Craftsman 917377261 Owner’s Manual

SE_ARS

®

MODELO NO. 917.377261

o Assembly
o Operation

o Customer

Responsibilities

Service

MANUAL DEL DUENO

oAdjustments
o Repair Parts

Caution:

Read and Follow
all Safety Rules

and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment

159795 03,2197 REV,1 VBL

IMPRESO EN LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS

SAFETY RULES

_Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers

IMPORTANT: THiS CUTTING MACHINE iS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY iNSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT iN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TO MiNIMiZE THE RISK OF INJURY. YOUR UNIT IS

EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE

CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

TRAINING:

Read this operator's manual carefully. Become familiar with

the controls and know how to operate your mower propedy
Learn how to quickly stop mower'.

Do not allow children to use your mower Never allow adults
to use mower without proper instructions

Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially
small children and pets

Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de-
scribed in this manual

Do not operate mower if ithas been dropped or damaged in
any manner Always have damage repaired before using

your mower
Do not use accessory attachments that are not recommended

by the manufacturer. Use of such attachments may be
hazardous

The blade turns when the engine is running

PREPARATION:

Always thoroughly check thearea 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 starting engine. Do not fill gas tank

indoors, when the engine is Iunning or when theengine is hot

Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before filling the
gas tank Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the

engine
Always make wheel height adjustments before starting your

mower. Never attempt to do this while the engine is running
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light

OPERATION:

Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being

cut Do not let other interests distract you

Do not mow wet or slippery grass Never run while operating

your mower. Always be sure of your footing - keep afirm hold

on the handles and walk
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep

clear of the discharge opening at all times
Always stop the engine whenever you leave or are not using

your mower, or before crossing driveways, walks, roads, and
any 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 ifyou hit a foreign object
Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any dam-

age before restarting and operating you mower
Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the

engine Engine damage or personal injury may result
Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnormally Exces-

sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check forthe cause of vibration and repair as required

Do not run the engine indoors Exhaust fumes are danger-
ous

Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you Mow
across the face of slopes, never up and down or you might

lose your footing Donot mow excessively steep slopes. Use
caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain orwhen
changing directions - maintain good footing

Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates,
grass catcher or other safety devices in place

MAINTENANCE ANDSTORAGE:

Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to be
sure they ale tightened properly

Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for
proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working condi-

tion
Keep all safety devices in place and working

To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves
or excessive grease and oil

Check grass catcher often for deterioration and wear and

replace worn bags Use only replacement bags that are
recommended by and comply with specifications of the

manufacturer of your mower
Always keep a sharp blade on your mower

Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure
Never store mower with fuel in the tank inside a building

where fumes may reach an open flame or an ignition source
such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc

Look for this symbol to point out im-
portant safety precautions. It means

A

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

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark

plug wire and place wire where it can-
not contact spark plug in order to pre-

vent accidental starting when setting

up, transporting, adjusting or making
repairs.

,A WARNING

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

nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.

2

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Lawn
Mower. It has been designed, engineered and manufac-
tured to give you tile best possible dependability and

performance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily

remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized
Service Center/Department We have competent, well-
trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair

this lawn mower.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will

enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower
properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

MODEL
NUMBER 917.377261

SERIAL
NUMBER

DATEOFPURCHASE

THEMODELANDSERIALNUMBERSWILLBEFOUND

ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING

IYOUSHOULDRECORDBOTHSERIALNUMBERAND

DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEPIN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 6
DISPLACEMENT: 11.5 CU IN

GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.6QUARTS

AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR

OILTYPE (APFSF/SG): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJ19LM

GAP: 030")

VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .005"

EXHAUST: 007"

SOLID STATEIGNITION
AIR GAP: 010 IN

BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agraement is available on this producL Contact your nearest Sears stora for details.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

Read and observe the safety rules..

o Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower
o Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up
according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any
defect in material or workmanship.

If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from

the date of purchase.
This Warranty does not cover:

o Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts,

air cleaners and spark plug_

o Repairs necessary because of operator abuse ornegligence, 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 STATE& THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE

THIS PRODUCT IS IN USE IN THE UNITED STATE&
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state,

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO. D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

CUSTOME R RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 12-14

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

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

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

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 12

INDE×

A

Accessories ....................................... 5

Adjustments:

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

Drive Belt ................................. 15

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

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

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

Air Filter:

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

Service ............................................14

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

B

Blade:

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

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

C

Controls:

Drive Control .............................. 8

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

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

Operator Presence

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

Customer Responsibilities,,, 3, 12-14

Air' Filter .................................. 14

Blade Care/Replacement ...... 13

Drive Wheels ......................... 13

Engine ..................................... 14

Lubrication ............................. 14

Spark Plug ............................. 14

Cutting Levels ................................ 9

Engine:

Air Filtel ................................. 14

Oil Change .............................. 14

Oil Level ........................................14

Oil Type .................................... 14

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

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

Storage .................................. 16

Fuel:

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

Storage ..........................................16

Type ........................................... 10

Handle Adjustment:

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

Cutting Height .......................... 16

Lubrication:

Engine .................................. 14

Lawn Mower .......................... 12

Maintenance Agreement ...................3

Maintenance Schedule ....................12

Mowing Tips .................................. 10

Oil:

Engine .................................... 12

Storage .................................. 16

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................. 15

STORAGE ................................................................... 17

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 18

REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ........................ 19-23

REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 24-29

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .................................... 30

E

F

H

L

IV]

0

Operation:

Drive Control ............................ 9

Engine Control .............................9

Grass Catcher .............................9

Mower, ..................................... 9

Operator Presence

Control Bar .............................. 9

Options:

Accessories ............................... 5

R

Repair Parts:

Engine .....................................24-29

Lawn Mower. ...................... 19-23

Responsibilities, Customer, 3, 12-14

S

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

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

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

Drive Belt ................................. 15

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

Handle ............................................16

Spark Plug ...................................... 14

Specifications ................................. 3

Speed Control:

Engine ...................................... 8

Starting the Engine ......................... 10

Stopping the Engine .................... 10

Storage ............................................. 16

T

Trouble Shooting Chart .....................18

W

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

4

LAWN ACCES$ORUE$

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced_ They are also available at most Sears retail outlets
and service centers, Most Sears stores can 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

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

MULCHER KITS

STABILIZER

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS

BLADES

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SIDEDISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

5

ASS

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety
before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn

mower Your new lawn mower has been assembled atthe

factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled
for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers,

bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been
placed in the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper

operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you
assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct

tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness_

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON

Remove loose parts included with mower

o Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel

down flat.
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 thor-

oughly for additional loose parts.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)

IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLES CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES

Raise handles until lower handle section locks into
place in mowing position_

Remove protective padding, raise upper handle sec-
tion into place on lower handle and tighten both handle

knobs.

Remove handle padding holding operator presence
contro! bar to upper handle_

• Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your
mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the
Service and Adjustment section of this manual

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

(See Fig. 2)

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:

, Open rear door and remove mulcher plug. Store

mulcher plug in a safe place.

• You can now install catcher or optional clipping deflec-
tor.

To return to mulching operation, install mulcher plug

into discharge opening of moweL

OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR

UPPER

LIFTUP

MOWING POSITION

LOWER HANDLE

FIG. 1

FIG. 2

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plug in place or ap-

proved clipping deflector or grass
catcher' in place. Never attempt to op-

erate the lawn mower with the rear door
removed or propped open,

6

OPERATBON

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER

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

manual for future reference,

i

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

CAUTION

OR WARNING

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE

STARTER HANDLE

ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL

ON OFF

OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

AND FEET AWAY

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR

DRIVE CONTROL LEVER

ENGINE OIL CAP W/DIPSTICK

COVER

MULCHER PLUG

PRIMER

FIG. 3

,DJUSTER

(ON EACH WHEEL)

HOUSING

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute
and the U,S+ Consumer Product Safety Commission+ The blade turns when the engine is running,

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL - must be held
down to the handle to start the engine, Release to stop the

engine,
PRIMER - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the

cylinder for use when starting a cold engine,
STARTER HANDLE - used for starting the engine_

DRIVE CONTROL LEVER - used to engage power-pro-
pelled forward motion of lawn mower,

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

(_) engine speed
MULCHER PLUG - must be removed to convert to bagging

or discharging operation

7

OPERATION

The operation of any lawn mower can resultinforeign objects thrown into the eyes, which can
result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses oreye shields while operating your

I mask over the spectacles or standard safety glasses.

lawn mower or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plate in place and door
closed orwithout an approved clipping
deflector or grasscatcher in place,

Never attempt to operate the lawn
mower with the rear door removed or

propped open.

ENGINE SPEED (See Fig. 4)

The engine speed is controlled by a lever located on the
side of the engine_ Fast ('_) position is for starting the

engine, normal cutting and better grass bagging, Slow
(_) position isfor light cutting, trimming and fuel economy.

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 con-
trol. The blade turns when the engine is

running.

Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator pres-
ence control bar which requires the operator to be

positioned behind the lawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower_

ENGINE SPEED

LOWER WHEELS PLATE TAB
FOR HIGH CUT

RAISE WH_

FOR LOW CUT

LEVER

FIG. 5

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER (SEE FIG. 6)

o

CIosethe fliplid, Flip lid must be closed while operating

lawn mower.

o

Lift the rear door on the mower housing and place the
grass catcher frame onto the formed tabs on the rear

door hinge brackeL
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 propped open,

REAR DOOR

BRACKET

GRASS
CATCHER

FRAME

CONTROL LEVER

PRIMER

FIG. 4

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 5)

o Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut.

Adjust cutting height to suit your requirements. Me-

dium position is best for most lawns_

° To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever to-

ward wheel. Move wheel up or' down to suit your

requirements. Be sure all wheels are in the same
setting.

NOTE: Ad uster is properly positioned when plate tab
inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9-position ad usters (if so

equipped) allow lever to be positioned between the p ate
tabs.

FORMED

TABS

FIG. 6

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER (SEE FIG. 7)

o To remove grass catcher, release operator presence

control bar to stop engine_

* Lift up rear' door and remove the grass catcher by the

handle.

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

unnecessary wear.

8

OPERATMON

FIG. 7

DRIVE CONTROL (See Fig. 8)

• Self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator
presence control bar down to the handle and pushing

the drive contiol lever forward until it clicks; 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 until the drive control disengages, Hold
operator presence control bar down to handle to con-
tinue mowing without self-propelling_

To keep drive control engaged when turning corners,
push down on handle and lift front wheels off ground

while turning lawn mower.

OPERATORPRESENCE

\_ \ I CONTROLBAR

CONTROL"

TO ENGAGE DRIVE CONTROL

DRIVE CONTROL plSENGAGED

FIG. 7

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL (See Fig. 9)

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the engine.

Be sure mower is level and area around oil fill is clean,
Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fill to the full line

on the dipstick.
Use 20 ozs of oil. For type and grade of oil to use see

ENG NE" in Customer Responsibilities 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 read 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
season. You may needto change the oil more often
under dusty, dirty conditions_

GAS (SEE FIG. 9)

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. De 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 gasohel 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 stor-

age of 30 days or longer Drain the fuel tank, start the
engine and let it run until fuel lines and carburetor are
empty. Use fresh fuel next season.. See Storage Instruc-
tions for additional information. Never use engine or

carburetor cleaner products in fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur

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.

• Move engine speed control lever to fast (,t_) position_

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 net start, If you do flood engine,
wait a few minutes before attempting to start and do not
repeat priming steps,

GASOLINE FILLER CAP

FIG. 9

ENGINE OIL CAP

9