Craftsman 917377562 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
(:RAFTSMAN+
6.5 HORSEPOWER
22" REAR DISCHARGE
POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.377562
° Safety
° Assembly
o Operation
o Maintenance
o EspaSol
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Warranty 2 Product Specifications 11
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments t4
Assembly 4 Storage 15
Operation 6 Troubleshooting t6
Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 35
Maintenance 10 Parts Ordering Back Cover
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 wil! repatr 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:
• Read this operator's manual carefully.
Become familiar with the controls and
know how to operate your mower
properly. Learn how to quickly stop
mower,
• Do not allow children to use your mower.
Never allow adults to use mower without
proper instructions,
o Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, especially small children and
pels.
• Use mower only as the manufacturer
intended and as descnbed in this manual
° Do not operate mower if it has been
dropped or damaged in any manner.
Always have damage repaired before
using your mower.
° Do not use accessory attachments that
are not recommended by the manufac-
lurer. Use of such attachments may be
hazardous.
, 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 iniuryo
• Always wear safety glasses or eye
shietds when starling and while using
your mower.
• Dress properly. Do not operate mower
when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Wear only solid shoes with good traclion
when mowing.
• Check fuel tank before starting engine.
Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the
engine is running or when the engine is
2
hot.Allowtheenginetocoolforseveral
minutesbeforefillingthegastank.Ctean
off any spilled gasoline before stading 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
lighL
OPERATION:
° Keep your eyes and mind on your mower
and the area befng 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, walks, roads,
and any gravel---covered areas.
,, Never direct discharge of matedal 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
o Do net 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 govemor settings or
overspeed the engine. Engine damage or
personal injury may result.
• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates
abnorma!ly. Excessive 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 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 exces_
sivety steep slopes_ Use caution when
operating the mower on uneven terrain
or when 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 mount-
ing bolts often to be sure they are
tighlened properly,
, Check all bolts, nuts and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to
be sure mower is in safe working
condition
° Keep all safety devices in place and
working
• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine
free of grass, leaves or excessive grease
and oil.
° Check grass catcher often for detedora-
lion and wear and replace worn bags
Use only replacement bags that are
recommended by and comply with
specifications of the manufacturer of your
mower.
- Always keep a sharp blade on your
mower.
o Allow engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
o Never store mower with fuel in lhe 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, elc.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it
cannot contact spark plug in order to
prevent accidental starting when
setting up, transporting, adjusting or
making repairs
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive harm.
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 mowe_:.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
......................................... ....... , ,,,, _ ,
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS , MULCHER KITS ....................... STABILIZER
GRASS CATCHERS GRASS CATCHERS _ "
FOR FOR
REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS
GAS CANS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
...... MUFFLERS A!RFILTERS ...............SPARKPLUGS
BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS * WHEELS ENGINE OIL
Read these instruc_ns 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 factorywith
the exception of those parts left unassembled
for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts,
washers, bolts, etc°,necessary to cemptete the
assembly have been placed inthe parts bag:
To ensure safe and proper operation of your
fawn mower, allparis and hardware you
assemble must be tightened securely_ Use the
correct toolsas necessary to ensure proper
tightness.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
• Remove Ioose parts included with mower.
• Cut down two end comers of carton and lay
end panet down fiat.
• Remove at_packing materials except
padding between upper and lower handle
and padding holding operator presence
control bar to upper handle.
• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check
carton 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
hand{e section into place on lower handte
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 A_ustment
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
pos_ono
Operalor presence contrel bar
Uppper handle
Lift up
Mowing
position
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Yourlawnmowerwas shippedreadyto be
used asa mutcher.Toconverttobaggingor
discharging:
° Open reardoor and removemulcherplug,,
Storemulcherplug ina safeplace.
• Youcan now installcatcheror optional
dipping deflector,
, Toretumto mulchingoperation,install
mulcherplug into discharge opening of
mower. Be sureall tabsareseated
properly.
Lowerhandle
Mutcher plug __
/.1
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
wi_out mufcher plug in place or approved
dipping deflector or grass catcher in
place. Never attempt to operate the lawn
mower with the rear door removed or
propped open.
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustralions with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself
with the location of various controls and adjustments° Save this manual for future
reference,
_ -- iiii II iii Ii I I I I im I j!ll iu i U, i, iii i,i, iiii1,11 i,i iii1'1 ,i !1 I [ i1',!11,1 i, jl
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the product_
Loam and understand their meaning,
III I ii II I II II I I ,11 I iiii IIII i ii I1' III II ii I I I' I I1_ IIII1"111'1 I I I
ORWAF_lf_l t3N O_F AN_ FE_ AWAY
Engine zone control cable
presence control bar
Drive control lever
Srarler handle
Handle knob
Grass catcher
Muleher plug
Gasoline cap
Housing
Drive cover
Engine oi! cap wtdipstick
Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)
MEETS CPSC SAFETY'REQUiREMENTS ................. ......... ' .........
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform tothe safety standards of the American
National Standards Institute and thetJ.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade
turns when the engine is running.
Operator presence control bar- m,;"st''_""" .....
held down to the handte to start the engine,
Release to stop the engine_
Primer - pumps additional fuelfrom the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting
Starter handle - used for starting the 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..
a cold engine.
Theoperationofanylawnmowercan
resultinforeignobjectsthrownintothe
eyes,whichcanresultin severe eye
damage. 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.
HOW TO USE YOUR 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 epen_
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance_ Speed is not
adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION; Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the risk
of blade contact injury. Do not under any
circumstances attempt to defeat the
funclJon of the operator control. The blade
tums when the engine is nmning.
, 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,
TO 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.
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.
Piate Tab
Lower Wheets for High Cut
Lever
Raise Wheels for Low Cut
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
o Close the flip lid. Flip lid must be closed
while operating lawn mower.
,, Uft the rear door on the mower housing and
place the grass catcher frame onto the
formed tabs on the rear door hinge brackeL
• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn
mower housing when the rear door is
lowered onto the grass catcher frame.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without clipping deflector or approved
grass catcher in place, Never attempt to
operate the lawn mower with the rear door
removed or propped open.
Hinge
bracket Rear door
Formed
tabs
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
• To remove grass catcher, release operator
presence control bar to stop engine,
, Uft up rear door and remove the grass
catcher by the handle.
o Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will
cause unnecessary wear.
DRIVECONTROL
° Self-propellingiscontrolledbyholding
theoperatorpresencecontrolbardown
tothehandleandpushingthedrive
controlleverforwarduntilitclicks;then
releasethelever_
• Forwardmotionwillstopwhenthe
operatorpresencecontrolbaris
released,Tostopforwardmotion
withoutstoppingengine, 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 comers, push down on handle
and lift front wheels off ground while
turning lawn mower.
Operator presence control bar
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 widipstiok and fil!to
the full line on the dipstick.
,, Use 20 ozs, of oil. For type and grade of oil
to use, see "ENGINE" in Maintenance
sec_Jonof this manual.
° Pour of!slowly. Do not over fill.
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if
needed, Fill to ful! 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.
ADD GASOUNE
,, Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
oc'u_qe. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used
within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
IMPORTANT: When operating in
temperatures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh,
clean winter grade gasoline to help insure
good cold weather starting°
WARNING: 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 damage the fuel
system of an engine while in storage. To avoid
engine problems, the fuel system should be
emptied before storage of 30 days or longer.
Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it
run until the fuetlines and carburetor are
empty. Use fresh fuel next season, See
Storage lnstrl._clJonsfor additional infon'nation°
Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanent
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.
Engine oil cap w/ Gasoline filler cap
dipstick
L
TO START ENGINE
, To start a cold engine, push primer five (5)
times before tryingto 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 presence
control bar.
NOTE:Incoolerweatheritmaybe
necessarytorepeatprimingsteps.In
wanTlerweatheroverpdmingmaycause
floodingandenginewillnotstart.If you
dofloodengine,waita fewminutesbefore
attemptingtostartanddonotrepeat
primingsteps.
MOWING TIPS
• Under cedain conditions, such as very tall
grass, itmay be necessary to raisethe
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
discharge 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 (j:_Jshingspeed) and/or run
the lawn mower over the area a second
time,
°ff a trail of grass clippings is left on _e dght
side of a rear discharge lawn mower, mow
ina clockwise direction with a small ovedap
to collect the clippings on the next pass.
- Keep top of engine around starter clear and
clean of grass clippings and chaff. This w_ll
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 lessgrass. To prevent
this, regularly hose catchers off with water
and let dry before using.
Max 1/3
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT_ For best performance, keep
mower housing free of built-up grass and
trash. See"Cleaning" in Maintenance section
o! 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 nutrients for
the lawn. Always mulch with your highest
engine (blade) speed as this will provide the
best recutting action of the blades.
, Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet
grass tends to form dumps and interferes
with the mulching action. The best time to
mow your lawn is the eady affemoon_ 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 conditions
may require that an area be mulched a
second time to comp{etely hide the
clippings_ When doing a second cut, mow
across or perpendicular to the first cut path.
• Change your cutting pattern from week to
week. Mow north to south one week then
change to east to west the next week. This
will help prevent matting and graining of the
lawn.
......... .......... "
Check for Loose Fasteners _ !CleerJInspect Gr_l.ssCalchar
{itE,:lut_d! J!___.l/__.] _ ......
M
Clean Under OnveCover
IO
(Power-Propel_d Mowers) ____
Check drive belt/pulleys
ChecldSharperdReplace Blade ,_ .........
Lubdcatlon Chart _/ f/
F'Claan Battery/Recharge _ "_ _
(Eiecl_ StartMowers) ..... J V'4
E !Ched_ Er_tne Oil Level !,/ .... ........
N ,_ 0tl __,!!__t.,L __
G cleanAir._ _tter . _ I
I Inspect Muffler _ _ _ , , __
N ,c!_an,,erReplace Spark P!ug .............. D/
E Replace Air Filler Paper Cartridge V'2
1 ° Chin,_ mats ottol't wf,,en _:_Qling U_r i hoa'-,'y load or tn high _mb_er_l lertay_,_'_,s,
2 ° Setv{ce morl often wh0n 0pe_atJn,g _n d_'y or d_f cond_ons
3o Replace b_ad_s m_e o{to_ wh_ m_g in sandy li_l
4 ° Ch_trge 48 hou_ e! er_d ol se_lon
i
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does not
cover items that have been subjected to
operator abuse or negligence. To receive
lull value from the warranty, operator must
maintain mower as instructed in this
manual.
Some adjustments will need to be made
periodically to propedy maintain your uniL
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 hew 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 eli level
• Check for loose fasteners,
LUBRICATION
Keep unit well I_bt_cated (See "LUBRICA-
T!ON CHART'),
LUBRICATION CHART
(_ Wheel
adjuster
Ii f ' "I i
..... .,'PF 0
.... .2,;
i _ 14; I
\ i'-{l _:L,._. !i )
7 l _,--
X
j--
(_ Handle bracket " (_)Rear door
mounting pin hinge
(_ Spray lubricant
(_) Referto Maintenance 'ENGINE" section
IMPORTANT: Do not oi! or grease plastic
wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will attract
dust and dirt that will shoden the life of the self
lubricating bearings. If you feel they must be
lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite
otypelubricanl sparingly_
1
oil
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
, , , - ,=
MODEL NUMBER g17.377562
SERIAL NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
HORSEPOWER: 6.5
DISPLACEMENT: 12_56 CU IN,
GASOLINE CAPACITY! TYPE: 1,25 QUARTS
UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL'TYPE (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: _004 - .008
EXHAUST: ,004- .008
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 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
provided above.
LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when performing
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.
° Tum lawn mower on its side. Make sure air
filter and carburetor are upo
• 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/I6 ° 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 damaged.
TO REPLACE Bt,ADE
• Position the blade adapter on the engine
crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter and
crankshaft keyway 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 of blade (opposite
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, Ibso
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt isgrade 8 heat
treated.
11
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen-
ing blade - but ifyou do, be sure the blade
is batanced.
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 gdnding wheel. Do not attempt to
sharpen while on the mower.
,' To check blade balance, drive a nail into a
beam or watt. 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 shaft
ada keyway
Blade
Crank
belt shaft
Lock Blade
washer Hardened edge adapter
washer
GRASS CATCHER
- The grass catcher may be hosed with
water, but must be dry when used,
• Check your grass catcher often for damage
or deterioration Through normal use itwill
wear. tfcatcher needs repladng, replace
only with a manufacturer approved
replacement catcher. Gfve the lawn mower
model number when ordering.
DRIVE WHEELS
Check front drive wheels each time before
you mow to be sure they move freely°
The wheels not turning freely means trash,
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.
° If after cleaning, the drive wheels do not
turn freely, contact your nearest
authorized service center.
GEAR CASE
• To keep your drive system working
properly, the gear case and area around
the drive should be kept clean and free
of trash build-up. Clean under the ddve
cover twice a season,
• The gear case is tilled with lubricant to
the proper level at the factory, ']he onty
time the lubricant needs attention is if
service has been performed on the gear
case
° if lubricant {s requ{red, use only Texaco
Starplex Premium ! Grease, Part No.
750355, Do not substitute,
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high qual_y detergentoil rated with
API service classification SF, SG, or SH.
Select the oil's SAE viscositygradea_ord-
ingto your expectedoperatingtemperature.
sAE VISCOSITY GRADES
T_MP'ERATURE RANGE ,_T_;_PATED BEFORE h'EXl OIL CHi_NG£
NOTE: Although mu_-viscosity oils
(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in
cold weather, these multiMscosity oils will
result in increased oil consumption when
used above 32°F Check your engine oi!
level more frequently to avoid possible
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 frve (5) hours of
continuous use. Tighten oil plug securely each
time you check the oil level.
12
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
NOTE: 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 oilcap; lay aside on a dean
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 oif
trapped inside of engine.
• V_,r_.i)eoff any spilled oil on lawn mower and
on side of engine.
• Flit engine with oil Fill only to the "FULL"
line on the dipstick. DO NOT overfill
,, 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. Do not wash air filter,
TO CHANGE AIR FILZER
. Remove the air filter by turning clock-
wise to the stop and pull away from
collar,
• Remove filter from inside of cover,
• Clean the inside of the cover and the
collar to remove any dirt accumulation
• Insert new filter into cover,
• Put air filter cover and filter into collar
aligning the tab with the sloL
• Push in on cover and turn counterclock-
wise to tighten. Turn
Collar
\ Clip to
:temove
CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such as
kerosene, are not to be used to clean
carLfidge. -Pney may cause deterioration
of the cartridge, Do not oil cartrtdge_ Do
not use pressurized air to dean or dry
cartridge
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.
• Turn lawn mower on its sider Make sure air
filter and carburetor are upoClean the
underside of your lawn mower by scraping
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 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 wi_ putty
knife or similar toot to remove any build-up of
trash or grass on underside of drive cover.
Slot Turn
Air Filter
Tab Clockwise
to
Air Filter Tighten
Covar 13
CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING
ANY SERVICE 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 Cb'I'TING HEIGHT
See "TOAD JUST 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 wilt 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 pu]iey and roll
belt off°
o Turn lawn mower on its side with carburetor
and fuel cap up.
° Remove blade,
° Remove debris shield.
. Remove belt from engine pulley on
crankshaft.
, Install new belt by reversing above steps,
o AM,ays use factory approved belt to assure
lit and long lifeo
Drive
cover
Belt
Push
down
TO ADJUST HANDLE
Your lawn mower handle can be _sed or
lowered for your mowing comfort. Four (4)
positions are available: high, medium high,
medium low and low. Handles are shipped
mounted in the medium low position,
° To change from medium low to medium
high position, the upper and lower handle
sections will have to be turned over.
• Remove cable dips.
• Remove the controls and operator presence
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,
, Turn the handle over and reassemble the
hairpin cotters that have been removed.
° Reassemble the starter rope guide,
• Reassemble the controls and the operator
presence control bar to the upper handle.
CAUTION: The operator presence
control bar must pivot freely to permit
blade brake engagement when control
bar is released, Do not over tighten Me
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 tow to bw position,
only the lower handle section will have to be
tumed over.
Shipping position
Medium low
High Low
Lower handle
\
Squeeze to
remove
Hairpin clip
14
Handle
bracket
um high
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