Craftsman 917377991 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
IVlllM°
E
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.377991
o Safety
o Assembly
Operation
Maintenance
o EspaSoi
- Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Visit our Craftsman website: www_sears,com/craftsman
Warranty 2 Product Specifications 11
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 14
Assembly 4 Storage 16
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 17
Maintenance Schedule t0 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 wil! repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanship.
If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty
applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.
This Warranty does not cover:
• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower
blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.
o 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 sen,ice 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 operator
presence controls to minimize the
risk of injury_ Your unit is 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
properly° Learn how to quickly stop
mower.
, Do not allow children to use your mower.
Never allow adults to use mower without
proper instructions°
o Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, especially small children and
pets.
, Use mower only as the 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 all stones, sticks,
wires, bones, and other foreign objects.
These objects will be thrown by the
blade and can cause severe injury.
° Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields when starting and while using
your mower.
° Dress properly. Do not operate mower
when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Wear only solid shoes with good traction
2
when mowing.
o Checkfuel tankbeforestartingengine.
Do notfill gastankindoors,whenthe
engineis runningor whenthe engineis
hot,Allow the engineto coolforseveral
minutesbeforefillingthe gastank.Clean
off any spilledgasolinebeforestarting
the engine.
o Always make wheel heightadjustments
beforestartingyour mower.Never
attemptto dothis whiletheengineis
running.
• Mowonly in daylightor goodartificial
lighL
OPERATION:
o Keepyoureyes and mindon "your
mowerandthe areabeingcut. Donotlet
other interests distract you.
o Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never
run while operating your mower. Always
be sure of your footing -- keep a firm
hold on the handles and walk.
° Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis-
charge opening at all time&
° Always stop the engine whenever you
leave or are not using your mower, or
before crossing driveways, walks, roads,
and any gravel--covered areas.
° Never direct discharge of material
toward bystanders nor allow anyone
near the mower while you are 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°
o Do not change the governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Engine damage
or personal injury may result.
o 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°
o 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
excessively steep slope& Use caution
when operating the mower on uneven
terrain or when changing directions
maintain good footing.
o Never operate your mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
other safety devices Jnp_ace.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
° Check the blade and the engine
mounting bolts often to be sure they are
tightened properly.
o Check all bolts, nuts and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to
be sure mower is in safe working
condition°
° Keep all safety devices in place and
working°
° To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine
free of grass, leaves or excessive
grease and oil.
- Check grass catcher often for 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.
ALook for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED°
_I,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
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects,
or other reproductive harm.
3
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 atso 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,,M,OWER PERFORMANCE
, illllllllll
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
f-
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
...... ,,, u, .,.i
BELTS
MUFFLERS
lu i ,..ul i i
BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS
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,
",(ournew 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 parts bag. To ensure safe
and proper operation of your lawn mower, at!
parts and hardware you assemble must be
tightened securely. Use the correct tools as
necessary to ensure proper tightness.
MULCHER KITS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
AIR FILTERS
WHEELS
STABILIZER
lu
GAS CANS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARION
• Remove loose parts included with mower.
o Cut down two end comers of carton and
lay end panel down flat,
o Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower handle
and padding holding operator presence
control bar to upper handle.
° Roll lawn mower out of carton and check
carton thoroughly for additional loose
parts.
4
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefully so as
not to pinch or damage control cables_
• Raise handles until lower handle section
locks into place in mowing position.
= Remove protective padding, raise upper
handle section into place on lower handle
and tighten both handle knobs.
° Remove handle padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle°
° Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted
for your mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust
Handle" in the Service and Adjustment
section of this manual
Operator presence control
bar
Upper handle "-_ ////
uftup \//!L
_'__"-_,_/_=_ ._ Mowing
Lift up
/ position
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging 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_
o To retum to 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.
Lower handle
5
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
location of various controls and adiustments. Save this manual for future reference.
Thesesymbolsmay appearonyourlawnmoweror inliterature suppliedv_lf=tfleproduct.Learn and understand
theremeaning.
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
Starter handle
Handle knob
Grass
Engine oil
Mulcher plug
cap w!
dipstick
Housing
Drive cover
Gasoline cap
Primer
IMPORTANT: 3_is lawn mower is shipped Wheel adjuster
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. (on each wheel)
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 Commission. The blade
tums 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
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.
carburetorto the cylinderfor use when starting
a coldengine.
Starter handle- used for starting the engine.
6
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.
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: .Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installea 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
o Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cut.
• Adjust cutting height to suit your require-
ments. Medium position is best for most
lawns.
° To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster
lever toward wheel Move wheel up or
down to suit your requirements. Be sure all
wheels are in the same setting.
NOTE; Adjuster is properly positioned
when plate tab inserts into hole in lever.
Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped)
allow lever to be positioned between the
plate tabs.
Plate Tab
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
° Close the lift top tid_ Lift top lid must be
closed while operating lawn mower°
° Lift the rear door on the mower housing
and place the grass catcher frame onto the
formed tabs on the rear door hinge
bracket.
° 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 clipping deflector or
approved grass catcher in place_ Never
attempt to operate the lawn mower with
the rear door removed or propped open.
Hinge
bracket Rear door
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°
LowerWheelsf°rHighC_o._b.__,.__._.
__ Lever
Raise Wheels for Low Cut
DRIVECONTROL
o Self-propellingiscontrolledby holding
the operatorpresencecontrol bardown
to the handleand pushing the drive
control lever forward until it clicks; then
release the lever.
° Forward motion will stop when the
operator presence control bar is
released. To stop forward motion
without stopping engine, release the
operator presence control bar slightly
until the drive control disengages° Hold
operator presence control bar down to
handle to continue mowing without self-
propelling.
o To keep drive control engaged when
turning corners, push down on handle
and lift front wheels off ground while
turning lawn mower.
Operator presence control bar
Drive
control
ADD GASOLINE
o FTttfuel tank° Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be
used within 30 days to assure fuel
freshness.
_WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fLiels (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 carburetor cleaner products in
the fuel tank or permanent damage may
occur.
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
fill is clean.
° Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full
line on the dipstick.
NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine
for accurate dipstick reading,
• Engine holds 27 oz& of oil. For type and
grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in
Maintenance section of this manual.
° Pour oi! slowly. Do not over fill.
° 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.
ACAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or
use gasoline near an open flame.
Gasoline filler cap Engine oilcap
TO START ENGINE
° To start a cold engine, push primer three
(3) times before trying to start° Use a firm
push. This step is not usually necessary
when starting an engine which has
already run for a few minutes.
° Hold operator presence control bar down
to the handle and pull starter handle
quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap
back.
• To stop engine, release operator 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.
8
MOWING TIPS
o Under certain conditions, such as very
tall grass, it may be necessary to raise
the height of cut to reduce pushing effort
and to keep from overloading the engine
and leaving clumps of grass clippings It
may also be necessary to reduce
ground speed and/or run the lawn
mower over the area a second time,
o For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut by overlapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.
o For better grass bagging and most
cutting conditions, the engine speed
should be set in the fast position.
o When using a rear discharge lawn
mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of
cut grass may not enter the grass
catcher. Reduce ground speed (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 dpj before using.
o 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 Maintenance section
of this manual,.
o 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 recutting 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 isthe eady 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.
If the lawn is overgrown it will be necessary
to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing
effort and to keep from overloading the
engine and leaving clumps of mulched
grass. For extremely hearty mulching,
reduce your width of cut by overlapping
previously cut path and mow slowly°
o 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.
Max 1/3
9
FILL IN DATES _,-_ _ ,k-_._ 5k_
AS YOU COMPLETE /__J_"
.,_'%?_-'Y_.q_" _'49"_ _ _ SERVICE DATES
........€heck for Loose Fasteners
clear,Jlnspect Grass Catcher
(If Equipped) $/ , 64_
M .Clean Lawn Mower ......
v"
(Power-Propelled Mowers)
O Clean Under Drive Cover
Check drive beitipuiieys
(P0we.r.rprop.eIledMowe rs)
ChecldSharpen/RepTac e Blade
Lubrication Chart
Clean Battery/Recharge
(Electric Start Mowers! ........
v'
........... _ _, _4
EC.heck Engine Oil Level Mi'
U C.hange Engine Oil
G Clean Air Filter i_' 2
I inspect Muffler ........ 6/
N C!ean 9_ ReP(ace Spark Piug ..... II/
E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge IV# 2
1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures
2 - Service more oflen when opera_ng in dirty or dusly conditions
3 - Replace blades more often when mowtng tn sandy soil
4 - Charge 48 hours at end 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
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.
o Once a year, replace the spark plug,
replace air filter element and check
blade for wear. A new spark plug and
clean/new air filter element assures
proper air-fuel mixture and helps your
engine run better and last longer.
- Follow the maintenance schedule in this
manual.
BEFORE EACH USE
° Check engine oil level.
° Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICA-
TION CHART")°
........ . =
(_ Wheel adjuster
L'_ HandIe bracket mounting pin
["_'_.)Spray lubricant
(_) Refer to Maintenance "ENGINE" section,
IMPORTAI'tl': Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will attract
dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the self
lubricating bearings, tf you feel they must be
lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite
type lubricant sparingly.
..... ,,., . .,,....,.,,
LUBRICATION CHART
Engine oil
Rear door hinge
10
PRODUCT SPECiFiCATiONS
MODEL NUMBER
SERIALNUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE:
OI LTYPE (API-SF/SGtSH):
OIL CAPACITY:
SPARK PLUG (GAP: ,030")
VALVE CLEARANCE:
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 IN.
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FTo LBS.
o'The modeJ and"seriai numbers wiirbe found on a decal attach'ed to th8 rear o{_the
lawn mower housing.Record both serial number and date of purchase in space
provided above,
LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when performing
any maintenance°
TIRES
. Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect
control chemicals which can harm rubber.
° Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp
objects and other hazards that may cause
tire damage.
BLADE CARE
For best results, mower blade must be
kept sharp° Replace bent or damaged
blades.
TO REMOVE BLADE
• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with spark plug.
° 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 tuming counter..
clockwise.
- 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,
o Position blade on the blade adapter
aligning the two (2) holes in the blade
with the raised lugs on the adapter.
o Be sure the trailing edge of blade
(opposite sharp edge) is up toward the
engine.
° Install the blade bolt with the lock
washer and hardened washer into
blade adapter and crankshaft.
o 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.
917.37799t
1o5QUARTS
UNLEADED REGULAR
SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)
27 OZS.
CHAMPION RJ19LM OR J19LM
INTAKE: °004 - ,008
EXHAUST: .004 - .008
11
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat
treated.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen-
ing blade - but if you do, be sure the blade
is balanced.
Care should be taken to keep the blade
balanced_ An unbalanced blade wilt
cause eventual damage to lawn mower or
engine.
° The blade can be sharpened with a file
or on a gdnding wheel. Do not attempt
to sharpen while on the mower.
* To check blade balance, drive a nail
into a beam or wall. Leave about one
inch of the straight nail exposed_ Place
center hole of blade over the head of
the nail. tf 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° Crank shaft
Blade keyway
ada
Key
Blade
Crank
Lock
",,
washer Hardened
edge
Blade
adapter
sha_
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. If catcher needs replacing,
replace only with a manufacturer approved
replacement catcher. Give the lawn
mower model number when ordering.
DRIVE WHEELS
Check front drive wheels each time before
you mow to be sure they move freely.
The wheels not turning freely means
trash, grass cuttings, etco are in the drive
wheel area and must be cleaned to free
drive wheels.
if necessary to clean the drive wheels,
check both front wheels.
= Remove hubcaps, hairpin cotters and
washers.
= Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.
o Remove any trash or grass cuttings
from inside the dust cover, pinion and/
or drive wheel gear teeth.
o Put wheels back in place.
• If after cleaning, the drive wheels do
not turn freely, contact your nearest
authorized service center.
GEAR CASE
o To keep your drive system working
properly, the gear case and area
around the drive should be kept clean
and free of trash build-up. Clean under
the drive cover twice a season.
° The gear case is filled with lubricant to
the proper level at the factory. The only
time the lubricant needs attention is if
service has been performed on the
gear case_
• If lubricant is required, use only Texaco
Starplex Premium 1 Grease, Part No.
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_
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
4 I_ll i_1_1 llllllill )
°F: " :20" .............0" ' 30; 32" 40' 60" "' 80" 100" .....
'=C -3p" .:,2D' ,-,"lO" O' 1137 20" 30* 4C,'
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPA3"EO BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
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°E 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 oi! 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_
12
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to
drain oil, drain fuel tank by running
engine until fuel tank is empty.
o Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug
and place wire where it cannot come in
contact with spark plug.
o 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. Rc#k
lawn mower back and forth to remove any
oil trapped inside of engine.
o Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower and
on side of engine.
• Fit! engine with oil Fill only to the "FULL"
line on the dipstick. DO NOT overfill.
, Replace engine oil cap.
o Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.
lner
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly and may
be damaged by using a dirty air filter.
Replace the air filter every year, more
often if you mow in very dusty, dirty
conditions. Do not wash air filter.
TO CHANGE AIR FILTER
o Loosen cover knob,
. Swing cover down and remove from
hinge.
• Pull paper filter out of air cleaner body.
° Clean air cleaner cover and body°
• Install a new paper filter.
o Reinstall cover to air cleaner body. Be
sure hinge is assembled properly.
o Swing cover up and tighten cover knob.
(Do not overtighten).
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it
could create a fire hazard and/or damage,
SPARK PLUG
Change your spark plug each year to make
your engine start easier and run better. Set
spark plug gap at .030 inch°
CLEANING
IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep
mower housing free of built-up grass and
trash Clean the underside of your mower
after each use.
,_CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire
from spark plug and place wire where it
cannot come in contact with the spark
plug.
• Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air
filter and carburetor are upo Clean the
underside of your lawn mower by scraping
to remove build-up of grass and trash.
o Clean engine often to keep trash from
accumulating. A clogged engine nJns
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 putty
knife or similar toot to remove any build-up of
trash or grass on underside of drive cover.
Hinge
Paper filter
Air filter cover
Cover knob
'13
ACAUTION: Before performing any
service and adjustments:
o 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 plug,
LAWNMOWER
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
operator's mowing position. If the rear
deflector becomes damaged, it should be
replaced.
TO REMOVEfREPLACE 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 carbure-
tor and fuel cap up.
, Remove blade.
• Remove debris shield.
° Remove belt from engine pulley on
crankshaft.
o Install new belt by reversing above steps.
o Always use factory approved belt to assure
fit and long life.
TO ADJUST HANDLE
The handle can be mounted in a high or
low position, The mounting holes in the
bottom of lower handle are off center for
raising or lowering the handle,
o Remove upper handle and all parts
attached to lower handle,
° Remove hairpin cotters from lower
handle bracket mounting pin.
° Squeeze lower handle in to remove it
from mounting pins.
- Turn lower handle over to raise or lower
handle.
o Squeeze lower handle in and position
holes onto mounting pins on handle
bracket.
• Reassemble upper handle and all parts
removed from lower handle_
Mowing ,-, Mowing .,
position ,<.'_ position ,(-.-;;
r--I
Low position
High position
Drive
cover
Belt
_',," _ Lower
Push
down
Rotate _ handle
14
TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER
o 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.
o When frame comes out the other end of
sewn hem, immediately work the end of
frame down inside the bag as shown in
inset.
o Slide sewn hem evenly around the
tubular frame until both ends of frame
are exposed out of the front opening.
• Assemble lower frame to tubular frame
as shown° Be sure handle is outside of
bag and frames are fully seated as
shown in inset.
o 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_
Tubular frame
Sewn hem
Sewn
hem
Fli_ !_d
Lower frame
i
Tubular frame
(Frames
must be
fully
seated)
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 non-adjustable
fixed main jet for mixture control° If your
engine does not operate properly due to
suspected 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
proper engine speed_ Overspeeding the
engine above the factory high speed
setting can be dangerou& if you think the
engine-governed high speed needs
adjusting, contact your nearest authorzed
service center, which has proper
equipment and experience to make any
necessary adjustments.
Lower frame handle
15
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