Craftsman 917376692 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

CRAFTSMAN°

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

5.5 Horsepower

Power-Propelled

21" Multi-Cut

Model No.

917.376692

• EspaSol, p 19

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty ................................................ 2

Safety Rules ....................................... 2-4

Product Specifications ........................... 4

Assembly / Pre-Operation ..................... 6

Operation .......................................... 7-11

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 11

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:

• 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 crank- shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con-

tained in the owner's manual.

Maintenance ................................... 11-15

Service and Adjustments ................ 15-16

Storage ........................................... 16-17

Troubleshooting .............................. 17-18

Repair Parts .................................... 36-43

Sears Service ........................ Back Cover

Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman power mower to the nearest Sears

Parts & Repair Center in the United States. This warranty applies only while this product is used 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, IL 60179

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw- ing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious

injury or death.

_I,WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

ALook for this symbol to point out im-

portant safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!

YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

A WARNING: In order to prevent ac-

cidental starting when setting up, trans- porting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact plug.

_kWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its

constituents, and certain vehicle compo- nents contain or emit chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer and

birth defects or other reproductive harm.

related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State

of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash

hands after handling.

_;i CAUTION: Muffler and other engine parts become extremely hot during

operation and remain hot after engine has stopped. To avoid severe burns on contact, stay away from these areas.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the

manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the machine before starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis- charge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which

could be picked up and thrown by blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone

enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when bare- foot or wearing open sandals. Always

wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving

backwards.

• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may richochet back toward the operator. Stop the blade when crossing gravel

surfaces.

• Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety protective devices in place.

• See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and installation of

accessories. Only use accessories ap- proved by the manufacturer.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment, before cleaning

the mower or unclogging the chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the blade comes to complete stop

before removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing: keep a

firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mech- anism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine.

• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause. Vibra- tion is generally a warning of trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when oper- ating mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip & fall accidents which can result in severe

injury. All slopes require extra caution. If

you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes: never

up and down. Exercise extreme caution

when changing direction on slopes.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree

limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or

embankments. The operator could lose

footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause slipping.

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children.

Children are often attracted to the ma- chine and the mowing activity. Never as-

sume that children will remain where you

last saw them.

• Keep children out of the trimming area

and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.

• Before and while walking backwards,

look behind and down for small children.

• Never allow children to operate the

machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind

corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects

that may obscure vision.

IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE Use extreme care in handling gasoline.

Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

• Use only an approved container.

• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to

cool before refueling.

• Never refuel the machine indoors.

• Never store the machine or fuel contain- er where there is an open flame, spark

or pilot light such as a water heater or on other appliances.

• Neverfill containersinsideavehicle,on atruckor trailerbedwitha plasticliner. Alwaysplacecontainerson the ground awayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

• Removegas-poweredequipmentfrom thetruckor trailerandrefueliton the

ground. Ifthis is notpossible,then refuelsuchequipmentwitha portable

container,ratherthanfrom agasoline dispensernozzle.

• Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rim ofthe fueltankor containeropeningat all timesuntil fuelingis complete. Do notuse a nozzlelock-opendevice.

• Iffuel isspilledon clothing,change clothingimmediately.

• Neveroverfillfuel tank. Replacegas cap andtightensecurely.

V. GENERAL SERVICE

• Never run a machine inside a closed area.

• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine (motor) running. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equip- ment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel

spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary,

before restarting.

• Never attempt to make wheel height

adjustments while the engine is running.

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or

allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts,

when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and

use extra caution when servicing them.

• Do not change the engine governor set- ting or overspeed the engine.

• Maintain or replace safety and instruc- tion labels, as necessary.

AWARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an internal combustion engine and

should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.

In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest Sears Parts & Repair Center (See the REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).

Serial Number: Date of Purchase:

Gasoline Capacity / Type: 1.0 Quarts (Unleaded Regular) Oil Capacity: 18.5 Ounces

Oil Type (API SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F) or SAE 10W-30 Spark Plug (Gap: .030") NGK BPR6ES

Valve Clearance (+ 0.04 mm): Intake: 0.015 mm; Exhaust: 0.020 mm

Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs.

The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the lawn mower housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.

Repair Protection Agreements

Congratulations on making a smart pur- chase. Your new Craftsman® product is

designed and manufactured for years of dependable operation. But like all prod-

ucts, it may require repair from time to time. That's when having a Repair Protec- tion Agreement can save you money and aggravation.

Purchase a Repair Protection Agreement

now and protect yourself from unexpected

hassle and expense.

Here's what's included in the Agreement:

• Expert service by our 12,000 profe- sional repair specialists.

• Unlimited service and no charge for parts and labor on all covered repairs.

• Product replacement if your covered product can't be fixed.

• Discount of 10% from regular price of service and service-related parts not

covered by the agreement; also, 10% off regular price of preventive mainte-

nance check.

• Fast help by phone- phone support from a Sears technician on products

requiring in-home repair, plus conve-

nient repair scheduling. Once you purchase the Agreement, a simple phone call is all that it takes for you to schedule service. You can call anytime day or night, or schedule a service ap- pointment online. Sears has over 12,000 professional repair specialists, who have access to over 4.5

million quality parts and accessories. That's the kind of professionalism you can count on to help prolong the life of your

new purchase for years to come. Purchase your Repair Protection Agreement today! Some limitations and exclusions apply.

For prices and additional information

call 1-800-827-6655.

Sears Installation Service

For Sears professional installation of home appliances, garage door openers, water

heaters, and other major home items, in the U.S.A. call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and service centers. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING

DEFLECTORS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

STABILIZER

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

AIR FILTERS

SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

WHEELS

ENGINE OIL

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble

or operate your new lawn mower.

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

Your new lawn mower has been assem-

bled 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 as- sembly 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.

Operator MOWING presence POSITION control bar J

/ /

///

Upper

UP handle

Handle

knob

Lower handle

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

1. Put grass catcher frame into grass bag

1. Remove loose parts included with mower.

2. Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel down flat.

3. Remove all packing materials except padding between upper and lower

handle and padding holding operator

2. 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.

presence control bar to upper handle.

4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thorougly for additional

loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER >

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage control cables. >

1. Raise handles until lower handle sec- tion locks into place in mowing position.

2. Remove protective padding, raise up- Vinyl per handle section into place on lower bindings handle and tighten both handle knobs.

3. Remove handle padding holding operator presence control bar to upper

handle.

Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to "AD- JUST HANDLE" in the Service and Adjust-

ments section of this manual.

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to bag- ging or discharging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER" in the Operation section of this

manual.

with rigid part of bag on the bottom.

Make sure the frame handle is outside

of the bag top.

Frame

opening

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL 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. These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the

product. Learn and understand their meaning.

IXI

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

DR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control bar

control lever

Handle knob

Starter Gasoline filler cap handle

Fuel valve lever

Grass

Engine oil cal with dipstick

Housinc

Mulcher door

Muffler (on each wheel)

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

Air filter

plug

Drive

¢Theel adjuster

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 Com-

mission. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Operator presence control bar - must be held down to the handle to start the

engine. Release to stop the engine. Starter handle - used for starting engine.

Mulcher door - allows conversion to discharging or bagging operation. Drive control lever - used to engage

power-propelled forward motion of mower.

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 standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

Engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance. Speed is not

adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL _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 control. The blade turns when the engine is running.

• Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence control bar which requires the operator to be positioned

behind the lawn mower handle to start and operate the lawn mower.

DRIVE CONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by hold- ing the operator presence control bar down to the handle and pulling the drive

control lever rearward to the handle. The farther toward the handle the lever

is pulled, the faster the unit will travel.

• Forward motion will stop when either the operator presence control bar or drive control lever are released. To stop forward motion without stopping engine, release the drive control lever only. Hold operator presence control bar down

against handle to continue mowing

without self-propelling.

NOTE: If after releasing the drive control

the mower will not roll backwards, push the mower forward slightly to disengage

drive wheels.

• To keep drive control engaged when turning corners, push down on the

handle to lift the front wheels off the ground while turning lawn mower.

O arator presence control bar

Drive

Adjustment ENGAGE DRIVE turnbuckle DRIVE CONTROL

(on underside) CONTROL DISENGAGED

DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT

Over time, the drive control system may become "loose", resulting in decreased speed. There is a turnbuckle on the underside of the drive control housing to

increase tension on the drive cable. Pro- ceed as follows:

1. Turn unit off and disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.

2. Turn nut on underside of drive control to increase drive speed.

3. Operate mower to test drive speed.

Readjust as required.

4. If condition fails to improve after the above steps (forward speed remains

the same), your drive belt is worn and should be replaced.

control

lever

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit

your requirements. Medium position is best for most lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze ad-

juster lever toward 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.

LEVER BACKWARD Plate tab

TO LOWER MOWER

LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER Lever

TO CONVERT MOWER Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging

or discharging:

REAR BAGGING

• Lift rear door of the lawn mower and place the grass catcher frame hooks

onto the door pivot pins.

• To convert to mulching or discharging operation, remove grass catcher and

close rear door.

Pivot pins Rear

Catcher frame hook

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Rear door must be closed.

• Open mulcher door and install dis- charge deflector under door as shown.

• Mower is now ready for discharging operation.

• To convert to mulching or bagging operation, discharge deflector must be

removed and mulcher door must be closed.

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER

FOR MULCHING -

1. Rear door closed.

2. Mulcher door closed.

Grass

catcher

handle

FOR REAR BAGGING -

1. Grass catcher installed.

2. Mulcher door closed.

FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

1. Rear door closed.

2. Discharge deflector installed. ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without rear door closed or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door

removed or propped open.

Open mulcher door

Install

discharge deflector

MOWER IS NOW READY FOR

DISCHARGING OPERATION

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift up on grass catcher using the frame handle.

2. Remove grass catcher with clippings from under lawn mower handle.

3. Empty clippings from bag.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when empty- ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Grass

catcher

frame

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in

the engine. For type and grade of oil to

use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance

section of this manual.

CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with

oil, or it will smoke on startup.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level.

2. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick from spout.

3. You receive a container of oil with the unit. Slowly pour the entire container

down the oil fill spout into the engine.

4. Insert and tighten oil fill cap / dipstick. IMPORTANT:

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil

if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

• Change the oil after every 25 hours of

operation or each season. You may need to change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions. See "TO

CHANGE ENGINE OIL" in the Mainte- nance section of this manual.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck.

Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Pur- chase fuel in quantities that can be used

within 30 days to assure fuel freshness. ,l& CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline

near an open flame.

A CAUTION: 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 storage of 30 days or longer. Empty the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

oil fill cap / Gasoline

di filler cap

Upper Lowe mark mark 10

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator pres- ence control bar. Wait until blade and

all moving parts have stopped and turn

fuel valve to OFF position if you do not

intend to restart the engine soon.

TO START ENGINE NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be present during the initial use of the prod-

uct and should be considered normal.

1. Be sure fuel valve is in the ON position.

2. Move choke lever to ON (N) position.

3. Hold operator presence control bar

down to the handle and pull starter

handle quickly. Do not allow starter

rope to snap back. NOTE: The choke lever automatically begins moving to the OFF position when operator presence control bar is held

down to handle.

OFF

Fuel valve lever

MOWING TIPS _, CAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher

blade attachments on your mower. Such attachments are hazardous, will damage

your mower and could void your warranty.

• 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 clip-

pings. It may also be necessary to re-

duce ground speed and/or run the lawn

mower over the area a second time.

• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the

width of cut by overlapping previously

cut path and mow slowly. For better grass bagging and most cut-

ting conditions, the engine speed should

be set in the FAST position.

• Poresincloth grasscatcherscanbe- comefilledwith dirt and dustwith use

andcatcherswill collectlessgrass.To preventthis, regularlyhosecatcheroff withwater and letdry beforeusing.

• Keeptopofenginearoundstarterclearand cleanofgrassclippingsandchaff.Thiswill

helpengineairflowandextendenginelife.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep

mower housing free of built-up grass and

trash. See "CLEANING" in the Mainte-

nance section of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recut- ting action of the blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action. The best time to mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At this time the grass has

dried, yet the newly cut area will not be exposed to direct sunlight.

For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height so that the lawn mower

cuts off only the top one-third of the grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown it will be necessary to raise the height of

cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving

clumps of mulched grass. For extremely

heavy grass, reduce your width of cut

by overlapping previously cut path and

mow slowly.

MAX 1/3

• Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be mulched a second time to completely

hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow across or perpendicular to the

first cut path.

• Change your cutting pattern from week

to week. Mow north to south one week then change to east to west the next

week. This will help prevent matting and graining of the lawn.

MAINTENANCE BEFORE AFTER EVERY EVERY EVERY BEFORE SCHEDULE USE USE HOURSORSEASOHHOURS

Check for Loose Fasteners

_ Clean / Inspect Grass Catcher *

Check Tires

_ Check Drive Wheels

Clean Lawn Mower ....

M Clean under Drive Cover ***

O Check Drive Belt / Pulleys ***

_ Check / Sharpen / Replace Blade

R Lubrication

Clean and Recharge Battery **

Check Engine Oil level E Change Engine Oil N Clean Air Filter

Inspect Muffler N Replace Spark Plug

E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge

Empty fuel system or add Stabilizer

* (if so equipped)

** Electric_Start mowers

*** PoweFPropelled mowers

**** Use a scraper

to clean under deck

1 - Change more often if operating under a heavy load or in high outdoor temperatures. 2 - Service more often if operating in dirty or dusty conditions, 3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil, 4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season.

5 - And after each 5 hours of use.

EACH EACH 10 25 HOURS 100 STORAGE

i/ i/

i/ t/3

lI_,2

14 I/

I/ 14

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this lawn mower does not

cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, operator must

maintain unit as instructed in this manual.

Some adjustments will need to be made

periodically to properly maintain your unit. At least once a season, check to see if you should make any of the adjustments described in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual.

• At least once a year, replace the spark plug, clean or replace air filter element

and check blade for wear. A new spark plug and clean/new air filter element

assure proper air-fuel mixture and help your engine run better and last longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION Keep unit well lubricated

(See "LUBRICATION CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

Wheel

adjuster (on

each wheel)

gine oil

Mulcher

door hinge

(_) Rear door

hinge

(_) Handle bracket mounting pins

_ Spray lubricant

See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic

wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will attract dust and dirt that will shorten the life of

the self-lubricating bearings. If you feel they

must be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered

graphite type lubricant sparingly.

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when per- forming any maintenance.

TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.

• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp

objects and other hazards that may

cause tire damage.

DRIVE WHEELS Check front drive wheels each time before

you mow to be sure they move freely. The wheels not turning freely means trash, grass cuttings, etc. are in the drive wheel

area and must be cleaned to free drive wheels. If necessary to clean the drive

wheels, be sure to clean both front wheels.

1. Remove hubcaps, Iocknuts, washers.

2. Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.

3. Remove any trash or grass cuttings

from inside the dust cover, pinion and/ or drive wheel gear teeth.

4. Put wheels back in place.

NOTE: If after cleaning, the drive wheels do not turn freely, contact a Sears or other qualified service center.

BLADE CARE For best results, mower blade must be kept

sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades.

CAUTION: Use only a replacement

blade approved by the manufacturer of your mower. Using a blade not approved

by the manufacturer of your mower is hazardous, could damage your mower and

void your warranty. TO REMOVE BLADE

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.

2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up.

3. Use a wood block between blade and

mower housing to prevent blade from

turning when removing blade bolt.

NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter- clockwise.

5. Remove blade and attaching hardware (bolt, lock washer, hardened washer).

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check the key inside hub of blade adapter. The key must be in good condition to work properly. Replace adapter if damaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE

1. Position the blade adapter on the en- gine crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned.

2. Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in the blade

with the raised lugs on the adapter.

3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (op- posite sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

4. Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into

blade adapter and crankshaft.

5. Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the

blade bolt, turning clockwise.

• The recommended tightening torque is

35-40 ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated. If bolt needs replacing, replace only with

approved bolt shown in the Repair Parts

section of this manual.

Blade adapter Key Crankshaft

Lockwasher

Blade

Blade bolt Hardened

washer Trailing edge Crankshaft

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening

your mower blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced.

Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause

eventual damage to mower or engine.

• The blade can be sharpened with a file

or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.

• To check blade balance, drive a nail into

a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of the straight nail exposed. Place center

hole of blade over the head of the nail.

If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.

GRASS CATCHER

• The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used.

• Check your grass catcher often for dam- age or deterioration. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replac- ing, replace only with approved replace- ment catcher shown in the Repair Parts

section of this manual. Give the lawn mower model number when ordering.

GEAR CASE

• To keep your drive system working properly, the gear case and area around the drive should be kept clean and free of trash build-up. Clean under the drive

cover twice a season.

• The gear case is filled with lubricant to the proper level at the factory. The only time

the lubricant needs attention is if service has been performed on the gear case.

• If lubricant is required, use only ELF MULTIS EP00. Do not substitute.

ENGINE

Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers ex- pense, may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service

outlet.

LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SG-SL

Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

°F -20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100

°c -3o -2; -,; ; ;0 _0 _0

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

NOTE: Multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, and you should check your engine oil level fre-

quently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil.

Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the

lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each five (5)

hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug securely each time you check the oil level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil, empty fuel tank by running en- gine until fuel tank is empty.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.

2. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick; lay aside

13 on a clean surface.

Tip lawn mower on its side as shown

and drain oil into a suitable container. Rock lawn mower back and forth to re-

move any oil trapped inside of engine.

_CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such as kerosene, are not to be used to clean

cartridge. They may cause deterioration of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not use pressurized air to clean or dry cartridge.

4. Install cartridge, then replace cover.

4. Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn mower or side of engine.

5. Fill engine with oil. Slowly pour oil down the oil fill spout into the engine.

6. Wait one minute to allow oil to settle. Use guage on oil fill cap/dipstick for

checking level. Insert dipstick into the

tube and rest the oil fill cap on the tube.

DO NOT thread the cap into the tube

when taking reading.

7. Continue adding small amounts of oil and rechecking the dipstick until it

reads full. DO NOT overfill, or engine

will smoke on startup.

8. Always be sure to retighten oil fill cap/ dipstick before starting engine.

9. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark

plug.

Oil fill cap /

dipstick

Upper _

mark-_ _

Lower" mark

AIR FILTER

Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged by using a dirty air filter. Replace the air filter every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Service

air cleaner more often under dusty conditions.

TO CLEAN AIR FILTER

1. Remove cover.

2. Carefully remove cartridge.

3. Clean by gently tapping on a flat sur- face. If very dirty, replace cartridge.

Filter

Tabs

MUFFLER

Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it

could create a fire hazard and/or damage.

SPARK PLUG

Replace spark plug at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting

are shown in the "PRODUCT SPECIFIC- ATIONS" section of this manual.

CLEANING IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep

mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. Clean the underside of your mower

after each use. ACAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it

cannot come in contact with plug.

• Clean the underside of your mower by scraping to remove build-up of grass/trash.

• Clean engine often to keep trash from accumulating. A clogged engine runs

hotter and shortens engine life.

• Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.

• We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean lawn mower unless the electrical

system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are

covered to keep water out.Water in engine can result in shortened engine life.

CLEAN UNDER DRIVE COVER

Clean under drive cover at least twice a sea- son. Scrape underside of cover with putty knife or similar tool to remove any build-up of

4trash/grass on underside of drive cover.

Filter

Cover

Tabs

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917376692 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual