Craftsman 917377650 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

I(RRFT.TMRW I

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

6.75 Horsepower 21" Multi-Cut

Power-Propelled

Model No.

917.377650

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.comlcraftsman

Warranty ................................................. 2

Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4

Assembly/Pre-Operation ........................ 5

Operation ........................................... 6-10

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 11

Maintenance .................................... 11-14

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

Product Specifications .......................... 12

Service and Adjustments ...................... 15

Storage ............................................ 16-17

Troubleshooting .............................. 17-18

Repair Parts ..................................... 36-43

Sears Service ......................... Back Cover

For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructionsin

the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workman-

ship. 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 crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions

contained 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 used 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

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and

throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in

serious injury or death.

ALook for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!H BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR

SAFETY IS iNVOLVED.

& 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: Engine exhaust, some of

its constituents, and certain vehicle

components contain or emit chemicats

known to the State of California to cause

cancer and birth defects or other repro- ductive harm.

AWARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead and

lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and

birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

& CAUTION: Muffler and other engine parts become extremely hot during

operation and remain hot after engine

has stopped. To avoid severe burns on contact, stay away from these areas.

I.GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all

instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before starting. Be thor-

oughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the machine before

starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with the instructions, to

operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc.,

which could be picked up and thrown

by the blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if

anyone enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals.

Always wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless

absolutely necessary. Always look clown and behind before and while

moving backwards.

• Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or

other safety protective devices in place.

• See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and installation of

accessories. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel

drives, walks, or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment, before cleaning

the mower or unclogging the chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the blade comes to complete stop

before removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass.

Always be sure of your footing: keep a

firm hold on the handle and walk;

never run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mecha- nism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine

(motor).

• If the equipment should start to vibrate

abnormally, stop the engine (motor)

and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of

trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety

glasses with side shields when operating mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents which can result in

severe injury. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do

not mow it.

DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes: never

up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall

grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The operator could lose

footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause slipping.

II1. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the

machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where

you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the trimming area and under the watchful care of another

responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.

• Before and while walking backwards,

look behind and down for small children.

• Never allow children to operate the machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects

that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable

and vapors are explosive.

-Use only an approved container.

-Never remove gas cap or add fuel

with the engine running. Allow

engine to cool before refueling. Do

not smoke.

-Never refuel the machine indoors.

- Never store the machine or fuel

container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater.

• Never run a machine inside a closed

area.

• Never make adjustments or repairs

with the engine (motor) running.

Disconnect the spark plug wire, and

keep the wire away from the plug to

prevent accidental starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep

equipment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel

spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you

strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while the engine (motor) is

running.

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or

allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with

manufacturer's recommended parts,

when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and

use extra caution when servicing them.

• Do not change the engine governor

setting or overspeed the engine.

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not shipped with your mower. 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

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

MULCHER KITS

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

FOR

WHEELS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

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

assemble or operate your new lawn

mower. IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is

shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

Your new lawn mower has been as-

sembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers, belts, etc., necessary to com-

plete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened secumlyo Use the correct tools

as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with

mower.

2. Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel down flat.

3. Remove all packing materials except padding between upper and lower

handle and padding holding operator

presence control bar to upper handle.

4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thorougly for additional

loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage control cables.

1. Raise lower handle section to operating position and squeeze the

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

be inserted into one of the three height adjustment holes.

2. Remove protective padding, raise

upper handle section into place on lower handle and tighten both handle

knobs.

3. Remove any packing material from around control bar.

Your handles may be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to "ADJUST HANDLE" in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual.

Operator control bar

LIFT

Mowing position

Lower handle

SQUEEZE

Handle

bracket

TOINSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to

bagging or discharging, see "TO CON- VERT MOWER" in the Operation section

of this manual.

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND ALL 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 reference.

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

Learn and understand their meaning.

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Drive

presence control bar

Ddve speed control lever

zone controlcable

Handle knob

Grass

Single point height adjuster handle

Gasoline filler cap

t_irfilter

Mulcher plug

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. Housing

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- sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Operator presence control bar - must be held down to the handle to start the

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

carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine. Starter handle - used for starting the

engine. Drive control bar - used to engage

power-propelled foward motion of lawn

mower.

Drive speed control lever - used to engage power-propelled forward motion

of lawn mower. Single point height adjuster - used to

adjust cutting height of lawn mower. Mulcher door - allows conversion to

discharging or bagging operation. Mulcher plug - Located at the rear discharge opening. Must be removed

when converting to bagging operation.

Theoperationofanylawn

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 standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

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

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

ACAUTION: Federal re_:lulations .reg,uim 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 tums 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.

GROUND DRIVE SPEEDS

Your lawn mower provides multiple

speeds to let you select the speed that suits you best.

• Lower speeds are for heavy/thick grass

cutting or trimming.

• Medium speeds are for normal grass cutting or trimming.

• High speeds are for light cutting and for ground transport.

NOTE: Do not move speed control lever unless the engine is running

Ddve speed

TO OPERATE DRIVE SYSTEM

• With engine running, select ground

speed by moving drive speed control lever to desired position.

• To start forward motion, pull drive

control bar back against handle.

• To stop forward motion, release drive

control bar.

IMPORTANT: Always keep drive control

fully engaged against handle when in

use.

Operator :ontrolbar

DRIVE CONTROL

_,ENGANGED

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT All four wheels are adjusted by a single

lever.

• Pull adjuster lever toward wheel. To raise mower, move lever forward to

desired position. To lower mower,

move the lever toward the rear. LOWER WHEELS

FOR HIGH CUT

Sing height adjuster

lever

RAISE WHEELS

FOR LOW CUT

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift the rear door of the lawn mower and place the grass catcher frame

hooks into the slots of the rear door.

2. The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower housing when the rear

door is lowered onto the grass catcher frame.

ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without mulcher plug or approved grass

catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door

removed or propped open.

DRIVE

Rear door slots

Grass

catcher

Catcher frame hook

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift up on grass catcher using the

frame handle.

2. Remove grass catcher with clippings from under lawn mower handle.

3, Empty clippings from bag using beth

frame handle and bag handle.

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

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Mulcher plug must be installed into rear discharge opening of mower.

• Open mulcher door and install dis- charge deflector under guard as shown.

• Mower is now ready for discharging

operation.

• To convert to mulching or bagging operation, discharge deflector must be

removed and discharge guard must be closed.

Mulcher door

Grass

Bag handle

handle

TO CONVERT MOWER

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to

bagging or discharging:

REAR BAGGING

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

place.

• You can now install the grass catcher.

• To convert to mulching or discharging operation, install mulcher plug into rear

discharge opening of mower.

frame

Open mulcher door

Discharge

deflector

Mulcher plug/_

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER

FOR MULCHING -

1. Rear mulcher plug installed.

2. Mulcher door closed. FOR REAR BAGGING -

1. Rear mulcher plug removed.

2. Grass catcher installed.

3. Mulcher door closed. FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

1. Rear mulcher plug installed.

2. Side discharge deflector installed.

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

approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or propped

open.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL

Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine. For type and grade of oil to

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

A CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with oil, or it will smoke on startup.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area around oil fill is clean.

2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout. Make sure that rim of spout is clean.

3. You receive a container of oil with the unit. Slowly pour 3/4 (15 oz.) of the oil

from the container down the oil fill spout into the engine.

4. Wait one minute to allow oil to settle.

Insert and tighten dipstick, then

remove it to check oil level.

5. Continue adding small amounts of oil and rechecking the dipstick until it

reads full. DO NOT overfill, or engine will smoke on startup.

6. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick before starting engine.

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

• 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 to bottom of tank filler neck. Do not overfill. 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 freshness.

A CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

A CAUTION: 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 fuel lines and carburetor are

empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See

Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carbu- retor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

Gasoline

filler cap

Engine oil cap

TO START ENGINE

NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the engine, a small amount of smoke may be

present during the initial use of the product and should be considered

normal.

1. 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.

2. 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

• To stop engine, release operator

presence control bar. NOTE: In 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.

• 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 clear and clean of grass clippings and chaff.

This will help engine air flow and extend engine life.

MULCHING MOWINGTIPS

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

trash. See "CLEANING" in the Maintenance

section of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will recur the grass clippings many times and reduce

them insize so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse intothe 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) spend as this will

provide the best reoutting 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 early aftemoon. 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 offonly 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 overlonding the engine and leaving

clumps of mulched grass. For extremely heavy grass, reduce your width of cut by

overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

Max 1/3

• Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be mulched a

second time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow

across or perpendicular to the first cut path.

• Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow north to south one week then

change to east to west the next week. This will help prevent matting and graining of the

lawn.

FiLL,NO.TES

AS YOU COMPLETE _O_. _j_.l_ __E RVIC E DATE S

Check for Loose Fasteners _ V' Clean/InspectGrassCatcher

(If Equipped) t/ _

i Clean Lawn MowerClean Under DriveCover

(Power-PropelledMowers) If

(Power-PropelledMowers)

g Check/Sharpen/ReplaceBlade 3

W Checkdrive belt/pulleys

LubricationChart V'

Clean Battery/Recharge IElectric Start Mowers! II/ I/4

E Check Engine Oil Level I_

Change EngineOil I/!,2

InspectMuffler Clean Air Filter _ 2

N Clean or Replace SparkPlug

ReplaceAir Filter Paper Cartridge I,/2

1 - Change more often when Operatingunder a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures.

2 - Service more olten when operating in dirtyor dusty conditions.

3- Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil. LUBRICATION CHART

4 - Charge 48 hours at end ol season.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS _) Engine oil

The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full

value from the warranty, operator must

maintain mower as instructed in this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your unit.

All adjustments in the Service and Adjust- ments sec'don 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 assure proper air-fuel mixture and help your engine run better

and last longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Check for loose fasteners. LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICA- TION CHART").

(!) Brake spring

door hinge pin

door hinge

(_) Handle bracket mounting pins

(_ Spray lubricant (2) See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings. Viscous

lubricants will attract dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the self-lubricat-

ing bearings. If you feel they must be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered

graphite type lubricant sparingly.

bracket

Mulcher

3_) Rear

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Serial number: Date of purchase:

Gasoline capacity / type: 1.25 quarts (unleaded regular)

Oil type (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

Oil capacity: 20 ounces Spark plug (gap: .030") Champion RJ19LM or J19LM

Blade bolt torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs.

The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the mower housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.

LAWNMOWER

Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenarK_.

TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which san 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

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with spark plug.

2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up.

3. Use a wood block between blade and

mower housing to prevent blade from

turning when removing blade bolt.

NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves

and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter- clockwise.

5. Remove blade and attaching hard- ware (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

1. Position the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft. Be sure key in

adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned.

2. Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in the blade

with the raised lugs on the adapter.

3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade

(opposite sharp edge) is up toward the

engine.

4. Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into

blade adapter and crankshaft.

5. 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.

Blade ada Crankshaft

Blade

Blade _-_"/1 shaft bolt Hardene

washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

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.

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. If catcher needs replacing, replace only with a manufac-

turer approved replacement catcher.

Give the lawn mower model number when ordering.

DRIVE WHEELS

Check rear drive wheels each time you mow to be sure they move freely. The

wheels not turning freely means trash, grass cuttings, etc., may be inside the

drive wheel and dust cover area and must

be cleaned out to free drive wheels. If necessary to clean the drive wheels,

check both rear wheels.

1. Remove hubcaps and Iocknuts.

2. Remove wheels from wheel adjuster

axles.

3. Remove any trash or grass cuttings

from inside the dust cover, pinion and/

or drive wheel gear teeth.

4. If you remove the drive pinions, wipe clean with dry cloth. Reassemble dry.

Do not lubricate. Do not use oil or grease.

NOTE: The pinion gears, on both sides of

the mower, are the same, however, they

must be installed correctly. If installed incorrectly, the drive system will not work.

5. There are arrows embossed on both sides of the pinion gear. With the

arrow at the top of the pinion, the arrow must pointtowards the front of

the mower. If the arrow pointsto the

rear of the mower, turn the pinion around, then assemble to mower.

6. Place wheels back on adjuster axles.

7. Replace Iocknuts and hubcaps.

CORRECT INCORRECT

Wave

,Washer

Pinion

Gover

Washers

/ Dust

Locknut

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated with

API service classification SF-SJ. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your

expected operating temperature.

F -20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100

_S ISAEVISCOSITY GRADES

c -_ -_ ._ _ ,_ 2o _

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30,

10W30 etc.) improve starting incold weather,

these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above

32°F. Check your engine oil level more

frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil.

Change the oil after every 25 hours of 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.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to

drain oil, drain fuel tank by running engine until fuel tank is empty.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where itcannot

come in contactwith spark plug.

2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface.

3. 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.

4. Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn mower or side of engine.

5. Fill engine with oil. (See "ADD OIL" in the Operation section of this manual).

6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

Container

AIR FILTER Your engine will not run propedy and may

be damaged by using a dirty air filter.

Replace the air filter every 100 hours of

operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner more

often under dusty conditions. Do not wash air filter.

TO CHANGE AIR FILTER

1. Remove the air filter by turning

clockwise to the stop and pull away from collar.

2. Remove filter from inside of cover.

3. Clean the inside of the cover and the collar to remove any dirt accumula-

tion.

4. Insert new filter into cover.

5. Put air filter cover and filter into collar aligning the tab with the slot.

6. Push in on cover and turn counter- clockwise to tighten.

TURN

Collar

Clip

Slot

CLOCKWISE

Air filter

Tab

Air filter cover

MUFFLER

Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it

could create a fire hazard and/or damage.

SPARK PLUG

Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100

hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting are

shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" in Maintenance section of this manual.

CLEANING IMPORTANT." For best performance, keep

mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. Clean underside of mower housing

after each use.

_!_CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire

from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with the spark

plug.

• Clean 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.

COUNTER-

CLOCKWISE TO

TIGHTEN

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917377650 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual