Craftsman 917374590 Owner’s Manual

SEARS

MODEL NUMBER 917.374590

Assembly Operation

Customer Responsibilities

Service

OWNER'S MANUAL

• Adjustments ®Repair Parts

Caution:

Read and Follow all Safety Rules

and Instructions Before Operating

This Equipment

145153 REV. 1 06/29/94 Printed in U.S.A.

SAFETY RULES

PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTINGWHEN SETTING UP,TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING CAUTION: ALWAYSDISCONNECTSPARKPLUGWIREANDPLACEWIREWHEREITCANNOTCONTACT SPARK

REFA,RS 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 net 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. Be aware that the blade turns when the engine is running.

PREPARATION:

Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear itof 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 is running or when the engine ishot. 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 rue while operating your mower. Always be sure of you r footing - keep a firm hold

on the handles and walk. De not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep

clear of the discharge opening at all times.

Always stop the blade 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 net continue to run your mower if you 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 if it vibrates abnormally. Exces-

sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine, safely check for the 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.

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.

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/Department. We have competent, well- trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair

this tawn 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 917.374590

SERIAL NUMBER

DATEOF PURCHASE

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE

LAWN MOWER HOUSING

YOUSHOULDRECORDBOTHSERIALNUMBERAND

DATE QFPURCHASEAND KEEPIN A SAFE PLACE

FOR FUTURE REFERENCE_

PRODUCT SPECiFiCATiONS

HORSEPOWER: 5.5 DISPLACEMENT: !2.6 CU. IN.

GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.25 QUARTS AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR

OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS. SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJ19-LM

(GAP: .030") STD36t 458

VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .008"

EXHAUST: .008"

SOLID STATE IGNITION AIR GAP: .0!25 IN.

BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

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

CUSTOMER RESPONS BILITIES

o Read and observe the safety rules.

Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower. Follow tile instructions under "Customer Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manua!.

L M TED 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 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:

Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, betts, 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 conLained in the owner's manual.

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER TO THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT INTHE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLES 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/8!7 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

PRODUCT SPECiFICATiONS ...................................... 3

CUSTOMER RESPONSiBiLITiES ..................... 31 12-14

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

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

OPERATION .................................................................. 8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... 12

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

Adjustments:

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

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

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

Handle Height ........................ 16

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

Air Filter:

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

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

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

Blade:

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

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

Controls:

Drive Control ............................ 8

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

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

Operator Presence

Control Bar ............................... 8

Customer Responsibilities... 3, 12-14

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

Blade Care/Replacement ...... 113

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

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

Lubrication ............................. 14

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

Cutting Levels ................................. 9

Engine:

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

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

Oil Level ................................. 14

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

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

Stopping ................................. 10

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

Fuel:

Capacity ................................... 3

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

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

Handle Adjustment:

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

Cutting Height ........................ 16

Lubrication:

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

Lawn Mower .......................... 12

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

Maintenance Schedule ................. 12

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

Oil:

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

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

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

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

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 31

REPAIR PARTS- LAWN MOWER ........................ 19-24

REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 25-28

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................................... 32

Operation:

Drive Control ............................ 9

Engine Control ......................... 9

Grass Catcher .......................... 9

Mower ...................................... 9

Operator Presence

Control Bar ............................... 9

Options:

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

Repair Pads:

Engine ............................... 25-28

Lawn Mower ..................... 19-24

Responsibilities, Customer .. 3, 12-14

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

Service and Adjustments .............. 15

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

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

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

Handle ................................... 16

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

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

Speed Control:

Engine ...................................... 8

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

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

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

Trouble Shooting Chart ................ 31

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

LAWN ACCESSORI

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are also ayailable 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 you r lawn mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

ENGINE

SPARK PLUG MUFFLER

AiR FILTER

if Eawn mower is an electric start

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

REAR BAG

OPTIONAL

GAS CAN ENGINE OiL

DUST SHIELD

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

STAB_UZER

REPLACEMENT BAG FOR REAR

DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

BELT BLADE

SiDE DISCHARGE CATCHER

OPTIONAL

CATCHER FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWER

BLADE WHEELS LAWN MOWER

ADAPTER COVER

ASSEMBLY

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

mower. Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the

factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled UPPERHANDLE 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.

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. Rolt tawn 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. 1A)

IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLES CAREFULLY SO AS NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.

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

Raise upper handle section into place on lower handle, remove protective padding and tighten both handle

knobs. Remove handie padding holding operator presence

control bar to upper handle. Your !awn mower handle can be adjusted for your

mowing comfort. See "TO ADJUST HANDLE" in the Service and Adjustment section of this manual.

TO _NSTALL ATTACHMENTS (See Fig. 1B)

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

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 all tabs are

seated properly.

TO PREPARE BATTERY (See Fig. 2)

NOTE: Your battery must be charged before you can start your lawn mower.

Connect battery charger connector (male) to battery connector (female).

Piug battery charger into 110 volt A.C. outlet. Leave battery charger connected for 24 hours before

starting your engine for the first time. After charging, connect engine connector to battery

connector,

Your engine has an integral alternator for partial charging.

Connect your battery chargerto charge battery as required. IMPORTANT: 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 battery during winter

storage.

BATTERY CONNECTOR(FEMALE) (MALE)

LOWER HANDLE

SLOTS

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without muicher plate in place or ap-

catcher in place. Never attempt to op-

proved clipping deflector or grass

erate the lawn mower with the rear door

removed or propped open,

gine connector from the battery con- I

n_cidental starting wh_ orstoringyour lawn

// BATTERY

jf CHARGER

FIG. 1A

MULCHER PLATE

FiG. 1B

afterthea_son.

ENGINE CONNECTOR

FIG, 5

MOWING POSITION

TABS

BATTERY CHARGER

CONNECTOR

ASSEMBLY

TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS CATCHER (See Figs. 3A thru 4)

= To assemble tubular frame to grass bag, work sewn

hem of bag out through the front opening of bag to expose the hem.

• Thread tubular frame into hem and gather material at top of frame as shown.

Push frame inside bag through the opening until only

the ends of frame ere exposed out of the front.

NOTE: Do not close the flip lid at this time.

Assemble lower frame to tubular frame as shown. Be sure frames are fully seated together asshown in inset.

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.

CIosethe flip lid, Flip lid must be closed while 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 bracket.

The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass

catcher frame.

TUBULAR FRAME

(Push inside

bag)

FIG. 3C

TUBULAR

FRAME

SEWN / HEM

(Pull out

through front

of opening)

TUBULAR FRAME

(Threadinto

sewn hem)

FLIP LID

CATCHER FRAME

(Frames must be fully seated)

FiG. 3D

FIG. 3A

SEWN

HEM

F_G. 3E

"UNGE

BRACKET

GRASS CATCHER FRAME

FIG. 3B

FORMED

TABS

7 FiG. 4

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

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

manual for future reference.

STARTER

BUTTON

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR

DRIVE CONTROL LEVER

AUXILIARY STARTER HANDLE

CABLE CLIPS

HANDLE KNOB

GASOLINE CAP

GRASS CATCHER

MULCHER PLATE

DRIVE COVER

ENGINE OiL CAP W/DIPSTICK

HOUSING

SPEED CONTROL

(ON EACH WHEEL)

FiG, 4

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUNREMENTS

Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the 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 - must be held down to the handle to start the engine. Release to stop the

engine.

PRIMER - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the

cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.

STARTER HANDLE - used for starting the engine.

STARTER BUTTON - used for starting the engine. DRmVECONTROL LEVER - used to engage power-pro-

pelled forward motion of lawn mower. ENGINE SPEED CONTROL - located on the side of the

engine which allows you to select either fast (4_) or slow

('_) engine speed. MULCHER PLATE - must be removed to convert to bag-

ging or discharging operation.

OPERATION

NOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without mulcher plate in pmaeeand door deflector or grasscatcher in place.

closed or without an approved clipping

Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or

propped open.

ENGINE SPEED (See Fig. 5)

The engine speed is controlled by a lever located on the side of the engine. Fast (@) position is for starting the

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

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

CAUTION: Federal regulations require an engine eontro_ to be installed on this

risk of blade contact injury. Do not lawn mower in order to minimize the

under any circumstances attempt to defeat the function of the operator con- trol The bmadeturns when the engine is running.

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER

LOWER WHEELS RAISE WHEELS FOR HIGH CUT FOR LOW CUT

= 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 ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig, 6)

• Raisewheels for low cut and lower wheels for Mgh cut. Wheels 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 all wheels are in the same

setting.

TO EIVlPTY GRASS CATCHER (See Fig. 7)

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 will cause

unnecessary wear.

DR_VE CONTROL (See Fig. 8)

• 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 con-

trol bar slightly until the drive control disengages. Hold operator presence control 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. 6

FiG. 7

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLBAR

CONTROL

DRIVE CONTROL

FIG. 8

DRIVE CONTROL

DISENGAGED

OPERATION

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OiL (See Fig. 9) Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil fill isclean.

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

. Use 20 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of oil to use, see

"ENGINE" in Customer Responsibilities section of this manual.

Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill. 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.

o 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. 9)

Fill gasoline tank with fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline, DO NOT USE PREMIUM GASOLINE. BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVER FILL TANK.

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 fuel tank or permanent

damage may occur.

TO START ENGINE

To start a cold engine, push primer five (5)times before trying to start. Use a firm push. This step is not usually necessary when starting an engine which has already

run for a few minutes.

Move engine speed control lever to fast (@) position. 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 control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat priming steps. In 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.

FILLER CAP

ENGINE OIL CAP W/DIPSTICK

FiG. 9

MOWING TIPS

Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce

pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of grass clippings.

For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut and raise the rear of the lawn mower housing one (1)

wheel adjuster setting higher than the front for better

discharge of grass.

For better grass bagging and most cutting conditions,

the engine speed should be set in the fast (,_) position.

When using a rear discharge lawn mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of cut grass may not enter the grass catcher. Reduce ground speed (pushing speed)

and/or runthe lawn moweroverthe area asecond time.

Ifatrail of grass clippin gsis left on the right side of a rear

discharge lawn mower, mow in a clockwise direction with a small overlap to collect the clippings on the next

pass. Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of

grass clippings and chaff. This wil! help engine air flow

and extend engine life.

Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled with dirt

and dust with use and catchers will collect less grass. To prevent this, regularly hose catchers off with water and let dry before using.

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