Craftsman 917377190 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICR"FT=M",.,Wl

6.75 HORSEPOWER 22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377190

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions beforeoperatingthisequipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

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

Warranty 2 Product Specifications 11 Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 14

Assembly 4 Storage 16 Operation 6 Troubleshooting 17 Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 37 Maintenance 10 Parts Ordering Back Cover

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.

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

Sears Service Center/Department in the United States. This warranty applies only while

this product is in use in the United States. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which

vary from state to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO., 13/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

Safety standards require operator presence controls to minimize the risk of injury. Your unit is equipped

with such controls. Do not attempt to defeat the function of the operator presence controls under any

circumstances.

TRAINING:

• Road this operator's manual carefully. Become familiar with the controls and

know how to operate your mower properly. Learn how to quickly stop

mower,

• Do not allow children to use your mower.

Never allow adults to use mower without proper instructions.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all

persons, especially small children and pets.

• Use mower only as the manufacturer

intended and as described 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 manufac- turer. Use of such attachmentsmay be

hazardous.

• The blade turns when the engine is

running.

PREPARATION:

• Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks,

wires, bones, and other foreign objects. These objects will be thrown by the

blade and can cause severe injury.

• Always wear safety glasses or eye

shields when starting and while using your mower.

• Dress properly. Do not operate mower

when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good traction

when mowing.

• Check fuel tank before startingengine. Do not fill gas tank indoors,when the engine is running or when the engine is hot. Allow the engine to coolfor several minutes before filling the gas tank. Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting

the engine.

• Always make wheel height adjustments

before startingyour mower. Never attempt to do this while the engine is

running.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

OPERATION:

• Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being cut. Do not let

other interests distractyou.

• Do not mow wet or slipperygrass. Never run while operating your mower. Always be sure ofyour footing -- keep a firm

hold on the handles and walk.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotatingparts. Keep clear of the dis-

charge opening at all times.

• Always stop the engine whenever you

leave or are not using your mower, or before crossing driveways, walks, roads,

and any gravel--covered areas.

• Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor allow anyone

near the mower while you are operating it.

• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your mower, stop the engine and make

absolutely sure the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Then disconnect the

spark plug wire and keep it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Do not continue to run your mower if you

hit a foreign object. Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any damage 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. Excessive 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 dangerous.

• Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. Mow across the face of

slopes, never up and down or you might lose your footing. Do not mow excessively steep slopes. Use caution when operating the mower on uneven

terrain or when changing directions--

maintain good footing.

• Never operate your mower without

proper guards, plates, grass catcher or

other safety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

• Check the blade and the engine mountingbolts often to be sure they are

tightened properly.

• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervalsfor proper tightness to

be sure mower is in safe working condition.

• Keep all safety devices in place and working.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves or excessive

grease and oil.

• Check grass catcher often for deteriora-

tion and wear and replace worn bags. Use only replacement bags that are recommended by and comply with specificationsof the manufacturer of

your mower.

• Always keep a sharp blade on your

mower.

• Allow engine to cool before storing in

any enclosure.

• Never store mower with fuel in the tank inside a buildingwhere fumes may

reach an open flame or an ignition

source such as a hotwater heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc.

_i,Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means

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

_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

The engine exhaust from this product

contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects,

or other reproductive harm.

Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthislawn mower was produced. They are not

shipped with your mower. They are also availableatmostSears retailoutletsandservice centers. Most Sears storescanalso orderrepairpartsfor you,whenyou providethe model

numberof yourlawnmower. Some of these accessoriesmay notapplytoyourlawnmower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

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 assembled at the factory with the excep_n of those parts

leftunassembled for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers, belts, 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.

MULCHER KITS

SiDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

FOR

WHEELS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

TOREMOVELAWNMOWERFROM CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with mower.

• Cut down two end comers of carton and lay end panel down flat.

• Remove all packing materials except padding between upper and lower handle and padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle.

• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thoroughly for additional loose

parts.

HOWTOSETUPYOURLAWNMOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefullyso as not to pinch or damage control cables.

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

• Remove protective padding, raise upper handle section into place on lower handle

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 cemfort. Refer to "Adjust

Handle" in the Service and Adjustment section of this manual.

Operator [

bar

Upper handle

Liftup

Mowing

position

TOINSTALLA'I'rACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:

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

• You can now install catcher or optional

clipping deflector.

• To retum to mulching operation, install

mulcher plug into discharge opening of mower. Be sure all tabs are seated

properly.

Mulcher pluc

,O,CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without mulcher plug in place or

approved clipping deflector or grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or prepped open.

Lower handle

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself wi_ the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

Thesesymbolsmayappearonyour lawnrnowerorIn nteratumsuppliedwiththeproduct.Learnandundersland

theremeaning.

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Engine zone controlcable

Operator presence control bar

Drive control lever

Starter handle

Grass catcher

Mulcher plug

Engine oil cap w/ dipstick

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

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Sears rotarywalk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards ofthe American

National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade

tums 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.

Pdmer

Starter handle - used for starting the engine. Drive control lever - used to engage power-

propelled forward motion of lawn mower. Mulcher plug - must be removed to convert to

bagging or discharging operation.

Gasoline cap

Housing

Wheel adjuster (on each wheel)

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 a wide vision safety mask

over spectacles or standard safety glasses.

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINESPEED

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

adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL _I,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 cimumstances attempt to defeat the function of the operator control. The blade

turns when the engine is running.

• Your lawn mower isequippedwith an

operatorpresencecontrolbar which

requiresthe operatorto be positioned behindthe lawn mowerhandle tostartand

operatethe lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cuL

• Adjust cutting height to suit your require-

ments. Medium position is best for most lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster

lever toward wheel. Move wheel upor

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.

Plate Tab

TO ATrACH GRASS CATCHER

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

hooks onto the door pivot pins.

• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower housing when the rear

door is lowered onto the grass catcher

frame.

_.,CAUTION: Do not run your lawn

mower without clipping deflector or

approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with

the rear door removed or prepped open.

Grass catcher handle

Pivot "_"_' pins Catcher

frame hook

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• Lift up on grass catcher using the frame

handle.

• Remove grass catcher with clippings

from under lawn mower handle.

• Empty clippings from bag using both frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Bag handle

(

Grass

frame handle

Lower Wheels for High Curt._ _

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

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 itclicks; then

release the lever.

• Forward motion will stop when the

operator presence control bar is released. To stop forward motion

without stopping engine, release the

operator presence control bar slightly untilthe drive control disengages. Hold operator presence control bar down to handle to continue mowing without self- propelling.

• To keep drive control engaged when fuming corners, push down on handle

and liftfront wheels off ground while turning lawn mower.

Operator presence control bar

To engage drive Drive control control disengaged

Drive

control

ADD GASOUNE

• Fill fuel tank. 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 days to assure fuel

freshness.

&WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or

using ethanol or methanol) can attract

moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine

problems, the fuel system should be

emptied before 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.

_,CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any

spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or

use gasoline near an open flame.

Engine oil cap Gasoline filler cap

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the

engine.

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

• Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full

line on the dipstick.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine

for accurate dipstick reading.

• Engine holds 20 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this manual.

• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

• To reed proper level, tighten engine oil cap each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Change the oil after every 25 hours of

operation or each seeson. You may need to change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions.

TO START ENGINE

• 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.

• Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and pull starter handle

quickly. DO not allow starter rope to snap back.

• To stop engine, release operator presence control bar.

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

warmer weather over priming may cause flooding and engine will not start. If you do flood engine, wait a few minutes

before attempting to start and do not repeat priming steps.

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 (push-

ing speed) and/or run the lawn mower over the area a second time.

• If 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: Forbestperformance,keep

mowerhousingfree ofbuilt-upgrassand trash.See "Cleaning" inMaintenancesection

ofthismanual.

• The specialmulching bladewillrecutthe

grassclippingsmany timesand reduce

them in sizeso that as they faUontothe

lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients lor

the lawn. Always mulch with your highest

engine (blade)speed as this will provide the best recutting action of the blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when it iswet. Wet grass tendsto form dumps 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 resutts,adjust the lawn mower cuttingheightso thatthe lawn mowercuts offonlythetopone-thirdof thegrassblades.

Ifthelawn isovergrownitwillbe necessary

toraisethe heightofcutto reducepushing

effortand to keep from overloadingthe

engine and leavingdumps of mulched

grass.For ex-b'emelyheavymulching, reduceyourwidthofcutby overlapping previouslycutpath and mow slowly.

• Certain typesof grass and grass conditions may requirethatan area be mulched a secondtimeto completely hidethe

clippings.When doinga secondcut,mow acrossorperpendicularto thefirstcut path.

• Change yourcuttingpattemfrom week to weak. Mownorthtosouthone weekthen

changetoeast towestthe next week. This willhelppreventmatting andgrainingofthe

lawn.

AsYouCOMPLFrE ....

RE O RSERV,CE ERV,O

Check forLooseFasteners ¥1 I_ Clean/InspectGrass Catcher

(if Equipped) _ _

M Clean LawnMower

Clean Under DriveCover (Power-PropelledMowers) !/

_ Check ddve belgpulleys

(Power-PropelledMowers) V'

R Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade _3

LubricationChart I_

Clean Battery/Recharge IElectric Start MowersI If IV#'4

NE Check EngineOil Level

Chan_e EngineOil 5/'1.2

InspectMuffler

Clean Air Filter t_ l

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug

ReplaceAir FilterPaper Cartridge 1_2

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy inad Or in high ambient temperatures,

2 - Sei_ice more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditioas. 3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy 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

pedodically 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, replace air filter element and check

blade for wear. A new spark plug and oiean/new air filter element assures

proper air-fuel mixture and helps 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 lubdcated (See "LUBRICA-

TION CHART').

(i) Wheel adjuster

(_) Handle bracket mounting pin

(D Spray lubricant (_) Referto Maintenance "ENGINE" section.

IMPORTANT: Do not oilor grease plastic

wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will attract

dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the self lubdcaSng bearings. If you feel they must be

lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite

type lubricant sparingly.

LUBRICATION CHART

\ --

ine oil

Rear door hinge

=RODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

;ERIALNUMBER

DATE OFPURCHASE

IASOLINECAPACITY/TYPE:

)IL TYPE (API-SF/SG/SH):

OIL CAPACITY: SPARK PLUG (GAP: .030")

VALVE CLEARANCE:

SOLID STATE IGNITION AIR GAP:

BLADE BOLT TORQUE:

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

provided above.

1.5 QUARTS UNLEADED REGULAR

SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

20 OZS.

CHAMPION RJ19LM OR J19LM

INTAKE: .004 - .008 EXHAUST: .004 - .008

.0125 IN. 35-40 FT. LBS.

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when performing 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.

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

blades. TO REMOVE BLADE

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark

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

• Turn lawn mower on its side. Make

sure air tilter and carburetor are up.

• Use a wood block between blade and

mower housing to prevent blade from

turning when removing blade bolt.

• Protect your hands with gloves and/or

wrap blade with heavy cloth.

• Remove blade bolt by turning counter-

clockwise.

• Remove blade and attaching hardware

(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 condition to work

properly. Replace adapter if damaged. TO REPLACE BLADE

• Position the blade adapter on the

engine crankshaft. Be sure key in

adapter and crankshaft keyway are

aligned.

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

with the raised lugs on the adapter.

• Be sure the trailing edge of blade

(opposite sharp edge) is up toward the

engine.

• Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into

blade adapter and crankshaft.

• 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. Crankshaft

Blade keyway

Key

Blade

• Remove any trash or grass cuttings from inside the dust cover, pinion and/

or drive wheel gear teeth.

• Put wheels back in place.

• If after cleaning, the drive wheels do not turn freely, contact your nearest

authorized 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.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION Use only high quality detergent oil rated

with API service classification SF, SG or

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

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

bolt Crank

shaft

Lock Blade

washer Hardened edge adapter

washer

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 itwill wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace only with a manufacturer approved

replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower model number when ordering.

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.

• Remove hubcaps, hairpin cotters and washers.

• Remove wheels from wheel adjusters. 12

.3O" .20" .10" O" 10' 29"

TEMPERAllJRE RANGE ANTICIPATED 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°F. 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.

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark

plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with spark plug.

• Remove engine oil cap; lay aside 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 remove any oil trapped inside of

engine.

• Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower and on side of engine.

• Fill engine with oil. Fill only to the "FULL" line on the dipstick. DO NOT

overfill.

• Replace engine oil cap.

• Reconnect spark plug wire to spark

plug.

Container

AIR FILTER

Your engine will not run properly and

may be damaged by using a dirty air

filter.

Replace the air filter every year, more

often if you mow in very dusty, dirty conditions. Do not wash air filter.

TO CHANGE AIR FILTER

• Remove the air filter by turning clockwise to the stop and pull away

from collar.

• Remove filter from inside of cover.

• Clean the inside of the cover and the collar to remove any dirt accumulation.

• Insert new filter into cover.

• Put air filter cover and filter into collar aligning the tab with the slot.

• Push in on cover and turn counter- clockwise to tighten.

Turn

Collar

Clip

Slot

Tab

Air filter

Air filter cover Turn counter-

clockwise to tighten

MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler as

it could create a fire hazard and/or damage.

SPARK PLUG Change your spark plug each year to

make your engine start easier and run better. Set spark plug gap at .030 inch.

CLEANING IMPORTANT: For best performance,

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

your mower after each use.

_,CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it

cannot come in contact with the spark plug.

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

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.

clockwise

to remove

_LCAUTION: Before performing any service and adjustments:

• Release control bar and stop engine.

• Make sure the blade and all moving

parts have completely stopped.

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark

plug and place where it cannot come

in contact with plug.

LAWN MOWER

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

See "TO ADJUST CUNING HEIGHT" in the Operation seclJon of this manual.

REAR DEFLECTOR

The rear deflector, attachedbetweenthe rear wheels of your lawnmower,is providedto

minimize the possibilitythat objectswillbe thrownoutthe rear ofthe lawnmowerintothe

operator's mowingposition.Ifthe rear deflectorbecomes damaged, it shouldbe replaced.

TO REMOVE/REPLACE DRIVE BELT

• Remove drivecover. Remove belt by pushingdownon gear case pulleyand roll

beitoff.

•Tum lawn mower on itsside with carbure- tor and fuel cap up.

• Remove blade.

• Remove debris shield.

• Remove belt from engine pulley on

crankshaft.

• Install new belt by reversing above steps.

• Alwaysuse factory approvedbelt to assure

fit and longlife.

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.

• Remove upper handle and all parts

attached to lower handle.

• Remove hairpin cotters from lower

handle bracket mounting pin.

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

• Turn lower handle over to raise or lower

handle.

• Squeeze lower handle in and position

holes onto mounting pins on handle bracket.

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

Mowing ., Mowing . position ,_._ position / i'

, !

• a

Low position High position

Belt _[_ _!

Push ImH

downI- Inl/! iii=

Lower handle

Rotate

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

• Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigid part of bag on the bottom.

Make sure the frame handle is outside of the bag top.

• 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.

_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without clipping deflector or approved

grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or propped open.

Catcher frame

handle ._ .

bindings

ENGINE SPEED

Your engine speed has been factory set.

Do not attempt to increase engine speed

or it may result in personal injury. If you believe that the engine is running too fast or too slow, take your lawn mower to an

authorized service center for repair and adjustment.

CARBURETOR

Your carburetor has a non-adjustable fixed main jet for mixture control. If your

engine does not operate properly due to suspected carburetor problems, take your

lawn mower to an authorized service center for repair and/or adjustment.

IMPORTANT: never tamper with the engine governor, which is factory set for

proper engine speed. Overspeeding the engine above the factory high speed setting can be dangerous, if you think the

engine-governed high speed needs adjusting, contact your nearest authorzed

service center, which has proper equipment and experience to make any necessary adjustments.

opening

+ 33 hidden pages

Craftsman 917377190 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual