Craftsman 917374400 Owner’s Manual

OWNER'S

S _AIRS

i i

MANUAL

£RRFTSMRN

4.0 RESERVE POWER

SOLID STATE IGNITION

REAR BAGGER LAWN MOWER

22" POWER-PROPELLED

MODEL NO.

91 7.374400

THIS MOWER COMPLIES WITH CPSC REGULATIONS EFFECTIVE JUNE 30, 1982. TO START THE ENGINE IT IS

NECESSARY TO DEPRESS THE CONTROL BAR WHEN STANDING BEHIND THE MOWER. FOR FURTHER START- ING DETAILS SEE PAGE 10 OF THIS MANUAL. THIS MOWER IS DESIGNED TO START ONLY BY USING THE BAT-

TERY POWERED STARTER. IF THE BATTERY IS DISCHARGED IT MUST BE RECHARGED. MANUAL MEANS OF STARTING IS NOT PROVIDED.

IIII IIIII III II I IIIIII • I III I

I! SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., CHICAGO, IL 60684 U.S.A.

II I J LII I [ IIIII I[11 • I i i i 1111111 ....

Part No. 86422 Rev. 1 12/19/85

CRAFTSMAN quality LAWN CARE equipment

TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

For two years from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman power mower ismaintained, lubri-

cated and tuned-up according to the instructionsin the owner's manual, Sears will repair, free of

charge, any defect in material and workmanship. If this Craftsman power 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 plugs.

Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crank-shafts and the

failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructionscontained in the owner's manual.

WARRANTY SERVICEIS AVAILABLEBYRETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER TO THENEAR-

EST SERVICECENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also hove other rights which vary from

state to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCK and CO. Department 698/731A Sears Tower, Chicago, III. 60684.

• MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT A SEARS MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT IS AVAILABLE ON THIS PRODUCT. CONTACT YOUR NEAREST

SEARS STORE FOR DETAILS.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

Read and observe the rules for safe use. Always usecare when using Yourlawn mower. Keep away from moving parts.

DO NOT work on your lawn mower with engine running. Always keep your lawn mower clean. Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower. A well cared for

mower will run and last longer. Fo|low the instructions under "Maintenance" and "Storage" sectionsof this Owner's Manual. Blade, blade flange, air cleaner/air filter, spark plug are expendable parts which are your respon-

sibility.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WARRANTY.......................................................................................................................... 2

KNOW YOUR CRAFTSMAN MOWER ........................................................................................ 3

RULESFORSAFEUSE.................... . ........................................................................................ 4

HELPYOUR LAWN MOWER LASTLONGER............................................................................... 5

HOW TO SET-UPYOUR MOWER ............................................................................................. 6

BEFORESTARTINGENGINE ................................................................................................. ... 8

HOW TO USEYOURMOWER .................................................................................................. 9

•MAINTENANCE .................................................................................... _.............................. 12

STORAGE..: ........................................................................................................................ 16

REPAIRPARTS..................................................................................................................... 18

ENGINE REPAIRPARTS....................................................................................................... 25

TROUBLE SHOOTING ......................................................................................................... ._

ENGINE

CONTROL

TRIM PLATE

GRASS

KNOW YOUR CRAFTSMAN MOWER

DRIVE CONTROL

BLE CLIP

ENGINE OIL CAP WITH DIPSTICK

HANDLE

GASOLINE FILLERCAP

MEETS CPSC BLADE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

SPECIFICATIONS TOOLS REQUIRED

Oil: Use SAE 10W30 motor oil. SAE 30

motor oil can also be used.

Gasoline: Use unleaded automotive gas- oline. Regular automotive gasoline can also

be used. DO NOT use premium gasoline, or gasoline containing alcohol.

FUEL GAUGE

COVER

'HOUSING

WHEEL ADJUSTER

(ON EACH WHEEL)

FIG. I

FOR CATCHER ASSEMBLY

3/8 and 7/16 or Adjustable Wrench

Medium Flat Blade Screwdriver

FOR BLADE REMOVAL

Standard 15/16" box or open

end wrench

Sears Rotary Walk-Behind Power Mowers conform lo the safety standards of the American National Standards In- stitute, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, as applicable.

RULES FOR SAFE USE

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

YOUR MOWER.

IMPORTANT

FEDERAL REGULATIONS REQUIRE THE ENGINE CONTROL INSTALLED ON THIS MOWER IN ORDER TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF BLADE CONTACT INJURY. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE ATTEMPT TO

DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR CONTROL.

1. Please read your owners manual. Only allow persons who know the

safety rules to use your mower.

2. DO NOT tie the control bar to the handle. Control must be free to

permit brake engagement when handles and control are released.

3. DO NOT allow children to use your mower.

4. Check your mower over before each time you mow. Tighten any loose

bolts, nuts, etc.

5. Remove all sticks, stones, wires, cans, boards, etc. from area to be

mowed. These objects can be thrown by the blade.

6. DO NOT allow children, bystanders,

or pets in the mowing area.

7. BE CAREFUL - WHEN THE ENGINE IS

RUNNING THE BLADE IS TURNING.

8. Always shut off engine before try-

ing to adjust wheel heights.

9. When engine is running, DO NOT

put hands or feet under mower or in

the discharge chute, nor make any

adjustments.

10. Stay clear of discharge opening at all times.

11. Check gasoline before each use. Do not fill gas tank when engine

is running, when indoors or when engine is hot. Allow engine to cool before filling gas tank. Wipe off

any spilled gasoline before start- ing engine.

12. Mow only in good light.

13. Wear only solid shoes when mow- ing. DO NOT operate mower when barefoot, or wearing open sandals.

14. Disengage drive control on power

pro.pelled mowers before starting

engine.

15. DO NOT use a damaged mower. Always have damage repaired be-

fore mowing.

16. Always stop engine when not cut- ting grass or when crossing grovel drive, sidewalk, or roadway.

17. Never pull mower towards you, al-

ways follow mower to cut grass.

18. Never use your mower without pro-

per guards or deflectors in place.

19. Always mow across a slope or in-

clined area. DO NOT mow up or

clown a slope or inclined area.

20. DO NOT mow in wet grass. DO NOT

run with the mower.

21. DO NOT run your mower indoors.

Exhaust gasses are deadly poison.

22. DRAIN THE GASOLINE tank before

transporting your mower inside your car or other vehicle.

23. DO NOT run your mower if it vi-

brates too much. Stop engine and make repairs. Vibration is an indi- cation of damage.

24. DO NOT" change the engine gov-

ernor settings to over-speed the engine---damage or injury can re-

suit.

25. If a grass catcher is used on your

mower, check the catcher often for

damage. Use only recommended catcher. Always stop engine to re-

move grass catcher.

26. DO NOT store your mower or gas-

oline where fumes may reach an open flame and cause a fire.

27. Always wear safety glasses or eye

shields before starting your lawn mower and while mowing.

28. ALWAYS DISCONNECT BATTERY

BEFORE SERVICING OR TRANS- PORTING YOUR MOWER TO AVOID

ACCIDENTAL STARTING.

Theoperationofanylawnmowercanresultinforeignobjectsthrowninto the eyes,

which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before starting your lawn mower and while mowing. We recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for over the spectacles or standard safety glasses, available at Sears Retail or Catalog Stores.

ACCESSORIES TO HELP YOU GET THE MOST FROM YOUR MOWER

HIGH WHEEL KIT: A pair of 12-inch rear wheels improves handling on soft, spongy lawns and uneven terrain. Includes height adjusters; doesn't affect cutting height range.

MOWER COVER: Sears Tyvek@cover protects mower from weather when stored outdoors. GAS CAN: A new gas can keeps rust and dirt out of fuel systemfor longer engine life and improved per-

formance. Craftsman qas cans have built in filters to keep impurities out of the engine.

MANUAL RECOIL STARTERKIT: A manual recoil starter kit is available thru Sears Service Department, order Kit No. 35397 from Source 143.

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR:Converts rear bagging mowers to side discharge to disperse safely and evenly.

THESE ACCESSORIES WERE AVAILABLEAT MOST SEARSSTORESAND THROUGH THE CATALOG AT THE TIME THIS MANUAL WAS PRINTED.

IMPORTANT TIPS TO HELP YOUR LAWN MOWER START FASTER, RUN AND PERFORM BETTER

1. USE UNLEADED GASOLINE: It burns cleaner and leaves lessresidue inthe engine. Regular gasoline can

also be used. DO NOT use gasoline containing any alcohol or with any additives.

2. DRAIN OR RUN-OUT ALL GASOLINE FROM TANK AT THE END OF THE SEASON: DO NOT leave gaso- linein your mower when stored for long periods. It will "GUM" your engine. Run engine until the gaso-

line runs out.

3. START EACH MOWING SEASON WITH FRESHGASOLINE: DO NOT keep gasoline in your can. If your gasoline can is starting to rust, replace can.

4. CHANGE YOUR SPARKPLUG EVERYSPRING: An aid, corroded spark plug prevents fast starting and smooth running engine.

5. REPLACE YOUR AIR CLEANER OR FILTEROFTEN: Dirt, along with heat can harm your engine, the cleaner or filter will clog up, preventing clean air from reaching your engine. See "Air CJeaner/Fitter"

section of this manual for replacing air cleaner or filter.

6. USE SAE 10W30 OIL: DO NOT use SAE 10W40 oil.

7. CHANGE OIL AS RECOMMENDED: IMPORTANT - change oil after the first two (2) hours of use, then

every 25 hours of use.

8. REPLACETHE BLADEWHEN NEEDED: You can sharpen the blade, but we do not recommend it. Erosion

from hitting foreign objects can damage the blade. Replace blade with one specifically designed for your mower.

9. AT THE END OF THE SEASON, CLEANYOURMOWER: IMPORTANT- first disconnect the spark plug wire.

If possible, store your mower in a well ventilated area and protected from moisture.

10. FOLLOW THE MAINTENANCE SUGGESTIONS IN YOUR OWNERS MANUAL: Read your manual and keep it in a convenient place for easy reference.

11. DO NOT PUT ANY ADDITIVES IN THE OIL OR GASOLINE: DO NOT USE GASOHOL, or gasoline contain- ing any alcohol.

Your lawn mower has been completely assembled at the factory, except for the Grass Catcher and Grass Catcher Frame. Toset-up and attach Grass Catcher, follow the instructionsunder "TO UNFOLD HANDLE"

and "GRASS CATCHER".

The following parts are included not assembled:

I Grass Catcher Frame I Grass Catcher Top

1 Grass Catcher Bottom I Battery Charger 1 Hardware Package

HOWTOSET-UPYOURMOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

1. Raise the handles uritii the lower handle is in

mowing position (See Fig. 2).

NOTE: The lower handle automatically locks into mowing position when raised from shipping to mowing position.

2. Raise the upper handle into position on the

lower handle and tighten the two (2) handle knobs.

3. The handle can be mounted in high or low posi- tion to suit the comfort of the user. The han-

dles are shipped mounted in the high position.

4. If the handle feels too high for you:

a. Remove the (4) screws and (2) bushings

holding the trim plate to lower handle. Keep for reassembly (See Fig. 1).

b. Remove the handle knobs and bolts from

upper and lower handle.

c. Cut the wire tie and remove the cable

clip from lower handle. Keep cable clip for

reuse (See Fig. 4).

d. Remove the hairpin cotters and springs

from mounting pins (See Fig. 3).

e. Squeeze the bottom ends of the lower

handle toward each other until handle and handle levers slip off mounting pins

(See Fig. 3).

f. Turn handle over, position the handle

levers in place (See Fig. 5).

g. Put handle back on mounting pins.

h. Put springs and hairpin cotters back on

mounting pins (See Fig. 3).

i. Put upper handle on lower handle using " handle bolts and knobs previously re-

moved.

j. Put trim plate back on lower handle re-

moved in (a) above. Install the (4) screws

and (2) bushings (See Fig. 1).

k. Snap cable clip over cable-and lower

handle (See Fig. 1).

!. If you have cut the wire tie to turn lower

handle, locate the wire tie (black plastic)

in the customer package.

m. Install the wire tie over the cable sleeve

and lower handle, pull up snug and cut off excess end of wire tie. (See Fig. 4).

5. To fold handle for storage, squeeze the handle levers until lower handle clears handle brack-

ets, then move handle forward (See Fig. 3).

t_'_._ - UPRIGHT HANDLE-_r-'_

'_._ STORAGE PO51TION }-_

.O VlNO

POSmON

LOW POSITION

FOR SHORT PERSON

POSITION} x,2 L

HIGH POSITION

FOR TALL PERSON

FIG. 2

MOUNTING PIN

HAIRPIN COTTER

//-

FIG. 3

CABLE

CLIP

FIG. 4

IMPORTANT: WHEN FOLDING HANDLE FOR TRANSPORTING OR STORAGE, BESURE TO FOLD HANDLE AS SHOWN IN FIG. 6. IF YOU FOLD HAN-

DLE THE WRONG WAY, YOU MAY BEND THE CONTROL CABLES.

CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECT ENGINE CON-] NECTOR FROM BATTERY TO PREVENT ACCI-I

DENTAL STARTING WHEN STORING OR TRANS-I PORTING YOUR MOWER. I

WIRE

TIE

! I

LOWER

HANDLE

SPR_NG

HOWTOSET-UPYOURMOWER(cam'D)

TO ADJUST HEIGHT OF CUT

NOTE: The wheels are setin a low positionfor ship-

ment, and should be adjusted for the cutting height desired before use.

CAUTION: DO NOT change the height of cut with the engine running.

1. The wheel adjusters give you five (5) different

cutting positions. Medium cut is the best for most lawns.

2. High cut isapproximately 3 5/8", medium cut

isapproximately 2 1/2", and lowcutisapproxh

imately 1 3/8". There are two other positions.

Pick the position which suits your lawn (See

Fig. 7).

3, The wheel adjusters onyour lawn mower can be

easily adjusted as shown in Fig. 8. To change the height of cut, squeeze adjuster lever to-

ward the wheel, moving up or down toselected height. Be sure all wheels are in the same setting (See Fig. 7).

4. When cutting in heavy or moistgrass, the rear of the lawn mower may be raised one setting

higher to allow better discharge of the grass.

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

TAB

FIG. $

WAY

RIGHT:

WAY

S _ " WRONi

NOTE: The grass catcher for your mower is sup- plied unassembled. To assemble your grass cat- cher follow steps below.

SCREWS ACTUAL SIZE

1/4-20 x 5/8" #10-24 x 5/8"

SCREW SCREW

1. Position clamp onto catcher frame as shown in Fig. 9 and close ends of clamp.

NOTE: When closing clamp be sure the holes in clamp are in line.

2. Put grass catcher frame with clamp installed into catcher top as shown in Fig. 9.

3. Put one (1) #10-24 x 5/8 truss head screw into hole in catcher top and clamp and #10-24

Iocknuts. DO NOT TIGHTEN (See Fig. 9).

4. Put three (3) #10-24 x 5/8 trusshead screws into the catcher frame using#10-24 Iocknuts.

Use a flat blade screwdriver to drive screws while holding the Iocknuts with adjustable

or 3/8" wrench (See Fig. 9).

5. Position baffle inside of catcher top as shown in (Fig.lO).Put two (2) #10-24 x 5/8 truss head screwsinto holes with two (2) #10-24 Iocknuts.

Use a flat blade screwdriver to drive screws

while holding the Iocknuts with adjustable or 3/8" wrench.

6. Position top half of catcher on the bottom half (See Fig. 9).

7. Align the holes in sides of top and bottom halves of catcher.

FIG. 6

8. Install the eight (8) 1/4-20 x 5/8" truss head screws, starting at the right front of catcher as shown in Fig. 9.

9. Install the 1/4.20 "Keps" nuts on the screws. Do not tighten until all of the screws have

been installed in the catcher.

10. Use a medium flat blade screwdriver to tighten the screws while holding the "Keps"

nuts with adjustable or 7/16" wrench.

NOTE: Check all screws and nuts to be sure they

are tight. TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

1. Place the frame into the slot of the hinge

bracket.

2. Depress the door latch tab and slide the frame

into position at the end of the slot (See Fig.

11).

3. Release door latch tab to lock frame intoplace.

4. To remove grass catcher, SHUT OFF ENGINE,

lift up on back of grass catcher with one (1)

hand and pressdown on the door latch tab with the other hand (See Fig. 11).

REMEMBER: Read your Owner's

Manual and Rules for Safe Use.

HOWTOSETUP YOURMOWER(€ONT'D)

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER (CONT'D)

5. When grass catcher frame isunlatched, remove

the catcher from the rear of the mower and empty catcher.

6. When grass catcher is removed from the

mower, the rear door closes for safety.

OTE: YOUR REAR BAGGER MOWER IS NOT AI

ULCHING MOWER. DO NOT OPERATE YOURJ OWER WITHOUT AN APPROVED GRASS CAT-I

ER OR OPTIONAL CUPPING DEFLECTOR INJ

CE. I

NEVER ATTEMPT TO OPERATE THEMOWER WITH

THE DOOR REMOVED OR PROPPED OPEN.

REAR DEFLECTOR

The rear deflector, attached between the rear wheels of your lawn mower, was assembled at the

factory and requires no assembly.

E-Z VIEW FUEL GAUGE

Your engine has a visual fuel gauge located on

top front of engine to indicate fuel level in tank

(See Fig. 12). To read the gauge, look into the gauge when tank is"EMPTY" a clear circle is seen. The 1/2 Full and

"FULL"will show dark or black in color to indicate

fuel level, see below:

WHEEL ADJUSTER LEVER

SHOWN WITH WHEEL REMOVED

FIG. 7

RG. 8

"F_'LL I_ FULL "E (PTY

CAUTION: When the full circle darkens to black, use caution as the filler neck can over-fiow

quickly after gauge shows"FULL", if you continue to pour into tank filler.

BEFORESTARTINGENGINE

1. Remove engine oil cap with dipstick and fill to

the "FULL" line on the dipstick, using about 1 pint or 0.5 liters of Sears 10W30 oil or equiva-

lent. SAE 30 oil can also be used (See Fig. 12). DO NOT use SAE 10W40.

The total oi! capacity of your engine is 21 oz. or

0.62 liters. Fill only to the "FULL"line on the dip- stick. DO NOT over fill. The first fill on a new en-

gine use about 1 pint or 0.5 liters. Check oil level

and add as required to bring to proper level.

2. Pour oil slowly, DO NOT over fill. NOTE: On a new engine some oil may be left in the

engine, as each engine is run for operational checksbefore shipping.

TRUSS HEAD SCREWS-'-----_ _

CATCHERTOP

STARTHERE

,CATCHER

BOTTOM

FIG. 9

TRUSSHEAD SCREWS CATCHER BAFFLE

CUTAWAY OF CATCHER TOP _ LOCKNUTS |

FiG. 10

BEFORESTARTINGENGINE(corn°!!

3. AFTER THE FIRST TWO (2) HOURS OF MOW-

ING CHANGE THE OIL. See "To Change Oil" section under maintenance.

tse only oil with automotive classifications SF, SE,

• or SC markings on oil container.

4. Fill the gasoline tank with about two (2) quarts of fresh, clean unleaded gasoline. Regular

leaded gasoline can also be used (See Fig. 12). See "E-Z VIEW FUEL GAUGE" section.

DO NOT use old or stale gasoline which has been kept from one season to another; starting pro-

blems can result.

CAUTION: DO NOT USE GASOLINE CONTAINING ANY AMOUNT OF ALCOHOL, AS IT CAN CAUSE

SERIOUS DAMAGE OR CAN SIGNIFICANTLY RE- DUCE ENGINE PERFORMANCE. DO NOT USE PREMIUM LEADED GASOLINE.

DO NOT PUT ANY ADDITIVES IN THE OIL OR GASOLINE. Be sure your gasoline can is clean and free of

rust and dirt. Replace your can if it has started to rust.

ENGINE BLADE CONTROL

Your mower is equipped with an engine blade

control, attached to right side of upper handle and requires no assembly or adjustment (See Fig.

15).

HINGE

BRACKET

DOOR LATCH TAB

FIG. ! 1

SPEED

CONTROL ENGINE OIL CAP

KNOB ' WITH DIPSTICK

E-Z VIEW

FUEL GAUGE

FILLER CAP

PRIMER

i ii

FIG. 12

HOW TO USEYOURMOWER

JlMPORTANT !

ENGINE CONTROL

CAUTION: THE BLADE TURNSWHEN THEENGINE

IS RUNNING.

YOUR MOWER IS EQUIPPED WITH A BATTERY

STARTING SYSTEM WHICH REQUIRES THE OPER- ATOR TO BE POSITIONED BEHIND THE MOWER HANDLE TO STARTAND OPERATE THE MOWER.

THE CONTROL BARMUST BEDEPRESSEDTO THE HANDLE TO START AND RUN THE ENGINE, RE-

LEASING THE CONTROL BARWILL STOP THE EN- GINE. AN INTERNAL ENGINE BRAKEASSISTSTHE BLADE IN STOPPING QUICKLY.

NOTE: YOUR MOWER CAN ONLY BE STARTED WITH BATTERY POWERED START FROM THE

OPERATORS POSITION. SEE "TO START ENGINE" SECTION.

NOTE: DO NOT STARTENGINE IN HEAVY OR UN- CUT GRASS.

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

The engine speed is controlled by a control knob

located on top right side of engine. It has "HIGH"

,nd "LOW" positions. "HIGH" position is for

Jtarting engine, heavy cutting and better grass

bagging. "LOW" position is for light cutting, trimming and fuel economy (See Fig. 12).

ENGINE

CONNECTOR

BATTE RY

CHARGER

BATTERY

BAI-rERY _ CHARGER

CONNECTOR/y/ CONNECTOR./ (FEMALI_ _ALE)

FIG. 13

___- ENGINE

,___,__ CONNECTOR

FIG. 14

HOW TO USEYOURMOWER{€om'D)

TO PREPARE BATTERY

NOTE: YOUR BATTERYMUST BE CHARGED BE- FORE YOU CAN START YOUR MOWER.

I. Connect battery charger connector (male) to

the battery connector (female) as shown in

Fig.13.

2. Plug the battery charger into 110 Volt-A.C. outlet (See Fig.13).

3. Leave the battery charger connected for 24 hours before initially starting your engine.

4. After charging, connect engine connector to battery connector (See Fig. 14).

Your engine has an integral alternator for partial charging. Connect your battery charger to charge battery as required. THE ENGINE ALTERNATOR WILL NOT CHARGE A DISCHARGED BATTERY.

At the end of the mowing season the battery

should be charged for 48 hours to protect the bat- tery during winter storage.

CONTROtBAR%, \

_l CONTROL _ CONTROL

RELEASED DEPRESSED

ENGINE STOP START- RUN

FIG.15

L_=___ CON/TROL BAR

ICAUTION:ALWAYSDISCONNECTTHEENG,NEI ICONNECTORFROMTHEBATTERYCONNECTORI

FOPREVENTACCIDENTALSTARTINGWHENt

IT NSPORTINGORSTORINGYOURMOWERJ FTERTHEMOWINGSEASON. I

TO START ENGINE

NOTE: THE CONTROL BARMUST BE DEPRESSED TO THEHANDLE TO STARTAND RUN THEENGINE.

NOTE: Thecarburetor has a fixed fuel mixture and has a primer to assiststarting.

I. Check oil level; check gasoline level and make

sure spark plug wire is attached.

2. Move engine control lever to "HI" position (See

Fig.12).

3. When starting a co/d engine, push the primer

five (5) times before attempting to start the

engine. Use sharp pushes and wait several secondsbetween each push (See Fig. 12).

4. Repeat step 3 above as required. NOTE: In cooler weather the need to repeat prim-

ing procedures may be necessary, when weather is warmer over priming may result in flooding.

If you do flood engine wait a few minutes before

repeating priming procedures. it is not normally necessary to use the primer to

start warm engine.

5. Position yourself at the handle, operator posi- tion.

6. Holding the control bar in depressed position, with your right hand push in on the engine

start button (See Fig. 15). As the engine begins

to start, release the starter button. Engine will

stop when the control bar is released.

7. If the engine fails to start, repeat priming and

starting procedure.

__,_"_" ENGINE! BLADE BACK

DRIVE CONTROL DISENGAGED

i i

FIG.16

SPEED SEI

FIG. I7

CAUTION: DO NOT crank engine more than five (5) continuous seconds, each try to start, wait 5/10

seconds between starting attempts. If engine fails to start after several attempts,

contact your nearest Sears Service Department for help.

8. To stop engine, release the control bar (See

Fig.15).

NOTE: The control bar must be held in "Depres- sed" position to keep engine running - when con- trol bar is disengaged the engine will automa- tically stop (See Fig. 15).

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