Craftsman 917378210 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

JCRAFTSMAN'J

5.5 HORSEPOWER 21" MULTI-CUT

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.378210

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espafiol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions

beforeoperatingthisequipment

Warranty ................................................. 2 Product Specifications.......................... 12

Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4 Service and Adjustments................. 14-15

Assembly ................................................ 5 Storage ............................................ 15-16

Operation ........................................... 6-10 Troubleshocting .............................. 16o17

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 11 Repair Parts.......................................... 37

Maintenance .................................... 11-15 Parts Ordedng ........................ Back Cover

LIMITEDTWOYEAR 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 instructionsin

the owner's manual, Seers will repair free ofcharge any defect in matedal or workman- ship.

If thisCraftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty appliesfor only 90 days from the date of purchase.

This Warranty does not cover:

• Expandable 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, includingbent

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 Canter/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 dghts, and you may also have other dghts which varyfrom state to state.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffrcan Estates, Illinois60179

IMPORTANT: This cuttingmachine is capable of amputating handsand feet and throwing objects, Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould result in

sedous injury or death.

I, GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all

instructionson the machine and in the

manual(s) before starting. Be thor- oughly familiar with the controlsand the proper use of the machine before

starting.

• Do not pat hands or feet near or under

rotatingparts. 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 weedng 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 instructionsfor

proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use acoessodes 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 untilthe blade comes to complete stop

before removing grass catcher.

• Mow only n daylight or good artificia

light.

• Do not operate the macNne wNle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of your foot!ng: keep a

firm hold on the handle ana walk; never

ran.

• Disengage the self.propened mecha-

nism or drive clutchon mowers so equipped before starting the engine

(motor),

• Iftheequipmentshouldstarttovibrate abnormally,stoptheengine(motor)

and checkimmediatelyforthecause,

Vibrationisgenerallya wamlng of

trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety

glasses with side shields when operating mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to slip

and fall accidents which can rasultin

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

notmow 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 tdm excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced

footing could cause slipping.

II1. CHILDREN Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

isnot alert to the presence of children.

CNk:kan are oflen attracted to the

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

you last saw them.

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

responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off ifchildren

enter the area.

• Before and while wa_ng backwards,

look behind and down for small children.

• Never allow children to operate the

machine.

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

that may obscurevision.

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 notsmoke.

. Never refuel the machine indoors.

- Never store the machine or fuel

ccntalnerInside 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 acclden-

tat 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 debds build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before

stodng.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you

stdke 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 detedoralton,

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 servicingthem.

• Do not change the engine governor

setting or overspeed the engine.

A,Look for this symbol to point out

• importantsafety precautions. It means

CAUTIONItl BECOME ALERTIII 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

defectsor other reproductiveharm. Wash

& CAUTION: In orderto prevent

hands after handling.

accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs,

always disconnect spark plug wire and placewire where it cannot contact spark

plug•

A CAUTION: Muffler and other engine parts become extremely hotduring

operationand remain hot after engine has stopped. To avoid severe burns on contact,stay away fromthese areas.

&WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents,and certain vehicle

components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause

cancer and birthdefects or other reproductive harm.

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 partsfor you, when you

providethe model number of your lawn mower. Some of these acoessodes may not

apply to your lawn mower•

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCRER KiTS STABILIZER

REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS LAWNMOWERS

GAS CANS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

AIR FILTERS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

Read these instructionsand this manual in its entirety before youattempt to

assemble or operate your new lawn mower.

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shippedWITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in

the engine. Your new lawn mower has been as-

sembled at the factory withthe exception

ofthose ports left unassembled for shippingpurposes. All parts such as nuts,

washers, bolts, etc., necessary to com- plete the assembly have been placed in

the ports hag. Toensure safe and proper

operationof 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 comers of carton and lay end panel down flat.

3. Remove all hacking 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 UPYOUR LAWN

MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as notto 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 controlbar to

upper handle.

Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to "AD.

JUST HANDLE _in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual.

control bar

L_ltL

Lower handle

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convertmower to bagging, see 'TO CONVERT MOWER"

in the Operation section of this manual.

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourself

with the locationof vadous controlsend adjustments. Save this manual for future

reference.

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or In Iltaratura supplied with the

product. Learn and understand their meaning.

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

ORWARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Throttle/choke

Starter handle

Handle knob

Grass Airfilter

Engine

Operator presence control bar

Drive control lever

Gasoline filler cap

Fuel valve lever

Housing

Ddve

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped Wheeladjuster WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. (oneach whesi)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conformto the safety standards of the

Amedsan National Standards Instituteand the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commis- sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Operator presence control bar - must be helddown to the handle to start the

engine. Release to stop the engine. Mulcher door - allows conversion to

discharging or bagging operation. Starter handle - used for starting the

engine.

Throttle choke/control lever - used for

starting the engine; & allows you to select either choke, fast or slow engine speed.

Drive control lever - used to engage power-propellod forward motion of lawn mower.

The operation of any lawn

mower con result in foreign objectsthrown into the

i eyes, which con result in

severe eye damage.

Alwayswear 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 is contmllad by a throttlecontrol located on the side of the

upper handle. Choke position is for starting a cold engine and fast position is

for normal cutting,trimming,and better grass bagging. Slow position Isfor light

cutting,tdmming and fuel economy.

4_ Slow

Fast ,. ,.

• ,:-,

I i I I "

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL _,CAUTION: Federal regulations require

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

of blade contactInjury. Do not under any circumstances attempt to defeat the

functionof the operatorcontrol. 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 CONTROL

• Serf-propelling is controlled by holding

the operator presence control bar down to the handle and pushing the ddve

control lever forward untilit clicks;then

releasing the lever.

• Forward motion will stop when the

operator presence controlbar is

released. To stop forward motion

without stopping engine, release the operator presence control bar slightly

untilthe drive control disengages. Hold operator presence control bar down

against handle to continue mowing

without serf-propelling.

• To keep drive control engaged when

turning corners, push down on handle

and lift front wheels off ground while turning lawn mower.

Drive

control

To engage Drive control drive control disengaged

TO ADJUST CuI-nNG HEIGHT

Raise wheels for low cut and lower

wheels for high cut, adjust cuttingheight 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 suityour 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-positlan adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever to be positioned batwsen the plate tabs.

L_ver Wheelsfor HighCut Plat_Ta_

RaiseWheelsfor Low Cut Lever

• TO CONVERT MOWER Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convertto bagging or discharging:

REAR SAGGING

• Liftrear door of the lawn mower and

place the grass catcher frame hooks onto the door pivot pins.

• To convert to mulching or discharging

operation, remove grass catcher and close rear door.

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Rear door must be closed.

• 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 ba removed and mulcher door must be

closed. SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER

FOR MULCHING.

1. Rear door closed.

2. Mulcher door closed.

FOR REAR BAGGING -

1. Grass catcher installed.

2. Mulcher door closed.

FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

1. Rear door closed.

2. Side discharge deflector installed. _(_,CAUTION: Do not run your lawn

mower without rear door closed or approved grass catcher in place.

Never attempt to operate the lawn mower

with the rear door removed or propped

open.

Pivot pins Rear Grass

Open mulcher door

Discharge

catcher

handle

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE ADD OIL

Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine. Engine holds 18.5 oz. of oil. For type and grade of oil to use, see

"ENGINE" in Maintenance section ofthis manual.

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

2. Remove engine oilcap and fillto

upper limit mark on dipstick. Pour oil

slowly. Do not over fill.

NOTE:Allowoiltosettledownintoengine foraccuratereading.Toreadproperlevel, insertthedipstickintothetubeand rest

engine oilcap on the tube. Do not thread

the cap onto the tube. Remove and read

the oil level.

3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Check oil level before each use. Add

oil if needed. Fill to upper limitmark 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.

Gasoline

tiller cap

Oil cap

Oil filler cap]dipstick

problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, startthe

engine and let it run untilthe fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel

nextseason. See Storage Instructionsfor additional information. Never use engine

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

A CAUTION: Fillto 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.

TO START ENGINE NOTE: Due to protective coatings onthe

engine, a small amount of smoke may be present dudng the initial use of the product and should be considered

normal.

1. Turn fuel valve to ON position.

2. To start a cold engine, move handle mounted throttle/choke control lever to

CHOKE position.

3. Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and pullstarter

handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back.

4. Slowly move throttle control lever to

FAST position after engine starts.

• To start a warm engine, move throttle

control lever to FAST or SLOW position, then follow steps above.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator

presence control bar. Wait untilblade

and all moving parts have stopped and turn fuel valve to OFF position if you do

not intend to restart the engine soon.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline with a minimum of

87 octane. Do not mix oil with gaso- line. Purchase fuel in quantities that

can be used within30 days to assure fuel freshness.

_,WARNING: Expedenca indicates that

alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and

formation of acids dudng storage. Acidic

gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine

Fuel valve lever

• MOWlNGTIPS

• 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

cuttingconditions, 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 catchem willcollect less grass.

To prevent this, regulady hose catcher

off with water and let dry before using.

• Keep top of engine around starter clear

and clean of grass clippings and chaff.

This will help engine air flow and

extend engine life.

MULCHING MOWINGTIPS IMPORTANT: Forbest 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 clippingsmany times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and notbe noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrientsfor the lawn. Always mulchwith your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recuttlng 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 eady aftemcon. At thistime the grass has dded and the newly cut area will not be exposed to the direct sun.

• For best results, adjust the lawn mower cuttingheight so that the lawn mower

cuts off only the top one-third of the grass blades. Ifthe lawn is overgrown

it will be necessary to raise the height

of cut to reducepushing effortand to

keep from overloading the engine and leaving dumps of mulched grass. For extremely heavy mulching, reduce your

width of cut by overlapping previously

cut path and mowslowly.

• Certain types of grass and grass

conditionsmay require that an area be mulched a second time to completely

hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow across or perpendicu-

larto the first cut path.

• Change your cutting paffem from weak 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

FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE SERVICE DATES

Check lor Loose FaSteners "M / l" M/

IIfEqu]p I/ _ I

Clearvln ;e_ctGrass Catcher i'

CleanLawnMowe_ I_

CleanunderDriveCover

(Power-Propelled Mowers) ft/

Checkdrivebelt/ Ileys (power.propell_t_owers) ft/

CheclVSharpen,1%placeBlade I,/3

LubricationChart fl/ it/

Clean Battety/Recha_

IElectricStartMowers I/' I/4

Check Engine 011Level V/ Change Engine Oil II/1_

CleanAirFilter I_' 2

Inspect Muffler

Clean or Replace Spark Plug

Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge it/2

1 - Cl'_e more _ v_heqoperatingundera heavy load or in hk_l arn_enl t_e_at um,_ 2 - Sewk_ morn onee _ opetaUngIn dl_y ordL_ _ondttk_eL

3 * Re_ dades more o_en _4w_ mowieg Imunoy soil 4 - Cl'arge 48 Ilours at e_d of uaso_.

LUBRICATION CHART

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this lawn mower does

notcover items that have been subjected

to operator abuse or negligence. To

receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain mower as instructedin this manual.

Some adjuslments will need to be made periodically to prapedy maintain your

unit. All adjus_ents in the Service and

Adjustments sectionof 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 unitwell lubdcated (See "LUBRI-

CATION CHART').

(_) Spray lubricant

_) See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.

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

lubdcantswill attract dust and dirt that

will shortenthe life ofthe seff-lubdceto Ing bearings, ff you feel they must be

lubdcated, use only a dry, powdered

graphite type lubricant spedngly.

(_) Handlebracketmountingpins

ne oil

door hinge

Rear door

hinge

. PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SERIALNUMBER:

DATEOF PURCHASE:

IASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.0 QUARTS UNLEADED REGULAR

OILTYPE (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F OIL CAPACITY: 18.5 OUNCES

SPARK PLUG (GAP: .030") NGK BPR6ES BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

• The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear ofthe lawn mower housing. Record beth serial number and date of purchase in the space

provided above.

LAWN MOWER Always observe safety rules when

performing any maintenance.

"RRES

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

rubber.

• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp

objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage.

BLADE CARE For best results,mower blade mustbe

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

taming when removing blade belt.

NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and!or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

4. Remove blade belt by tuming 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 most be in good condi-

tian to work propedy. 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. Pos_on 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 belt, turning clockwise.

• The recommended tighteningtorque is

35-40 ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade belt 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 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. If blade is balanced, it should

remain in a horizontal position, it either

end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end untilthe blade

is balanced.

Key-_. / keyway

,Blade

Blade bolt shaft

Crankshaft

12 washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

GRASS CATCHER

• 1"he gross catcher may be hosed with

water, but must be dry when used.

• Check your grass catcher oftenfor

damage or detedorotion. 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, grasscuttings, etc. are in the drive

wheel area and must be cleaned to free ddve wheels.

if necessary to clean the drive wheels, be sure toclean both front wheels.

1. Remove hubcaps, hairpin cotters and

washers.

2. Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.

3. Remove any trash or grass cuttings from insidethe dust cover, pinion end/

or drive wheel gear teeth.

4. PUt wh_s back in place.

NOTE: If after cleaning, the drive wheels do notturn freely,contact a Sears or other qualified sewice 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 lubricantto

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

service has been performed on the

gear case.

• it lubricantis 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 classificationSF-SJ.

Select the oil's SAE viscositygrade according to your expected operating temperature.

SAt[ VISCOSITY GRADES

TF._FI_RAI_RE I:_NG _ ,¢NTICIPATF_) EI_I:O_[ NED(T OL (_#l_E

NOTE: Although multi-viscosityoils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improvestarting in cold weather, these multi.viscosityoils

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

operationor at least once a year ifthe 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 continuoususe. 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 untilfuel tank is empty.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark

plug and place wire where it cannot 6ome in contact with spark plug.

2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a

clean surface.

3. T'_olawn mower on its side as shown and drain oil into a suitable container.

Rocklawn mower backand 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.

__pstic_liU_p.p_. r

Lower

imit

AiR FILTER

- Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged by using a dirty air filter.

Replace the air filler every 100 hours of ogeratJonor every season, whichever

occursfirst. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions.

TO CLEAN AIR FILTER

1. Remove cover.

2. Carefully remove cartddge.

3. Clean by gently tapping on a flat

surface. If very dirty, replace cartridge.

41CAUTION: Petroleum solvents,such

as kerosene, are not to be used to clean cartridge. They may cause deterioration of

the cartridge. Do not oil cartddge. Do not

use pressurized air to dean or dry

cartridge.

4. Install cartridge, then replace cover.

FUler Filter

Cover

Tabs

MUFFLER Tabs 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, wNchever 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 housingfreeofbuill-up

grass and trash. Clean the underside of your mower after each use. A,CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug end 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 electricalsystem, muffler, air filler 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 similartool to remove any build-up of trash or grass on underside of

drive cover.

ACAUTION: Before performingany service or adjustments:

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 CUTFING HEIGHT

See "TO ADJUST cUTrlNG 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 possibilitythat objects will ha thrown outof the rear ofthe mower

intothe operator mowing position.If the deflector becomes damaged, if should be replaced.

TO REMOVE/REPLACE DRIVE BELT

1. Remove drive cover. Remove bell

from gearcase pulley by pushing down on pulley and rollingbell offit.

2. Tum lawn mower on itsside with air

filler and carburetor up.

3.. Remove blade.

4. Remove debris shield.

5. Remove bell from engine pulley on

crankshaft.

6. Install new belt by reversing above steps.

7. Always use factory approved bell to assure fitand long life.

Drive cover

TO ADJUST HANDLE The upper handle may be adjusted to

four (4) different height positions.

1. Loosen both handle knobs only enough to allow the upper handle to pivot to the desired adjustment position.

2. Tighten beth handle knobs securely.

Handle

knob

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

1.Put grass catcherframe into grass bag

with rigidpart ofbag on the bettom. Make sere the frame handle is outside

ofthe bagtop.

2. Slip vinyl bindings over frame. NOTE: If vinyl bindingsare too stiff,hold

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

ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without clippingdeflector or approved

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

door removed or propped open.

ENGINE ENGINE SPEED

Your engine speed has been factoryset. Do not attempt to increase engine speed or it may resultin personal injury. If you

believe that the engine is runningtoo fast or too slew,take your lawn mower to a

Sears or other qualified service center for repair end adjustment.

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS

The carburetor on your engine is low

emission. The idle mixture screw isfitted with a Iimitar cap that prevents excessive

endchment of the air-fuel mixture in order

to comply with emissions regulations and

is not adjustable. Do notattempt to removethe limitercap

tomake adjustments. The limitercap cannot be removed without breaking the

idle mixture screw. IDLE SPEED SE'I-rlNG -

Adjustment will require the assistance of an additional person to hold down the

operator presence control bar.

1. Start engine and allow to warm for five

minutes.

2. With throttle control lever in slow

position, engine should idle at 2100 RPM. If engine idlestoo slow orfast,

turnthrottlestop screw in or out until correct idle is attained.

IMPORTANT: Never tamper withthe engine governor,which isfactory 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 necessary adjustments.

Throttle stop screw

Catcher

Limiter cap

Frame

_Pening15

+ 33 hidden pages

Craftsman 917378210 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual