Craftsman 917377303 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
.6 HORSEPOWER
2" REAR DISCHARGE
OWER PROPELLED
OTARY LAWN MOWER
odel No.
|7.377303
:AUTJON:
ead and follow alt
afety Rules and instructions
9fore operating this equipment
_ars, Roebuck and COo,Hoffman Estates, IL60179
Warranty 2 Product Specifications 1
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 1
Assembly 4 Storage 1
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 1
Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 3
Maintenance 10 Parts Ordering Back Cove
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., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
TRAINING:
. Read 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.
o 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 attachments may be
hazardous.
• The blade turns when the engine is
running.
PREPARATION:
- Always thoroughly checkthe 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 starting engine.
Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the
engine is running or when the engine is
,inutesbeforefillingthegastank.Clean
f anyspitledgasolinebeforestartingthe
lgine.
Iwaysmakewheelheightadjustments
dore starting your mower. Never
_empt to do this while the engine is
inning.
ow only in daylight or good artificial
_ht.
ERATION:
eep your eyes and mind on your mower
nd the area being cut. Do not let other
terests distract you.
o not mow wet or slippery grass. Never
in while operating your mower. Always
esure of your footing- keep a firm
old on the handles and walk.
o not put hands or feet near or under
_tating parts. Keep clear of the discharge
pening at all times.
Iways stop the engine whenever you
_aveor are not using your mower; or
efore crossing driveways, walks, roads,
nd any graveP-covered areas.
lever direct discharge of material toward
ystanders nor allow anyone near the
_ower while you are operating it.
iefore cleaning, inspecting, or repairing
our mower, stop the engine and make
bsolutely sure the blade and all moving
arts have stopped. Then disconnect the
park plug wire and keep it away from the
park plug to prevent accidental starting.
)o not continue to run your mower if you
it a foreign object. Fcitow the procedure
utlined above, then repair any damage
,efore restarting and operating you
lower.
)o not change the governor settings or
,verspeed the engine. Engine damage or
ersonal injury may result.
)o not operate your mower if it vibrates
_bnormally. Excessive vibration is an
]dication of damage; stop the engine,
afety check for the cause of vibration
_ndrepair as required.
)o not run the engine indoors. Exhaust
umes are dangerous.
4ever cut grass by pulling the mower
owards you. Mow across the face of
;lopes, never up and down or you might
ose your footing. Do not mow exces-
;ivetysteep slopes. Use caution when
)perating the mower on uneven terrain or
good footing.
• Never operate your mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
other safety devices in place.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
- Checkthe blade and the engine mount-
ing bolts often to be sure they are
tightened properly.
• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to
be sure mower is In safe working
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.
o Check grass catcher often for deteriora-
tion 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.
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.
Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthislawnmowerwasproduced.Theyarealsoavailabl
atmostSearsretailoutletsandservicecenters.MostSearsstorescanalsoorderrepairpartsf
you,whenyouprovidethemodelnumberofyourlawnmower.Someoftheseaccessoriesma_
notapplytoyourlawnmower.
LAWNMOWERPERFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
@
MUFFLERS
BELTS
BLADES
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 riskof injury. Your unit
is equipped withsuch controls. Do not attempt
to defeat the function of the operator presence
controls under any circumstances.
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 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 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_
BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS
MULCHER KITS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
SiDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWE RS
AIR FILTERS
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
• Remove loose parts included wi
mower.
• Cut down two end comers of cart_
and lay end panel down flat.
Remove a!l packing materials exc_
padding between upper and low
handle and padding holding operal
presence control bar to upper handl
• Roll lawn mower out of carton a_
check carton thoroughly for additior
loose parts.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefully so a_
not to pinch or damage control cables.
• Raise handles until lower handle section
locks into piece in mowing position.
4
- Removeprotectivepadding,raiseupper
handlesectionintoplaceonlowerhandles
andtightenbothhandleknobs.
• Removehandlepaddingholdingoperator
presencecontrolbartoupperhandle.
oYourlawnmowerhandlecanbeadjusted
foryourmowingcomfort.Referto',Adjust
Handle"intheServiceandAdjustment
sectionofthismanual.
Operator presence
control bar
Up[
Lift up
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
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 return to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into discharge opening of
mower. ,__
Lower
handle
Mewing
position
Mulcher plug _ k_.J
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 propped
open.
v
I{NOWYOUR LAWN MOWER
::{EADTHIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN
vIOWER. Compare the illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location
ure reference.
Fhese symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the
)roduct. Learn and understand their meaning.
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE
OR WARNING ON OFF
ngine zone control
Starter handle
Grass catcher
Mutcher plug
Gasoline filler cap
Engine speed control
VIEETS CPSC SAFFY. REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American
qational Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade
FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
AND FEET AWAY
Operator presence control bar
control lever
andle knob
Engine oil cap
with dipstick
D rive cover
Primer Lawn mower housing
j Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)
urns when the encjine is runnino__
3perator Presence Control Bar= must be
_elddown to the handle to start the engine.
:{elease to stop the engine.
Primer- pumps additional fuel from the
;arburetor to the cylinder for use when starting
3.cold engine.
3after Handle oused for starting the engine.
3rive Control Lever-- used to engage
power-propelled 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 - located at the discharge
opening must be removed when convert-
ing to bagging or discharging operation.
_inobjectsthrownintotheeyes,whichcan
tinsevere eye damage. Always wear
y glasses or eye shields while operating
lawn mower or performing any adjust-
Lsor repairs. We recommend awide
1safety mask over the spectacles or
.tardsafety glasses.
!VTO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
iiNE SPEED CONTROL
engine speed is controlled by a lever
ed on the side ofthe engine. Fast
ion isfor starting the engine, normal
lg, and better grass bagging. Stow
ion is for light cutting, trimming and fuel
_omy.
;INE ZONE CONTROL
JTION: Federal regulations require
_ngine control to be installed on this
! mower in order to minimize the risk
_adecontact injury.Do not under any
lmstances attempt to defeat the
;tion of the operator control. The blade
s when the engine Lsrunning.
')ur lawn mower is equipped with an
)erator presence control bar which
quires the operator to be positioned
_hindthe lawn mower handle to start and
)erate the lawn mower.
Close the flip lid. Flip lid must be closed
while operating lawn mower.
Liftthe rear door on the mower housing and
place the grass catcher frame onto the
formed tabs on the rear door hinge bracket.
, The grass catcher is secured to the lawn
mower housing when the rear door is
lowered onto the grass catcher frame.
CAUI]ON: 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.
Hinge
bracket
Formed
tabs
Grass catcher
frame
TO EMPTT GRASS CATCHER
• To remove grass catcher, release operator
presence control bar to stop engine.
Lift up reardoor and remove the grass
catcher by the handle.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying;
it will cause unnecessary wear.
Primer
ADJUST CUT'EBNGHEJGFF[
aise wheels for iow cut and lower wheels
,rhigh cut.
djust cutting height to suit your require-
_ents.Medium position is best for most
_wns,
ochange c_¢tingheight, squeeze adjuster
,vet toward wheel. Move wheel up or down
, suit your requirements. Be sure all wheels
re in the same setting.
[E: Adjuster is property positioned when
etab inserts into hole in lever. Also, G
ition adjusters (_fso equipped) a!}ow lever
e positioned between the plate tabs.
,÷rWheels for High Cut Plate Tab
_eWheels E_
DRIVE CONTROL
. Self-propelling is controlled by holding the
operator presence control bar do_m to the
handle and pushing the drive control lever
fo_'ard until it dicks; then release the lever.
Forward motion will stop when the operator
presence control bar is released. To stop
forward motion w_thoutstopping engine,
release the operator presence control bar
slightS' until the drive control disengages.
Hold operator presence control bar down to
handle to continue mowing without self-
propelling.
To keep ddve control engaged when turning
corners, push down on handle and liftfront
wheels off ground white turning lawn
mower.
Operatorpresence Drive
controlbar"_,,._ _ _ ,control
_,_ "_, "_ Drivecontrol
mengage _ disengaged
drivecontrol
BEFORESTARTINGENGINE
OIL
Yourlawnmowerisshippedwithoutoilinthe
engine.
Besuremowerislevelandareaaroundoil
fillisclean.
, Removeengineoilcapw!dipstickandfillto
thefulllineonthedipstick.
Use27ozs.ofoil.Fortypeandgradeofoil
touse,see"ENGINE"inCustomer
Responsibilitiessectionofthismanual.
• Pouroilslowly.Donotoverfill.
• Checkoillevelbeforeeachuse.Addoilif
needed.Filltofulllineondipstick.
. Toreadproperlevel,tightenengineoilcap
eachtime.
• Reinstallengineoilcapandtighten.
• Changetheoilafterevery25hoursof
operationoreachseason.Youmayneed
tochangetheoilmoreoftenunderdusty,
dirtyconditions.
GAS
Fillfueltank.Usefresh,clean,regular
unleadedgasolinewithaminimumof87
octane.Donotmixoilwithgasoline.
Purchasefuelinquantitiesthatcanbeused
within30daystoassurefuelfreshness.
WARNING:Experienceindicatesthat
alcoholblendedfuels(calledgasoholor
usingethanolormethanol)canattract
moisturewhichleadstoseparationand
formationofacidsduringstorage.Acidic
gascan 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 oi"
longer. Drain the fuel tank, star/the engine
and let it run until fuel lines and carburetor
are empty. Use fresh fue! next season.
See Storage Instructions for additional
information. Never use engine or carbure-
tor cleaner products in fuel tank or
permanent damage may occur.
TO START ENGINE
- To start acold engine, push primer five (5)
times before trying to start. Use afirm push.
This step is not usually necessary when
starting an engine which has already run for
a few minutes.
Push engine speed control lever to fast
position.
Hold operator presence control bar down to
the handle and puff starter handle quickly.
Do not allow starter rope to snap back.
To stop engine, release operator presence
control bar.
NOTE: Incooler weather it may be necessary
to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather
over priming may cause flooding and engine
wil! not start. If you do flood engine, wait a few
minutes before attempting to startand do not
repeat priming steps. Engine oil cap
filler cap
Gasoline ._pstick
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
keepfrom overloading the engine and
leaving clumps of grass clippings.
• For extremely heaW cutting, reduce the
width of cut and raise the rearof the lawn
mower housing one (1)wheel adjuster
setting higher than the front for better
discharge of grass.
. 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, heaW grass, clumps ofcut grass
may not enter the grass catcher. Reduce
ground speed (pushing speed) and/or run
the lawn mower over the area asecond
time.
• Ifa trail of grass clippings is left on the right
side of a rear discharge lawn mower, mow
in a clockwise direction with a small overlap
to collect the clippings on the next pass.
• Keep top of engine around starter clear and
clean of grass clippings and chaff. This will
help engine air flow and extend engine life.
. Poresinclothgrasscatcherscanbecome
* For best results, adjust the lawn mower
filledwithdirtanddustwfthuseand
catcherswillcollectlessgrass.Toprevent
this,regularlyhosecatchersoffwithwater
andletdrybeforeusing.
MULCHINGMOWINGTIPS
IMPORTANT:Forbestperformance,keep
mowerhousingfreeofbuilt-upgrassandtrash.
CleanUNDERSIDEOFMOWERHOUSING
aftereachuse.See"Cleaning"inCUSTOMER
RESPONSIBILITIESsectionofthismanual.
• Thespecialmulchingbladewillrecutthe
grassclippingsmanytimesandreduce
theminsizesothatastheyfallontothe
lawntheywilldisperseintothegrassand
notbenoticed.Also,themulchedgrasswill
biodegradequicklytoprovidenutrientsfor
thelawn.Alwaysmulchwithyourhighest
engine(blade)speedasthiswillprovidethe
bestrecuttingactionoftheblades.
• Avoidcuttingyourlawnwhenitiswet.Wet
grasstendstoformclumpsandinterferes
withthemulchingaction.Thebesttimeto
mowyourlawnistheearly afternoon. At this
time the grass has dried and the newly cut
area will notbe exposed to the direct sun.
cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts
off only the top one-third ofthe grass blades.
Ifthe lawn is overgrown itwill 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 mulching,
reduce your width of cut, mow slowly and
raisethe rear of the lawn mower one wheel
adjuster setting higher than the front.
o 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 ofthe
lawn.
MAX 1/3
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
FILL IN DATES
AS YOU COMPLETE
REGULAR SERVICE
_eck for Loose Fasteners
Cleanllnspect Grass Catcher
(If Equipped)
M Clean Lawn Mower
(Power-Propelled Mowers)
Clean Under Drive Cover
. Check drive belt!pulleys
_ __Power-Propelted Mowers)
Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade
Clean Battery/Recharge
i Lubrication Chart
_ M_owers_)
Change Engine Oil
'Check Engine Oil Level
Clean Air Filter
I Inspect Muffler
N clean or Replace Spark Plug
E I Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge
I - Charge more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures.
2 - Sen4ce more oftet_ when operating in dirty or dusty conditions,
3 - Replace b_ades more often when mowing in sand! soil,
4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does not
cover itemsthat 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 willneed to be made
periodically to properly maintain your unit.
All adjustments inthe Service and
Adjustments section of this manual should be
checked at least once each season.
® Once ayear, replace the spark plug, replace
air filter element and check blade for wear. A
new spark plug and clean/new air filter
element assures proper air-fuel mixture and
helps your engine run better and last longer.
• Followthe maintenance schedule inthis
manual.
BEFORE EACH USE
• Checkengine oil level.
• Checkfor loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICATION
CHART").
'SERVmCE DATES
v'
J
v'3
LUBRICATION CHART
(_) Wheel
(_ Engine oil
(]) Rear (]) Handle bracket
door
hinge mounting pin
(]) SPRAY LUBRICANT
(_) SAE30 MOTOROIL REFERTO
ENGINE- CUSTOMER
RESPONSIBILITIES SECTION.
IMPORTANT." Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings. _scous 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.
10
)ELNUMBER 917.377303
_IALNUMBER
EOFPURCHASE
:_SEPOWER: 6.6
3LACEMENT: 12.56CU.iN.
;OLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS
UNLEADED REGULAR
TYPE (APt-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)
CAPACITY: 27 OZS.
,RK PLUG(GAP: .03o") CHAMPION RJ19LM
VECLEARANCE: INTAKE: .004 - .008
EXHAUST: .004 - .008
_ID STATE IGNITION
GAP: .0125 IN.
DE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS°
_e model and serial numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the
wn mower housing.Record both serial number and date of purchase in space
ovided above.
VN MOWER
_ysobserve safety rules when performing
maintenance.
ES
_;eptires free of gasoline, oil,or insect
_ntro!chemicals which can harm rubber.
void stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp
:_jectsand other hazards that may cause
e darr_ge.
_,DE CARE
vest results, mower blade must be kept
-p.Replace bent or damaged blades.
:_EMOVE BLADE
isconnect spark plug wire from spark plug
nd place wire where it cannot come in
3ntact with spark plug.
urn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air
ter and carburetor are up.
ise a wood block between blade and
lower housing to prevent btade from
_rningwhen removing blade bok°
'rotect your hands with gloves and/or wrap
lade with heavy cloth.
/emove blade bolt by turning counter_
Iockwise. Use a 9/16" box oropen-end
/rench.
o Rerr_ve 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
keyway incrankshaft 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 is up toward the
engine.
o 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 bo_tis grade 8 heat
treated.
11
NOTE:Wedonotrecommendsharpening
blade-butifyou do,be sure the blade is
balanced.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
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 anail into a
beam or wail. Leave about one inch ofthe
straight nail exposed. Place center hole of
blade over the head ofthe 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 isbalanced.
GRASS CATCHER
- The grass catcher may be hosed with
water, but must be dry when used.
• Checkyou r grass catcher often for damage
or deterioration. Through normal use it will
wear. Ifcatcher needs replacing, replace
only witha manufacturer approved
replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower
model number when ordering.
Blade Crank shaft
adaptor
Blade
Bolt Crank
Lockwasher Hardened Blade shaft
washer Trailing adaptor
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 wi!l wear. If catcher needs
replacing, replace only with a manufac-
turer 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,
edge
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.
o Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.
• 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.
750355. Do not substitute.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SF, SH or
SG. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating
temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
I
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.
Changethe oil after every 25 hours of opera-
tion or at least once a year if the lawn mower
is not used for 25 hours in one year.
12
;heckthecrankcaseoillevelbefore
tarringtheengineandaftereachfive(5)
Loursofcontinuoususe.Tightenoilplug
',ecurelyeachtimeyouchecktheoillevel.
rOCHANGEENGINEOIL
_OTE:Beforetippinglawnmowertodrain
)il, drain fuel tank by running engine until
uel 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 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 OVER
FILL.
, Replace engine oil cap.
, Reconnect spark plug wire to spark
plug.
Container
AIRFILTER
Yourenginewillnotrunproperly and may be
damaged by using a dirtyair filter.
Replace the air filter every year, more often
ifyou mow invery dusty, dirtyconditions. Do
notwash airfilter.
TO CHANGE AIR FILTER
o Loosen cover screw.
o Swing cover down and remove from hinge.
o Pull paper filter out of air cleaner body,
._ Clean air cieanercover and body.
., lnstaJla new paper filter.
Reinsta/i cover to air cleaner body. Be sure
hinge is assembled properiy.
.;, Swing cover up and tighten cover screw.
(Do not overtighten).
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 underside of mower housing after
each use.
CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from
spark plug and place wire where itcannot
come incontact 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 buildi-up of grass andtrash.
. 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 inshortened
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.
Air filter cover
Hinge Cover
Paperfiiter knob
13
CAUTION: Before performing any
service or adjustments:
Release control bar.
o Make sure the blade and all moving
parts have completely stopped.
o 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 CUTTING HEIGHT" in
the Operation section of this manual.
REAR DEFLECTOR
The rear deflector, attached between the
rear wheels of your lawn mower, is
provided to minimize the possibility that
objects will be thrown out the rear of the
lawn mower into the operator's mowing
position.
If the rear deflector becomes damaged, it
should be replaced.
TO REMOVE/REPLACE DRIVE BELT
,, Remove drive cover. Remove belt by
pushing down on gear case pulley and
roiling belt off it.
Turn lawn mower on its side with
carburetor and fuel cap up.
• Remove blade.
• Remove debris shield.
Remove belt from engine pulley on
crankshaft.
Install new belt by reversing above
steps.
Always use factory approved belt to
assure fit and long life.
Drive
cover
o Remove the controls and operator
presence control bar from the upper
handle.
o Remove hairpin cotters.
® Disconnect the lower handle from the
handle brackets.
• Turn the handle over and reassemble
the hairpin cotters that have been
removed.
o Reassemble the controls and the
operator presence control bar to the
upper handle.
CAUTION: The operator presence control
bar must pivot freely to permit blade brake
engagement when control bar is released.
Do not over tighten the fasteners holding
the controls to the upper handle.
- To change from medium Iowto high
position only the upper handle section
will have to be turned over.
- To change from medium low to low
position, only the lower handle section
will have to be turned over.
Medium Low MediumHigh
Shipping Position
F
Low
High
Belt Push
down
TO ADJUST HANDLE
Your lawn mower handle can be raised or
lowered for your mowing comfort. Four (4)
positions are available: high, medium high,
medium low and low. Handles are shipped
mounted in the medium low position.
o To change from medium low to medium
high position, the upper and lower
handle sections will have to be turned
over.
o Remove the cable clips.
Lower Handle
Squeeze to
remove
Handle
Bracket
Hairpin Clip
14
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