Craftsman 917378411 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRRFTSMRN®I

6.75 HORSEPOWER

21" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.378411

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Visit our Craftsman website: wwwsears corn/craftsman

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

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

Assembly ................................................ 5

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

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

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

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.

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 in use in the United States. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which

vary from state to state.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60179

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

Service and Adjustments ................. 14-15

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

Troubleshooting .............................. 17-18

Repair Parts ..................................... 35-43

Parts Ordering ........................ Back Cover

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.

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 pads. 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.

• Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggravel drives,walks,orroads.

• Stoptheengine(motor)wheneveryou

leavetheequipment,beforecleaning

themoweroruncloggingthechute.

• Shuttheengine(motor)offand 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.

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 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 acciden- tal 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 pads, 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.

ALook for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_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 birth defects or other

A CAUTION: In order to prevent

reproductive harm.

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

always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug.

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.

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.

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

FOR

_ GRASS CATCHERS

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

CELTS BLADES

MULCHER KITS

FOR

SlOE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

STAalLIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before you attempl 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 Ihe 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 Io 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 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 p control bar

.iff up

Lift L

Mowing

position

Lower handle

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

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

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 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

Engine zone

control cable

lever

Starter handle Handle knob

Gasoline cap

Grass

Air filter

Primer

Engine

Muffler

Drive cover

Housing

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

Wheel adjuster (on each wheel)

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 lhe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commis-

sion, The blade turns when the engine is running. Operator presence control bar - must Starter handle - used for starting engine.

be held down to the handle to start the Drive control lever - used to engage engine. Release to stop the engine, power-propelled forward motion of lawn Primer - pumps additional fuel from the mower.

carburetor to the cylinder for use when

starting a cold engine. 6

The operation of any lawn

mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the

eyes, which can result in severe eye damage.

Always wear safety glasses or eye

shields while operating your lawn mower

or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety

mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory

for optimum performance. Speed is not adjustable. ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_I,CAUTION: Federal regulations require an engine control to be installed on this

_awn mower in order to minimize the risk of blade contact injury. Do not under any

circumstances attempt to defeat the function of the operator control.The blade

turns when the engine is running.

• Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence control bar which

requires the operator to be positioned behind the lawn mower handle to start

and operate the lawn mower.

DRIVE CONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator presence control bar clown

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 liftfront wheels off ground While

turning lawn mower.

Operator presence controlbar

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 LowCut Lever

TOCONVERT MOWER

Yourlawnmowerwasshippedreadyto be usedas a mulcher.Toconverttobagging:

REARBAGGING

• Liftreardoorofthelawnmowerandplace

thegrasscatcherframehooksontothe doorpivotpins.

• To converttomulchingopera[_on,remove

grasscatcherandclosereardoor.

_CAUTION: Do not runyourlawnmower withoutclippingdeflectoror approved

grasscatcherinplace.Never attemptto operatethe lawn mowerwiththe rear

doorremovedor proppedopen,

Pivot pins Rear Grass

Catcher

catcher

handle

\\ \_\

To engage Drive control

drivecontrol disengaged 7

TOEMPTYGRASSCATCHER

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

frame handle

Bag handle

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE ADD OIL Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in

the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil.

For type and grade of oil to use, see

"ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this

manual.

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

2. Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly.

Do not over fill.

NOTE: Allow oil to setlle down into engine for accurate reading. To read proper level,

tighten engine oil cap, then remove it to read the dipstick.

3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• 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. 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 within 30 days to assure

fuel freshness.

AWARNING: Experience indicates that 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.

,_, CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any

spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

Engine oil cap

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

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

Gasoline filler cap

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.

MOWINGTIPS

• 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.

• 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 MOWINGTIPS 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 net 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 thistime 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.

• 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.

,.hi

--1 Max 1/3

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

FILL IN DATES

AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE

Check for Loose Fasteners

Clean/Inspect Grass Calcher

(If Equipped) _Ctean Lawn Mower Clean Under Drive Cover

Power-Propelled Mowers)

Check drive belt/pulleys (Power-Propelled Mowers)

ChecklSharpen/Replace Blade

Lubrication Chart Clean Battery/nechar e

Electric Stad Mowers_

;heck En[}ine Oil Level Change Engine Oil

Clean Air Filter

Inspect Muffler Clean or Replace Spark Plug Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge

1. Char_ge more often when operating under a heavy load or in high arnt_ien_ temperatures 2 Service mole otten when operating in dirty or dusly condJliorls

3 - Replace brad,S more often when mowing irt sandy soil.

4. Charge 48 hours at er=d Of seasot_

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 rubricated (See "LUI_RI-

CATION CHART").

-_ ' , ,

(_) Handle bracket mounting pins door hinge (_) 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.

;ERVICE DATES

v" v'

v'2

LUBRICATION CHART

(_ Wheeladjuster

(_) Brake

spring

bracket

Engine oil

(!) Rear

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SERIALNUMBER: DATE OF PURCHASE:

GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: OILTYPE (API-SF-SJ):

OIL CAPACITY:

SPARK PLUG (GAP: .045") BLADE BOLT TORQUE:

1.5 QUARTS UNLEADED REGULAR SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F

2O OZS.

CHAMPION RESISTOR TYPE RJ19LM4 35-40 FT. LBS.

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

provided above.

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicars which can harm

rubber.

• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may

cause tire damage.

BLADE CARE For best results, mower blade must be

kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades.

TO REMOVE BLADE

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.

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 bort 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.

3. Use a wood block between blade and Blade mower housing to prevent blade from Key_

turning when removing blade bolt.

NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves Blade 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 Blade

check the key inside hub of blade bolt

adapter. The key must be in good condi-

Hardened

washer Trailingedge Blade adapter tion to work properly. Replace adapter if damaged.

Crankshaft

' keyway

\ ; .'rank

shaft

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.

GRASS CATCHER

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

• Check your grass catcher often for

damage or deterioration. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher

needs replacing, replace only with a manufacturer approved replacement

catcher. Give the lawn mower model

number when ordering.

DRIVE WHEELS

Check front drive wheels each time

before you mow to be sure they move

freely. The wheels not turning freely means

trash, grass cuttings, etc. are in the drive wheel area and must be cleaned to free

drive wheels. If necessary to clean the drive wheels,

check both front wheels.

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 oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating

temperature.

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils

(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in

cord 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 bevel,

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 spined oil on lawn mower

and on 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 in under dusty conditions. Do not wash air filter.

TO CHANGE AIR FILTER

1. Remove the air filter by turning clockwise 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-

lion.

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 counter- clockwise to tighten.

Collar

Slot

Air filter

Air tilter cover

Clip

clockwise to tighten

Turn

clockwise

emove

Turn

counter-

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.

41_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 loci to remove any build-up of trash or grass on underside of drive cover.

_,CAUTION: Before performing any

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 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 obiects will

be thrown out of the rear of the mower into the operator mowing position. If the deflector becomes damaged, it should be

replaced.

TO REMOVE/REPLACE DRIVE BELT

1. Remove drive cover. Remove belt from gearcase pulley by pushing

down on pulrey 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.

7. Always use factory approved belt to assure fit and long life.

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 both handle knobs securely.

Handle

Knob

Handle Knob

Drive cover

Push

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917378411 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual