOR MULCHING -
= Rear mulcher plate installed.
o Side discharge guard closed and locked securely°
FOR REAR BAGGING -
• Rear mulcher plate removed.
o Grass catcher installed.
. Side discharge guard closed and locked securely.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING
. Rear mulcher plate installed_
Side discharge guard unlocked and open.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without rear mulcher plate in place or
approved grass catcher in place.
Never attempt to operate the lawn
mower with the rear door removed or
propped open.
MULCHER PLATE
TABS
FIG, 2A
LOWER MOWING POSITION
HANDLE
FIG. 1
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher To convert to bagging or discharging:
REAR BAGGING (See Fig, 2A) -
. Open rear door and remove mulcher plate_ Store
mulcher plate in a safe place_
• You can now install grass catcher'.
, To convert to mulching or discharging operation, install
mulcher plate into rear discharge opening of mower,
making sure all tabs are seated properly_
LIFT LATCH
TOUNLOCK
ANDOPEN
OPEN POSITION
FIG. 2B
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