Craftsman 917377651 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRRFTSMRWI

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

6.75 Horsepower

21" Multi-Cut

Power-Propelled

Model No.

917.377651

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rulesand Instructions beforeoperatingthisequipment

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

Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman

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 For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained,

lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in

the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or 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, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

A 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.

AWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of

its constituents, and certain vehicle

components contain or emit chemicals

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.

A 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

• Road, understand, and follow all

instructions on the machine and in tho

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 down 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.

I1. 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.

o 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 pads for you, when you provide the model

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

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

GRASS CATCHERS

\\ FOR

LAWN MOWERS

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

MULCHER KITS

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

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, bolts, 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 securely. 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.

HOWTO 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.

control bar

Upper

LIFT UP

Mowing position

Lower handle

Handle pin

SQI

Handle J bracket

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a rnulcher. 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

Drive speed control lever

Starter

Handle knob

Grass catch_

Single point height adjuster

Gasoline filler cap

Air filter

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.

mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the

The operation of any lawn

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

&CAUTION: F.e.deralre.qula'dons.,.req.uirean

engine control to De installed on [nis lawn mower inorder to minimize the risk of blade

contact injury. Do not under any dreurnstances 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.

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 control bar

DRIVE

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

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.

_CAUTION: 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.

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 both

frame handle and bag handle.

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

Grass catcher

Bag frame handle handle

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.

door

Open mulcher door

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.

Mulcher plug

Discharge

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.

MOWINGTIPS

Under certain conditions, such as very tail 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 MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: For best 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 recut the grass clippings many times and reduce

them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and

not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients

for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will

provide the best resutting action of the blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes

with the mulching action. The best time to mow your lawn is the early 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 off only the top one-third of the grass

blades. Ifthe lawn is overgrown itwill be necessary to raise the height of cut to

reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving

dumps 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.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE _._ G_ _y _'_/ _" _._

FILL IN DATES _ _ _._ q.,_ _

REGULAR SERVICE S

Check for LooseFasteners I V# V #

Clean/Inspect GrassCatcher

(If Equipped) i,/ if

a Clean Lawn Mower

i (Power-PropelledMowers) V /

O Clean Under Drive Cover

Check drivebelt/pulleys

E (Power-PropelledMowers) V'

Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade I_ 3

LubricationChart If

Clean Battery/Recharge

Electric Start Mowerst

E Check Engine Oil Level IV°'

_'_ k_ _ _ ._'_- _ ,_ SERVICE

iN Chan_e Engine Oil V_1.2

G !Clean Air Filter II/' 2

I InspectMuffler I_

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug tx

E ReplaceAir Filter Paper Cartridge _2

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

2 - Service more often when operating in dirty ordusty COnditions. 3 - Replace blades more olten when mowing in sandy soil.

4- Charge 48 hours at end of season. LUBRICATION CHART

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

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

operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, operator must

maintain mower as instructed in this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made

periodically to properly maintain your unit. All adjustments in the Service and Adjust-

ments section of this manual should be checked at least once each season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug, replace air filter element and check blade

for wear. A new spark plug and clean/new air filter element 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").

(_) Engine oil

(_) Brake spring

I I

door hinge pin

'(_) Rear

door hinge

(_) Handle bracket mounting pins

(_) Spray lubricant (_) 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

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 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

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.

Crankshaft

Blade

Blade bolt Hardene shaft

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 point towards the front of

the mower. If the arrow points to 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

j Dust

cover

Washers

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.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

"20 0 30 80 _'O

-3o _o -lo o ,o _o 3o ,o

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICLPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

NOTE: Although muifi-viscoslty oils (5W30,

10W30 etc.) improve sta_ng in cold weather,

these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil. Change the oil after every 25 hours of 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 rue (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 p_ug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with 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 properly 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

CLOCKWISE

REMOVE

Slot

Air filter

Tal

Air filter cover

CLOCKWISE TO

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. _kCAUTION: 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.

TURN

COUNTER-

TIGHTEN

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917377651 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual