Craftsman 917378350 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

JCRAFTSMAN'J

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

6.25 Horsepower Power-propelled

21" Rear Discharge

Model No.

917.378350

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

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

Visit our Craftsman website:www.sea rs.com/crafts man

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

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

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

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

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

Maintenance ................................. 10-1_

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained,

lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workman-

ship.

If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty

applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase. This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions

contained in the owner's manual.

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

Service and Adjustments .............. 13-15

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

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

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

_._ _.. _,_,ic:e ...................... Back Cover

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. ALook for this symbol to point out

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

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

A CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

AWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle

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

cancer and birth defects or other repro- ductive harm.

AWARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the

State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Wash hands after handling.

A CAUTION; Muffler and other engine

parts become extremely hot during

operation and remain hot after engine has stopped. To avoid severe burns on

contact, stay away from these areas.

I.GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all

instructions on 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.

II. 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.

III. CHILDREN Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the

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

you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the trimming area

and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children

enter the area.

• Before and while walking backwards,

look behind and down for small children.

• Never allow children to operate the

machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind

corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable

and vapors are explosive.

- Use only an approved container.

- Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow

engine to cool before refueling. Do

not smoke.

-Never refuel the machine indoors.

- Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an

open flame, such as a water heater.

• Never run a machine inside a closed

area.

• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine (motor) running. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and

keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel

spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Never attempt to make wheel height

adjustments while the engine (motor) is

running.

• Grass catcher components are subject

to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or

allow objects to be thrown. Frequently

check components and replace with

manufacturer's recommended parts,

when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and

use extra caution when servicing them.

• Do not change the engine governor

setting or overspeed the engine.

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not

shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and service centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair 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 MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS

BLADES

MULCHER KITS

FOR

SlDEDISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWNMOWERS

AIR FILTERS

BLADE ADAPTERS ! WHEELS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before you attempt to

assemble or operate your new lawn mower. IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is

shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

Your new lawn mower has been as- sembled at the factory with the exception

of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to com-

plete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper

operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be

tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with mower.

2. Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel down flat.

3. Remove all packing materials except padding between upper and lower

handle and padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle.

4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thorougly for additional

loose parts.

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 "AD-

JUST HANDLE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

Operator I:

control bar

LIFT UI

Mowing position

Lower handle

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to

bagging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER" in the Operation section of this manual).

KNOW YOUR 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 FEI_'I" AWAY

Operator presence control bar

" Drive control lever

• Engine zone control cable

Starter handle"

Handle knob

Gasoline filler cap

Grass catche_

Engine oil cap tier

with dipstick

Housing

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

Air filter

cover

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

American National Standards Institute and the U,S. Consumer Product Safety Commis- sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Operator presence control bar - must be held down to the handle to start the

engine. Release to stop the engine. Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

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

Starter handle - used for starting the

engine.

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

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 worn over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance. Speed is not

adjustable. ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_IbCAUTION: 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 circumstances attempt to defeat the

fun(_tion 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 CONTROL

• 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.

)resence control bar Drive

control

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

Plate tab

RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT

Lever

TO CONVERT MOWER

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging:

• Lift rear door of the lawn mower and place

the grass catcher frame hooks onto the door pivot pins.

• To convert to mulching operation, remove

grass catcher and close rear door. ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without rear door closed, clipping

deflector or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn

mower with the rear door removed or propped open.

Pivot pins Rear

Catcher frame

Grass

catcher

handle

ENGAGE DRIVE CONTROL

DRIVE CONTROL DISENGAGED

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift up on grass catcher using the frame handle.

2. Remove grass catcher with clippings from under lawn mower handle.

3. Empty clippings from bag using both frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when

emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Grass

catcher

frame

handle

Bag handle

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL

Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine. For type and grade of oil to

use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance section of this manual.

A CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with oil, or it will smoke on startup.

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

2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout. Make sure that rim of spout is clean.

3. You receive a container of oil with the unit. Slowly pour 3/4 (15 oz.) of the oil

from the container down the oil fill spout into the engine.

4. Wait one minute to allow oil to settle. Insert and tighten dipstick, then

remove it to check oil level.

5. Continue adding small amounts of oil

and rechecking the dipstick until it

reads full. DO NOT overfill, or engine

will smoke on startup.

6. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick

before starting engine.

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

• Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or each season. You may

need to change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean,

regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil

with gasoline. Purchase fuel in

quantities that can be used within 30

Adays 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.

Engine Gasoline oil cap filler cap

TOSTARTENGINE

NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the engine, a small amount of smoke may be

present during the initial use of the

product and should be considered

normal.

1. To start a cold engine, push primer three (3) times before trying to start. Use a firm push. This step is not

usually necessary when starting an engine which has already run for a

few minutes.

2. Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and pull starter

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

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator presence control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat priming steps. In

warmer weather over priming may cause flooding and engine will not start. If you do flood engine, wait a few minutes

before attempting to start and do not repeat priming steps.

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 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.

• When using a rear discharge lawn mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of

cut grass may not enter the grass catcher. Reduce ground speed (pushing 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 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 grass, reduce your width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

MAX 1/3

• Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be

mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow across or 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.

.A,.TENANOESO.EDULE

YOU O.PL T

REGULAR SERVICE

i Check for Loose Fasteners _ I/

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher (If Equipped) I/ I_ i/_

M Clean Lawn Mower

(Power-Propelled Mowers) i##

O Clean Under Drive Cover

Check drive belt/pulleys

E (Power-Propelled Mowers) If

Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade I_ 3

Lubrication Chart If V'

Clean Battery/Recharge (Electric Start Mowers / If I/4

E iCheckEngine Oil Level

N :Change Engine Oil li/1,2

G Clean Air Filter I_ 2

I Inspect Muffler ik/

a Clean or Replace Spark Plug

E ReplaceAirFilterPaperCartridge 1_2

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures. 2 - Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions. 3 - Replace I_ades more often when mowing in sandy soil.

4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season.

GENERALRECOMMENDATIONS

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 CHAR'r").

• (_) Handle bracket mounting pins door hinge

(_) Spray lubricant (_) See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.

(_) Wheel adjuster

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.

_RVICE DATES

LUBRICATION CHART

each wheel)

(_) Brake

spring

bracket

=gineoil

Rear

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Serial number:

Date of purchase: Gasoline capacity / type: 1.5 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

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when perform- ing 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.

BLADECARE

For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged

blades. TO REMOVE BLADE

1, Disconnect spark plug wire from spark

plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with spark plug.

2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make

sure air filter and carburetor are up.

3. Use a wood block between blade and

mower housing to prevent blade from

turning when removing blade bolt.

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

4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter- clockwise.

5. Remove blade and attaching hard- ware (bolt, lock washer and hardened washer).

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check the key inside hub of blade

adapter. The key must be in good 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.

Blade adapter _ Crankshaft

Key._, _= 1 "_" keyway

BladeLOCkwasher II1"_,.>_ / I

bolt HardanaU' ' f \ ,_-J/,, ---.

washer Trailin edge Blade adapter

GRASS CATCHER ° The grass catcher may be hosed with

water, but must be dry when used.

• Check your grass catcher often for

damage or deterioration. Through

normal use it will wear. If catcher needs

replacing, replace only with a manufac- turer approved replacement catcher.

Give the lawn mower model number when ordering.

DRIVE WHEELS Check 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.

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 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.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

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

Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating

temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

*30 -10 0 20 40

I_MPERATURE RAN_ ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

Container

AIR FILTER

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

Replace the air filter every 100 hours of

operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner more

often under dusty conditions. Do not wash air filter.

TO CHANGEAIR FILTER

1. Remove the air filter by turning counterclockwise to the stop and pull away from collar.

2. Remove filter from inside of cover.

3. Clean the inside of the cover and the collar to remove any dirt accumula-

tion.

4. Insert new filter into cover.

5. Put air filter cover and filter into collar aligning the tab with the slot.

6. Push in on cover and turn clockwise to tighten.

Collar Clip

Slot

Airfilter

Air filter

WISE TO TIGHTEN

TURN

COUNTER-

CLOCK-

WISE

RE-

MOVE

TURN

CLOCK-

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.

_LCAUTION: 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.

_IbWARNING: 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

m contact with plug.

LAWN MOWER

TO ADJUST CUTTING 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.

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.

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.

Drive cover Belt

Push

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.

Mowing Mowing position __ n, )osition [_'_

i /' /

I J I I

I I 11 ,1

I _ t/ /I

cotter_,"_,_ _'_aandle '_ "x_ _ Mounting_ bracket

pin L _ L J

LOW POSITION

HIGH POSITION 14repair and adjustment.

Lower handle

ROTATE

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

1. Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigid part of bag on the bottom.

Make sure the frame handle is outside of the bag top.

2. 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. _iLCAUTION: 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.

Catcher

frame

handle

Frame

opening

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

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917378350 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual