Craftsman 917377133 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRAFTSMAN°I

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

6.0 Horsepower 22" Rear Discharge

Model No.

917.377133

CAUTION:

Read and followall Safety RulesandInstructions

beforeoperatingthisequipment

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

Assembly / Pre-Operation .................... 5

Operation .......................................... 6-9

Maintenance Schedule ...................... 10

Maintenance ................................. 10-13

LIMITED "I-WO 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 workman- ship.

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 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 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, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

Product Specifications ........................ 11

Service and Adjustments .............. 14-15

Storage ......................................... 15-16

Troubleshooting ........................... 16-17

Repair Parts .................................. 34-43

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

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.

_,Look for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!t BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

A CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot

contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental starting when setting up,

transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

_,WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of

its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause

cancer and birth defects or other repro- ductive harm.

A_,WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

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.

_1,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 thor-

oughly 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

discharge 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 the 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 barefoot 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.

• 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 approved 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 and walk; never

run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mecha- nism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine (motor).

• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor)

and check immediately for the cause.

Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operat- ing mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip and 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 machine and the mowing activity. Never

assume 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.SERVICE

• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable

and vapors are explosive.

-Use only an approved container.

- Never remove gas cap or add fuel

with the engine running. Allow

engine to cool before refueling. Do

not smoke.

-Never refuel the machine indoors.

- Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an

open flame, such as a water heater.

• 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

equipment 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 (motor) 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

setting or overspeed the engine.

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. Most Sears stores can also 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

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

MUFFLERS

MULCHER KITS

GRASS CATCHERS

" I FOR

AIR FILTERS

LAWN MOWERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

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 as-

sembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for

shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to com- plete 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

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

presence control bar to upper handle.

4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and

check carton thorougly for additional

loose parts.

HOW TO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage control cables.

1. Raise handles until lower handle

section locks into place in mowing position.

2. Remove protective padding, raise upper handle section into place on

lower 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

Adjustments section of this manual. Operator

control bar

Upper

LIFT UI

Mowing position

Lower handle

TO INSTALL AI-rACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging, see "TO CON-

VERT MOWER" in the Operation section

of this manual).

KNOWYOUR LAWNMOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALANDALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrationswithyour lawn mowerto familiarize yourselfwith the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future use.

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

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Throttle control

Starter handle

Grass

Gasoline filler cap

Mulcher plug

Operator presence control bar

Drive control lever

Handle knob

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Primer

Muffler

Drive cover

Air filter

Housing

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engin_

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 Commis- sion. 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. Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.

Drive control lever - used to engage

power-propelled forward motion of lawn

mower.

Mulcher plug - Located at the rear

discharge opening. Must be removed to

convert to bagging or discharging operation.

Starter handle- used for starting the

engine.

Throttle control - Used for starting the engine and allows you to select either

6 FAST or SLOW engine speed.

,,Wheel adjuster

(on each wheel)

Theoperationof 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 over

spectacles.

HOWTO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINESPEED

The engine speed is controlled by a throttle located on the side of the upper

handle. FAST position is for starting, normal cutting, trimming and better grass

bagging. SLOW position is for light

cutting, trimming and fuel economy.

,_ SLOW

FAST "'""

_O \ Operator pr _nce control bar Drive

\ control

A _ DISEN-

L _' GAGED

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

adjuster lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your require-

ments. 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.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

AQLCAUTION: 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 holding the operator presence control bar down

to the handle and pushing the drive control lever forward until it clicks; then releasing 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 control bar slightly until the drive control disengages. Hold

operator presence control bar down against handle to continue 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.

FOR HIGH CUT I

LOWER WHEELS

RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT Lever

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift the rear door of the lawn mower and place the grass catcher frame

side hooks onto the door pivot pins.

2. The grass catcher is secured to the

lawn mower housing when the rear

door is lowered onto the grass catcher frame.

_kCAUTION: Do not run your lawn

mower without mulcher plate or plug,

clipping deflector or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate

the lawn mower with the rear door

removed or propped open.

Pivot pins Rear

Grass

catcher

handle

7 Catcher frame hook

TOEMPTYGRASSCATCHER

1. Liftupon grasscatcherusingthe framehandle.

2. Removegrasscatcherwithclippings from underlawnmowerhandle.

3. Emptyclippingsfrom bagusingboth framehandleand baghandle.

NOTE: Donotdragthebag when emptying;it willcauseunnecessarywear.

Grass

frame

handle

Bag handle

TO CONVERT MOWER

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to

bagging:

• Open rear door and remove mulcher plug. Store mulcher plug in a safe

place.

• You can now install grass catcher or optional clipping deflector.

• To convert to mulching operation,

install mulcher plug into rear discharge opening of mower.

_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without mulcher plug, clipping

deflector or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn

mower with the rear door removed or

propped open.

Mulcher

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.

_i_ CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with

oil, or it will smoke on startup.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area

around oil fill is clean.

2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.

Make sure that rim of spout is clean.

3. You receive a container of oil with the

unit. Slowly pour 3/4 (15 oz.) of the oil from the container down the oil fill

spout into the engine.

4. Wait one minute to allow oil to settle.

Insert and tighten dipstick, then remove it to check oil level.

5. Continue adding small amounts of oil

and rechecking the dipstick until it reads full. DO NOT overfill, or engine

will smoke on startup.

6. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick

before starting engine.

• 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.

ADD GASOLINE NOTE: Before filling fuel tank, remove

and discard the debris plug that is inside the tank.

• 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. Purchase fuel in

quantities that can be used within 30

Adays to assure fuel freshness.

CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or

fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame. AqLCAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels

(called gasohol or using ethanol or meth- anol) 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. Drain 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.

Gasoline - Engine (Discard

debris plug

inside)

ell cap

Primer

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 product and should be considered

normal.

1. To start a cold engine, push primer three (3) 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.

2. Move throttle control lever to FAST

position.

3. 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

• 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.

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. It may also be necessary to reduce 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 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 run the lawn

mower over the area a second time.

• It a trail of clippings is left on the right side of a rear discharge mower, mow in

a clockwise direction with a small

overlap to collect the clippings on the

next pass.

• 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 catcher

off with water and let dry before using.

• Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of grass clippings and chaff.

This will help engine air flow and

extend engine life.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: For best performance,

keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. See "CLEANING" in the

Maintenance 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 reouffing 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 and the newly

cut area will not be exposed to the direct

sun.

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

offonly the top one-third ofthe grass blades. Ifthe 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

overiapping previously cut path and mow

slowly.

MAXI_

• Certain types of grass and grass condi-

tions 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.

AsYouco.P, -E

.Eoo RsE°v.oE DATES

Check for Loose Fasteners i,/ If

Clean/Inspect GrassCatcher

(if Equipped) _' _

a Clean Lawn Mower

Clean Under Ddve Cover

W (Power-Propelled Mowers) I !)/Check drive belt/pulleys

(Power-PropelledMowers) I_

g Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade I/3

LubricationChart I_ I_

Clean Battery/Recharge

IElectdc Start MowersI _ lit*4

E Check EngineOil Level I_

Change Engine Oil _!,:2

Inspect Muffler

GI Clean Air Filter _ =

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug

Replace Air FilterPaper Cartridge I/'2

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy Load or in high ambient temperatures. 2 * Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions.

3 * Replace blades more often when mowing insandy soil. 4 * Charge 48 hours at end of season.

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 mower as

instructed in this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made

periodically to properly maintain your unit.

All adjustments in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual should be checked at least once each season.

• 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

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI-

CATION CHART").

(_) Spray lubricant (_) See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.

LUBRICATION CHART

Wheel

adjuster (on

each wheel)

Rear door

hinge

(_) Handle bracket mounting pins

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings. Viscous

lubricants will attract dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the self-lubricat-

ing bearings. If you feel they must be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered

graphite type lubricant sparingly.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Serial Number: Date of Purchase:

Gasoline Capacity/Type: 1.6 Quarts (unleaded regular)

Oil Type (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

Oil Capacity: 20 Ounces

Spark Plug (Gap: .030") Champion RJ19LM4 or J19LM

Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs.

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

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when perform-

ing any maintenance.

"nRES

• 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.

BLADE CARE

For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged

blades. TO REMOVE BLADE

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with spark 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 hard- ware (bolt, lock washer and hardened

washer).

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and

check the key inside hub of blade adapter. The key must be in good condi- tion to work properly. Replace adapter if

damaged. TO REPLACE BLADE

1. Position the blade adapter on the engine 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

(opposite 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 grade 8 heat

treated. TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen- ing 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 lawn 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.

Blade Crankshaft

Blade

Blade / shaft

bolt Hardene

washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

keyway

3rank

GRASS CATCHER

• The grass catcher may be hosed with

water, but must be dry when used.

• Check your grass catcher often for

damage or deterioration. Through

normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace only with a

manufacturer approved replacement

catcher. Give the lawn mower model

number when ordering.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated

with API service classification SF-SJ. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade

according to your expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

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, check both front wheels.

1. Remove hubcaps, hairpin cotters and 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 your nearest

Sears or other qualified service center.

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 Texaco

Starplex Premium 1 Grease, Part No.

750369. Do not substitute.

-20 0 30 40 60 80

,30 .20 .10 0 tO 20 30 40 TEMPERATURE RANGE AN33CIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils

(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in

cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption

when used above 32°1=.Check your engine oil level more frequently 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, drain fuel tank by running

engine until fuel tank is empty.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with spark plug.

2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface.

3. Tip lawn mower on its side as shown and drain oil into a suitable container.

Rock lawn mower back and forth to

remove any oil trapped inside of engine.

4. Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn

mower or side of engine.

5. Fill engine with oil. (See "ADD OIL" in the Operation section of this manual.)

6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

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 CLEANAIR FILTER

1. Loosen screw and tilt cover to remove.

2. Carefully remove cartridge.

3. Clean by gently tapping on a flat surface. If very dirty, replace cartridge.

_kCAUTION: 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

making sure the tabs are aligned with the slots in the back plate. Fasten screw securely.

Back

Slots

Lip

MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it

could create a fire hazard and/or dam-

age.

SPARK PLUG

Replace spark plugs 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 "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" in Maintenance 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. A, CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire

from spark plug and place wire where it

cannot come in contact with the spark plug.

• Clean the underside of your lawn

mower by scraping to remove build-up of grass and 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

season. Scrape underside of cover with putty knife or similar tool to remove any

build-up of trash or grass on underside of drive cover.

Cover

•Cartridge Cover tabs

A WARNING: To avoid serious injury, before performing any service or adjust-

ments:

1. Release control bar and stop engine.

2. Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.

3. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark

plug and place where it cannot come

in contact with plug.

LAWN MOWER

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT See 'qO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT" in

the Operation section of this manual.

REAR DEFLECTOR

The rear deflector, attached between the

rear wheels of your mower, is provided to minimize the possibility that objects will

be thrown out of the rear of the mower into the operator mowing position. If the

deflector becomes damaged, it should be replaced.

TO REMOVE DRIVE BELT t. Remove drive cover. Remove belt

from gearcase pulley by pushing down on pulley and rolling belt off it.

2. Turn lawn mower on its side with air filter and carburetor up.

3. Remove blade.

4. Remove debris shield.

5. Remove belt from engine pulley on crankshaft.

TO ADJUST HANDLE The handle can be mounted in a high or

low position. The mounting holes in the bottom of lower handle are off center for

raising or lowering the handle.

1. Remove upper handle and all parts attached to lower handle.

2. Remove hairpin cotters from lower handle bracket mounting pin.

3. Squeeze lower handle in to remove it from mounting pins.

4. Turn lower handle over to raise or

lower handle.

5. Squeeze lower handle in and position

holes onto mounting pins on handle bracket.

6. Reassemble upper handle and all parts removed from lower handle.

Lower

ROTATE

TO REPLACE DRIVE BELT

1. Install new belt on engine pulley.

2. Reinstall debris shield and blade.

3. Return mower to upright position.

4. Install new belt on gearcase pulley.

5. Reinstall drive cover. NOTE: Always use factory approved belt

to assure fit and long life.

Drive f cover Belt

Push l

Mowing position

Hairpin

Mounting r

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

1. Put grass catcher frame into grass bag

2. Slip vinyl bindings over frame.

NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold

them in warm water for a few minutes. If

14bag gets wet, let it dry before using.

LOW POSITION

with rigid part of bag on the bottom. Make sure the frame handle is outside

of the bag top.

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917377133 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual