Craftsman 917378441 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRRFTSMRN°I

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

6.5 Horsepower

21" Rear Discharge

Model No.

917.378441

CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions

beforeoperatingthisequipment

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

Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in

the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workman- ship.

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

This Warranty does not cover:

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

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

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

contained in the owner's manual.

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

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

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

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

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

Sears Service ...................... Back Cover

Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman power mower to the nearest Sears Service Center/Department in the United States. This warranty applies only while this product is used in the United States.

This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which

vary from state to state.

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

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

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

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

_1,CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot

contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

_I,WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of

its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals

known to the State of California to cause

cancer and birth defects or other repro-

ductive harm.

_,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.

A, CAUTION: Muffler and other engine

parts become extremely hot during

operation and remain hot after engine

has stopped. To avoid severe burns on contact, stay away from these areas.

I.GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all

instructions on the machine and in the

manual(s) before starting. Be thor-

oughly familiar with the controls and

the proper use of the machine before

starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the

discharge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with the instructions, to

operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc.,

which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if

anyone enters the area.

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

Always wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. Always look

down and behind before and while moving backwards.

• Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety protective devices in place.

• See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and installation of

accessories. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you

leave the equipment, before cleaning

the mower or unclogging the chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait

until the blade comes to complete stop before removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing: keep a

firm hold on the handle and walk; never run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mecha- nism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine

(motor).

• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor)

and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of

trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when

operating mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip

and fall accidents which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra

caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do

not mow it. DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exercise extreme caution

when changing direction on slopes.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

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

DO NOT:

• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The operator could lose

footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

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

II1. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

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

machine and the mowing activity. Never

assume that children will remain where

you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the trimming area and under the watchful care of another

responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children

enter the area.

• Before and while walking backwards,

look behind and down for small children.

• Never allow children to operate the

machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind

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

IV. SERVICE

• Use extra care in handling gasoline

and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive.

-Use only an approved container.

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

engine to cool before refueling. Do

not smoke.

-Never refuel the machine indoors.

- Never store the machine or fuel

container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater.

• Never run a machine inside a closed area.

• Never make adjustments or repairs

with the engine (motor) running.

Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep

equipment in good condition.

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

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

spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.

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 outletsand 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

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

before restarting.

• Never attempt to make wheel height

adjustments while the engine (motor) is running.

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or

allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with

manufacturer's recommended parts,

when necessary.

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

use extra caution when servicing them.

• Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine.

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

\\ GRASS CATCHERS

" FOR

-_<. REAR DISCHARGE

\ \

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

LAWN MOWERS

MUFFLERS

MULCHER KITS

Ji GRASSeATC.ERS

L FoR

_j LAWN MOWERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

AIR FILTERS

WHEELS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

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

assemble or operate your new lawn mower.

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

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

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

plete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower, all parts

and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with mower.

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

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

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

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

loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage control cables.

1. Raise handles until lower handle section locks into place in mowing

position.

2. Remove protective padding, raise upper handle section into place on

lower handle and tighten both handle knobs.

3. Remove handle padding holding

operator presence control bar to

upper handle.

Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to =Adjust

Handle" in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual.

Operator control bar

Mowing position

Lower handle

TO INSTALL A'R'ACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging, see '_FO CONVERT MOWER" in the Operation section of this manual).

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING

YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for

future reference. These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the

product. Learn and understand their meaning.

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control bar

Throttle

•Drive control lever

Starter handle

Handle knob

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Grass catchel

Muffler

Housing

Gasoline filler cap"

Air filtel

Primer

adjuster (on each wheel)

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commis- sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Operator presence control bar - must

be held down to the handle to start the

engine. Release to stop the engine.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the cylinder for use when

starting a cold engine.

Drive control lever - used to engage

power-propelled forward motion of lawn

mower.

Throttle control - Used for starting the engine and allows you to select either

FAST or SLOW engine speed.

Starter handle - used for starting the

engine.

The operation of any lawn

mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in

severe eye damage.

Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your lawn mower

or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses

or a wide vision safety mask over spectacles.

HOWTO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed is controlled by a throttle located on the side of the upper

handle. FAST position is for starting, normal cutting, trimming and better grass

bagging. SLOW position is for light cutting, trimming and fuel economy.

_, SLOW_

FAST ,'" "--.

i _÷ll

t, j =

Operator presence control bar Drive

CONTROL ' DISENGAGED

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

Raise wheels for low cut and lower

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

position is best for most lawns.

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

wheel up or down to suit your require- ments. Be sure all wheels are in the

same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned

when plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped)

allow lever to be positioned between the

plate tabs.

LOWER WHEELS FOR HIGH CUT

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL _I,CAUTION: Federal regulations require

an engine control to he installed on this

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

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

turns when the engine is running.

• Your lawn mower is equipped with an

operator presence control bar which requires the operator to be positioned

behind the lawn mower handle to start and operate the lawn mower.

DRIVE CONTROL

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

to the handle and pushing the drive

control lever forward until it clicks; then releasing the lever.

• Forward motion will stop when the operator presence control bar is

released. To stop forward motion

without stopping engine, release the

operator presence control bar slightly until the drive control disengages. Hold

operator presence control bar down against handle to continue mowing

without self-propelling.

• To keep drive control engaged when

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

RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT Lever

TO CONVERT MOWER Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging:

• Lift rear door of the lawn mower and place the grass catcher frame hooks onto the

door pivot pins.

• To convert to mulching operation, remove grass catcher and close rear door.

• I=CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without rear door closed, clipping

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

mower with the rear door removed or propped open.

Pivot pins Rear Grass

catcher

handle

7 Catcher frame

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

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

2. Remove grass catcher with clippings

from under lawn mower handle.

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

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when

emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Grass

catcher

frame

handle

Bag

handle

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

remove it to check oil level.

5. Continue adding small amounts of oil

and rechecking the dipstick until it reads full. DO NOT overfill, or engine

will smoke on startup.

6. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick

before starting engine.

• Check oil level before each use. Add

oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

• Change the oil after every 25 hours of

operation or each season. You may need to change the oil more often

under dusty, dirty conditions.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler

neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a

minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in

quantities that can be used within 30

days to assure fuel freshness.

CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or

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

_k CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or

methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of

acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine

while in storage. To avoid engine

problems, the fuel system should be

emptied before storage of 30 days or

longer. Drain the gas tank, start the

engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel

next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel

tank or permanent damage may occur.

oil cap

filler 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. Move throttle control lever to FAST

position.

3. Hold operator presence control bar

down to the handle and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter

rope to snap back.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator presence control bar.

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

flooding and engine will not start. If you do flood engine, wait a few minutes

before attempting to start and do not repeat priming steps.

MOWING TIPS

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

the height of cut to reduce pushing

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

clippings. It may also be necessary to

reduce ground speed and/or run the mower over the area a second time.

• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the

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

• For better grass bagging and most

cutting conditions, the engine speed

should be set in the FAST position.

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

cut grass may not enter the grass catcher. Reduce ground speed

(pushing speed) and/or run the lawn mower over the area a second time.

• If a trail of clippings is left on the right side of a rear discharge mower, mow in a clockwise direction with a small

overlap to collect the clippings on the

next pass.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled with dirt and dust with

use and catchers will collect less grass.

To prevent this, regularly hose catcher

off with water and let dry before using.

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

extend engine life.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: For best performance,

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

Maintenance section of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will recut

the grass clippings many times and

reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly

to provide nutrients for the fawn. Always mulch with your highest engine

(blade) speed as this will provide the

best recutting action of the blades.

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

interferes with the mulching action. The best time to mow your lawn is the early

afternoon. At this time the grass has

dried and the newly cut area will not be

exposed to the direct sun.

• For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third of the

grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown it will be necessary to raise the height of

cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and

leaving clumps of mulched grass. For extremely heavy grass, reduce your

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

=MAX 1/3

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

mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a

second cut, mow across or perpendicu- lar to the first cut path.

• Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow north to south one week

then change to east to west the next week. This will help prevent matting and graining of the lawn.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE /__°_./_n__"

FILL IN DATES _: _ 'x_ _ _ :x_

REGU RSERV,CE OATE

Check for Loose Fasteners _ t/ Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher (If Equipped) t/ if

M Clean Lawn Mower v'

Power-Propelled Mowers)

Clean Under Drive Cover

Check drive belt/pulleys

E Power-PropelledMowers)

Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade

! LubricationChart

Clean Battery/Recharge IElectric Start Mowers!

E Check Engine Oil Level

a Change Engine Oil G Clean Air Filter

I InspectMuffler

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug E ReplaceAirFilterPaperCartridge

I - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures.

2 - Service more often when operating in dirtyor dusty conditions. 3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil.

4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season.

V'1.2

V'2

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS The warranty on this lawn mower does

not cover items that have been subjected

to operator abuse or negligence. To

receive full value from the warranty,

operator must maintain mower as

instructed in this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made

periodically to properly maintain your unit.

All adjustments in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual

should be checked at least once each

season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug, clean or replace air filter element and

check blade for wear. A new spark plug and clean/new air filter element

assure proper air-fuel mixture and help

your engine run better and last longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Check for loose fasteners,

LUBRICATION Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI-

CATION CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

(_ Handle bracket mounting pins

(D Spray lubricant (_) See "ENGINE" In Maintenance section.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease

plastic wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will attract dust and dirtthat

will shorten the life of the self-lubricat- ing bearings. If you feel they must be

lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Serial Number:

Date of Purchase: Gasoline Capacity / Type: 1.6 Quarts (Unleaded Regular)

Oil Type (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

Oil Capacity: 20 Ounces Spark Plug (Gap: .030") Champion RJ19LM or J19LM Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs.

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

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety roles when perform- ing any maintenance.

TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect

control chemicals which can harm rubber.

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

tire damage.

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 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 Crankshaft

Lockwashq

Blade

bait shaft

washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

keyway

GRASS CATCHER

• The grass catcher may be hosed with

water, but must be dry when used.

• Check your grass catcher often for

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

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

Give the lawn mower model number when ordering.

DRIVE WHEELS

Check front drive wheels each time before you mow to be sure they move

freely. The wheels not turning freely means trash, grass cuttings, etc. are in the drive

wheel area and must be cleaned to free drive wheels.

If necessary to clean the drive wheels, be

sure to clean both front wheels.

1. Remove hubcaps, hairpin cotters and

washers.

2. Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.

3. Remove any trash or grass cuttings from inside the dust cover, pinion and/

or drive wheel gear teeth.

4. Put wheels back in place.

NOTE: If after cleaning, the drive wheels

do not turn freely, contact a Sears or other qualified service center.

GEAR CASE

• To keep your drive system working

properly, the gear case and area around the drive should be kept clean

and free of trash build-up. Clean under the drive cover twice a season.

• The gear case is filled with lubricant to

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

service has been performed on the gear case.

• If lubricant is required, use only Elf

brand oil, Part No. REDUCTELF 100.

Do not substitute.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated

with API service classification SF-SJ. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade

according to your expected operating temperature.

I SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

C 30 -20 .i 0 0 10 20 30 40

I TEMPERATURE RANGiA-NTicIPATE6Bg_:(:*RE NEXT OIL CHAN&E !

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°F. Check your

engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running

low on oil. Change the oil after every 25 hours of

operation or at least once a year if the lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in

one year. Check the crankcase oil level before

starting the engine and after each five (5) hours of continuous use. "13ghten oil plug

securely each time you check the oil level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil, drain fuel tank by running

engine until fuel tank is empty.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with spark plug.

2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface.

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

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

engine.

4. Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn mower or side of engine.

5. Fill engine with oil. (See "ADD OIL" in the Operation section of this manual).

6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

AIR FILTER

Your engine will not run properly and may

be damaged by using a dirty air filter. Replace the air filter every 100 hours of

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

often under dusty conditions.

TO CLEAN AIR FILTER

1. Loosen screw and tilt cover to remove.

2. Carefully remove cartridge.

3. Clean by gently tapping on a flat

surface. If very dirty, replace cartridge.

_I, CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such as kerosene, are not to be used to clean

cartridge. They may cause deterioration of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not

use pressurized air to clean or dry cartridge.

4. Install cartridge, then replace cover making sure the tabs are aligned with

the slots in the back plate. Fasten

screw securely.

Back

Cover

ge Cover tabs

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

_our mower after each use.

CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire

from spark plug and place wire where it

cannot come in contact with the spark plug.

• Clean the underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove build-up

of grass and trash.

• Clean engine often to keep trash from accumulating. A clogged engine runs

hotter and shortens engine life.

• Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.

• We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean lawn mower unless the

electrical system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water

out. Water in engine can result in shortened engine life.

CLEAN UNDER DRIVE COVER

Clean under drive cover at least twice a season. Scrape underside of cover with

putty knife or similar tool to remove any

build-up of trash or grass on underside of drive cover.

_WARNING: To avoid serious injury, before performing any service or adjust-

ments:

1. Release control bar and stop engine.

2. Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.

3. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place where it cannot come

in contact with plug.

LAWN MOWER

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

See "TO ADJUST CUFFING HEIGHT" in

the Operation section of this manual.

REAR DEFLECTOR

The rear deflector, attached between the

rear wheels of your mower, is provided to minimize the possibility that objects will

be thrown out of the rear of the mower into the operator's mowing position. If the

deflector becomes damaged, it should be

replaced.

TO REMOVE DRIVE BELT

1. Remove drive cover. Remove belt

from gearcase pulley by pushing

down on pulley and rolling belt off it.

2. Turn lawn mower on its side with air

filter and carburetor up.

3. Remove blade.

4. Remove debris shield.

5. Remove belt from engine pulley on

crankshaft.

TO REPLACE DRIVE BELT

1. Install new belt on engine pulley.

2. Reinstall debris shield and blade.

3. Return mower to upright position.

4. Install new belt on gearcase pulley.

5. Reinstall drive cover. NOTE: Always use factory approved belt

to assure fit and long life.

Drive

cover Belt

PUSH

TO ADJUST HANDLE The handle can be mounted in a high or

low position. The mounting holes in the bottom of lower handle are off center for

raising or lowering the handle.

1. Remove upper handle and all parts attached to lower handle.

2. Remove hairpin cotters from lower

handle bracket mounting pin.

3. Squeeze lower handle in to remove it

from mounting pins.

4. Turn lower handle over to raise or lower handle.

5. Squeeze lower handle in and position holes onto mounting pins on handle

bracket.

6. Reassemble upper handle and all parts removed from lower handle.

Mowing Mowing

__pos,.ooi'i __ posit,on/ 7

I I / / " i //

LOW POSITION

HIGH POSITION 14repair and adjustment.

Lower handle

ROTATE

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

1. Put grass catcher frame into grass bag

with rigid part of bag on the bottom.

Make sure the frame handle is outside

of the bag top.

2. Slip vinyl bindings over frame. NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold

them in warm water for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let it dry before using.

_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

frame

handle

Frame

opening

ENGINE

ENGINE SPEED

Your engine speed has been factory set. Do not attempt to increase engine speed

or it may result in personal injury. If you believe that the engine is running too fast

or too slow, take your lawn mower to a Sears or other qualified service center for

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917378441 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual