Craftsman 917378431 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

JCRRFTSMRWI

6.75 HORSEPOWER 21" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.378431

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• Repalr 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: www.sears.corrVcraffsman

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

Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4 Service and Adjustments................. 13-14

Assembly ............................................. 4-5 Storage ............................................ 15-16

Operation ............................................. 6-9 Troubleshooting .............................. 16-17

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

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

LIMITED'I3NO 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 repairfree of charge any defect in material or workman- ship.

If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commemial or rental purposes, this warranty applies foronly 90 days from the date of purchase.

This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become worn duringnormal use, such as rotary mower

blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, includingbent crankshafts and 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 Centar/Departmant in the United States. This warranty applies only while this productis in use in the UnitedStates.

This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rightswhich varyfrom state to state.

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

IMPORTANT= This cutting machine is cepabte of amputating hands and feet and throwingobjects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscouldresult in serious injuryor 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

rotatingparts. Keep clear of the

discharge opening at atl times.

• Only allow responsibte 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 isclear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if

anyone enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when barefoot or weadng open sandals.

Always wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pullmower 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 protectivedevices in place.

• See manufacturer's instructionsfor proper operation and installation of

accessories. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel

drives, walks, or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment, before cleaning

the mower or uncloggingthe chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait untilthe 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 alcoholor 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-propeUed mecha-

nism or drive clutch on mowers so equipped before startingthe engine

(motor).

• If the equipment shouldstart tovibrate

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.

IL SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to slip

and fail accidents which can result in

severe injury.All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do

notmow 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 tdm excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mowon wet grass. Reduced

footing could cause slipping.

Ill.CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

isnot alert to the presence of children. Childrenare often attracted to the

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

you last saw them.

• Keep children outof the trimmingarea 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 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 debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel

spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.

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

• Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while the engine (motor) is

running.

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration,

which could expose moving parts or

allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.

Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicingthem.

• Do notchange the engine governor

setting or overspeed the engine.

ALook for this symbol to point out importantsafety precautions. It means

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

A CAUTION: In orderto prevent accidental startingwhen setting up,

transporting, adjusting or making repairs,

always disconnect spark plug wire and

place wire where it cannot contactspark

plug.

&WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its

_,WARNING: 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.

_, 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 fromthese areas.

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.

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

shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retailoutlets 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

CUPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS STABILIZER

GRASS CATCHERS GRASS CATCHERS

FOR FOR

REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS 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 shippedWITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in

the engine.

GAS CANS

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

of those parts leftunassembled 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

operationof your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correcttools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with mower.

2. Cut down two end corners of carton

and lay end panel down flat.

3. Remove all packing materials except

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

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

loose pads.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as notto pinchor damage control cables.

1. Raise handles until lower handle

section locks into prace 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 yourmowing comfort. Refer to "AD-

JUST HANDLE" in the Service and Adjustmentssection of this manual.

Operator con_'olbar

TO INSTALL A'I'I'ACHM ENTS 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. TO PREPARE BA'I'rERY

NOTE: Yourbattery 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 starling your engine forthe first time.

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

(female).

Your engine has an integral alternatorfor

partial charging. Connect your battery charger to charge battery as required. IMPORTANT: The engine alternator will not charge a discharged battery. At theend ofthe mowingseason the battery should be charged for 48 hoursto

protect the battery duringwinter storage. ACAUTION: Always disconnect the engine connector (male) from the battery connector (female) to prevent accidental starting when transperting or storing your

lawn mower after the season.

Charger connector Battery connector

Liftu

Mowing position

Lowerhandle

Engine connector (male) Battery charger

KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the locationof 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

presence control her

Engine zone control

start switch

Auxlfiary starter handle

Gasoline cap

Air filter

Engine oilcap with

Primer

Muffler

Ddve cover

Housin

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped _Wheel adjuster

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine (on eachwheel)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Sears rotarywalk-behind power lawn mowers conformto the safety standards of the

American National Standards Instituteand 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 cylinderfor use when

starting a cold engine. Drive control lever - used to engage power-propelled forward motion of lawn

mower,

Theoperationofany 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.

HOW TO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED The engine speed was set atthe factory

for optimum performance. Speed is not adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

ACAUTION: Federal regulations require an engine controlto be installed on this

lawn mower in order to minimize the risk

of blade contact injury.Do not under any circumstances attempt todefeat 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 bar down to the handle and pushing the drive control Teverforward until it clicks;then releasing the lever.

• Forward motionwill 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 turningcomers, push down on handle

and lift front wheels off ground while turning lawn mower.

Drive

control

TO ADJUST CU'I-rlNG HEIGHT

Raise wheels for low cutand lower

wheels for high cut, adjust cuttingheight to suit your requirements. Medium

positionis best for most lawns.

• TO change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever toward wheel. Move

wheel up ordown to suityour require-

ments. Be sure all wheels are inthe same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when plate tab insertsinto hole in lever.

Also. 9-pesition adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever to be positionedbetween the plate tabs.

LowerWheelsfor HighCut Plat_Ta_l,

RaiseWheels forLowCut Lever

TO CONVERT MOWER Yourlawnmowerwas shippedreadytobe

usedas a mulcher.Toconverttobegging : REAR BAGGING

• Uft mar door ofthe lawn mower and place the grass catcherframe hooksonto the

doar pivct p_ns.

• To convert tomulching ope_, remove grasscatcher and dose reardoor.

ACAUTION: Do not runyour 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 " Rear Grass

catcher

handle

To engage Ddve control

drive control disengaged 7

Catcher frame hook

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 tawn mower handle.

3. Empty clippingsfrom bag using both frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do notdrag the bag when emptying; itwill cause unnecessary wear.

Grass

catcher

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 ofoil to use, see

"ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this manual.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area around oilfill is clean.

2. Remove engine oft cap and fill to the full line on the dipstick. Pour oilslowly.

Do not over fill.

NOTE: Allow oilto settle down intoengine foraccurate reading. To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap, then remove itto

read the dipstick.

3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Check oillevel 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

• Fillfuel 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 indicatesthat alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or

using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formationof acids during storage. Acidic

gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system shouldbe 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. A CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank filler neck. Do not ovedill. Wipe off any

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

filler cap

Engine oil cap

TO START ENGINE

NOTE: Due to protective coatings onthe

engine, a small amount ofsmoke may be

present during the initial use of the product and should be considered

normal.

I. TO start a cold engine, push primer

three (3) times before tryingto stad.

Use a firmpush, 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 clockwiseto crank engine.

IMPORTANT:Do notcrank engine more

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

seconds between each attempt.

1. To start engine using the auxiliary starter handle, follow the steps above. Exchange the use of the startkey for

starter handle. Pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to

snap back.

TO STOP ENGINE

To stop engine, release operator presence controlbar.

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

warmer weather over primingmay cause flooding and engine will not start. If you

do flood engine wait a few minutes before attemptingto startand do not repeat priming steps.

MOWING TIPS

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

the height of cut to reduce pushing

effortand 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 cuffing, reduce the

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

• For better grass bagging and most

cuttingconditions, the engine speed should be set in the fast position.

• When usinga rear discharge lawn

mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of cut gross 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 trailof clippingsis lefton the right

side of a reardischarge mower, mow in a clockwise directionwith a small

overlap to collect the clippingson the next pass.

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

use and catchers will collect less grass.

To prevent this, regularly hose catcher off with water and let dry before using.

• Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine air flow and extend engine life.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: Forbestperformance,

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 notbe noticed. Also,the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutdents for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine

(blade) speed as this will provide the best recutting action of the blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps and

interferes with the mulching action.

The best time to mow your lawn is the

early afternoon. At this time the grass has dried and the newly cut area will not be exposed to the direct sun.

• For best results, adjust the lawn mower

cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third of the grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown

it will be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of mulched grass. For extremely heavy 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-

larto thefirst cut path.

• Change your cuttingpattern 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.

Max 1/3

.A,NTENANCEBC.EDU'E

Check forLoose Fasteners _ I_ Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(if Equipped) I_ I/

MClean Lawn Mower I_ I/Clean Under Drive Cover

W IPower-PrOpelled Mowers) t_SCheck drive bel ulleys

(Powe r-Propell_lPMowers) V

R check/Sharp•n/ReplaceBlade r_'_

LubriCationChart ¥/ i/

Clean BatteP//ReChar_

Electric Start Mowers li/ 1/4

E Check Engine Oil Level t/

N Change Engine Oil t/l_t

Clean Air Filter I_ 2

Inspect Muffler

Clean or Replace Spark Plug f_

E Replace Air Filtar Paper Cadridge ItS=

t - Change mona often when opgralklgunde_• heavy loador in high ambkml I_111_alum$.

2 - Sarvk:emorl o_len_ operetlng In dirty or dustyconditions. 3 - Re_,uce blades mo,e often whim mowing in sandy =o_,

4 - Cha_e 48 hour_ atend of=e_

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this lawn mower does

notcover items that have been subjected

to operator abuse ornegligence. To

receive full 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

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 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-

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

tubricantswillattract dust and did that will shorten the life of the self-lubricat-

ing bearings. Ifyou feel they must be lubricated, use onlya dry, powdered

graphite type lubricantsparingly.

LUBRICATION CHART

(_) Wheeladjuster

eachwheel)

(_) Brake

spring

bracket

Rear

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

ERIAL NUMBER:

DATE OF PURCHASE: GASOLINECAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS (UNLEADED REGULAR)

OIL'tYPE (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F OIL CAPACITY: 20 OUNCES

SPARK PLUG (GAP: .045") CHAMPION RESISTOR TYPE RJ19LM4 BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the mower housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase inspace provided above

LAWN MOWER Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhen perform- ingany maintenance.

TIRES

• Keeptiresfree ofgasoline,oil,or insect

contrelchernicalswhichcan harm rubber.

• Awid stumps,stones,deed ruts,shaq3 objectsandotherhazardsthat maycause

_m damage.

BLADE CARE

For best results, mower blade mustbe

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 incontact with spark plug.

2. Turn lawn mower on itsside. Make

sure air filter end carburetor are up.

3. Use a wood block between blade and

mower housingto prevent blade from

turning when removing blade bolt.

NOTE; Protectyour 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- 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 trailingedge 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. Ibe.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt isgrade 8 heat

treated. TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do notrecommend 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 grindingwheel. 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. Ifblade is balanced, it should

remain in a horizontalposition. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade

is balanced.

Crankshaft

Key_. _keyway

Blade

Blade shaft b_t

11 washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

GRASS CATCHER

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

• Check your grasscatcher often for

damage or deterioration. Through normaluse itwill 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 inthe drive

wheel area and must be cleaned to free

drive wheels. If necessary to clean the ddve 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, pinionand/ 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 oftrash 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 lubricantis required, use only Texaco

Starplex Premium 1 Grease, Part No.

750369. Do not substitute.

ENGINE LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated withAPI service classificationSF-SJ.

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

NOTE: Although multi-viscosityoils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improvestarting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils wilt result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your engine oi( level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running

low on oil. Change the oil after every 25 hoursof

operation or st least once a year if the

lawn mower is not used for 25 hoursin

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 tippinglawn 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 itcannot come in contact with spark plug.

2. Remove engine oilcap; layaside on a

clean surface.

3. Tip lawn mower on its side as shown and drain oil into a suitable container.

Rock fawn mower back and forthto 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 ofthis manual.)

6. Reconnect spark plug wireto spark plug.

AIR FILTER Your engine will not runpropedy and may

be damaged by using a dirty air filter.

Replace the air filter every year or after every 100 hoursof operation, more often

if you mow in very dusty, dirty conditions. Do not wash air filter.

TO CHANGE AIR FILTER

1. Remove the air filterby 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 aocumule-

tien.

4. Insert new filter into cover.

5. Put air filter cover and filter into collar

aligningthe tab with the slot.

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

Collar

Clip

Slot

Airfilter

Airfiltercover dock-wiseto tighten

Turn

clockwise

counter-

MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it

could create a fire hazard and/or dam-

age.

SPARK PLUG

Replace spark plugsat 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 undersideof

your mower after each use.

_;kCAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire

from spark plug and place wire where it

cannot come incontact 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

Turn

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 ofcover with

putty knife or similartool 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 end place where it cannot come

in contactwith 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 possibilitythat objects will

be thrown out ofthe rear of the mower into the operator mowingposition. Ifthe

deftsctor becomes damaged, it should be

replaced.

TOREMOVE/REPLACEDRIVEBELT

1. Removedrivecover.Removebelt

from geamese pulley by pushing

down on pulley and rollingbelt off it.

2. Turn lawn mower on itsside 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 reveming above steps.

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

Drive

cover Belt

TO ADJUST HANDLE The upper handle may be adjusted to

four (4) differentheight 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.

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

1.Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigid part of bag on the bottom. Make sure theframe handle is outside

of the bag top.

2. Slip vinylbindings over frame. NOTE: Ifvinyl bindingsare too stiff,hold

them inwarm water for a few minutes. If

bag gets wet, letit dry before using. ACAUTION: Do not runyour lawn

mower without clippingdallector or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with

the rear door removed or propped open.

Ca_ frame

handle

opening

ENGINE ENGINE SPEED

Your engine speed has been factory set.

Do not attempt to increase engine speed or it may resultin 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.

Handle knob

CARBURETOR

Your carburetor has a non-adjustable

fixed main jetfor mixturecontrol. If your

engine does not operate propedy 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 thinkthe 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 917378431 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual