Craftsman 917377531 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

6.0 HORSEPOWER 22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377531

• Safety

• Assembly Operation

• Maintenance

, Espafioi , Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment

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

Warranty 2 Product Specifications 11

Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 14 Assembly 4 Storage 15

Operation 6 Troubleshooting 16 Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 35

Maintenance 10 Parts Ordering Back Cover

.. i ,

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

'TRAINING; o Read this operatdr's manual carefully

Become familiar with the controls and know how to operate your mower prop-

erly. Learn how to quickly stop mower,

o 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 man-

ual,

,, 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 recommeoded by the manufac-

turer_Use of such attachments may be

hazardous.

o The blade turns when the engine is

running°

PREPARATION: . Always thoroughly check the area to be

mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks,

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

blade and can cause severe injury.

• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when starting and while using

your mower.

• Dress properly, Do not operate mower when barefoot or wearing open san-

dals, Wear only solid shoes with good

traction when mowing,

o Check fuel tank before starting engine.

Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the

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 adjustmenis

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

running.

o Mow only in daylight or good artificial

lighL

OPERATION:

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

let other interests distract you.

o 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 time&

o 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 Qperat=ng iL

Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing

your mower, stop the engine and make

absolutely sure the blade and all moving parts have stopped_ ]hen disconnect

the spark plug wire and keep it away from the spark plug to prevent acciden-

tal starting.

o Do not continue to run your mower if

you hit a foreign object° Follow the pro- cedure 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.

o Do not run the engine indoors, Exhaust

fumes are dangerou&

• 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 slope& Use caution

when operating the mower on uneven terrain or when changing directions -- maintain good footing

• Never operate your mower without prop- er guards, plates, grass catcher or other

safety devices in place_

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

o Check the blade and the engine mount-

ing bolts often to be sure they are tight- ened properly.

o Check all bolts, nuts and screws at fie-

quent 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 replacemeqt bags that are rec- ommended by and comply with specifi- cations 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 ignilion

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.

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

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

_( SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS I

BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS

Read these instructibns 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 parls 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 assem-

ble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightnes&

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with mower.

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

• Remove all packing materials except padding between upper and lower handle

MULOHER KITS

""_-i t GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

/ WHEELS ENGINE OIL

STABILIZER .....

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

and padding holding operator presence 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

MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

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 section into place on lower handle

and tighten both handle knobs.

. Remove handle padding holding operator

presence control bar to upper handle.

• Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted

for your mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust

Handle" in the Service and Adjustment

section of this manual,

NOTE: For shipping purposes, the rear

wheels on your lawn mower are not

adjusted to the same positlon as the front wheels. Before operating 'mower adjust all wheels to the same cutting

height position.

Operator presence control bar

Uppi

Lift up

Mowing position

Lower handle

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was sl_ipped ready to be used as a mulcher To convert to bagging

or discharging:

o Open rear door and remove mulcher

plug. Store mulcher plug in a safe place,

o You can now install catcher or optional

clipping deflector,

o To return to mulching operation, install

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

erly.

Mulcher pluc

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

approved clipping deflector or grass

catcher in place, Never attempt to op-

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

KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND 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 refer- ence.

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the prod- uct. Learn and understand there meaning.

_AUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL Oil. DANGER, NEEP HA

OFtWANNING ON OFF ANO FEETAWA

Engine zone control cable

Starter handle

, i iii , ,i i I I II i_,,._._

bar

Drive contrei lever

Handle knob

Grass

Mulcher plug

Engine oil cap w/dipstick

Housing

Gasoline cal

Primt Wheel adi'uster

(on each wheel)

i ,i ,i ii ,,,i iii i i

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 Commis-

,s!on. The blade turns when the engine is running. ........

Operator presence control:bar - must be Starter handle - used for starting the en- held down to the handle to start the engine, gine

Release to step the engine. Primer - pumps additional fuel from the car-

buretor to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.

Drive control lever - used to engage

power-propelled forward motion of lawn mower.

Mulcher plug - must be removed to convert to bagging or discharging operation.

'Theoperationofanylawnmowercan resultinforeignobjectsthrownintothe

eyes,whichcanresultin severeeyedam-

Lower Wheel.s for High Cut /

age. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor eye shieldswhileoperatingyourlawnmower

orperforminganyadjustmentsor repairs. Werecommenda widevisionsafetymask

overthespectaclesorstandardsafety glasses.

HOW TO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without mulcher plate in place

and door closed or without 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

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

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

CAUTION: Federal regulations require open.

Raise Wheels for Low Cut TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

• Close the flip lid. Flip lid must be closed while operating lawn mower.

• Lift the rear door on the mower housing

and place the grass catcher frame onto

the formed tabs on the rear door hinge brackeL

o 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

Plate Tab

ver'_ _ ";"

an engine control to be installed on this Hinge lawn mower in order to minimize the

risk of blade contact injury. Do not un-

der any circumstances attempt t_ de- feat the function of the operator control.

The blade turns when the engine is run- ning.

• Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence control bar which Formed

requires the operator to be positioned tabs

behind the lawn mower handle to start

and operate the lawn mower,

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

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

o Adjust cutting height to suit your require-

ments. Medium position is best for most lawns.

° To change cutting height, squeeze

adjuster lever towardwheel° 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.

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER o To remove grass catcher, release opera-

tor presence control bar to stop engine.

o Lift up rear door and remove the grass

catcher by the handle.

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

Rear door

DRIVECONTROL

o Self-propellingiscontrolledby holding

theoperatorpresencecontrolbardown tothehandleand_ipushingthedrivecon-

trol leverforwarduntilit clicks;then

releasethelever°

• Forwardmotionwill stopwhentheoper-

ator 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.

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

turning lawn mower.

Operator presence control bar

Drive

"_ trol

To engage drive Drive control Control desengaged

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in

the engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around

oil fill is clean.

• Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fill to the full line on the dipstick.

o Use 20 oz& of oil. For type and grade of

oil to use, see "ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this manual.

o Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill

• Check oil level before each use. Add oi! if

needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

o 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.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87

octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel fresh-

hess,

IMPORTANT: When operating in tempera- tures below 32°F'(0°C), use fresh, clean win-

ter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting°

WARNING: Experience indicates that alco-

hol 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 dam- age the fuel system of an engine while in

storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of

30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines

and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructions for

additional information, Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permadent damage may occur.

CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank

filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any

spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or

use gasoline near an open flame. Gasoline filler cap Engine oll cap

TO START ENGINE . To start a cold engine, push primer three

(3) times before trying to start. Use a firm push. This step is not usually necessary when starting an engine which has

already run for a few minutes.

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

quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back

• To stop engine, release operator pres- ence control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat priming step& In

warmer weather over prim!rig may

cause flooding and engine will not start. If you do flood engine, wait a few min-

utes before attempting to start and do not repeat priming steps.

MOWING TIPS

o 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.

o 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 gras&

o 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.

• 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.

Max 1/3

MULCHING MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: Forbest performance, keep

mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. See "Cleaning" in Maintenance sec-

tion of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will recur 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 recutting action of the

blades

o Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet

Wet grass tends to form clumps and in. tefferes 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 by overlapping previously cut path and

mow slowly.

, 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 helLbprevent matting and grain-

ing of the lawn.

MA,NTENANCESCHEDULE

FJLLINDATES _._j _/_'_0_._<:_ AS YOU COMPLETE ./___:k_

REGU S WCE /

Check for Loose Fasteners f/ J_ Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

:IfEquipped) , _ _/' _'

M Clean Lawn Mower ___, _/' f/

O Clean Under Drive Cover(Power-Pr oiled Mowers)

Check drive belt/pulleys

Power-PropeUedMowers) 6/

i ChecldSharperu'ReplaceBlade _4 3

Lubrication Chad 6/ $,/

Clean Battery/Recharcje

Electric Start Mowers I ...... _,/ V't4

E Check Engine Oil Level

N ChaneqeE_ _"1,2

G ! clean Air Filter .............

J ! Inspect Muffler 6/

N clean or Replace Spark Plug _'

Replace Atr Filter Paper Cartridge 6/2

• Change more ellen w'hd_ eperallng under a heavy load or In high arnbiDnl Iornporaluros

a -,Service more ellen when operattn a In dirty ot dusty conditions 3 _Replace blades more ellen when mowing in sandy ,_oll

4 - Charg8 48 hours al end of sea,on

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this lawn mower does not

cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence, "fb receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain mower as instructed in this man- ual.

Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your unit,

All adjustments in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual should

be checked at least once each season_ = Once a year, replace the spark plug,

replace air filter element and check blade for wear. A new spark plug and

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. o Check for loose fastener&

LUBRICATION Keep unit well lubricated (See "L.UBRICA-

TION CHAR]").

(_ Handle (_ Rear door

ing pin hinge

Spray lubricant

(_) Refer to Maintenance "Engine" section.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants wilt at-

tract dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the self lubricating bearing& If you feel they

must be lubricated, use only a dry, pow- dered graphite type lubricant sparingly,

-in

_"ZS ERVICE DATES ......

LUBRICATION CHART

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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL NUMBER 917.377531 SERIAL NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE HORSEPOWER: 60

DISPLACEMENT: 11,5 CU. IN. GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.6 QUARTS

UNLEADED REGULAR

OILTYPE (API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS,

SPARK PLUG (GAP: .030") CHAMPION RJ19LM OR J19LM VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: ,005"

EXHAUST: .007"

SOLID STATE IGNITION

AIR GAP: .010 IN.

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

. 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.

LAWN MOWER Always observe safety rules when pedorm-

ing any maintenance.

TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber,

o 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 o 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 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 damage&

TO REPLACE BLADE ° Position the blade adapter on the engine

crankshafL Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned.

• Position blade on the blade adapter align- ing the two (2) holes in the blade with the

raised lugs on the adapter.

• Be sure the trailing edge of blade (oppo- site sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

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

and crankshaft.

• Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the

blade bolt, turning clockwise.

• The recommended tightening torque is 35*40 ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat

treated.

NOTE: We do not recommendsharp- ening blade - but if you do, be sure the

blade isbalanced.

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 a nail into a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of

the straight nail exposed. P!ace 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

adapter _.... _. _ shaft key-

o Remove any trash or grass cuttings

from inside the dust cover, pinion and/or ddve wheel gear teeth.

• Put wheels back in place. ° 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.

- 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 APiservice classification SF,SG, or SHo Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating

temperature.

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Lock _ Trallln, _Blade shaft

washer Hardened edge adapter

washer

GRASS CATCHER

• The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used.

o Check your grass catcher often for dam-

age or deterioration. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replacing,

replace only with a manufacturer ap-

proved replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower model number when order-

ing.

DRIVE WHEELS Check front drive wheels each time before you mow to be sure they move freely.

The wheels not turning freely means trash, grass cuttings, etc. are in the drive wheel

area and must be cleaned to free drive wheels.

If necessary to clean the drive wheels,

check both front wheels.

• Remove hubcaps, hairpin cotters and washers.

• Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.

._..____SAE VIS CFJSFrY GRADES

F'_EM-_'p_U_E p_QE ANTIClP^TEODEFOR__X_ O_LC_A_Cg "

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, IOW30 etc.) improve starting in

cold weather these multi-viscosity oils

w II result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°1. Check your

engine oil level more frequently to avoid posstble engine damage from running

low on oil. Change after the first 25 hours of operation

at least once a year if the lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each five (5) hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug securely

each time you check the oil level•

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil, drain fue/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,

,,J

0 E

• 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

o Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower

and on side of engine.

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

• Replace engine oil cap.

o 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. Do not wash air filter.

'TO CHANGE AIR FILTER

• Loosen screw and tilt cover to remove,

• Carefully remove cartridge. o Clean by gently tapping on a flat sur-

face, If very dirty, replace cartridge,

CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such

as kerosene, are not to be used to clean cartridge. They may cause dete- rioration of the cartridge. Do not oil car-

tridge. Do not use pressurized air to clean or dry cartridge.

Back

MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it

could create a fire hazard and/or damage, SPARK PLUG

Change your spark plug each year to make your engine start easier and run better. Set

spark plug gap at .030 inch. CLEANING

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and

trash, Clean the underside of your mower after each use.

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

cannot come in contact with the spark

plug,

o Turn lawn mower on its side,, Make sure

air filter and carburetor are up. Clean the underside of your lawn mower by scrap-

ing to remove:build-up of grass and trash.

• Clean engine often to keep trash from accumulating. A clogged engine runs

hotter and shortens engine life,

• Keep linished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil,etc.

o We do not recommend using a garde n

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.

Cartridge

Cover tabs

Slots

Cover

CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING • Remove the starter rope guide from the ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: lower handle,

° 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 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 roll belt off,

• Tum lawn mower on its side with carbure-

tor and fuel cap up..

• Remove blade. ° Remove debris shield.

• Remove belt from engine pulley on crank-

shaft,

o install new belt by reversing above steps.

• Always use factory approved belt to

assure fit and long life.

Drive

cover

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 Iow. Handles are shipped mounted in the medium low position,

° To change from medium low to medium

high position, the upper and lower handle

sections will have to be turned over.

• Remove cable clips.

• Remove the controls and operator pres- ence control bar from the upper handle.

• Remove hairpin cotters.

• Disconnect the lower handle from the

handle brackets°

• Turn the handl.e 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 tile

upper handle.

• To change from medium low to high posi- tion 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.

Shipping position

Medium tow

Medium high

High

Lower handle

Low

/.tJ

Squeeze to _,

Hairpin cllp _SHandle

,,i A

bracket

Immediatelyprepareyourlawnmowerfor

storageattheendoftheseasonorifthe unitwillnotbeusedfor30 daysor 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. o Clean entire lawn mower (See "CLEAN-

ING" in the Maintenance section of this manual).

• Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance section of this manual.

o Be sure that all nuts, bolts, screws, and

pins are securely fastened. Inspect moving 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. o Squeeze the bottom ends of the lower

handle toward each other until the lower handle clears the handle bracketi!hen

move handle forward_

o 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 amy damage the

control cables. o When setting up your handle from the

storage position, the lower handle will automatically lock into the mowing posi-

tion_

d,e,

Operator presence control bar

Fold forward for storage

Lower Mowing

handle position

ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM

IMPORTANT; tt 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 alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture

which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can dam- age the fuel system of an engine while in storage.

o Drain the fuel tank. , Start the engine and let it nJn until the fuel

lines and carburetor are empty,

o Never use engine or carburetor cleaner

products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur:

o Use fresh fuel next season.

Upper handle

Fold back- ward

NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in minimizing the formation

of fuel gum deposits during storage,, Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or

storage container'. Always follow the mix ratio found on stabilizer container_

Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow the stabilizer

to reach the carburetor. Do not drain the gas tank and carburetor if using fuel

stabilizer.

+ 33 hidden pages

Craftsman 917377531 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual