Craftsman 917378290 Owner’s Manual
SF_/A/ S
[RaFTZ
MODEL NUMBER 917.378290 OWNER'S MANUAL
• Assembly
• Operation
• Customer
•Responsibilities
• Service
• Adjustments
• Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
SAFETY RULES
PL. TOP.E,,E.TACCIDE.TALSTART,.GW.EN UP.TRANSPORT,. ,AD USTI.GOR
CAUT,ON:A'WAYSO,SCON.ECTSPARKPLOGWIREANDP.ACEW,REW.EREITCANNOTCONTACTSPARK
REPAIRS. IMPORTANT
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 CIRCUM-
STANCES.
TRAINING:
• Read this operator's manual carefully. Become familiarwith
the controls and know how to operate your mower properly.
Learn how to quickly stop mower.
• Do notallow children to use your mower. Never ailow adults
to use mower without proper instructions.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially
small children and pets.
• Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de-
scribed inthis manual.
Do not operate mower ifit has been dropped or damaged in
any manner. Always have damage repaired before using
your mower.
Do notuse accessoryattachments thatare notrecommended
by the manufacturer. Use of such attachments may be
hazardous.
Be aware that the mower blade turns when the engine is
running.
PREPARATION:
• Always thoroughly checkthe area to be mowed andclear itof
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 oreye shieldswhen 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 when mowing.
• Check fuel tank before starting engine. Do not fill gas tank
indoors, when theengine isrunning orwhen the engine ishot.
Allow the engine to coolfor several minutes before filling the
gas tank. Clean off any spilled gasoline before startingthe
engine.
• Always make whee! height adjustments before starting your
mower. Never attempt to do this whilethe engine is running.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
OPERATION:
• Keep your eyes and mindon your mower and the area being
cut. Do not let other interests distract you.
• Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never run whileoperating
you rmower. Always be sure of your footing - keep afirm hold
on the handles and walk.
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep
clear of the discharge opening at all times.
• Always stop the enginewhenever 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 alt
moving parts have stopped. Then disconnectthe 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 dam-
age before restarting and operating you mower.
• Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the
engine. Engine damage or personal injury may result.
• Do not operate your mower if itvibrates abnormally. Exces-
sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely checkfor the cause ofvibration andrepair as required.
Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are danger-
ous.
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 slopes.
Use caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain or
when changing directions - maintain good footing.
Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates,
grass catcher or other safety devices in place.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
• Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to be
sure they are tightened properly.
• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for
proper tightnessto be sure mower is insafe working condi-
tion.
• 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 deterioration 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 ignitionsource
suchas ahotwater heater, space heater, ctothesdryer, etc.
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IT MEANS - ATTENTIONtII BECOME ALERT!!? YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. I
2
.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase-of aSears Lawn
Mower. It has been designed, engineered and manufac-
tured to give you the best possible dependability and
performance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized
Service Center/Department. We have competent, well-
trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair
this lawn mower.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower
properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
MODEL
NUMBER 917.378290
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 3.8
DISPLACEMENT: 9.0CU. IN.
GASOLINECAPACITY 1.5QUARTS
ANDTYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OILTYPE (API-SG): SAE 80 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW32°F)
OILCAPACITY: 20 OZS.
SPARKPLUG: CHAMPIONRJ19-LM
(GAP: .030") STD361458
VALVECLEARANCE: INTAKE: .008
EXHAUST: .008
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND
ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBERAND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
SOLIDSTATEIGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125IN.
BLADEBOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT.LBS.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement isavailable on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
° Follow a regular schedule inmaintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower.
• Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual.
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For one year 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 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.
• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bentcrankshafts 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 INTHE 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., D1817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ....................... 3, 9-11
WARRANTY ................................................................... 3
ASSEMBLY .................................................................... 5
OPERATION .................................................................. 6
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ........................................ 9
INDEX
A
Accessories..................................... 5
Adjustments:
Carburetor .............................. 13
Drive Belt................................ 12
Engine Speed ......................... 13
Handle Height......................... 13
Height of Cut ............................. 7
Air Filter:
Replacement .......................... 11
Service .................................... 11
Assembly......................................... 5
B
Blade:
Sharpening ............................. 10
Replacement .......................... 10
C
Controls:
Drive Control ............................. 6
Engine Zone Control................. 6
Engine Speed Control .............. 6
Operator Presence
ControlBar ............................... 6
Customer Responsibilities.....3, 9-11
Air Filter .................................. 11
Blade Care!Replacement .......10
DriveWheels .......................... 10
Engine .................................... 11
Lubrication................................ 9
Spark Plug .............................. 11
Cutting Levels ................................. 7
Engine:
Air Filter .................................. 11
Oil Change .............................. 11
Oil Level .................................. 11
Oil Type .................................. 11
Starting ..................................... 8
Stopping ................................... 8
Storage ................................... 14
Fuel:
Capacity .................................... 3
Storage.................... {.............. 14
Type .......................................... 8
Handle Adjustment:
Assembly .................................. 5
Cutting Height ......................... 13
Lubrication:
Engine .................................... 11
Lawn Mower ............................. 9
Maintenance Agreement ................. 3
Maintenance Schedule ................... 9
Mowing Tips .................................... 8
Oil:
Engine .................................... 11
Storage ................................... 14
SERVICE AND ADJ USTMENTS ................................. 12
STORAGE .................................................................... 14
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 23
REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ........................ 15-19
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 20-22
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................ BACK COVER
E
F
H
L
M
0
Operation:
Drive Control ............................. 7
Engine Control .......................... 7
Grass Catcher .......................... 7
Mower ....................................... 7
Operator Presence
Control Bar ............................... 7
Options:
Accessories .............................. 5
R
Repair Parts:
Engine ............................... 20-22
Lawn Mower ...................... 15-19
Responsibilities, Customer ....3, 9-11
S
Safety Rules .................................... 2
Service and Adjustments .............. 12
Carburetor .............................. 13
Drive Belt ................................ 12
Engine Speed ......................... 13
Handle .................................... 13
Spark Plug ..................................... 11
Specifications.................................. 3
Speed Control:
Engine ...................................... 7
Starting the Engine .......................... 8
Stopping the Engine ........................ 8
Storage .......................................... 14
T
Trouble Shooting Chart ................. 23
W
Warranty ......................................... 3
4
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LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES
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These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets
and service centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts foryou, when you provide the model number of your lawn
mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.
ENGINE
SPARK PLUG
MUFFLER AIR FILTER
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
i
BELT
BLADE
GAS CAN ENGINE OIL
BLADE
ADAPTER
MULCHER KIT
WHEELS
STABILIZER
LAWN MOWER
COVER
illl
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ASSEMBLY
w i..,. i| i
Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety
before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn
mower. Your new 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, 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
• Remove loose parts included with mower.
• Cut down two end cornersot carton and lay end panel
down flat.
• Remove all packing materials except padding be-
tween upper and lower handle and padding holding
operator presence con[rol bar to upper nan_lle.
• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton
thoroughly for additional loose parts.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig, 1)
IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.
• Raise handles until lower handle section locks into
• Raise upper handle section into place on lower handle,
• Remove handle padding holding operator presence
• Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your
[r r rrr[|
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
UPPER HANDLE
LIFT UP
MOWING POSITION
LOWER HANDLE
i
FIG, 1
place in mowing _position.
remove protective padding and tighten both handle
knobs.
control bar to upper handle.
mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust Handle" !n the
Service and Adjustment section of this manua!.
OPERATION
i ill Hi i i. i| i i
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THiS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the
illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourselfwiththe location of variouscontrols and adjustments. Save this
manual for future reference.
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE
STARTER HANDLE
HANDLEKNOB
DISCHARGE GUARC
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER
DRIVE CONTROL
OIL CAP WITH DIPSTICK
DRIVE COVER
,HOUSING
WHEEL ADJUSTER
(ON EACH WHEEL)
i ii ii i ii ii i I I I I i
FIG, 2
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotarywalk-behindpowerlawn mowers conformtothe safetystandardsof theAmerican NationalStandards Institute
and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade turns when the engine is running.
f i J i. .i • i llrl
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL - must be held down
to the handle to start the engine. Release to stop the
engine.
STARTER HANDLE - used for starting the engine.
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER - used to engage power-pro-
pelledforward motion of lawn mower.
PRIMER -pumpsadditionalfuel fromthe carburetorto the
cylinderfor usewhen startingacold engine.
6
OPERATION
HOWTO USE YOUR 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 installed onthis
lawn mower in order to minimize the
&
Your lawn mower isequipped with an operator pres-
ence control bar which requires the operator to be
positionedbehind the lawn mowerhandle to startand
operate the lawn mower.
DRIVE CONTROL (See Fig. 3)
• Self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator
presence control bar down tothe handle and pushing
the drive control lever forward until it clicks; then
release the lever.
• Forward motionwill stopwhen the operator presence
controlbaris released. To stopforward motionwithout
stoppingengine, releasethe operatorpresencecontrol
bar slightly until the drive control disengages. Hold
operator presence controlbardownto handleto con-
tinue mowingwithout self-propelling.
° To keep drive control engaged when turningcorners,
pushdown on handle and liftfront wheels off ground
while turning lawn mower.
risk of blade contact injury. Do not
under arty circumstances attempt to
defeat the function of the operator con-
trol. The bladeturns when the engine is
running.
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
DRIVE
CONTROL CONTROL
TO ENGAGE DRIVE CONTROL
DRIVE CONTROL DISENGAGED
FIG. 3
LOWER WHEELS
FORHIGHCUT
FIG. 4
RAISE WHEELS
FOR LOW CUT
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 4)
• Raise wheelsfor lowcut and lowerwheelsfor highcut.
• Wheels are set in low cut for shipping. Adjustcutting
height to suit your requirements. Medium positionis
best for most lawns.
To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever to-
ward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your
requirements. Be sure all wheels are in the same
setting.
7
OPERATION
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL (See Fig. 5)
Your lawn mower isshipped withoutoil inthe engine.
• Be sure mower isleveland area around oitfillisclean.
• Removeengineoilcapwidipstickandfilltothefullline
on the dipstick.
• Use 20 ozs.of oil. For type and grade ofoilto use, see
"ENGINE" in Customer Responsibilities section of this
manual.
• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.
• Checkoil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill
to full line on dipstick.
• To read proper level, tighten engine oilcap eachtime.
• Reinstallengine oil cap and tighten.
• After the first two (2) hours ofmowing,change the oil,
and every 25 hours thereafter. You may need to
changethe oilmoreoften underdusty,dirtyconditions.
GAS (See Fig. 5)
• Fillgasoline tankwithfresh, clean, unleadedgasoline.
DO NOT USE PREMIUM GASOLINE. BE CAREFUL
NOT TO OVER FILL TANK.
WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended
fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can
attract moisture which leads toseparation 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 shouldbe emptiedbefore stor-
age of 30 days or longer. Drain the fuel tank, start the
engine and let it run until fuel lines and carburetor are
empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instruc-
tions for additional information. Never use engine or
carburetor cleaner products in fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
GASOLINE RLLER CAP
ENGINE OIL CAP
W/DIPSTICK
FIG. 5
MOWING TIPS
• Undercertain conditions,suchasvery tall grass, itmay
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.
• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut
and raise the rear of the lawn mower housing one (1)
wheel adjuster settinghigher than the front for better
dischargeof grass.
• Forsidedischargemowers, cutting ina counter-c!ock-
wise 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 clippingsoff of walkways,
flower beds, etc., make the first cuts in a clockwise
direction.
Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of
grassclippingsand chaff. Thiswill helpengineair flow
and extend engine life.
TO START ENGINE
• Tostart a coldengine, push primerfive (5) 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. Inwarmer weather overpriming 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 primingsteps.
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