Craftsman 917378494 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

CRIIFTSMItN°

6.75 Horsepower Power-Propelled

21" Rear Discharge

Model No.

917.378494

'11

EspaSo[, p. 18

CAUTION:

Read and follow a[[

Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment

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

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

U.S.A.

L GENERAL OPERATION

* Read, understand, and follow all

instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly

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 dis- charge opening at all times. Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with the instructions, to oper-

ate 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 bare-

foot 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 ap- proved 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-propeJled mech- anism 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. Vibra- tion is generally a warning of trouble. Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating

mower.

JL SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents which can result in

severe injury. All slopes require extra cau- tion. 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. Tail grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

'_ Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or

embankments. The operator couJd lose

footing or balance. ,, Do not trim excessively steep slopes. ,, Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced foot-

ing could cause slipping.

JJL 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 watchfuJ 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 ma-

chine.

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 equip- ment 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 spill- age. 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 adjust- ments while the engine (motor)is running.

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

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 set- ting or overspeed the engine.

Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs.

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

Repair Protection Agreements

Congratulations on making a smart pur- chase. Your new Craftsman® product is designed and manufactured for years of dependable operation. But like all prod-

ucts, it may require repair from time to time. That's when having a Repair Protec- tion Agreement can save you money and

aggravation.

Purchase a Repair Protection Agreement

now and protect yourseff from unexpected

hassle and expense.

Here's what's included in the Agreement:

Expert service by our 12,000 profe- sional repair specialists. Unmimited service and no charge for parts and labor on all covered repairs. Product repmacement if your covered product can't be fixed.

• Discount of 10% from regular price of

service and service-related parts not covered by the agreement; also, 10% off regular price of preventive mainte-

nance check.

Fast hemp by phone - phone support

from a Sears technician on products

requiring in-home repair, plus conve- nient repair scheduling.

Once you purchase the Agreement, a simple phone call is all that it takes for you to schedule service. You can call anytime

day or night, or schedule a service ap-

pointment online.

Sears has over 12,000 professional repair specialists, who have access to over 4.5

million quality parts and accessories. That's the kind of professionalism you can count on to help prolong the life of your

new purchase for years to come. Purchase your Repair Protection Agreement today! Some mimitations and excmusions appmy.

For prices and additional information call 1o800o827o6655o

Sears Installation Service

For Sears professional installation of home appliances, garage door openers, water

heaters, and other major home items, in the U.S.A. call l o800=4=MYoHOME®.

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. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING

DEFLECTORS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

STABILIZER

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

AIR FILTERS

GRASS CATCHERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

WHEELS

FOR

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

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. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING

DEFLECTORS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

STABILIZER

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

AIR FILTERS

GRASS CATCHERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

WHEELS

FOR

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING

YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrationswithyourlawn mowerto familiarize yourselfwith the locationof variouscontrolsand adjustments. Save thismanual for

futurereference.

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

control bar

Starter

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Primer

Grass catcher

Muffler

Gasoline filler

Airfiltel

Housing

Wheel 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 Com-

mission. 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. Starter handle - used for starting engine.

Drive control bar - used to engage

power-propelled forward motion of mower.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

carburetor to the cylinder for use when

7 starting a cold engine.

The operation of any lawn mower can resultinforeign

objectsthrown intothe eyes, which can result in

severe eye damage. Always

wear safetyglasses or eye shields while operatingyourlawn mower orperforming

any adjustmentsor repairs.We recom-

mend a standard safety glasses orwide

vision safetymask worn over spectacles.

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINESPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory for optimumperformance.Speed isnot

adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_,CAUTION: Federal regulations require

an engine control to be 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 hold-

ing the operator presence control bar

down to the handle and pulling the drive control bar up to the handle. The closer to the handle the bar is pulled, the faster

the unit will travel.

• Forward motion will stop when either the operator presence control bar or drive control bar are released. To stop forward

motion without stopping engine, release the drive control bar only. Hold operator presence control bar down against handle

tocontinue mowing without self-propelling.

NOTE: If after releasing the drive control

the mower will not roll backwards, push

the mower forward slightly to disengage drive wheels.

• To keep drive control engaged when turning corners, push down on the

handle to lift the front wheels off the ground while turning lawn mower.

DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT

Over time, the drive control system may become "loose", resulting in decreased speed. There is a thumbscrew on the

underside of the drive control housing to increase tension on the drive cable. Pro-

ceed as follows:

1. Turn unitoff and disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.

2. Rotate thumbscrewcounter-clockwise

to tightenthe drivecable.

3. Operate mower to testdrivespeed.

4. If conditionfails to improveafter the

above steps (forwardspeed remains the same), your drivebelt is wornand shouldbe replaced.

NOTE: Ifmower beginsto "creep" forward,

the drive cable istoo tight. Rotatethumb-

screwclockwiseto loosendrivecable.

0 bar

control bar

DRIVE DRIVE

CONTROL CONTROL

ENGAGED 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 ad-

juster lever toward wheel. Move wheel

up ordown to suit your requirements. Be sure all wheels are inthe 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.

LEVER BACKWARD

TO LOWER MOWER

LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER 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, re-

move grass catcher and close rear door.

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.

Rear Grass

catcher

handle

Catcher frame hook

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 empty- ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.

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 fresh-

ness.

CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or

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

CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels

(called gasohol or using ethanol or metha- nol) 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. Empty 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.

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 UENGINE" in the Maintenance section of this manual.

A CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with

oil, or itwill smoke heavily from the muffler on startup.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level.

2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.

3. You receive a container of oil with the unit. Slowly pour the entire container

down the oil fill spout into the engine.

4. Insert and tighten dipstick.

IMPORTANT:

• 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. See "TO

CHANGE ENGINE OIL" in the Mainte-

nance section of this manual.

Engine

oil cap

Gasoline

filler cap

Primel

TO STOP ENGINE

• Tostopengine, release operator pres-

ence controlbar.

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 prod-

uct and should be considered normal.

1. To start a cold engine, push primer three (3) times before trying to start.

Use a firm push. This step is not

usually necessary when starting an engine which has already run for a few

minutes.

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

handle quickly. Do not allow starter

9 rope to snap back.

NOTE: Incoolerweather it maybe neces- saryto repeat primingsteps.In warmer

weather over primingmaycause flooding

and engine will notstart. If you do flood engine,wait a few minutesbeforeattempt-

ingto 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 clip-

pings. It may also be necessary to re- duce 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 cut-

ting 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 over-

lap to collect the clippings on the next pass.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can be- come 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 lawn. Always

mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recut-

ting 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, yet the newly cut area will not be exposed to direct sunlight.

• 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 I/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 sec- ond cut, mow across (perpendicular) 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 BEFORE fVE

EACH 25 HOURS BEFORE

SCHEDULE USE ORB SON S ORAQE

CheckforLoose Fasteners _

L Clean/ InspectGrassCatcher*

CheckTires *** _/

NI_CheckDriveWheels

Clean Lawn Mower .... I_ I/

Clean under Drive Cooer *** I_ Check Drive Belt/Pulleys *** _,

_ Check / Sharpen / Replace Blade R Lubrication

Clean and Recharge Battery ** II/ ll_ Check Engine Oil level I_

_ Change Engine Oil

Clean Air Filter

i1_ Inspect Muffler

Replace Spark Plug_ Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge Empty fuel system or add Stabilizer l#_

• (ffsoequ_oed)

•* Electric-Startmowers

•** Power-Propelledmowers

•*** Use a scraper to clean under deck

1- Change more often if operating under a heavy load or In highoutdoortemperatures,

2 - Service more often ifoperating indirty or dusty conditions. 3 - Replace blades more often when mowingin sandy soil.

4 - Charge 48 hoursat end of season. 5 - Andafter each 5 hoursof use.

;,o

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 unit as instructed in this manual.

Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your unit.

At least once a season, check to see if you should make any of the adjustments

described inthe Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

• At least 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 inthis manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION Keep unit well lubricated

(See "LUBRICATION CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

(_) Wheel

juster(on

ch wheel)

(!) Rear door

(_ Handle bracket mounting pins

_ Spray lubricant

See "ENGINE" In Maintenance section.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will attract dust and dirt that will shorten the lifeof

the self-lubricating bearings. If you feel they

must be lubricated, useonly a dry,powdered

11graphite type lubricant sparingly.

hinge

LAWN MOWER Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhen per-

forming 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.

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 drive wheels, be sure to clean both front wheels.

1. Remove hubcaps, Iocknuts & 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.

BLADE CARE For best results, 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 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 & attaching hardware (bolt, lock washer & hardened washer).

TO REPLACE BLADE

1. Position blade on the blade adapter

aligning the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised lugs on the adapter.

2. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (oppo- site sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

3. Install the blade bolt with the lock

washer and hardened washer into

blade adapter and crankshaft.

4. 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 boltis heat treated. If boltneeds replacing,replace only with

approvedbolt shownin the Repair Parts sectionofthis manual.

Blade adapter Crankshaft

Key _ keyway

Blade

bolt shaft

washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening

the blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced.

Care should be taken to keep the blade bal- anced. An unbalanced blade will cause even-

tual damage to lawn mower or engine.

• The blade can be sharpened with a file

or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt

to sharpen while on the mower.

• To check blade balance, drive a nail into

a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of

the straight nail exposed. Place center

hole of blade over the head of the nail. If blade is balanced, it should remain in

a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the

heavy end until the blade is balanced.

GRASS CATCHER

• The grass catcher may be hosed with

water, but must be dry when used.

• Check your grass catcher often for dam- age or deterioration. Through normal

use it will wear. If catcher needs replac- ing, replace only with approved replace-

ment catcher shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual. Give the lawn

mower model number when ordering.

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 Multis EP00. 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.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

-20 0 30 32 40

-30 -20 -10 0 t0 20 30 40

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OiL

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 op- eration orat least once a year if the 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, empty 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 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 re-

move any oil trapped inside of engine.

6. Stop adding oil when you roach the FULL mark on the dipstick. Wait a

minute to allow oil to settle.

7. Continue adding small amounts of oil,

rechecking the dipstick until oil level settles at FULL. DO NOT overfill, or engine will smoke heavily from the

muffler on startup.

8. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick

before starting engine.

9. Reconnect spark plug wira tospark plug.

AIR FILTER

Yourengine willnot run properly and

maybe damaged byusinga dirtyair

filter. Replacethe airfilter cartridgeevery

100 hoursof operationor every season,

whicheveroccursfirst. Service air cleaner

moreoftenunder 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 fiat sur- _k face. Ifvery dirty, replace cartridge.

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

Slots

Container

4. Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn

mower or side of engine.

5. Slowly pour oil down the oil fill spout, stopping every few ounces to check the

oil level with the dipstick.

Cover

Cartridge Cover tabs

MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it

could create a fire hazard and/or damage.

SPARK PLUG

Replace spark plug 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 the =PRODUCT SPECIFIC-

ATIONS" section of this manual.

CLEANING

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-grass and

trash. Clean the underside of your mower after each use.

_CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with 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.

_kWARNING: To avoid serious injury,

before performing any service and 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 wire where itcannot

come in contact with plug.

LAWN MOWER

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT See =TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT" in the Operation section of this manual.

REAR DEFLECTOR

The rear deflector, attached between the

rear wheels of your mower, is provided to minimize the possibility that 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 DRIVE BELT

1. Remove drive cover and belt keeper.

2. Remove belt from gearcase pulley by

pushing down on pulley and rolling belt off it.

3. Turn lawn mower on itsside with air

filter and carburetor down.

4. Remove blade and 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 belt keeper and drive cover.

NOTE: Always use factory approved belt to assure fit and long 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 inshort- ened 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.

Drive cover

Belt keeper

PUSH DOWN

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 wire tie(s) securing cable(s) 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

position _"_ n, posiUon ["_

/ I , C-\ /- t i

I I I I

I f I I I I / I

li I 11 /

I I I I

cotter--_ :_'_ "l_"l_.Handle _ _/

Mounting- _,lJJ bracket _

pin _ _

14 LOW POSITION HIGH POSITION

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917378494 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual