Craftsman 917376301 Owner’s Manual

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MODEL NUMBER 917.376301 OWNER'SMANUAL

oAssembly
oOperation

• Customer

Responsibilities

oService

• Adjustments
= Repair Parts

Caution:

Read and Follow

all Safety Rules

and Instructions
Before Operating

This Equipment

155184 Rev. 1 5,28.96 TR

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Printed in U.S.A,

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE 13 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 tS
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 manua_ 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
smal] 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.

• The blade turns when the engine is running.

PREPARATION:

• Atways thoroughly check the area to be mowed and c{ear itof
all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects.
These objects wilt 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 starling 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 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 tet 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.

• Always stop the engine whenever you leave or are not using
your mower, or before crossing driveways, walks, roads, and

any graveFcovered areas.

,, Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor

al]ow 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 piug to prevent accidental

starting.

• Do not continue to run your mower if you hit a foreign object.
Follow the procedure outtined 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 pulling the mower towards you, Mow
across the face of slopes, never up and down or you might

lose your footing. Donot mow excessively steep slopes. Use
caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain or when
changing directions o 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, Ieaves

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.

• Altow engine to coo/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 im-
portant safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

i Hi,

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.

A WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains chemicals known to the State of Califor-

nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other

reproductive harm.

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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/Department. We have competent, welt-

trained technicians and the proper toots to service or repair
this lawn mower.

PIease 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 917.376301

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 OFPURCHASEAND KEEPIN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 6.5

DISPLACEMENT: 12.56CU. IN.

GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.5QUARTS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR ONLY

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

SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 27 OZS.
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJt9LM

(GAP: ,030")

VALVE CLEARANCE: tK_TAKE: .008"

EXHAUST: .008"

SOLID STATE IGNITION

AIR GAP: .0125 IN.
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

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

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

,, Read and observe the safety rules.
° 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.
tf 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, 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 tS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER TO THE NEAREST

SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT INTHE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE

THIS PRODUCT IS IN USE lrq 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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 12-14

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

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

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

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... t2

INDEX

A

Aocessorbs .................................... 5

Adjustments:

Carburetor .............................. 16

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

Engine Speed ........................ 16

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

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

Air Filter:

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

Service ................................... I4

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

B

Blade:

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

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

C

Controls:

Drive C0ntrol ............................ 8

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

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

Operator Presence

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

Customer Responsibilities i.. 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 ................................. t 4

Oit Type ................................. t4

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

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

Storage .................................. t 6

Fuel:

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

Storage .................................. I6

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 .................................. 16

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 i........................... 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.. 3, t2-14

S

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

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

Carburetor .............................. 16

Drive Bett ............................... 15

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

Troubb Shooting Chart ................ 19

W

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

4

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LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES

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These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced, They are also available at most Sears retail outlets

and service centers. Most Sears stores can atso 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.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

/_. '-r-'7 .+..j_

CLipPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

GRASS FORCATCHERS

REAR DISCHARGE

""_ _-_ LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MULCHER KITS

GRASS CATCHERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

STABILIZER

FOR

GAS CANS

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

AIR FILTERS

BLADE ADAPTERS

SPARK PLUGS

b

WHEELS ENGINE OIL

5

ASSEMBLY

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Read these instructions and this manual Jn 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. Atl 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 fiat.

• Remove atl packing materials except padding between

upper and lower handle and padding holding operator
presence controt bar to upper handle.

• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thor-
oughly for additionaI 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 locks into
place in mowing position.

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

knobs.

• 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.

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

(See Fig. 2)
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a

mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:

. Open rear door and remove muicher plug. Store

mulcher plug in a safe place.

- You can now insta+l catcher or optional clipping deflec-
tor.

, To return to mulching operation, instalt mulcher ptug

into discharge opening of mower+

OPERATI
CONTROL BAR

UPPER HANDLE

LIFT UP

LIFT UP

MOWING POSITION

LOWER HANDLE

FIG, 1

MULCHER

FIG+ 2

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 Dawnmower with the rear door
removed or propped open,

m mlU,lm,i,,, i nn, I

ASS LY

CATCHER (See Figs. 3A thru 4)

• Insert Ieg 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.
o 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+

° Assemb+e lower frame to tubutar frame as shown. Be

sure handle is outside of bag and frames are fully
seated as shown in inset.

o •Slip v[nyt bindings over frame.
NOTE: _f vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warm

water for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, fet it dry before
using.

• Closethefiip tid. FIip Iidmust be closed while operating

Iawn 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.

LOWER FRAME HANDLE

\

TUBULAR
FRAME

FIG. 3B

FIG. 3C

LOWERTO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS

(Frames must

be fully seated)

without clipping deflector or approved
grass catcher in place. Never attempt

CAUTION: Donotrunyourtawn mower
to operate the lawn mower with the rear

door removed or propped open.

m •

TUBULAR FRAME SEWN

SEWN HEM

FLIP LID

FIG. 3A

FORMED
TABS

GRASS
CATCHER

FRAME

+

FIG, 4

OPERATIO

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KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER

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

manual for future reference.

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand
their meaning.

I\1

OR WARNING ON OFF

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE

STARTER HANDLE

GRASS CATCHER

CHOKECAUTION _ ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW FUEL

HANDLE KNOB

ENGINE OIL CAP W/DIPSTICK

OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

AND FEET AWAY

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR

DRIVE CONTROL LEVER

PRIMER

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

COVER

MULCHER PLUG

GASOLINE CAP HOUSING

WHEEL ADJUSTER
(ON EACH WHEEL)

........... u ,ll, i ,m,i i,, ,,,,mH,

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

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_

i lllml ,i i ,,,,,,i,,,,r,,,i,,,J,uiJ,ii

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL - must be held
down tothe handie to start the engine. ReIease 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 _
peNed forward motion of Iawn mower.

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL - located on the side of the
engine which aItows you to select either fast (,_) or slow

('!1,) engine speed.
MULCHER PLUG - must be removed to convert to bagging

or discharging operation.

8

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OPERATION

The operation of any lawn 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 awide vision safety
mask over the spectacles or standard safety glasses.

HOW TOUSE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED (See Fig. 5)
The engine speed is controlled by a Iever located on the

side of the engine. High (4) position is for starting the
engine, normal cutting, and better grass bagging. Low

(,'_) position isfor Iightcutting, trimming and fuel economy.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

LOWER WHEELS PLATE TAB
FOR HIGH CUT

FIG. 5

PRIMER

CAUTION: Federal regulations require

an engine control to be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the

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.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 6)

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower Wheels for high cut.

• Wheels are set in tow cut for shipping. Adjust cutting
height to suit your requirements. Medium position is

best for most lawns.

° To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster iever to-

ward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your
requirements, Be sure alt 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 Iever to be positioned between the plate
tabs.

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.

° Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause

unnecessary wear.

DRIVE CONTROL (See Fig. 8)

° Self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator

presence control bar down to the handle and pushing

the drive control Iever forward until it clicks; then

release the lever.

RAISE WHEELS
FOR LOW CUT

FIG. 6

\

FIG. 7

OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR

DRIVE

TO ENGAGE

DRIVECONTROL

DRIVECONTROL
DISENGAGED

FIG. 8

, Forward motion will stop when the operator presence

control bar is released. To stop forward motion without
stopping engine, release the operator presencecontrol

bar slightty untit the drive control disengages. Hold

operator presence controI bar down to handle to con-
tinue mowing without self-propelfing.

° To keep drive control engaged when turning corners,

push down on handte and lift front wheels off ground
while turning lawn mower.