Craftsman 917377330 Owner’s Manual

S_EARS

MODEL NUMBER 917.377330

oAssembly oOperation

oCustomer

Responsibilities

oService

OWNER'S MANUAL

Adjustments

oRepair Parts

Caution: Read and Follow

all Safety Rules and Instructions

Before Operating

This Equipment

156675 12o6o96 VBL

...... , ...................................................... , ........... ,,,,

Printed in USoA.

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 CtRCUMSTANCES_

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.

o 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 it has been dropped or damaged in

any manner_ Always have damage repaired before using your mower,

• Donot use accessory attachments that are notrecommended by the manufacturer. Use of such attachments may be

hazardous°

• The blade turns when the engine isrunning°

PREPARATION:

• Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clearit 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 sotid 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 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 yourmower 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 a firm 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, waiks, 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 sparkplug 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 dam* age before restarting and operating you mower.

• Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the engine. Engine damage or personal injury may resulL

• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnormally., Excess sive 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 danger- ous.

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

loseyourfooting° Donotmowexcesstvelysteepslopes. Use

cautionwhen 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 AND STORAGE:

• Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to be

sure they are tightened property.

• Check all boils, 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.

o Always keep a sharp blade on your mower,

• Allow engine to cool before stodng 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..

portant safety precautions. It means

i Look fore:this symbol to point out im-

CAUTIONH! BECOMEALERTIIt YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark

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

vent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making

repairs.

i, ,1111................................. i iiiiiii

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.

L.ONGRATULATIONS on your purchase ofa Sears Lawn Mower. It has been designed, engineered and manufac-

tured to give you the best possible dependability and performance.

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized Service CentedDepartment 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 _o assemble and maintain your lawn mower properlyo Always observe the "SAFETY RULES"

MODEL NUMBER 9174377330

SERIAL NUMBER

DATEOF PURCHASE

THE MODELANDSERIAL NUMBEPSWILL BE FOUND ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE

LAWN MOWER HOUSING

YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE

FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

PRODUCT SPECIFnCATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 6.25

DISPLACEMENT: 12o56CU INo

GASOLINE CAPACITY 1 5QUARTS AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR ONLY

OIL TYPE (APt-SF/SG): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW32°F)

OILCAPACITY: 20 OZS. SPARK PLUG: CHAMPIONRJ19LM

GAP: 030")

VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: 008

EXHAUST: .008

SOLID STATE IGNITION AIR GAP: .0125 IN,.

BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT.LBS..

MAgNTENANCF_ AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.

CUSTOMER RESPONSBBILITIES

. Read and observe the safety rules, ', 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,

LnMITF_DTWO 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 instructionsin 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 dudng normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse ornegligence, includingbent crankshaft._ and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructionscontained in the owner's manual

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER TO THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT INTHE UNITED STAi"ESo 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, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/731CR-W SEARS TOWER, CHICAGO, 1L 60684

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ...................... 3,12-15

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

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

OPERATION ...................................................... :............ 8

aNDEX

Adjustments:

Carburetor ........................................17

Drive Control ...............................16

Engine Speed ............................ 17

Handle Height .......................... 17

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

Air Filter:

Replacement .......................... 15

Service ........................................15

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

Blade:

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

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

Controls:

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

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

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

Operator Presence Control Bar 8

Customer' Responsibilities ......3,12d 5

Air Filter ..............:::o:...........Lo_ 15

Blade Care/Replacement ...... 13

Drive Wheels ......................... 14

Engine ....................................... 15

Lubrication .............................. 15

Spark Plug ...................................15

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

Engine:

Air Filter° ....................................15

Oil Change .................................15

Oil Level .........................................15

Oil Type .........................................15

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

Stopping .........................................l0

Storage ................................. 18

Fuel:

CapaciLy .............................................3

Storage ...........................................18

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

Handle Adjustment:

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

Cutting Height ....................... 17

Lubrication:

Engine .......................................15

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

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

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

Mowing Tips .................................... 11

0ii:

Engine ...................................... 15

Storage ................................... 18

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES .............................. 12

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................. 16

STORAGE ................................................................... 18

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

REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 24-26

TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................. 27

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .................................... 28

Operation:

Drive Control ...............................10

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

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

Mower ...........................................9

Operator Presence Control Bar 9

Repair Parts:

Engine ...................................24-26

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

Responsibilities, Customer... 3,12-15

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

Service and Adjustments ..................16

Carburetor ........................................17

Drive Belt ....................................16

Drive Control ................................17

Engine Speed ............................17

Handle ........................................17

Spark Plug ...................................... 15

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

Speed Control:

Engine ..................................... 17

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

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

Storage ..............................................18

Trouble Shooting Chart .....................27

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

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LAWN !R ACCESSORIES

.......................... Ull.U,l,,U, i i ,,, i

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

i .n ..m ............................

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

MULCHER KITS

,,u,i .n,.n, , I I

STABILIZER

ilnl,,i,l,ll,i i i

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS

BLADES

,,,, ,, i ii i .................................

AIR FILTERS

BLADE ADAPTERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SIDE D!SCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

WHEELS

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

.....................i .........................

II-,"H iii, ,,, ,i .... i i i' ,,i.....

............................................................. IIH ii iii, i i, , i ii ....iii,,i' llln,,,l I

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 To ensure safe and proper opera- tion of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely Use the correct

tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness_ All parts

such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc, necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

o Remove ioose parts included with mower. = Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end

panel down flat.

o Remove all packing materials except padding be-

tween upper and lower handle and padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle.

o Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton

thoroughly for additional loose parts

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN

MOWER

BL¥

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR

UPPER HANDLE

LIFT UP

LOWER HANDLE

HANDLE P{N

MOWING POSITION

FIG. 1A

3_OS|_ON

ADJUSTMENT

BRACKET

TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Figs. 1A & 1B)

IIMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES

o Raise lower handle section to operating position and

squeeze the bottom ends of lower handle towards each other until the pin in handle can be insertedinto

one of the three height adjustment holes.

, Raise upper handle section to operating position, re-

move protective padding and tighten handle knobs

securely,

= Remove any packing material from around control bar= ° Your handles may be adjusted for your mowing com-

fort. Refer to Service and Adjustments section of this

manual,

NOTE: For shipping purposes, the rear wheels on your lawn mower are not adjusted to the same position as the front wheels. Before operating mower adjust all wheels to

the same cutting height position.

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 installcat(.net or optional clipping deflec-

tor.

o To return to mulching operation, install mulcher plug

into discharge opening of mower°

FIG. 1B

MULCHER PLUG

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.

TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS

CATCHER (See Figs. 3A thru 4)

o insert leg of tubular frame through front opening of

grass catcher and thread frame intosewn hem of bag,

NOTE: Keep bag hem gathered on the straight leg of the tubular frame.

o When frame comes out the other end of sewn hem,

immediately work the end of frame down inside the bag

as shown in inset,

• Slide sewn hem evenly around the tubular frame until both ends of frame are exposed out of the front open-

ingo

= Assemble lower frame to tubular frame as shown, Be

sure handte is outside of bag and frames are fuIly seated as shown in inset,

° 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.

o Close the flip lid, 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 bracket.

= The grass catcher is secured to the {awn mower

housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass catcher frame

,i,ii ,,,i,i,ii1,1i1,,iii,

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

withot,t cliprlng deflector or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt

to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or propped open.

LOWER FRAME HANDLE

BRACKET

FIG. 3B

GRASS

CATCHER

FRAME

TUBULAR FRAME SEWN

SEWN HEM FUP LID

FIG. 3A

FORMED

TABS

FIG. 4

OPERATmO

,,,111,,11==, ,1111, ,1,,11,11,1,1, 11 111 11,, , i

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THtS 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 _eference.

H "==="=====Hi"H'= = 11

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

their' meaning,

CAUTION FU EL

OR WARNING

DRIVECONTROLBAR

STARTER HANDLE

GRASSBAG

ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE

ON OFF

OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

AND FEET AWAY

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLBAR

DRIVE SPEED CONTROL LEVER

HANDLE KNOB

GASOLINE RLLER CAP

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER

PRIMER

MULCHER PLUG

ENGINE OIL CAP

WITH DIPSTICK

WHEEL ADJUSTER HOUSING

FIG. 6 (ONEACHWHEEL}

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotarywalk-behind power lawn mowers conformtothe safety standards of the American National Standards Institute and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission_ The blade turns when the engine is running.

,,=m,iNP,,i...... Hi'I'""HH""I" '1 = ' 1"1

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR - must be held

down tothe handle tostart the engine Release to stop the

engine_

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER - located on theside

of the engine which allows you to select either high (,_) or

low (,_) engine speed_ DRIVE SPEED CONTROL LEVER - used to select the

drive speed of your lawn mower°

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 BAR - used to engage power-propelled

forward motion of lawn mower,

MULCHER PLUG - located at the rear' discharge opening, must be removed when converting to bagging operation°

OPERATION

r'"J'l'l"_""U"" i i

! o!

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED (See Fig. 7)

The engine speed is controlled by a lever located on the

side ofthe engine. High (._) position is for starting engine, normal cutting and better grass bagging° Low (,,_.) posi-

tion is for light cutting, trimming and fuel economy,,

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

..... i i,i1,11,,,i ...... i,i ,i i, i, ,i, i1,,i,1,,,i i, i

i1,1........... i,ii 1,1,.,,H'I " I .......... '1'"

The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects thrown intothe eyes, which can result in severe eye damager 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 the spectacles or standard safety glasses,

,,i,, ,11,,i,,,,iii1,,,,,i,

ENGINE SPEED

CONTROL LEVER

an engine control to be installed on this

lawn mower in order to minimize the

CAUTION: Federal regulations require 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.

....... i,iii1,111,11,, i ,11,i

o 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.

TO CONVERT MOWER Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a

mulcher. To convert to rear bagging or side discharging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER" in Assembly section of this manual.

,,,i,1,1,,111,, _ m

CAUTION: BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO CONVERT LAWN MOWER:

• Release control bar to stop engine, o Make sure the blade and all moving

parts have completely stopped,

i, ,11

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER (See Fig. 8)

• To remove grass catcher, retease operator presence control bar to stop engine

• Lift up rear door and remove the grass catcher by the handle,

= Do not drag the bag when emptying; it witl cause

unnecessary wear.

TO ADJUST CUTTINC HEIGHT (See Fig. 9)

= Raise wheels for lowcut and lower wheels for high cuL = Wheels are set in tow cut for shipping. Adjust cutting

height to suit your requirements,, Medium position is best for most lawns°

o 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: 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.

FIG. 7

FIG. 8

LOWER WHEELS PLATE TAB FOR HIGH CUT

RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT

FIG. 9

PRIMER

VER

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