Craftsman 917378072 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

JCRIIFTSMHN*J

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

6.0 Horsepower 22" Side Discharge

Model No.

917.378072

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions before operatingthisequipment

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

Visit ourCraftsman website:www.sears.com/craflsman

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

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

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

Operation ........................................... 6-9

Maintenance Schedule ...................... 10

Maintenance ................................. 10-13

Product Specifications ........................ 11

Service and Adjustments .............. 13-14

Storage ......................................... 15-16

Troubleshooting ........................... 16-17

Repair Parts .................................. 34-43

Sears Service ...................... 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 will repair free of charge any defect in material or workman-

ship.

Ifthis 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.

_,Look for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!H BECOMEALERT}!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_,WARNING: 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.

_1,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

Wash hands after handling.

_1,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.

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.

I.GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructionson 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

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.

• 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 ifchildren

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 accessorieswere availablewhen thislawn mower was produced. They are not shipped with your mower. They are alsoavailableatmost Sears retailoutletsand service

centers. Most Sears storescan also orderrepairpartsfor you, when you providethe model

numberofyourlawn mower. Some ofthese accessoriesmay not applytoyour lawnmower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS

BLADES

I j

MULCHER KITS

_/) GRASS CATCHERS

/ LAWN MOWERS

_( SIDE DISCHARGE

AIR FILTERS

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

STABILIZER

FOR

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 cornersof carton and layend paneldown flat.

3. Remove allpackingmaterialsexcept padding between upper and lower handle and padding holdingoperator

presence controlbar to upperhandle.

4. Rolllawn mower outofcartonand check cartonthorouglyforadditional

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 handles until lower handle section locks into place in mowing

position.

2. Remove protective padding, raise upper handle section into place on lower handle and tighten both handle

knobs.

3. 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 Adjustments

section of this manual.

Operator I:

control bar

Upper UP

LIFT

Mowing position

Lower handle

TO INSTALL 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

•Operator presence control bar

Throttle

Stader handle"

Gasoline

Discharge guard

Drive control lever

Engine zone control cable

Handle knob

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Muffler

Housing

Primer

(on each wheel)

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

engine. Release to stop the engine.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

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

Drive control lever - used to engage power-propelled forward motion of lawn

mower.

Throttle control - Used for starting the

engine and allows you to select either FAST or SLOW engine speed.

Starter handle - used for starting the

engine.

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 standard safety glasses

or a wide vision safety mask over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINESPEED

The engine speed is controlled by a throttle located on the side of the upper

handle. FAST position is for starting, normal cutting, trimming and better grass

bagging. SLOW position is for light cutting, trimming and fuel economy.

DRIVECONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by holding

the operator presence control bar down

to the handle and pushing the drive control lever forward until it clicks; then

releasing 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 against handle to continue mowing without self-propelling.

• 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

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_CAUTION: Federal regulations require

an engine control to be installed on this lawn mower in order to minimize the risk

of blade contact injury. Do not under any cimumstances 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.

DRIVE

TO ENGAGE

DRIVE CONTROL

CONTROL

DISENGAGED

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

Raise wheels for low cut and lower

wheels for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit your requirements. Medium

position is best for most lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze

adjuster lever toward wheel. Move

wheel up or down to suit your require-

ments. 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.

LOWER WHEELS FOR HIGH CUT

RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT Lever

TO CONVERT MOWER

Your mower is shipped ready to be used

as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:

• Lift discharge guard and remove

mulcher plate.

• Mower can now be used for side

discharging or optional grass catcher can be attached.

• To return to mulching operation, simply

reinstall mulcher plate as shown.

_IbCAUTION: Do not run your lawn

mower without discharge guard, ap-

proved grass catcher or mulcher plate in

place.

DL_harge

guard

Mulcher

plate

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. _]k 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 till 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

NOTE: Before filling fuel tank, remove and discard the debris plug that is inside

the tank.

• 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.

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 carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

Gasoline filler cap Engine

(Discard oil cap

debris

plug

Primer

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. Move throttle control lever to FAST

position.

3. 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.

• For side discharge lawn mowers, cutting in a counter-clockwise direction, starting at the outside of the area to be cut, spreads grass clippings more

evenly and puts less load on the engine. To keep clippings off of

walkways, flower beds, etc., make the first cuts in a clockwise direction.

• 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 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 is the early afternoon. At this time the grass has

dried and the newly cut area will not be exposed to the direct sun.

• For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height so that the lawn mower

cuts off only the top one-third of the grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown it will be necessary to raise the height of

cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of mulched grass. For extremely heavy mulching, reduce your width of cut by overlapping previously

cut path and mow slowly.

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 perpendicu-

lar 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.

MA,NTENANCESC,EDU'E

AS YOU COMPLETE /__€'_-_'_O_I==\IIPI= n ....

Check for Loose Fasteners I,/ tl/

(IfClean/Inspect Grass CatcherEquipped) '_/' _ ;_

i Clean Lawn Mower

Clean Under Drive Cover (Power-Propelled Mowers) _'

_ Ch_-"kdrive beWpulleys

(Power-Propelled Mowers) If

g Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade _

Lubrication Chart _ V'

Clean Battery/Recharge

IElectric Start Mowers1 Ii/ 11/4

BE Check En_lineOil Level ql/

Change Engine Oil _1.2

Inspect Muffler

G Clean Air Niter _ 2 N Clean or Replace Spark Plug

Replace Air Niter Paper Cartridge I,/'2

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load c¢in high ambient temperatures, 2 - Se_4ce more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions.

3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in 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.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug,

clean or 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 "LUBRI-

CATION CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

(_) 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.

hinge

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Serial number:

Date of purchase: Gasoline capacity / type: 1.6 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

LAWNMOWF_R

Always observesafety ruleswhen perform-

ing any maintenance.

TIRES

• Keeptiresfree ofgasoline,oil,or insect controlchemicalswhich can harm rubber.

• Avoidstumps,stones,deep ruts,sharp objectsand o_er hazards t_at may cause

_re 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 ingood condi-

tion 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. 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 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.

Crankshaft

Blade

Blade .3rank

bolt Harden_ shaft

washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

GRASS CATCHER (If purchased as an accesssory)

• The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used.

• Check your grass catcher often for damage or deterioration. Through

normal use itwill wear. If catcher needs

replacing, replace only with a manufac-

turer 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, etc. are in the drive

wheel area and must be cleaned to free drive wheels.

If necessary to clean the drive wheels, be

sure to clean both front wheels.

1. Remove hubcaps, hairpin cotters and washers.

2. Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.

3. Remove any trash or grass cuttings from inside the dust cover, pinion and/

or drive wheel gear teeth.

4. Put wheels back in place. NOTE: If after cleaning, the drive wheels

do not turn freely, contact a Sears or other

qualified service center.

GEAR CASE

• To keep your drive system working

properly, the gear case and area

around the drive should be kept clean

and free of trash build-up. Clean under

the drive cover twice a season.

• The gear case is filled with lubricant to

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

service has been performed on the gear case.

• If lubricant is required, use only Texaco

Starplex Premium 1 Grease, Part No.

750369. Do not substitute.

ENGINE LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF-SJ.

Select the oirs SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating

temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

6O 8O

-30 -20 0 1'o 20 30 TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT C4L 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°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 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.

TOCLEANAIR FILTER

1. Loosenscrewand tilt coverto remove.

2. Carefullyremovecartridge.

3. Cleanbygentlytappingon a flat

surface. If very dirty, replace cartridge.

ACAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such as

kerosene, are not to be used to clean cartridge. They may cause deterioration of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not use pressurized air to clean or dry cartridge.

4. Install cartridge, then replace cover making sure the tabs are aligned with

the slots in the back plate. Fasten

screw securely.

Back

Slots

Cover

Cover tabs

MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it

could create a fire hazard and/or dam- age.

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 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.

• 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.

CLEAN UNDER DRIVE COVER Clean under drive cover at least twice a

season. Scrape underside of cover with

putty knife or similar tool to remove any build-up of trash or grass on underside of

drive cover.

_I_WARNING: To avoid serious injury,

before performing any service or adjust° ments:

1. Release control bar and stop engine.

2. Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.

3. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place where it cannot come

in contact with plug.

LAWN MOWER

TO ADJUST CUTRNG HEIGHT

See "TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT" in the Operation section of this manual.

REAR DEFLECTOR The rear deflector, attached between the

rear wheels of your mower, is provided to minimize the possibility that objects will

be thrown out of the rear of the mower into the operator's mowing position. If the

deflector becomes damaged, it should be

replaced. DISCHARGE GUARD

The discharge guard, attached to the discharge opening of your lawn mower, is

provided to prevent the possibility of injury resulting from objects being thrown

out of the discharge opening into the operator mowing position. If the discharge guard becomes damaged, it should be

replaced.

TO REMOVE DRIVE BELT

1. Remove drive cover. Remove belt

from gearcase pulley by pushing

down on pulley and rolling belt off it.

2. Turn lawn mower on its side with air

filter and carburetor up.

3. Remove blade.

4. Remove debris shield.

5. Remove belt from engine pulley on crankshaft.

6. Install new belt by reversing above steps.

TO REPLACE DRIVE BELT

1. Install new belt on engine pulley.

2. Reinstall debris shield and blade.

3. Return mower to upright position.

4. Install new belt on gearcase pulley.

5. Reinstall drive cover.

NOTE: Always use factory approved belt

to assure fit and long life.

Lower

handle

ROTATE

Mowing position

Drive cover Belt

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.

1. Remove upper handle and all parts attached to lower handle.

2. Remove hairpin cotters from lower

handle bracket mounting pin.

3. Squeeze lower handle in to remove it from mounting pins.

4. Turn lower handle over to raise or lower handle.

5. Squeeze lower handle in and position holes onto mounting pins on handle

bracket.

6. Reassemble upper handle and all parts removed from lower handle.

Hairpin

Mounting-

LOW POSITION

ENGINE

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 a

Sears or other qualified service center for repair and adjustment.

CARBURETOR Your carburetor is not adjustable. If your

engine does not operate properly due to suspected carburetor problems, take your

lawn mower to a Sears or other qualified

service center for repair and/or adjust-

ment. 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 dangerous. If you think the

engine-governed high speed needs adjusting, contact a Sears or other qualified service center, which has proper

equipment and experience to make any

14necessary adjustments.

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917378072 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual