Craftsman 917376290 Owner’s Manual
®
MODEL NUMBER 917.376290 OWNER'SMANUAL
oAssembly
oOperation
oCustomer
Responsibilities
oService
oAdjustments
oRepair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
153572 Rev, 2 6,6.96 KS/VBL Printed in UoSoA,
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 UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
SAFETY RULES
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-
scdbed 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 attachmentsthat are not recommended
by the manufacturer.. Use of such attachments may be
hazardous.
• The blade turnswhen 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 witl 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 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 whi_ethe engine is running
° Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
OPERATION:
• Do not 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 of vibration and repair as required.
Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are danger-
OUS,,
Never cut grass by pullingthe mower towardsyou.. Mow
acrosstheface ofslopes, neverupanddownoryou might
IoseyourfootingoDonotmowexcessivelysteepslopes.Use
cautionwhenoperatingthemoweronuneventerrainorwhen
changing directions- maintaingood footing°
• Never operateyour mower withoutproperguards,plates,
grasscatcheror othersafetydevicesinplace.
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 aUsafety devices in place and working_
• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free ofgrass, 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
suchas a hot water heater, space heater', clothes dryer, etc.
Look O,t
• 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 slipper? grass_ Never run white 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 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 material toward bystanders nor
allow anyone near the mower while you are operating iL
• Before cleaning, inspecting, orrepairing 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,
A • portant safety precautions. It means
I A for this Sym'b0'i"'topoint im-
_m,am SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUT;ONH! BECOMEALERT!H YOUR
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it can-
not contact spark plug in order to pre-
vent accidental starting when setting
up, transporting, adjusting or making
repairs.
ill ii
A WARNING A
The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains ctiemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.
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 Sear..4Authorized
Service CentedDepartment. We have competent, well-
trained technicians and the p roper 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°376290
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATEOFPURCHASE
THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERSWILL 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 SPECDFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 6,0
DISPLACEMENT: 1256 CU. IN.
GASOLINE CAPACITY 125 QUARTS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OILTYPE (API-SF/SG): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS.
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION J19LM, 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 details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILmTIES
o Read and observe the safety rules.
o 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.
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 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 plugo
o 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
TA L OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 12-14
WARRANTY ................................................................... 3
ASSEMBLY .................................................................... 6
OPERATION .................................................................. 8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... 12
A
Accessories ..........................................................5
Adjustments:
Carburetor ........................................................16
Drive Belt ..........................................................15
Engine Speed ......................................16
Handle Height ..........................................16
Height of Cut .................................................9
Air Filter:
Replacement ........................................14
Service ..............................................14
Assembly ..................................................................6
B
Blade:
Sharpening ..................................................13
Replacement .........................................13
C
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 ..........13
Drive Wheels ..................................13
Engine ................................................14
Lubrication ...........................................14
Spark Plug .......................................14
Cutting Levels .............................................9
Engine:
Air Filter .................................................14
Oil Change ....................................................14
Oil Level .......................................14
Oi! Type .........................................................14
Starting ..................................... 10
Stopping .......................................................10
Storage ............................................................16
Fuel:
Capacity ................................... 3
Storage .......................................................16
Type ...........................................................:......10
Handle Adjustment:
Assembly ..........................................6
Cutting Height ..........................................16
Lubrication:
Engine .............................................14
Lawn Mower, ........................................t2
Maintenance Agreement, ...................3
Maintenance Schedule .......................12
Mowing Tips ..................................................10
Oil:
Engine ..................................................12
Storage ............................................I6
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................ 15
STORAGE ................................................................... 17
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 19
REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ........................ 20-24
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 25-28
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................................... 30
E
F
H
L
M
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 ..........................................25-28
Lawn Mower° .........................20-24
Responsibilities, Customer o..3, 12-14
S
Safety Rules ........................................ 2
Service and Adjustments .................15
Calburetor. ............................................t6
Drive Belt ..........................................t5
Engine Speed .............................16
Handle ....................................... 16
Spark Plug ......................................... 14
Specifications .............................................3
Speed Control:
Engine ......................................... 8
Starting the Engine ...........................10
Stopping the Engine ..........................10
Storage .....................................................16
T
Trouble Shooting Chart ....................19
W
Warranty .................................................3
4
LAWN MOWE ACCESSORIES
, llll,,ll,ll,,,i,i ,,,i,,,,i,i,,I,H,I.......... _ Li ii _lLi
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are also available at most Sears retail out_ets
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.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
J
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
........ :::::...................
MULCHER KITS STABILIZER
GRASS FORCATCHERS
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
iml! Jl_
GAS CANS
,H,, ,,, ,_,,, ,,,
MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS
BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS
SPARK PLUGS
WHEELS ENGINE OIL
5
ASSEM LY
....... :,m,,l: , i , ii ,,11
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 corners of carton and lay end panel
down flat
o Remove all packing materials except padding between
upper and lower handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle..
= Roll fawn mower out of carton and check carton thor*
oughly for additional loose parts
HOWTO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)
IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLES CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.
o Raise handles untit 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
o Remove handle padding holding operator presence
control bar to upper handle.
. Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your
mowing comfort, Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the
Service and Adjustment section of this manual.
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
UPPER HANDLE
LIFT UP
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
(See Fig. 2)
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher,, To convert to bagging or discharging:
o Open rear' door and remove mulcher plug. Store
mulcher plug in a safe place.
• You can now install catcher or optional clipping deflec-
tor..
o To return to mulching operation, install rnulcher plug
into discharge opening of mower.
MULCHER I
FIG. 2
.................. i,[i,,lll , , ii ,,i,,,ll ,
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plug 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.
LOWER HANDLE
MOWING POSITION
FIG. 1
6
.......... i
LY
TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS
CATCHER (See Figs. 3A thru 4)
o Insert leg of tubular frame through front opening of
grass catcher and thread frame into sewn hem of bag°
NOTE: Keep bag hem gathered on the straight leg of the
tubular frame.
° When frame comes out the other end of sewn hem,
immediately work the end of frame down inside the bag
as shown in inset°
• Slide sewn hem evenly around the tubular frame until
both ends of frame are exposed out of the front open-
ing
• Assemble lower frame to tubular frame as shown° Be
sure handle is outside of bag and frames are fully
seated as shown 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_
o Close the 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,.
o The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower
housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass
catcher frame..
' illl,,,,llllll,,lll,,i,,lll,i,,,11,i IL ,
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.
............................................ II i, _ i
TUBULAR i
FRAME
LOWER FRAME HANDLE
\
BRACKET
LOWER
=RAME
{Frames must
be fully seated)
FIG. 3B
FIG. 30
DOOR
GRASS
CATCHER
FRAME
TUBULAR FRAME SEWN
SEWN HEM
FORMED
TABS
FIG. 4
FLIP LID
FIG. 3A
OPERATION
ii : ............. ::':l,,,t,i, :1 rl I I.... I _1111 "_111 IIII
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR L_WN MOWER, Compare the
illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself withthe location of various controls and adjustments. Save this
manua! for future reference -,
.... ................ iii , , , it II i iiilulu i
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand
their meaning.
CAUTION
OR WARNING
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE
STARTER HANDLE
ENGINE ENGINE
ON OFF
GRASS CATCHER
FAST FUELSLOW CHOKE
OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
AND FEET AWAY
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER
HANDLE KNOB
GASOLINECAP
PRIMER
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
DRIVE COVER
MULCHER PLUG
ENGINE OIL CAP W/DIPSTICK HOUSING
WHEEL ADJUSTER
(ON EACH WHEEL)
,l:,l,ll,,,J,,l,l! "l ! 'l!J'l !, l,j !JJ lJJ ± ± _ - !IIIIIII,IUIIIIIII ........;Lj::::::::
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards ofthe American National Standards Institute
and the U=S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Tile 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
DRIVE CONTROL 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 (_) or slow
(._.) engine speed.
MU LCHER PLUG - must be removed to convert to bagging
or discharging operation.
8
OPERATION
The operation of any tawn mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can
_ result in severe eye damage, Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your
lawn mower or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety
mask over the spectacles or standard safety glasses,
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER LOWERWHEELS
FOR HIGH CUT
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plate in place and door
closed or without an approved clipping
deflector or grasscatcher in place.
Never attempt to operate the lawn
mower with the rear door removed or
propped open, ,_
RAISE WHEELS
ENGINE SPEED (See Fig. 5)
FOR LOW CUT
The engine speed iscontrolled 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
TO EMPTY 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.
CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the
• Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause
unnecessary wear,,
risk of blade contact injury, Do not
under any circumstances attempt to
defeat the function of the operator con-
trol. The blade turns when the engine is
running.
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,
DRIVE CONTROL (See Fig. 8)
ENGINE SPEED
CONTROL LEVER
PRIMER
FIG. 5
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 6)
. Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high 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°
NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when plate tab
inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9-position adjusters (if so
equipped) allow lever to be positioned between the plate
tabs,
° 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 levers
° Forward motion will stop when the operator presence
control bar is released. To stop forward motion without
stopping engine, release the operator presence control
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 liftfront wheels off ground
while turning lawn mower.
TO ENGAGE
DRIVE CONTROL
9
PLATE TAB
EVER
FIG. 6
FIG. 7
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
DRIVE
CONTROL
DRIVE CONTROL
DISENGAGED
FIG. 8
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