Craftsman 917378421 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

6.75 HORSEPOWER 21" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARYLAWN MOWER

Model No. 917,378421

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaSol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION: Read and followall Safety Rules and Instructions

before operatingthisequipment

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

Visit our Cmftsrnan website: www.sears.com/cmflsman

Warranty ................................................. 2 Product Specifications.......................... 11

Safety Rules ........................................ 2.4 San'ice and Adjustments................. 14-15

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

Operation ............................................. 6-9 Troubleshooting .............................. 17-18

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 10 Repair Parts..................................... 35°43

Maintenance .................................... 10-13 Parts Ordedng ........................ Back Cover

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

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

ship.

Ifthis Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, thiswarranty appliesfor only 90 days from the date of purchase.

This Warranty does not cover:

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

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshaftsand the failure to maintain the equipment according to the Instructions

contained in the owner's manual.

Warranty service is available by returningthe Craftsman power mower to the nearest Sears Service Center/Department inthe United States. This warranty applies only

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

vary from state to state.

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

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwingobjects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould resultin 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 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 recks, 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 it anyone enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when

barefoot or weadng open sandals. Always wear substantialfoot 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.

• Sea manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and installationof

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 uncloggingthe chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) offand wait untilthe blade comes to complete stop

before removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylightor good artificial light.

• Do not operate the machine while

under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass.

Alwaysbe sure ofyour footing: keep a

firm hold on the handle and walk; never

run.

• Disengage the serf-propelled mecha-

nismor ddve clutch on mowers so equipped before starting the engine

(motor).

• If the equipment should startto 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. Allslopes require extra

caution. If youfeel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

DO:

• Mow acrossthe face of slopes: never

up end down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree

limbs,etc.

• Watch forholes, ruts,or bumps.Tall grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

• Do nottdm near drop-offs, ditchesor

embankments. The operator could lose footing or balance.

• Do nottdm excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause slipping.

IlL CHILDREN Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is notalert 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 childrenout of the tdmming area and under the watchful care ofanother

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 comers, 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 coolbefore refueling. Do

not smoke.

-Never refuelthe 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 plugwire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent acciden- tal starting.

• Keep nuts and belts, especially blade attachment belts, 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

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 detedoratien, 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.

ALook for this symbol to point out

importantsafety precautions. It means CAUTIONI!! BECOME ALERTIII 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 birthdefects 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: Muffierand other engine

parts become extremely hot dudng 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 accassodes contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the

State of California to cause cancer and birthdefects orother reprodustJveharm. 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 partsfor 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

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS STABIUZER

REAR D]SCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR ALTERS SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL

Readtheseinstructionsandthismanual initsentiretybeforeyouattempt 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 boon 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 boon placed in

the parts bag. To ensure 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 packing materials except padding between upper and lower handle and padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle.

4. Rolllawn mower out of carton and check carton thorouglyfor 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

foryour mowingcomfort. Refer to "AD-

JUST HANDLE" in the Service and Adjustmentssection ofthis manual.

control bar

Lift L

position

Lower handle

TO INSTALL AI"rACHMENTS

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 illustrationswithyour lawn mower to familiarize yourseff withthe 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

Enginezone controlcable

lever

Starterhandle

knob

Gasoline cap

Airfiller

Pdmer

Engine oil cap w/di

Muffler

Dr_e cover

Housir

Wheel a_uster

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

(on eachwhe_)

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe engine. MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotarywalk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the Amedcan 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 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 cylinderfor use when starting a cold engine. 6

Theoperationofanylawn

mowerconresultinforeign objectsthrownintothe

eyes,whichcon resultin

severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your lawn mower or performingany 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 _,CAUTION: Federal regulations require

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

of blade contact injury.Do notunder any circumstancesattempt to defeat the functionof 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 her 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 withoutstopping engine, release the

operator presence control bar slightly until the ddve control disengages. Hold operator presence control bar down against handle to continue mowing without self-propelling.

• To keep drive control engaged when

turning comers, push down on handle end liftfront wheels off groundwhile turning lawn mower.

Operatorpresencecontrolbar

Ddve

control

TO ADJUST CU'rFING 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 ell wheels are in the same setting.

NOTE: Adjusteris propedy positioned when plate tab inserts intohole in lever.

Also, 9-posiiton adjusters (if so equipped) allow laver to be positioned between the plate tabs.

LowerWheelsfor HighCut r_e Tab_

RaiseWheelsfor LowCut Lever

TO CONVERT MOWER Yourlawn mowerwas shippedreadyto be

ussdas amulcher.Toconverttohegging: REAR BAGGING

• Liftreardoor ofthe iswn mower and place thegrasscatcherframe hooksontothe doorpivotpk_.s.

• To conve_to mulchingopera,on, remove grassc_cher and dose rear door.

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.

pivot " Rear Grass

catcher

_. handle

Catcherframe

To engage Drive control drive control disengaged 7

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 clippingsfrom bag using both frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying; itwill cause unnecessary wear.

Grass

frame

handle

Bag

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in

the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil.

Fortype and grade ofoil to use, see =ENGINE" in Maintenance section ofthis

manual.

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

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

Do notover fill.

NOTE: Allow oilto settle down into engine for accurate reading. To read proper level, tighten engine oilcap, then remove it to

read the dipstick.

3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Check oil level before each use. Add

oil if needed. Fillto 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 w_tha minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gaso- line. Pumhase fuel in quantities that

can be used within 30 days to assure

fuel freshness.

_WARNING: Experience indicates that

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

formation of acids dudngstorage. 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 untilthe fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel

next season. See Storage Instructionsfor 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 offany

spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spillor

use gasoline near an open flame.

Engine oil cap

TO START ENGINE NOTE: Due to protective coatingson the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be present during the initialuse of the product and should be considered

normal.

1. To start a cold engine, push primer

three (3) times before trying tostart.

Use a firm push. This step isnot

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 repeut priming steps. In warmer weather over pdming may cause

floodingand engine will not start. If you do floodengine, wait a few minutes

before attempting to start and do not

repeat pdming steps.

MOWINGTIPS

• Under certain conditions,such as very tall grass, it may be necessary to raise

the height of cutto reduce pushing

effortand to keep from ovedoedlng 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, reducethe

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 grassmay 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 clippingsis lefton the right side of a rear discharge mower, mow in a clockwise direction with a small

ovedap to collect the clippings on the next pass.

• Pores incloth grass catchers can become filled with dirt and dust with

use and catchers will collectless 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: For bestperformance,

keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. See =CLEANING" in the

Maintenance section of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will racut the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they willdisperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to providenutdents for the lawn.

Always mulch with your highest engine

(blade) speed as this will providethe 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

eady afternoon, At this Ume the grass has dded and the newly cut area will

not be exposed to the direct sun.

• For best results, adjust the lawn mower

cutting height sothat the lawn mower cuts off onlythe top one-third of the

grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown itwill be necessary to raise the height

ofcut to reduce pushingeffort end to keep from overloading the engine and leaving dumps of mulched grass. For extremely heavy mulching, reduce your width of cut by ovedapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

• 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- lar tothe 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,NTE" NCESC.EDULE "

EO E V'OE

Check for Loose Fasteners Ii/ kJ Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(IfEquIpped_ _/ I,/ I,/

;leanLawnMower k/ !

CleanUnderDriveCover <Power-PropelledMowers) l#/

Checkdrive ulleys

Power.p ropel_]PMowe rs)hew b/

R ChecldSharpen/Replace Blade 1_3

Lubrication Chart l/ I/

Clean Batteri/Rechar

E Check Engine 011Lever fl/

N Change Engine Oil 11/1,,1

Clean Air Filter IJ 2

IN Inspact Muffler

Clean or Replace Spark Plug

E Replace AirFilter Paper Cartridge if=

1 oCt_r_e moreone__ operat_g unders heavy bad or inhigh a,T2:_er_ternpetatumL 2 * Ser,/k_ mon_oftmnW_mtopmatingin dirtyordusty coqditlons,

3 - Rep_c6_ rnon,o_n wi_n mow_g_sar_ysea,

4 - CP_ge 48 houm atend _ aeuon.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS The warranty on this lawn mower does

notcover items that have been subjected

to operator abuse or negligence. To

receivefull value from the warranty, operator must maintain mower as

instructedin this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made periodicallyto properly maintain your

unit. All adjustments inthe Service and

Adjustmentssection 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. Checkfor loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI-

CATION CHART").

(_) Wheeladjuster

I (_ Brake I bracket

Handle bracket mounting pins door hinge

Spray lubricant

See "ENGINE" In Maintenance section.

IMPORTANT: Do notoil or grease plastic wheel bearings. Viscous

lubricants will attract dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the saif-lubdcat-

lag bearings. If you feel they mustbe lubricated,use only a dry, powdered

graphite type lubricant sparingly.

ERVICE DATES

LUBRICATION CHART

oneachwheel)

spring

(_ Rear

PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS

SERIALNUMBER:

DATEOFPURCHASE:

3ASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1,5 QUARTS UNLEADED REGULAR DILTYPE (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS. SPARK PLUG (GAP: .045") CHAMPION RESISTOR TYPE RJ19LM4

BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

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

provided above.

LAWN MOWER Always observe safety roles when

performing any maintenance.

TIRES

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

robber.

• 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.

3. Use a wood block between blade and mower housingto prevent blade from

fuming 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- wars (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- tionto 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 aligningthe 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 tighteningtorque is

35-40 ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt isgrade 8 heat

treated.

Crankshaft

/ keyway

Blade

Blade shaft

bolt

washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

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 intoa beam or wall. Leave about one

inch ofthe 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 yourgrass catcher often for damage or detedoration. 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 turningfreely means trash, grass cuttings,etc. are inthe ddve

wheel area and must be cleaned to free ddve wheels.

If necessaryto clean the ddve wheels,

check both front wheels.

1. Remove hubcaps, hairpincotters and

washers.

2. Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.

3. Remove any trash or grass cuttings

from inside the dust cover, pinion and/

or ddve wheel gear teeth.

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

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

service has been performed on the gear case.

• If lubricant is required,use onlyTexaco

Starplax Premium 1 Grease, Part No.

750369. Do not subst'dute.

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.

NOTE: Although multi-viscosityoils

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

cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils

will result in increased oil consumption

when used above 32°R Check your

engine oillevel 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 crankcasealllevelbefore startingtheengineand aftereach 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, drainfuel 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.

Rook lawn mower back and forth to remove any oil trapped inside of

engine.

4. Wipe off any spilled 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 dustyconditions. Do not

wash air filter. TO CHANGE AIR FILTER

1. Remove the air filter byturning clockwise to the stop and pull away

from collar.

2. Remove filterfrom inside of cover.

3. Clean the inside ofthe cover and the

collar to remove any dirt accumula-

tion.

4. Insert new filter into cover.

5. Put air filter cover and filter intocollar

aligningthe tab with the slot.

6. Push in on cover and turn counter-

clockwise to tighten.

Collar

Turn

clockwise

Clip

Slot

Airtitter"

Turn

Air filter cover

clockwise to tighten

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.

• i,CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire

from spark plug and place wire where it

cannot come in contactwith 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 surfases and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.

° We do not recommend usinga garden

hose to clean lawn mower unlessthe electrical system, muffler, air filterand

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 puttyknife or similar tool to remove any build-upof trash or grass on underside of

drive cover.

_,CAUTION: 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 CLrt'rlNG HEIGHT

See '3"0 ADJUST CU'I-I'ING HEIGHT" in the Operation section ofthis manual.

REAR DEFLECTOR

The rear deflector, attached between the

rear wheels of your mower, is provided to

minimize the possibilitythat objects will

be thrown out of the rear of the mower intothe 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 pulleyand rollingbolt off it.

2. Turn lawn mower on its side with air

filter and carburetor up.

3. Remove blade.

4. Remove debds 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

Dl_vo cover Belt

Push

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917378421 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual