Craftsman 917378530 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

7.0 Horsepower Power-Propelled

21" Multi-Cut

Model No.

917.378530

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment

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

Visit ourCraftsman webslte:www.sears.corn/craftsman

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

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

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

Operation ......................................... 6-10

Maintenance Schedule ...................... 11

Maintenance ................................. 11-14

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 ........................ 12

Service and Adjustments .............. 14-15

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

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

Repair Parts .................................. 35-43

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. ALook for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!fl BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

A 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.

AWARNING- 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.

AWARNING" 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.

I1.SLOPE OPERATION

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

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

not mow it.

DO:

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

when changing direction on slopes.

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

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall

grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

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

footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

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

III. CHILDREN Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

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

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

you last saw them.

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

responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.

• Before and while walking backwards, look behind and down for small children.

• Never allow children to operate the

machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects

that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive.

- Use only an approved container.

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

engine to cool before refueling. Do

not smoke.

-Never refuel the machine indoors.

- Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an

open flame, such as a water heater.

• Never run a machine inside a closed

area.

• Never make adjustments or repairs

with the engine (motor) running.

Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to

prevent 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.

• 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 govemor

setting or overspeed the engine.

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retailoutletsand service

centers. Most Sears stores can alsoorder repair parts for you, when you provide the model

number of your lawn mower. Some of these accessories may not applyto your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CUPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

AIR FILTERS

FOR

WHEELS

STABlUZER

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 "AD- JUST HANDLE" in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual.

Operator controlbar

Upper

Mowing position

Lower handle

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to

bagging or discharging, see "TO CON- VERT 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, KEEPHAND

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEETAWAY

Throttle control

Starter handle

Grass catcher Muffler

Gasoline filler cap

Air filter

-Operator presence control bar

Drive control lever

knob

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Housing

cover

Mulcher door

Primer

_Vheel 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. Starter handle - used for starting the

engine.

Drive control lever - used to engage

power-propelled forward motion of lawn

mower.

Mulcher door - allows conversion to discharging or bagging operation.

Throttle control - used for starting the

engine and allows you to select either FAST or SLOW engine speed.

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

6 starting a cold engine.

mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the

The operation of any lawn

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 worn over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed is controlled by a throttle control 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 / / II

_, I( t/

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 holding the operator presence control bar down to the handle and pulling the drive

control lever rearward to the handle. The farther toward the handle the lever

is pulled, the faster the unit will travel.

• Forward motion will stop when either

the operator presence control bar or drive control lever are released. To

stop forward motion without stopping engine, release the drive control lever

only. Hold operator presence control bar down against handle to continue

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 liftthe front wheels off the ground while turning lawn mower.

_resence control bar

Adjustment ENGAGE DRIVE button (on DRIVE CONTROL underside) CONTROL DISENGAGED

DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT

Over time, the drive control system may become "loose", resulting in decreased

speed. There is a button on the under- side of the drive control housing to

increase tension on the drive cable.

Proceed as follows:

1. Tum unit off and disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.

2. Pull drive control lever all the way back to the handle.

3. Push button on underside of drive control. While holding button in,

return drive control lever to disen- gaged position.

4. Release button.

5. Operate mower to test drive speed. If condition becomes worse after the

above steps (forward speed has

become slower), your system was not "loose". Repeating the above steps

will return your unit to the proper

adjustment and speed.

6. If condition fails to improve after the

above steps (forward speed remains the same), your drive belt is worn and

should be replaced.

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

7 plate tabs.

LOWERWHEELSFORHIGH CUT

_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.

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 or discharging:

REAR BAGGING

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

onto the door pivot pins.

• To convert to mulching or discharging operation, remove grass catcher and

close rear door.

Pivot =ins Rear

Grass

catcher

handle

mulcher door

Catcher frame hook

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Rear door must be closed.

• Open mulcher door and install dis- charge deflector under door as shown.

• Mower is now ready for discharging

operation.

• To convert to mulching or bagging operation, discharge deflector must be

removed and mulcher door must be closed.

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER

FOR MULCHING - 1, Rear door closed,

2. Mulcher door closed.

FOR REAR BAGGING -

1. Grass catcher installed.

2. Mulcher door closed. FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

1. Rear door closed.

2. Side discharge deflector installed.

Discharge deflector

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.

A 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 rim 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

NOTE: Before filling fuel tank, remove and discard the debris plug that is inside

the tank.

• 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

Adays to assure fuel freshness.

CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or

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

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.

Gasoline filler cap

(Discard debris plug inside)

Primer

Engine

oil cap

TO START ENGINE

NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the engine, a small amount of smoke may be present during the initial use of the product and should be considered

normal.

1. To start a cold engine, push primer three (3) times before trying to start. Use a firm push. This step is not

usually necessary when starting an

engine which has already run for a few minutes.

2. 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.

• 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 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 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 ____"

ASYOU COMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE ICE DATES

Check for Loose Fasteners I_ I1v Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(If Equipped) ¥# _ _.e

M Clean Lawn Mower

Clean Under Ddve Cover

Check drive belVpulleys

W (Power-Propelled Mowers)

(Power-Propelled Mowers) I_

R CheclVSharpeniReplece Blade 1_3

Lubrication Chart I_' I/

CleanBattery/Recharge

tElectric Start Mowers I I_# M/4

E Check Engine Oil Level I1/

Change Engine Oil _1,2

Inspect Muffler

G Clean Air Filter _ 2

N clean or Replace Spark Plug

Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge I/2

1 - Change more oftenwhenoperatingundera heavy load or in highambienttemperatures. 2 - Servicemore oftenwhenoperatingIndidyordustycondiUens.

3 - Replacebladesmoreoftenwhenmowingin sandysoil. 4 - Charge 48 hoursat end of season.

GENERALRECOMMENDATIONS

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 adjust- ments 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

ad]_._(_) Wheel

f--_.

(_) 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 life of the self-lubricat-

ing bearings. If you feel they must be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly.

juster (on

ch wheel)

;lineoil

Mulcher

hinge pin

Rear door

hinge

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 RC12YC

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.

LAWNMOWER

Always observe safety rules when perform-

ing any maintenance.

TIRES

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

• Avoidstumps, 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.

Crankshaft

keyway

Blade

Blade bolt

washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

shaft

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 Texaco

Starplex Premium 1 Grease, Part No.

750369. Do not substitute.

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. Tighten oil plug

securely each time you check 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.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION Use only high quality detergent oil rated

with API service classification BF-SJ.

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

temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

-20 0 30 32 _0 60 80

.3o .20 -,_ _ ,'o _o 3o ,o

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

NOTE" Although multi-viscosity oils

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

AIR FILTER

Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Clean the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every

season. Replace paper cartridge every

100 hours of operation or every season,

whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner more often under dusty condi-

tions.

1. Loosen screws and remove cover.

2. Carefully remove cartridge.

3. Clean by gently tapping on a flat

13 surface, tf very 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.

Base

MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it

could create a fire hazard and/or dam-

age.

SPARK PLUG

Replace spark plugs at the beginning of

each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first.

Spark plug type and gap setting are

shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"

in Maintenance section of this manual.

CLEANING

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

grass and trash. Clean the underside of

your mower after each use.

_I_CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it

cannot come in contact with 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.

/I, 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 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'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 upper handle may be adjusted to

14four (4) different height positions.

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917378530 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual