Craftsman 917378531 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRnFTSMnW,I

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

7.0 Horsepower Power-Propelled

21" Multi-Cut

Model No.

917.378531

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions before operatingthisequipment

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

VisitourCraftsman website:www.sears.conYcraftsman

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

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

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

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

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

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

Product Specifications ........................ 12

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

Storage ......................................... 15_16

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

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

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

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 tree of charge any defect in material or workman-

ship.

If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty

applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.

This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.

° Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent

crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual.

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

while this product is 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!f! BECOMEALERTi!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_,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.

_, 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

Wash hands after handling.

_, CAUTION: Muffler and other engine

parts become extremely hot during

operation and remain hot after engine has stopped. To avoid severe bums on

contact, stay away from these areas.

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.

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.

IlL 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 luel 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 a[temp[ 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.

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

centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair pads for you, when you provide the model number of your lawn mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING

DEFLECTORS

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATGHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

FOR

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

STABILr_R

AIR RLI--r.RS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

CANS

GAS

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 control bar

Upper handl

Mowing position

Lower handle

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.

Catcher

frame

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 MANUAL AND 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,KEEPHANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEETAWAY

Throttle

Starter handle

Grass catcher Muffler

Gasoline filler cap

Air filtei

Operator presence control bar

Drive control lever

knob

.=ngineoil cap with dipstick

Housing

cover

Mulchef doo_

Primer (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.

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 perforating any adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over

spectacles.

HOWTO 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 ,'

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL _kOAUTION: 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 comers, push down on the

handle to lift the 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. Turn 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 ALL THE WAY

FORWARD.

NOTE: Do not ratchet the adjustment.

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

plate tabs.

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.

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.

Catcher frame

Discharge deflector

Rear

Grass

catcher

handle

mulcher door

FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

1. Rear door closed.

2, Side discharge deflector installed.

• ILCAUTION: 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.

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: De not drag the bag when

emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Grass

catcher

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.

CAUTION: DO NOT ovedill 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 the entire 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, 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

_iLdays to assure fuel freshness.

CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or

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

• iLCAUTION: 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 Engine

Primer

,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: Incooler 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 _'__.._._?_o__,,f

F,--..o. s

Check for Loose Fasteners i1_ I/

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher Clean Lawn Mower

M (If Equlpped) V _ _'

O Clean Under Drive Cover(Power-Propelled Mowers)

Check drive belt/pulleys

_ Power-Pr_ell_:l Mowers)

Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade

LubdcationChart

Clean Battery/Recharge

Electdc Start MowersI

E Check Engine Oil Level

N Change EngineOil

G clean Air Filter

i/ i/,

,/1=

I Inspect Muffler

N CleanorReplaceSparkPlug E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge

1 - Chsngemoreofter_whettoper_ undera heavylead orInhighambienttemperstures. 2- Servicemoteoftenwhenoperatingindirtyorduet,/condi_ons. 3- Repls_eb_des moreoftenwhenmo',W_In_ndy soU. 4- Chlrgs 48 houmatend ofseuon.

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 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.

(_ Spray lubricant

BEFORE EACH USE

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI- CATION CHART").

(_) 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.

LUBRICATION CHART

aa,Ilill e 'Vhoe'

juster (on

ch wheel)

_ -" ineoil

Mulcher

ge pin

Rear door

hinge

(_) Handle bracket mounting pins

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.

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety ruleswhen perform- ing any m_ntenance.

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

tuming when removing blade bolt,

NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter- clockwise.

5, Remove blade and attaching hard-

ware (bolt, lock washer and hardened

washer).

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check the key inside hub of blade adapter. The key must be in good condi-

tion to work properly. Replace adapter if

damaged, TO REPLACE BLADE

1. Position the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft. Be sure key in

adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned.

2. Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in the blade

with the raised lugs on the adapter.

3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade

(opposite sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

4. Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into

blade adapter and crankshaft.

5. Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the

blade bolt, turning clockwise.

• The recommended tightening torque is

35-40 ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat

treated. TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen- ing blade - but if you do, be sure the

blade is balanced. Care should be taken to keep the blade

balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause eventual damage to lawn mower

or engine.

• The blade can be sharpened with a file

or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt

to sharpen while on the mower.

• To check blade balance, drive a nail

into a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of the straight nail exposed. Place

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

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

sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.

Blade adapter _ Crankshaft

Key_, _ "_ keyway

Lo kwasher

washer Trailin edge Blade adapter

GRASSCATCHER

• The grasscatchermay 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.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION Use only high quality detergent oil rated

with API service classification SFoSJ. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to

your expected operating temperature.

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption

when used above 32°E Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid

possible engine damage from running low on oil.

Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the

lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each five (5) hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug

securely each time you check 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 Irom 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 ol engine,

5. Fill engine with oil. The engine oil capacity is 20 oz. If oil is not com-

pletely drained from engine, you may not need the entire container of a 20

oz. bottle of oil. Slowly pour 3/4 of the

oil from the container down the oil fill

spout into the engine.

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

remove it to check oil level.

7. Continue adding small amounts of oil

and rechecking the dipstick until it

reads full. DO NOT overfill, or engine will smoke on startup.

8. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick before starting engine.

9. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

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 surface. If 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 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 "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.

_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 scrap}ng 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, be- fore performing any service or adjustments:

1, Release control bar and stop engine.

2, Make sure the blade and all moving

parts have completely stopped.

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

in contact with plug.

LAWN MOWER

TO ADJUST 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 gearoase 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.

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917378531 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual