Craftsman 917377563 Owner’s Manual

wner s Manual

£RRFTSMRN°

6.5 HORSEPOWER _ 22" REAR DISC HAR GE POWER :PROPE LLED "

ROTARYLAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377563

o Safety

° Assembly o OPeration

°, Maintenance

• 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 !4

Assembly 4 Storage 16

Operation 6 Troubleshooting 17 Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 37 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 witl 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 trom 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

Safety standards require eperator presence controls to minimize the

risk of injury. Your uniLis equipped

with such controls. Do not attempt to

defeat the function of the operator presence controls under any

circumstances.

TRAINING;

• Read this operator's manual carefully° Become familiar with the controls and

know how to operate your mower propedy_ Learn how to quickly stop

mower.

: Do not allow children to use your mower.

Never allow adults to use mower without proper instructions.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially small children and

pets,

• Use mower only as _he manufacturer intended and as described in this manual.

- Do not operate mower if it has been dropped or damaged in any manner°

Always have damage repaired before

using your mower.

• Do not use accessory attachments that are not recommended by the manufac-

turer. Use of such attachments may be hazardous.

• The blade turns when the engine is

running.

PREPARATION:

• Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear it of atl 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.

• Dressptol_edy, DOnot operate mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals.

Wear only solid shoes with good traction when mowing_

. Check fuel tank before starting engine.

Do not till 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 slipper! 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--<:ovel_ed areas.

° Nevei" 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 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-

sively steep slopes. Use caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain or when changing directions M 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

tightened properly.

° Check all bolts, nuts and screws at

frequent intervals for proper tightness to

be sure mower is in safe working condition.

• Keep all safety devices in place and Working.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves or excessive grease

and oft,

• Check grass catcher often for deteriora- tion and wear and replace worn bags,

Use only replacement bags that are

recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your mower.

. Always keep a sharp blade on your

mower,

° Allow engine to cool before storing in any

enclosure.

• Never store mower with fuel in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach

an open flame or an ignition source such as a hot water heater, space heater,

clothes dryer, etc.

&CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug in order to prevent

accidental starting when setting up,

transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of

California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthisfawn 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 lawnmower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN,,MOWERS ...........................................MULCHER KITS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS

BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or

operate your new lawn mower. Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory with

the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts,

washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the pads bag.

To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM CARTON

, Remove loose parts included with mower.

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

AIR FILTERS

• Roll lawn mower0ut of carton andcheck carton thoroughlyfor 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.

o 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 Sewice and Adjustment

section of this manual.

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

and padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle.

STABILIZER

FOR

LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

Operator,presence

Uppper handle ._.....

Lift up

Lower handfe

bar

Mowing position

TO INSTALL A_HMENTS

Your lawn mower W_.$_hi_d readyto be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagg!ng or

discharging:

• Open rear door and remove mulcher plug. Store mulcher plug in a safe place.

o You can now install catcher or optional

clipping deflector,

- To returnto mulching operation, install mulcher plug into discharge opening of

mower° Be sure all tabs are seated properly.

Mulcher plug

ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without mulcher plug in place or approved clipping deflector or grass catcher in place°

Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or propped

open,

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN

MOWER_ Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the

!ocation of yari,ou,s,,,controlsand adiustments. Save this ,_anqal for future reference.

ThesesymbolsmayappearonyourL_tnmowerorinliteraturesuppliedwiththeproduct,Learnandu_ theremeanlng.

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF ................................. AND FEET AWAY , ,

Engine zone control cable Operator presence control bar

Drive control lever

Srarter handle

Handle knob

Grass catcher

Mulcher plug Gasoline cap

Primer

Housing

COVer

Engine oil cap w/

dipstick

Wheel adjuster (on each wheel)

MEETS CPS

'_ "........... SAFETY REQUIREMENTS .............................

Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute and the U_& Consumer Product Safety Commission, The blade

turnswhen the engine is running.

i iii ii ,111ii ,111]11

Operator presence control bar - must be

held down to the handle to start the engine,

Retease to stop the engine. Primer- pumps additional fuel from the

i, iiiii ii /

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.

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

Starter handle- used for starting theengine,

The operation of any lawn mower can

result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in 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 spectacles or standard

safety glasses,

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINE SPEED

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

adjustable_

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

ACAUTION: 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

function of the operator control. The blade turns when the engine is running.

- 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 tow 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.

Plate Tab

Lower Wheels for High Cut _ _

TO ATTACH GRASS.CATCHER

. Close the flip lid. Flip lid must be closed

while operating lawn mower.

• Lift the rear doer on the mower housing and place the grass catcher frame onto the

formed tabs on the rear door hinge bracket.

• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass catcher frame.

_kCAUTION: 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

Rear door

Grass catcher

frame

Formed

tabs

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

. To remove grass catcher, release operator

presence control bar to stop engine,

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

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

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

-over

DRIVECONTROL

° Self-propellingiscontrolledbyholding

theoperatorpresencecontrolbardown tothehandleandpushingthedrive

Controlleverforwarduntilitclicks;then releasethelever.

° Forwardmotionwillstopwhenthe

operatorpresencecontrolbaris released,Tostopforwardmotion withoutstoppingengine,releasethe

operatorpresencecontrolbarslightly untilthedrivecontroldisengages.Hold

operatorpresencecontrolbardownto handleto continuemowingwithoutself-

propelling.

, Tokeepdrivecontrolengagedwhen

turningcomers,pushdownonhandle andliftfrontwheelsoffgroundwhile

turninglawnmower.

Operatorpresencecontrolbar

Drive

k_ control

GAS

° Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, dean, 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 freshness. 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

nJnuntil 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 fue! tank or permanent damage may occur.

Engine oil cap

Gasoline filler cap

To engage drive Drive control control disengaged

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the

engine.

° Be sure mower is level and area around oil

till is dean.

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

• Use 20 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in Maintenance

section of this manual.

, Pour oil slowly. Do not over fitL , 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.

TO START ENGINE ° To start a cold engine, push primer frye (5)

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 presence control bar.

NOTE: tn cooler weather it may be necessary 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

attempting 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, it may also be necessary to reduce ground speed and!or run the lawn

mower over the area a second time.

= For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the

width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

• For better grass bagging and most cutting conditions, the engine speed should be set in the fast position.

• When using a rear discharge lawn mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of cut grass may not enter the grass

catcher. Reduce ground speed (push- ing speed) and!or run the lawn mower

over the area a second time.

° If a trail of clippings is left on the right

side of a rear discharge mower, mow in a clockwise direction with a small

overlap to collect the clippings on the next pass.

° 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 catcher off with water and let dry before using.

• Keep top of engine around starter ctear

and clean of grass clippings and chaff,

This will help engine air flow and extend

engine life.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep

mowe_ housing free of built-up grass and trash. See =Cleaning_ in Maintenance section

of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippingsmany times and reduce

them insize so that as they fall onto the

lawn they willdisperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will

biodegrade quicklyto provide nutrients for

the lawn= Always mulchwith your highest engine (blade) speed as this willprovidethe

best recuttingactionof the blades.

, Avoid cuttingyour lawn when itiswet. Wet

grass tends to form dumps and interferes withthe mulchingaction. The best time to mow your lawn Is the early aftemeen. At thistime the grass has dried and the newly

cutarea will notbe exposed tothe direct

sun,

° For best results, adjust the lawn mower

cuttingheight so that the lawn mower cuts offonly the top one-third of the grass blades.

if the lawn is overgrown itwill be necessary to raise the heightof 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 ofcut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

° Certain types of grass and grass conditions

may require that an area be mulched a second timeto completely hide the

clippings. When doing a second cut, mow across orperpendicular to the firstcut path.

° Change your cuttingpa_em from week to

week. Mow north tosouth one week then change to east towest the next week, This

will help prevent matting and graining of the

lawn.

Max 1/3

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE .,,/___°_ ''/

REGULA,FISERVICE .___. _£X_/_" SERVl CE DATES

Checkfor LooseFasteners t_ J _ ! V' I . .

Clea_tlnspecl Grass Catcher

,,(,IfEquipped) ..............

M Clean Lawn Mower

(Power-Propelled Mowers)

O C_ean Under Drive Cover

Check drive betlZpu!ieys

i E (Power-Propelled Mowers)

a ChecldSharpeWReplace Blade ..............

Lubrication Chart

....CieanSatterylRecharge _ i

I Eleclnc Start Mowers V'

! ,, _j

E iCheck Engine Oil Level , _ i

N i Change Engine Oil ..........

G clean Air Filter . ,

I Inspecl Muffler

N iClean or Replace Spark Plug

E ReplaceFll!e F,apar I

"_oChange mete elten when operating under a hea'_3_|ned et #t h_ghamNent temperelut_,

2 - Service more e|ten when operating in d_rty or duaty cond_tisn_

3 - Replace bladoe more eltenwhen mowing in _andy soil

4 .. Charg_ 4B hours _t _nd of season..

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected tO

operator abuse or negligence, To receive

!_) Wheel

Vf . . .

v'.

_,2 ..

v'2

LUBRICATION CHART

adjuster (_) Engine

oil

full value from the warranty, operator must

maintain mower as instructed in this manual°

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 schedute in this

manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

o Check engine oil leve_

(_) Hand'_ebracket

mounting pin

(_ Spraylubricant

Referlo Maintenance "ENGINE" section,

(_Reardoor bracket

hinge

o Check for loose fasteners..

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well iubdcated (See "LUBRiCA-

TION CHART")..

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings. V_scous lubricants wilt attract

dust and dirt that will shod.on the li[e of the setf lubricating bearings, tf you feel they must be

lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly.

Brake

spdng

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

vlODEL NUMBER 9t7.377563 SERIAL NUMBER DATE OF PURCHASE

HORSEPOWER: 65 DISPLACEMENT: !1.5 CU_ IN,

GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: t 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 ruleswhen performing any maintenance.

TIRES = Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect

controlchemicals 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.

o 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 BLADE , 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 crankshafL

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

blade bolt, turning clockwise.

- The recommended tightening torque is 35-40 It, Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat

treated. TO SHARPEN BLADE NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening

blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced°

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. 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

adapter ._"_._yway

Key

B! Crank

bolt / \ ' ' ' I " _ shaft

Lock' \ Trailin[ 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 it will wear, tf catcher needs replacing, replace

only with a manufacturer approved replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower model number when ordedngo

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 ddve 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 diive wheel gear teeth.

• Put wheels back in place.

• If after cleaning, the drive wheels do not turn freely, contact your nearest

authorized service center.

GEAR CASE

• To keep your drive system working properly, the gear case and area around

the drive should be kept clean and free

of trash build-up. Clean under the drive

cover twice a season.

• The gear case is filled with lubricant to

the proper level at the factory, The only time the lubricant needs attention is if

service has been performed on the gear

case,

• If lubricant is required, use only Texaco

Starplex Premium t Grease, Part No.

750369. Do not substitute.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION Use only high quality detergent oil rated

with API service classification SF, SG or

SH. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade

according to your expected operating temperature.

BAE VJScosn'Y"GRADES

-20" D"

TEMPERAT',JRE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT O_LCHANGE

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 er_gine oil level more frequently to avoid possible •

engine damage from running low on oil.

Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation 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 starting the engine and after each five (5)

hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug securely each time you check the oil level.

TOCHANGEENGINEOIL

NOTE:Beforetippinglawnmowertodrain oil,drainfueltankby runningengineuntil fueltankisempty.

• Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug

andplacewirewhereitcannotcomein

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 oi!

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 ".FULU' line on the dipstick. DO NOT overfill.

o Replace engine oil cap. . Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

Container

AIR FILLER 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

• 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 slot.

- Push in on cover and turn counterclock-

wise to tighten,

Collar

MUFFLER

tnspect and replace Corroded mutfler 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.

• Tum lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up. Clean the

underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove build-up of grass and trash.

• Clean engine often to keep trash from

accumuialing. 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 with pu_ knife or similar tool to remove any build-up of

trash or grass on underside of drive cover.

Slot

Air F'ilter Tab

Air Filter

Cover

rum

Clod_se

Remove

"rum

Counter-

Clockwise to

Tighten

_CAUTION: Beforeperformingany serviceandadjustments:

° Release control bar and stop engine.,

- 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 plugo

LAWN MOWER

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

See q'O 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 operators 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,

- Turn lawn mower on its side with carburetor and fuel cap up.

, Remove blade.

o Remove debris shield. . Remove bert from engine pulley on

crankshaft.

, Install new belt by reversing above steps. . Always use factory approved belt to assure

fit and long life.

Drive cover

- Remove the starter rope guide from the upper 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 the fasteners holding the controls to the upper

handle.

• To change from medium low to high position only the upper handle section wilt

have to be turned over.

• To change from medium low to low position, only the lower handle section will have to be

turned over.

ShiI_pingposition

Medium tow

Mediu_nhigh

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 tow and Iowo 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 the cable clips.

• Remove the controls and operator presence control bar from the upper handle.

Squeeze to remove

Hairpin clip

High Low

Lower handle

Handle bracket

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.

CARBURETOR

Your carburetor has a nomadjustable fixed

main jet for mixture control. If your engine

does not operate properly due to sus-

pected carburetor problems, take your lawn mower to an authorized service

center for repair and/or adjustment. IMPORTANT: Never tamper with the

engine governor, which is factory set for the proper engine speed° Overspeeding

the engine above the factory high speed scan be dangerous. If you think the engine-governed high speed needs adjusting, contact your nearest authorized

service center, which has proper equip- ment and experience to make any

necessarY adjustments. TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

• Insert leg of tubular frame through front opening of grass catcher and thread

frame into sewn hem of bag°

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

• When frame comes out the other end of sewn hem, immediately work the end of

frame down inside the bag as shown in inset.

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

• Assemble lower frame to t;dbutar frame as shown. Be sure handle is outside of

bag and frames are fully seated as shown in inset.

= Slip vinyl bindings over frame. NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold

them in warm water for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let it dry before using.

• Close the flip lid. Flip lid must be closed

while operating lawn mower°

•,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_

+ 33 hidden pages

Craftsman 917377563 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual