Craftsman 917378800 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRRFTSMRN°I

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

5.5 Horsepower Power-propelled

21" Multi-cut

Model No.

917.378800

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions

beforeoperatingthisequipment

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

Visit ourCraftsman website:www, sears.com/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.

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

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

Storage ......................................... 16-17

Troubleshooting ........................... 17-18

Repair Parts .................................. 37-45

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

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.

ALook for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means

CAUTIONI!! BECOMEALERT!H 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 ifyou

strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

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

running.

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

which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently

check components and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts,

when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

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

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 parts for you, when you provide the model

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

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS

BELTS BLADES

MULCHER KITS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

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

assemble or operate your new lawn

mower.

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is

shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

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

of those parts left unassembled for

shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts,

washers, bolts, etc., necessary to com-

plete the assembly have been placed in

the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper

operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be

tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with

mower.

2. Cut down two end corners of carton

and lay end panel down flat.

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

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

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

loose pads.

HOW TO SET UPYOUR 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 p control bar

Upper

LIFT Ui

Mowing

position

Lower handle

TO INSTALL A'B'ACHMENTS

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).

KNOWYOUR LAWNMOWER READTHISOWNER'SMANUAL 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.

& I\l

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Throttle/ choke

Starter

handle

Grass catcher

Engine oil cap with cover

Mulcher dec

Operator presence control bar

Drive control lever

Engine zone control cable

Handle knob

Gasoline filler cap

Air filter

Housing

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.

Mulcher door - allows conversion to discharging or bagging operation.

Drive control lever - used to engage power-propelled forward motion of lawn

mower. Throttle/choke control - used for starting

the engine; & allows you to select either CHOKE or FAST engine speed.

The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the

eyes, which can result in severe eye damage.

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

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

or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINE CONTROL

The engine is controlled by a throttle

control located on the side of the upper handle. CHOKE position is for starting a

cold engine and FAST position is for starting a warm engine and normal

operation. The engine speed is not

adjustable.

DRIVE CONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by holding

the operator presence control bar down to the handle and pushing the drive control lever forward until itclicks;then

releasing the lever.

• Forward motion will stop when the

operator presence control bar is released. To stop forward motion

without stopping engine, release the

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

against handle to continue mowing without self-propelling.

• To keep drive control engaged when turning comers, push down on handle

and lift front wheels off ground while turning lawn mower.

control bar Drive

control

CHOKE

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

TO ENGAGE

DRIVE CONTROL

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

Raise wheels for low cut and lower

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

position is best for most lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze

adjuster lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your require-

ments. Be sure all wheels are in the same setting.

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

Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever to be positioned between the

plate tabs.

LOWER WHEELS FOR HIGH CUT )_

_ Plate tab ...._--_/_ O'_1 P

RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT Lever

CONTROL

DISENGAGED

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.

mulcher door

Pivot Rear Grass

catcher

handle

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. _,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.

Discharge

deflector

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

I. 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.

_]k 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

• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler

neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean,

regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil

with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30

days to assure fuel freshness.

CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or

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

_1_CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels

(called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which

leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can

damage the fuel system of an engine

while in storage. To avoid engine

problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or

longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines

and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructions for

additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

Oil filler cap/dipstick

Upper limit Lower limit

Gasoline

filler cap

Oil

cap

TOSTART ENGINE

NOTE:Dueto protectivecoatingsonthe

engine, a small amount of smoke may be

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

normal.

1. Turn fuel valve to ON position.

2. To start a cold engine, move handle mounted throttle/choke control lever to

CHOKE position.

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

handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back.

4. Slowly move throttle control lever to FAST position after engine starts.

• To start a warm engine, move throttle

control lever to FAST position, then follow steps above,

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator

presence control bar. Wait until blade and all moving parts have stopped and

turn fuel valve to OFF position if you do

not intend to restart the engine soon.

Fuel valve lever

• 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

1rom 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.

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.

, i i t ,

• 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

10 and graining of the lawn.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ___._J

,sYOOOOMPL E .......

.EOU...E..,C. 'ER"OE

Check for Loose Fasteners I_' I_

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(If Equipped) V _, _'

oM Clean Lawn Mower

Clean Under Drive Cover

W (Power-Propelled Mowers) q_'Check drive belt/pulleys

(Power-PropelledMowers) I1_

R Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade 1/'3

Lubrication Chart I_

Clean Battery/Recharge IEie=dcStartMowers! If I,/4

E Check En_lineOil Level l_'

Change Engine Oil 1_1.2

Inspect Muffler

G Clean Air Filter _ 2

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug

Replace Air FilterPaper Cartridge 1_2

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures,

2 - Service more often when operating in ditty or dusty conditions. 3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil. 4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season.

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.

BEFORE EACH USE

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI-

CATION CHART").

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

LUBRICATION CHART

door hinge pin

(!) Rear door

(_) Handle bracket mounting pins

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.

DATES

Wheel

adjuster (on

each wheel)

,ineoil

(_) Mulcher

hinge

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

;erial number:

Date of purchase: Gasoline capacity / type: 1.0 quarts (unleaded regular)

Oil type (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) Oil capacity: 18.5 ounces

Spark plug (gap: .030") NGK BPR6ES

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 rules when perform- ing any maintenance.

TIRES

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

• Avd_l stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp

objects and other hazards that may cause

tire damage.

BLADE CARE

For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged

blades. TO REMOVE BLADE

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

come in contact with spark plug.

2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up.

3. Use a wood block between blade and

mower housing to prevent blade from

turning when removing blade bolt.

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

4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter- clockwise.

5. Remove blade and attaching hard- ware (bolt, lock washer and hardened

washer).

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check the key inside hub of blade

adapter. The key must be in good condi- tion to work properly. Replace adapter if

damaged. TO REPLACE BLADE

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

adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned.

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

3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade

(opposite sharp edge) is up toward

the engine.

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

blade adapter and crankshaft.

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

blade bolt, turning clockwise.

• The recommended tightening torque is

35-40 ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat

treated. TO SHARPEN BLADE

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

blade is balanced.

Care should be taken to keep the blade

balanced. An unbalanced blade will

cause eventual damage to lawn mower or engine.

• The blade can be sharpened with a file

or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt

to sharpen while on the mower.

• To check blade balance, drive a nail

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

center hole of blade over the head of

the nail. If blade is balanced, it should

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

sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.

Blade adapter Crankshaft

Lockwa,,

Blade

Blade shaft

bolt

washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

keyway

Crank

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.

,SAEVISCOSITYGRADES

c .30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

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°1=. 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 the oil

level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to

drain oil, drain fuel tank by running

engine until fuel tank is empty.

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

come in contact with spark plug.

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

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

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

engine.

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

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

6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark

plug.

Oil filler

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.

AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly and may

be damaged by using a dirty air filter.

Replace the air filter every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner more

often under dusty conditions. TO CLEAN AIR FILTER

1. Remove cover.

2. Carefully remove cartridge.

3. Clean by gently tapping on a flat surface, if very dirty, replace cartridge.

• LCAUTION: 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.

Filter Filter

Cover

Tabs

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.

•,CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it

cannot come in contact with the spark plug.

• Clean the underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove build-up of grass and trash.

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

hotter and shortens engine life.

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

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

electrical system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in

shortened engine life.

Tabs

MUFFLER

Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it

could create a fire hazard and/or dam- age.

A, 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.

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.

LAWN MOWER

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

REAR DEFLECTOR

The rear deflector, attached between the

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

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

deflector becomes damaged, it should be

replaced.

TO REMOVE DRIVE BELT

1. Remove drive cover. Remove belt

from 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.

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. _kCAUTION: Do not run your lawn

mower without clipping deflector or approved grass catcher in place. Never

attempt to operate the tawn mower with the rear door removed or propped open.

Catcher frame

handle

Drive cover Belt

Push

TO ADJUST HANDLE

The upper handle may be adjusted to four (4) different height positions.

1. Loosen both handle knobs only enough to allow the upper handle to

pivot to the desired adjustment position.

2. Tighten both handle knobs securely.

Handle

knob

Handle knob

Frame

opening

ENGINE

ENGINE SPEED Your engine speed has been factory set.

Do not attempt to increase engine speed or it may result in personal injury. If you believe that the engine is running too fast

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

repair and adjustment.

CARBURETOR Your carburetor is not adjustable. If your

engine does not operate propedy due to suspected carburetor problems, take your

lawn mower to a Sears or other qualified service center for repair and/or adjust-

ment. IMPORTANT: Never tamper with the

engine governor, which is factory set for proper engine speed. Overspeeding the engine above the factory high speed

setting can be dangerous. If you think the

engine-governed high speed needs

adjusting, contact a Sears or other

qualified service center, which has proper equipment and experience to make any necessary adjustments.

+ 33 hidden pages

Craftsman 917378800 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual