Page 1
Dwner’s Manual
3.5 HORSEPOWER
12" EZ MULCH
POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
VIodel No.
317.377420
® Safety
® Assembly
® Operation
® Maintenance
® Español
® Repair Parts
CAUTION:
^ead and follow ail
safety Rules and Instructions
jefore operating this equipment
¡ears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
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Warranty
Safety Rules
Assembly
Operation
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance
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/Departrnent 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, ROEBUCK AND CO„ D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES. ILLINOIS 60179
2 Product Specifications 11
2 Service and Adjustments 14
4 Storage 15
6 Troubleshooting 16
10 Repair Parts 33
10 Parts Ordering Back Cover
TRAINING:
» Read this operator's manual carefully.
Become familiar with the controls and
know how to operate your mower prop
erly. 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 manu
al.
“ 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.
e The blade turns when the engine is run
ning.
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.
a Dress properly. Do not operate mower
when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Wear only solid shoes with good traction
when mowing.
Page 3
» 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 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 a firm
hold on the handles and walk.
® Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. 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 in
dication 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 ex
cessively steep slopes. Use caution
when operating the mower on uneven
terrain or when changing directions —
maintain good fooling.
° Never operate your mower without prop
er guards, plates, grass catcher or other
safety devices in place.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
® Check the blade and the engine mount
ing bolts often to be sure they are tight
ened properly.
® Check all bolls, nuts and screws at fre
quent intervals for proper tightness to be
sure mower is in safe working condition.
® Keep all safety devices in place and
worldng.
® 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 rec
ommended by and comply with specifi
cations of the manufacturer of your
mower.
o 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 can
not contact spark plug in order to pre
vent 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.
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These accessories were availabie 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
__________________________________
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
CUPPING DEFLECTOR
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
ppi jc!
BLADES
MPORTANT: 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 pres
ence controls to minimize the risk of injury.
Your unit is equipped with such controis.
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 purpos
es. 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
MULCHER KrrS
AIR FILTERS
BLADE ADAPTERS
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 han
dle and padding holding operator pres
ence control bar to upper handle.
® Roll lawn mower out of carton and
check carton thoroughly for additional
loose parts.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
WHEELS
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
ENGINE OIL
Page 5
MOWER
ro UNFOLD HANDLE
MPORTANT: 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 section into place on
lower handies and tighten both handle
knobs.
' Remove handle padding holding opera
tor presence control bar to upper han
dle.
> Your lawn mower handle can be adjust
ed for your mowing comfort. Refer to
"Adjust Handle" in the Service and Ad
justment section of this manual.
Operator presence
control bar
Upper han
die
Lift up
Lower
handle
Mowing
position
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KNOW YOUR LAWH MOWER ' '“ ‘ “ ^
READ THIS OWNER’S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN
MOWER. Compare the illustrations wih your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of
various controls and acfustments. Save this manual for ftjture reference.
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the prod
uct Learn and understand their meaning.
CAUTiON ENGiNE ENGINE FAST
Oa WARNING ON OFF
Stow CHOKE
FUEL OIL DANGER. KEEP HANDS
AND FEET AWAY
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 Bar- must be
held down to the handle to start the engine.
Release to stop the engine.
Primer - pumps additional fuel from the car
buretor to the cylinder for use when starting
a cold engine.
Starter Handle - used tor starting the
engine.
Drive Control Lever— used to engage
power-propelled forward motion of lawn
mower.
Mulcher Door - allows conversion to dis
charge or bagging operation.
Page 7
rhe operation of any lawn mower can
esult in foreign objects thrown into the
syes, which can result in severe eye dam
age. Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields while operating your lawn mower or
jerforming any adjustments or repairs. We
ecommend a wide vision safety mask over
he spectades or standard safety glasses.
hlOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
rhe engine speed was set at the factory
or optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
awn mower in order to minimize the
isk of blade contact injury. Do not un
der any circumstances attempt to deeat the function of the operator control,
rhe blade turns when the engine is
'unning.
• Your lawn mower is equipped with an
operator presence control bar which
requires the operator to be positioned
behind the lawn mower handle to start
and operate the lawn mower.
ro ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
> Raise wheels for low cut and lower
wheels for high cut.
> 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
up or down to suit your requirements. Be
sure all wheels are in the same setting.
MOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned
when plate tab inserts into hole in lever.
Mso, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped)
allow lever to be positioned between the
olate tabs.
Lower Wheels for High Cut Plate
_
___
Tai:
DRIVE CONTROL
® Self-propelling is controlled by holding
the operator presence control bar down
to the handle and pushing the drive con
trol lever fonward until it clicks; then
release the lever.
“ Forward motion will stop when the opera
tor 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 continue
mowing without self-propelling.
0 To keep drive control engaged when
turning comers, push down on handle
and lift front wheels off ground while turn
ing lawn mower.
Operator presence control bar
To engage
drive control
TO INSTALL DISCHARGING
DEFLECTOR
® Lift door upward on it's hinge until the
deflector frame can be hooked over the
door mounting bracket as shown.
» Release the door to rest against deflec
tor frame.
® To return to mulching operation, reverse
the above steps and be sure door is in
closed position.
Deflector
Drive con-
Drive control
disengaged
Mulcher Door
rol
Raise
Wheels for
Low Cut
Lever
Page 8
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Your lawn mower is shipped witfiout oil in
the engine.
« Be sure mower is level and area around
oil till is dean.
® 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 “ENGINP in Customer Re
sponsibilities 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 need
to change the oil more often under dusty,
dirty conditions.
GAS
° Rll fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Pur
chase fuel in quantities that can be used
within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
WARNING: Experience indicates that al
cohol 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 en
gine while in storage. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system should be emp
tied before storage 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 Instructions for additional informa
tion. 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 five
(5) times before tryirrg to start. Use a firm
push. This step is not usually necessary
when starting an engine which has
already run for a few minutes,
o Hold operator presence control bar down
to the handle and pull starter handle
quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap
back.
f » To stop engine, release operator pres
' ence control bar.
NOTE; In cooler weather it may be neces
sary 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 attempt
ing 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.
® For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut and raise the rear of the lawn
mower housing one (1) wheel adjuster
setting higher than the front for better dis
charge of grass.
° When using a rear discharge lawn mower
in moist, heavy grass, clumps of cut
grass may not enter the grass catcher.
Reduce ground speed (pushing speed)
and/or run the lawn mower over the area
a second time.
o If a 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.
» 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 catchers off
with water and let dry before using.
8
Page 9
TOUCHING MOWING TIPS
M PORTANT: For best periormance, keep
newer housing free of built-up grass and
rash. Clean UNDERSIDE OF MOWER
-lOUSiNG after each use. See "Cleaning“
n CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES secion of this manual,
The special mulching blade will recut the
grass clippings many times and reduce
them in size so that as they fall onto the
lawn they will disperse into the grass and
not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass
will biodegrade quickly to provide nutri
ents for the lawn. Always mulch with your
highest engine (blade) speed as this will
provide the best recuttlng action of the
blades.
• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet.
Wet grass tends to form clumps and
interferes with the mulching action. The
best time to mow your lawn is the early
afternoon. At this time the grass has dried
and the newly cut area will not be
exposed to the direct sun.
° For best results, adjust the lawn mower
cutting height so that the lawn mower
cuts off only the top one-third of the grass
blades. If the lawn is overgrown it will be
necessary to raise the height of cut to
reduce pushing effort and to keep from
overloading the engine and leaving
clumps of mulched grass. For extremely
heavy mulching, reduce your width of cut,
mow slowly and raise the rear of the lawn
mower one wheel adjuster setting higher
than the front.
" Certain types of grass and grass condi
tions may require that an area be
mulched a second time to completely
hide the clippings. When doing a second
cut, mow across or perpendicular to the
first cut path,
» Change your cutting pattern from week to
week. Mow north to south one week then
change to east to west the next week.
This will help prevent matting and grain
ing of the lawn.
MAX 1/3
Page 10
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
RLLiN DATES
AS YOU COMPLETE
REGUU^R SERVICE .......................................................................................................
Check for Loose Fasteners
Ctean/lnspect Grass Catcher
(if Equipped)
Clean Lawn Mower
M
Clean Under Drive Cover |
o
{Power-Propsiled Mowers) I
Check drive bett/pulleys
'Í
iPower-PrODBlIed Mowers)
R
Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade
Lubrication Chart
Clean Battery/Recharge
(Hectric Start Mowers)
Ched« Enqine Oil Level
E
Chanqe Enqine Oil
N
Clean Air Biter
G
Inspect Muffler
1
Clear» or Replace Spark Plug ✓
N
Replace Air Biter Paper Cartridge
1 - Clisngo moro often when operating undar a heavy load or in high
2 “ Servica moro often whan operating In dirty or dusty conditions..
3 - Replace blades more often when mowing In sandy soil.
4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season
GENERÄL 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 manu
al.
Some adjustments will need to be made
periodically to properly maintain your unit
All adjustments in the Service and Adjust
ments 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 clean/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 lubricated (See “LUBRICA
TION CHART').
✓ f/
✓
wtc E D; \TES
a/ I
8/
✓
6/
e/ 3
✓
1
6/ I
✓ t
....
............
..i/
........
l/
®/2
amblenl tamparatures
LUBRICATION CHART
0 SPFW LUBRICANT
^ SAE30 MOTOR OIL REFER TO
^ ENGINE - CUSTOMER
RESPONSIBILITIES SECTION.
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will at
tract dust and dirt that will shorten the life of
the self lubricating bearings. If you feel they
must be lubricated, use only a dry, pow
dered graphite type lubricant sparingly.
1
10
Page 11
RRODUGT SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL NUMBER
SERIAL NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
HORSEPOWER:
DISPLACEMENT:
GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE:
OIL TYPE (APl-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 pro
vided above.
917.377420
6.5
12.56 CU. IN.
1.25 QUARTS
UNLEADED REGULAR
SAE 30 (ABOVE 32T)
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32“F)
20 02S.
CHAMPION RJ19LM OR J19LM
INTAKE; .004" - .008"
EXHAUST; .004" - .008"
.0125 IN.
35-40 FT. LBS.
LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety ruies when perform
ing 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 filter 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. Use a 9/16" box or open-end
wrench.
® Remove blade and attaching hardware
(bolt, lock washer and hardened wash
er).,
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 in crankshaft 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.
» Install the blade bolt with the lock wash
er 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. lbs.
11
Page 12
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening
blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is
balanced.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
Care should be taken to keep the blade bal
anced. An unbalanced blade will cause
eventual damage to lawn mower or englne.
» The blade can be sharpened with a file or
on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to
sharpen while on the mower,
o To check blade balance, drive a nail into
a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of
the straight nail exposed. Place center
hole of blade over the head of the nail. If
blade is balanced, it should remain in a
horizontal position. If either end of the
blade moves downward, sharpen the
heavy end until the blade is balanced.
Blade Crank
adaptor \
_
____ shaf^key-
Blade,
Blade
^ \ \ \ Crank
Lockwasher Hardened \ Blade shaft
washer Trailing adaptor
edge
GRASS CATCHER
(If purchased as an accessory)
® The grass catcher may be hosed with
water, but must be dry when used.
» Check your grass catcher often for dam
age or deterioration. Through normal
use it will wear. If catcher needs replac
ing, replace only with a manufacturer
approved replacement catcher. Give the
lawn mower model number when orderinc
fE 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.
® Remove any trash or grass cuttings
from inside the dust cover, pinion and/or
drive wheel gear teeth.
» Put wheels back in place,
o If after cleaning, the drive wheels do not
turn freely, contact your nearest autho
rized 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.
0 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 tem-
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 op
eration 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 start
ing the engine and after each five (5)
hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug
securely each time you check the oil level.
12
Page 13
ro CHANGE ENGINE OIL
f'lOTE; 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
OVER FILL
» Replace engine oil cap.
» Reconnect spark plug wire to spark
plug.
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly and may
be damaged by using a dirty air filter.
Replace the air filter every year, more often
if you mow in very dusty, dirty conditions.
TO CLEAN 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 col
lar 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 clock
wise to tighten.
CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such as
kerosene, are not to be used to clean car
tridge. They may cause deterioration of the
cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not use
pressurized air to clean or dry cartridge,
® install cartridge, then replace cover mak
ing sure the tabs are aligned with the
slots in the back plate. Fasten screw
securely.
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 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
undereide of your lawn mower by scrap
ing to remove build—up of grass and
trash.
0 Clean engine often to keep trash from
accumulating. A clogged engine runs hot
ter 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.
13
Page 14
CAUTION: Before performing any ser
vice or adjustments:
° Release control bar.
*> 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 CUTTING HEIGHT" In
the Operation section of this manual.
REAR DEFLECTOR
The rear deflector, attached between the
rear wheels of your lawn mower, is provid
ed to minimize the possibility that objects
will be thrown out the rear of the lawn
mower into the operator's mowing posi
tion.
If the rear deflector becomes damaged, it
should be replaced.
TO REMOVeREPLACE 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 carbu
retor and fuel cap up.
» Remove blade.
® Remove debris shield,
o Remove belt from engine pulley on
crankshaft.
® Install new belt by reversing above
steps,
o Always use factory approved belt to
assure fit and long life.
___ _
cover IH
ilUl
mm^
<* Remove the controls and operator pres
ence control bar from the upper handle.
® Remove the starter rope guide from the
lower handle.
“ Remove hairpin cotters.
» Disconnect the lower handle from the
handle brackets.
e Turn the handle over and reassemble the
hairpin cotters that have been removed.
® Reassemble the starter rope guide.
® Reassemble the controls and the opera
tor presence control bar to the upper han
dle.
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 low to high
position only the upper handle section
will have to be turned over.
° To change from medium low to low posi
tion, only the lower handle section will
have to be turned over.
Medium Low Medium High
Shipping Position
Belt
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 posi
tion.
« To change from medium low to medium
high position, the upper and lower handle
sections will have to be turned over.
«> Remove the cable clips.
14
Hairpin
Cotter-
Lower Handle
Lower Handle
Mounting Pin
••ft ■
Page 15
HNGIWE •'
CARBURETOR
/our carburetor has a non-adjustable fixed
nain jet for mixture control. If your engine
does not operate properly due to suspect3d carburetor problems, take your lawn
Tsower to an authorized service center for
•epair or adjustment
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.
fo
Immediately prepare your lawn mower for
storage at the end of the season or if the
unit will not be used for 30 days or more.
LAWN MOWER
When lawn mower is to be stored for a peri
od of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all
dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean,
dry area.
“ Clean entire lawn mower (See "CLEAN
ING" in the Customer Responsibilities
section of this manual).
“ Lubricate as shown in the Customer
Responsibilities section of this manual.
» Be sure that all nuts, bolts, screws, and
pins are securely fastened. Inspect mov
ing parts for damage, breakage and wear.
Replace if necessary.
® Touch up all rusted or chipped paint sur
faces; sand lightly before painting.
HANDLE
You can fold your lawn mower handle for
storage.
» Squeeze the bottom ends of the lower
handle toward each other until the lower
handle clears the handle bracket, then
move handle forward,
» Loosen upper handle mounting bolts
enough to allow upper handle to be fold
ed back.
IMPORTANT: When folding the handle for
storage or transportation, be sure to fold the
handle as shown or you may damage the
control cables.
“ When setting up your handle from the
storage position, the lower handle will
automatically lock into the mowing posi
tion.
Lower
Handle
Squeeze to fold
Hairpin Cotter
Handle
Bracket
Operator Presence
Control Bar
Upper Handle
Fold Backward
Mowing Position
Fold Forward \
For Storage Lower Handle
ENGINE
FUEL SYSTEM
IMPORTANT: it is important to prevent gum
deposits from forming in essential fuel system
parts such as carburetor, fuel filter, fuel hose, or
tank during storage. Also, experience indicates
that alcolol blended fuels {called gasohot 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.
® Drain the fuel tank,
° Start the engine and let it run until the fuel
lines and carburetor are empty,
® Never use engine or carburetor cleaner prod
ucts in the fuel tank or permanent damage
may occur.
® Use fresh fuel ne>d season.
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alterna
tive in minimizing the formation of fue! gum
deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to gaso
line In fuel tank or storage container. Always fol
low the mix ratio found on stabilizer container.
Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding sta
bilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach the carbu
retor. Do not drain the gas tank and carburetor
if using fuel stabilizer.
ENGINE OIL
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with
clean engine oil. (See "ENGINE" in the
Customer Responsibilities section of this man
ual).
15
Page 16
CYUNDER
« Remove spark plug.
® Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through spark
plug hole into cylinder.
«» Puil starter handle slowly a few times to cBs-
bibute oil.
*> Replace with new spark plug.
OTHER
o Do not store gasoline from one season to
another.
® Replace your gasoline can if your can starts
to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your gasoline will
cause problems.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
e If possible, store your unit indoors and cover it
to give protection from dust and dirt,
■> Cover your unit with a suitable protective
cover rfiat does not retain moisture. Do not
use plastic. Plastic cannot breatie which
allows condensation to form and will cause
your unit to rust.
IMPORTANT: Never cover mower while engine
and exhaust areas are still warm.
CAUTION: Never store the lawn mower with
gasoline in the tank inside a building where
fumes may reach an open flame or ^ark
Allow the engine to cool before storing in any
endosure.
PROBLEM
Does not start
Loss of power
CAUSE
» Dirty air filter.
“ Out of fuel.
® Stale fuel.
® Water in fuel.
» Spark plug wire is
disconnected.
® Bad spark plug.
® Loose blade or broken blade
adapter.
o Control bar in released
position.
® Control bar defective.
® Rear of lawn mower housing
or cutting blade dragging
In heavy grass.
® Cutting too much grass.
® Dirty air filler.
® Buildup of grass, leaves,
and trash under mower.
® Too much oil in engine.
® Walking speed too fast.
CORRECTION
® Clean/replace air filter;
« Rii fuel tank.
® Drain tank and refill with
fresh clean fuel.
® Drain fuel tank and
carburetor and refill tank
with fresh gasoline.
® Connect wire to plug.
® Replace spark plug.
® Tighten blade bolt or
replace blade adapter.
® Depress control bar to
handle.
® Replace control bar.
® Set to “Higher Cuf
position.
® Set to “Higher Cuf
position.
® Clean/replace air filter.
® Clean underside of mower
housing.
® Check oil level.
® Cut at slower walking
speed.
16
Page 17
“ROUBLESHOOTING CHART
PROBLEM
CAUSE
CORRECTION
Poor cut - uneven
Excessive
vibration
Starter rope hard
to pull
■> Worn, bent or loose blade.
® Replace blade. Tighten
blade bolt.
° Wheel heights uneven.
^ Set all wheels at same
height
° Buildup of grass, leaves o Clean underside of
and trash under mower.
<» Worn, bent or loose blade.
mower housing.
» Replace blade. Tighten
blade bolt.
Bent engine crankshaft.
» Contact an authorized
service center.
® Engine flywheel brake is on
when control bar is released.
- Depress control bar to
upper handle before
pulling starter rope.
° Bent engine crankshaft. = Contact an authorized
service center.
■» Blade adapter broken.
<• Replace blade adapter.
<■ Blade dragging in grass. -» Move lawn mower to cut
grass or to hard surface
to start engine.
Grass catcher
not filling (if so
° Cutting height too low. ° Raise cutting height
» Lift on blade worn off. ® Replace blade.
equipped) «■ Catcher not venting air.
Hard to push ° Grass is too high or wheel
height is too low.
“ Rear of lawn mower ° Raise rear of lawn mower
housing or blade dragging
in grass.
“ Grass catcher too full.
° Handle height position not
right for you. suit.
“ Clean grass catcher.
•> Raise cutting height.
housing one (1) setting
higher.
° Empty grass catcher
° Adjust handle height to
17
Page 18
For the repair or replacement parts you need
delivered directly to your home
Call 7 am ' 7 pm, 7 days a week
1-80Ó-366-PART
{1-800-366-7278)
Para ordenar piezas con entrega a
domicilio -1-800-659-7084
For in-house major brand repair service
Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
1»800=4-REPAIR
(1-800-473-7274)
Para pedir servicio de reparación a
domicilio -1-800-676-5811
For the location of a Sears Parts and
Repair Center in your area
Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
1 -800-488-1222
For information on purchasing a Sears
Maintenance Agreement or to inquire
about an existing Agreement
Call 9 am - 5 pm, Monday-Saturday
1-800-827-6655
When requesting service or ordering
parts, always provide the following
information:
« Product Type •> Part Number
» Model Number ® Part Description
161746 04.21.98 REV.5 VB/RD/VB
America s Repair Specialists
Printed in U.S.A.
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