Craftsman 917379431 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

JCRIIFTSMIIN°J

6.0 HORSEPOWER

22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.379431

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION: Read and followall Safety Rules and instructions

beforeoperatingthis equipment

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

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

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

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

Assembly ................................................ 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Parts Ordering ........................ Back Cover

LIMITED "I'WO 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.

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 in use 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.

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. 2

• 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 youfeel 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 acciden-

tal 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 governor setting or overspeed the engine.

•,Look for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!t 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: In order to prevent

Wash hands after handling.

accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs,

always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark

plug.

_1_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,WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle

components contain or emit chemicals

known to the State of California to cause

cancer and birth defects or other

reproductive harm.

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

LAWNMOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL

r j

MULCHER KITS STABILIZER

GRASS CATCHERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

FOR

GAS CANS

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 UP

LIFT

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 MANUAL AND 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

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning,

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control bar

Throttle control,

Starter handl

Grass

Gasoline filler

Mulcher plug

Housing

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

control lever

Engine zone control cable

knob

ine oil cap w/dipstick

Primer

Muffler

Drive cover

,Wheel adjuster

(on each wheel)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commis-

sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Operator presence control bar - must be held down to the handle to start the

engine. Release to stop the engine. Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine. Drive control lever - used to engage

power-propelled forward motion of lawn mower.

Starter handle - used for starting the engine.

Mulcher plug - must be removed to

convert to bagging or discharging operation.

Throttle control - Used for starting the engine and allows you to select either fast or slow engine speed.

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 a wide vision safety

mask over spectacles or standard safety

glasses.

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

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

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

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

,_ SLOW

FAST " :-

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

ACAUTION: 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 pushing the drive

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

• Forward motion will stop when the

operator presence control bar is released. To stop forward motion

without stopping engine, release the

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

operator presence control bar down against handle to continue mowing

without self-propelling.

• To keep drive control engaged when

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

turning lawn mower.

'gb

//; -

_nce control bar Drive

control

DRIVE

TO ENGAGE CONTROL DRIVE DISEN-

CONTROL GAGED

TO ADJUST cu'n'ING 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

RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT Lever

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift the rear door of the lawn mower

and place the grass catcher frame side hooks onto the door pivot pins.

2. The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass catcher

frame.

ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn

mower without mulcher plate or

plug,clipping deflector or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door

removed or propped open.

Pivot " Rear

Grass

catcher

handle

7 Catcher frame hook

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift up on grass catcher using the

frame handle.

2. Remove grass catcher with clippings

from under lawn mower handle.

3. Empty clippings from bag using both

frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Grass

catcher

frame

handle

Bag handle

TO CONVERT MOWER Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging:

• Open rear door and remove mulcher plug. Store mulcher plug in a safe

place.

• You can now install grass catcher.

• To convert to mulching operation,

install mulcher plug into rear discharge opening of mower.

2. Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly.

Do not over fill.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine for accurate dipstick reading. To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap, then

remove itto read the dipstick.

3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• 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. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of

87 octane. Do not mix oil with gaso-

line. Purchase fuel in quantities that

can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

_I,WARNING: Experience indicates that

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.

,_ CAUTION: Fillto bottom of gas tank filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe offany spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or

use gasoline near an open flame.

Mulcher plug

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in

the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oi!.

For type end grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance section of

this manual.

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

Gasoline filler cap (Discard debris plug inside)

'.__-__" Engne

, _:-: _:___-S; OIIcap

Pri-.r ll:

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 lawn mower over the area a second

time.

• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the

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

• For better grass bagging and most

cutting conditions, the engine speed should be set in the fast position.

• When using a rear discharge lawn

mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of

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

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

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

a clockwise direction with a small overlap to collect the clippings on the

next pass.

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

use and catchers will collect less grass.

To prevent this, regularly hose catcher off with water and let dry before using.

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

extend engine life.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS

IMPORTANT: For best performance,

keep mower housing free of built-up

grass and trash. See "CLEANING" in the

Maintenance section of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and reduce

them in size so that as they fall onto the

lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will

biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest

engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recut'dng 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 aftemoon. 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 mulching, reduce your width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and

mow slowly.

MAX 1/3

• Certain types of grass and grass condi- tions may require that an area be mulched

a second time to completely hide the

clippings. When doing a second cut, mow across or perpendicular to the first cut path.

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

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

the lawn.

.A,NTENANCESC.EDOLE

REGULARSERVICE f__'_'_'7 SERVICE DATES

Check for Loose Fasteners t,/ i/

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher (If Equipped) _ t_,

M Clean Lawn Mower

Clean Under Drive Cover (Power-Propelled Mowers) I_

_ Check drive beWpulleys

(Power-Propelled Mowers) I_

R Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade I/_

Lubrication Chart if I_ Clean Battery/Recharge IElectdc Start MowersI I/ 1_4

E Check Engine Oil Level !/

Change Engine Oil VPl.2

Inspect Muffler Clean Air Filter _ 2

N clean or Replace Spark Plug

Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge I/2

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures. 2 - Sewine more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions.

3 * Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil. 4 oCharge 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 adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your

unit. All adjustments in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual should be checked at least once each

season.

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

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

assure proper air-fuel mixture and help your engine run better and last longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI-

CATION CHART").

(!) Spray lubricant

(_) See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.

LUBRICATION CHART

ad]_.._ _(_) Wheel

I /

(_ 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.

juster (on ch wheel)

ine oil

Rear door

hinge

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SERIAL NUMBER: DATE OF PURCHASE:

GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.6 QUARTS (UNLEADED REGULAR) OILTYPE (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OUNCES SPARK PLUG (GAP: .030") CHAMPION RESISTOR TYPE RC12YC

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

• 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

Alwaysobserve safety rules when perform- ing any maintenance. TIRES

• Keep tiresfree of gasoline,oil,or insect

controlchemicalswhichcan harm rubber.

• Avoidstumps,stones,deep ruts,sharp objectsand other hazardsthat 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 blade adapter and check

the key inside hub of blade adapter. The

key must be in good condition 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. 11

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

__. J shaft

Blade

bolt

Key_

Lockwasher

Harden_ washer

Trailing edge Blade adapter

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

manufacturer approved replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower model

number when ordering.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION Use only high quality detergent oil rated

with API service classification SF-SJ.

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

temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

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,

check 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.

-20 0 60 60

.30 -_ -,; o ,o _o 3o

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°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 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.

Container

AIR FILTER

Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged by using a dirty air filter.

Replace the air filter every 100 hours of

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

often under dusty conditions. TO CLEAN AIR FILTER

1. Loosen screw and tilt cover to remove.

2. Carefully remove cartridge.

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

_CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such as

kerosene, are not to be used to clean cartridge. They may cause deterioration of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not

use pressurized air to clean or dry cartridge.

4. Install cartridge, then replace cover

making sure the tabs are aligned with

the slots in the back plate. Fasten

screw securely.

Back

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, which ever occurs

first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"

in the 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 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.

Lip

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.

Cover

Cover tabs

_kCAUTION:Before 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 'q'O ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT" in

the Operation section of this manual. REAR DEFLECTOR

The rear deflector, attached between the

rear wheels of your mower, is provided to

minimize the possibility that objects will be thrown out of the rear of the mower

into the operator mowing position. If the

deflector becomes damaged, it should be

replaced.

TO REMOVE/REPLACE DRIVE BELT

1. Remove drive cover. Remove belt from gearcase pulley by pushing

clown 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.

6. Install new belt by reversing above steps.

7. Always use factory approved belt to assure fit and long life.

3. Squeeze lower handle in to remove it from mounting pins.

4. Turn lower handle over to raise or

lower handle.

5. Squeeze lower handle in and position

holes onto mounting pins on handle bracket.

6. Reassemble upper handle and all

parts removed from lower handle.

Lower

handle

Mowing position

Hairpin

Drive

cover Belt

Push

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

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

raising or lowering the handle.

1. Remove upper handle and all parts

attached to lower handle.

2. Remove hairpin cotters from lower handle bracket mounting pin.

Mounting-

LOW POSITION

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

1. Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigid part of bag on the bottom.

Make sure the frame handle is outside of the bag top.

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

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

_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without mulcher plate or plug, clipping

deflector or approved grass catcher in

place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or

14Propped open.

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917379431 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual