Craftsman 917378430 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

JCRRFT.TMRWI

6.75 HORSEPOWER

21" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.378430

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa6ol

• 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 websfte: www.sears.com/craftsman

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

Safety Rules ......................................... 2

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

Operation .............................................. 6

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

Maintenance ....................................... f0

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

lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance 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 .................... 13

Storage ............................................... 15

Troubleshooting ................................. 16

Repair Parts ........................................ 35

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 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

2 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-pmpened 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.

I1. 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 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 parts,

when necessan!.

• 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.

_,Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

A CAUTION= In order to prevent accidental starting when setting up,

transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and

place wire where it cannot contact spark plug.

_IIWARNING: 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

reproductive harm.

A,WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead and lead

compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and bidh

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.

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

REAR DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

MULCHER KITS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

BLADE AOAI_'ERS 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 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. Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thomugly 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 "Adjust Handle" in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual.

Operator

control bar

Liftu

position

Lower handle

TO PREPARE BATTERY

NOTE: Your battery must be charged before you can start your lawn mower.

1. Disconnect engine battery connector (male) from battery connector (female)

2. Connect battery charger connector

(male) to battery connector (female).

3. Plug battery charger into 110 volt A.C. outlet.

4. Leave battery charger connected for 24 hours before starting your engine

for the first time.

5. After charging, connect engine connector (male) to battery connector

(female).

Your engine has an integral alternator for partial charging. Connect your battery charger to charge battery as required.

IMPORTANT: The engine alternator will not charge a discharged battery.

At the end of the mowing season the battery should be charged for 48 hours to protect the battery during winter storage. _kCAUTION: Always disconnect the

engine connector (male) from the battery connector (female) to prevent accidental

starting when transporting or storing your

lawn mower after the season.

Battery connector

Engine

5 connector (male) Battery charger

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 ANO FEET AWAY

Engine zonecontrolcable

Auxiliary

Operator presence control bar

Ddve control lever

e knob

Gasoline cap

Housing

Engine

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is Wheel adjuster shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE (on each wheel)

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 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,

Key start switch- used for starting the engine. Auxiliary starter handle - used for

starting the engine.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

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

Drive control lever - used to engage

power-propelled forward motion of lawn

mower.

Theoperation 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 _iLCAUTION: Federal regulations require

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

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.

TO ADJUST CU'FrlNG 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. PlateTab

LowerWheelsfor HighCut / _,dlk

TO CONVERT MOWER

Yourlawn mower was shippedready to be usedas a mulcher. Toconvertto bagging:

REAR BAGGING

• Liftrear doorof the iawn mowerand place

the grasscatcher frame hooks ontothe doorpivotpins.

• To convertto mulchingoperation,remove

grasscatcher and close reardoor.

_CAUTION: 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,

Pivot

Catcher

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Open door and 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 handle

Bag ca_herframe

handle handle

(._ Lever

Raise Wheets for Low Cut

DRIVE CONTROL

• Self-prepelling 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 wilt 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-prepelling.

• To keep drive control engaged when

turning corners, push down on handle and lift front wheels off ground while

turning lawn mower.

Operator presence control bar

/\ Drive

_'\ /_ _ -- control

_" drive control_" disengaged

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 settle 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. _I,WARNING: 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. _k 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.

•Gasoline filler cap

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.

3. Turn electric start key clockwise to crank engine.

IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine more

than five continous seconds between each'time you try to start. Wait 5 to 10

seconds between each attempt.

1. To start _ngine using the auxiliary starter handle, follow the steps above.

Exchange the use of the start key for starter handle. 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.

MOWlNGTIPS

• Under certain conditions, such as very

tall grass, it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing

effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of grass

clippings. It may also be necessary to reduce ground speed and/or run the

lawn mower over the area a second time.

• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the

width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

• For better grass bagging and most

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

ovedap to collect the clippings on the

next pass.

• Pores in cloth grass catchem 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

Maintenance section of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will recur 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

notbe 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 wilt 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.

Max1/3

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

FILL IN DATES

AS YOU COMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE 3ERVICE DATES

Check for Loose Fasteners (/' t/

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(IfEquipped) I/ I,/ t/ CleanLawnMower I/ v'

Clean Under Ddve Cover !Power-Propelled Mowers)

Check ddve Pelt] ulleys {Power-Propell_Mowers) ¥/

ChecWSharpeniReplace Blade (I/3

Lubrication Chart f_ Ip/

Clean Battery/ReChar( (Electrk: Start Mowers li/ 11/4

Check Engine Oil Level I/ Change Engine Oil _1.2

Clean Air Filter _ 2

Inspect Muffler _/

Clean or Replace Spark Plug t/ Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge li/2

1 - Ct_ange more c_en when operating under a heavy load or in highaml_ent temperatureS.

2 - Service more often when operatt=_gindir_' or dusly conddiC_s. 3 - Replace blades mo_ often when mowLngIn sandy SOil.

4 Charge 48 hours at end of season.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this lawn mower does

not cover items that have been subjected

to operator abuse or negligence. To

_) Wheel adjuster

LUBRICATION CHART

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 shoutd be checked at least once each

season.

) Brake spdngbracket

• 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

assures proper air-fuel mixture and helps 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-

(_ Handle bracket mounting pin

(_ Refer to maintenance "Engine" section. _) Spray lubricant

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings, viscous lubri-

cants will attract dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the self-lubricating

bearings, ifyou feel they must be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered

graphite type lubricant sparingly.

CATION CHART").

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SE_IALNUMBER DATE OF PURCHASE

GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS

UNLEADED REGULAR

OtLTYPE (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 RJ 19LM4 BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 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 chemicals 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. Tum 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

Lockwasher

bolt Hardened Blade

Key_ keyway

washer Trailingedge adapter

Crankshaft

Crank

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 onty 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 V_SCC'SITY GRADES

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. I. 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 on lawn mower and on side of engine.

5. Fill engine with oil. (See "Add Oil" in the Operacion 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 year or after

every 100 hours of operation, more often if you mow in very dusty, dirty 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-

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 counter- clockwise to tighten.

Collar

Turn

clockwise

remove

Turn

Airfilter cover counter-

clockwise totighten

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.

ACAUTION: 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 fawn

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 inengine 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.

ACAUTION: 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 cU'rFING 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 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 pulley and roiling 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.

Drive

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.

_CAUTION: 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

BeLt

Push down

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

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.

_t 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

repair and adjustment.

CARBURETOR

Your carburetor has a non-adjustable

fixed main jet for mixture control• If your

engine does not operate properly due to

suspected carburetor problems, take your lawn mower to a Sears or other

qualified service center for repair and/or adjustment. IMPORTANT: Never tamper with the engine governor, which is factory set for

proper engine speed, Overspeeding the engine above the factory high speed

setting can be dangerous. If you think the engine-governed high speed needs

adjusting, contact a Sears or other qualified service center, which has

proper equipment and experience to make any necessary adjustments•

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917378430 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual