Craftsman 917379601 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

6.75 HORSEPOWER 21" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.379601

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa5ol

• Repair Parts

NOTE: Engines which are certified to comply wifh California and U.S. EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment), are csrtHiedto operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and include the following emission control systems: Engme Modification (EM), and Three-way

Catalyst ('rwc) (If so equipped).

AVISO: Los motores homologados para cumplir con la reglarnentacibn sobre emisiones de California y de la Agencia de ProtecciSn Ambiental estadounidense (EPA) para equipos peduel_osno circulantss (SORE) funcionan con gasolina normal sin plomo, e inclwen los sigu_entessistemas de control de ernisiones: modificaci(_n del motor (EM) y catafizador de tdple acckSn ('rwc) (en caso de tenerk_).

The D.O.M. decal includes engine life specifications for the emissions-related useful life pedod of your engine, This pedod relates to the emission compliance life as certified by EPNCARB. To

find the/ife pedod specification for your engine, please match one of the following letters with the

letter pdnted on your O.O.M. decal: (C) 125 hours, (B) 250 hours, (A) 500 hours.

La calcomanla D.O.M incluye especiifcaciones sobre la duraci6n del motor pare el perlode de vida Ofil de su motor relaccionade con emisiones. Este pedodo se relaciona con la duraci¢_nen

conformidad con las emisiones seg_n Io certificado por EPNCARB. Pare hailer la especificacibn del per[odo de ,/ida de su motor, mire cudl de las siguientes lelras viene impresa en su calcomenfa D.O.M.: (C) 125 horas, (B) 250 horas, (A) 500 bores.

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions

before operatingthis equipment

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

Visit our Craftsman web.site: www.sears.condcraftsman

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

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

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

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

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

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

LIMITED TWOYEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained, lubdcatsd, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructionsin the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in matedal or workman- ship.

Ifthis Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for ccmmercial or rental purposes, this warranty

appliesfor only 90 days from the date of purchase. This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable ]ternswhich become worn dudng 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 accordingto the instructions contained in the owner's manual.

Warranty service is available by returningthe 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, Illinofs 60179

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

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

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

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

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

Parts Ordedng ........................ Back Cover

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and

throwingobjects, Failure to observe the following safety Instructions could result in

sedous 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 notput hands or feet near or under

rotatingparts. 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 weadng 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

accessodes, Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer.

• Stop the blede(s) when crossing gravel

drives, walks, or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you

leave the equipment, before cleaning the mower or uncloggingthe chute.

• Shutthe engine (motor) off and wait

untilthe 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 ofyour footing: keep a

firm hold on the handle and walk; never

run,

• Disengage the self-propelled mecha-

nism or drive clutchon 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 reiatsd to slip

and fall accidents which can result in

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

notmow it. DO:

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

when changing direction on slopes.

• Remove obstacles suchas rocks,tree

limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.Tall

grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

• Do not tdm near drop-offs, ditches or

embankments. The operator could lose footing or balance.

• Do not tdm excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced

footing could cause slipping.

II1.CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence ofchildren. Children are often attracted to the

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

you last saw them.

• Keep children outof the tdmming 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

comers, shrubs, trees, or other objects

that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

• Use extra care in handlinggasoline

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 debds build-up. Clean oil or fuel

spillage. Allow machine to cool before stodng.

• Stop and inspect the equipment ifyou stdke an object. Repair, it 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 partsor allow objects to be thrown. Frequently

check components and replace with manufacturer's recommended pads,

when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and

use extra caution when servicingthem.

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

ALook for this symbol to point out importantsafety precautions. It means

CAUTIONIll BECOMEALERT!!I YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

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

CAUTION: In orderto prevent

reproductive harm.

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

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

plug.

A CAUTION: Muffler and other engine parts become extremely hot dudng

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

contact, stay away from these areas.

_.WARNING: Battery posts,terminals and

related accessohes contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the

State of California to cause cancer and

birthdefects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

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 outletsand

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 nEAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS aLADES

MULCHERKrrs

FOR

SIDE CISCHARGE

GRASSCATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FIL'n_RS

SLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

Read these instructionsand this manual in its entirety before you attempt to

assemble or operate your new lawn

mower.

IMPORTANT: This lawnmower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in

the engine. Your new lawn mower has been as-

sembled at the factory with the exception

ofthose 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

operationof 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 comers of carton

and lay end panel down flat.

3. Remove all packing materials except padding between upper and lower handle end padding holding operator

presence control bar to upper handle.

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

loose parts.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so as not to pinch or damage controlcables.

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 end tighten both handle

knobs.

3. Remove handle padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle.

Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted toryour mowing comfort. Refer to "AD-

JUST HANDLE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

Operator con_olbar

Lift u

Lower handle

TO INSTALL A'I-FACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcber. To convertmower to bagging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER"

in the Operation section of this manual.

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

LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourseff

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, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control bar

Engine zone control cable

Starter handle 4andle knob

Gasoline cap

Grass

Airfilter

primer

Engine oil ca

Muffler

Drive cover

Housing

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower isshipped

Wheel adjuster (on each wheel)

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Sears rotary walk-behiod power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the

Amedcan 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 Starter handle - used forstarting engine. be held down to the handle to start the Drive control lever - used to engage

engine. Release to stop the engine, power.propelled forward motion of lawn Primer - pumps additional fuel from the mower.

carburetorto the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine. 6

Theoperationofanylawn mowercanresultinforeign

objectsthrownintothe eyes,whichcanresultin

severeeyedamage.

Alwayswearsafetyglassesoreye

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 was set at the factory for optimum performance. Speed is nat adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL _,CAUTION: Federal regulations require

an engine controlto be installed on this lawn mower in order to minimize the dsk

ofblade contact injury.Do not under any cimumstances attempt to defeat the

function ofthe operator control.The blade turns when the engine is running.

• Your lawn mower is equipped with an

operator presence control bar which requiresthe 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 her down to the handle and pushingthe drive

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

• Forward motionwill stop when the operator presence control bar is

released. To stop forward motion

without stopping engine, release the

operator presence control bar slightly untilthe drive control disengages. Hold

operator presence control bar down

against handle to continue mowing without serf-propelling.

• To keep drive control engaged when

turning comers, push down on handle and lifttrent wheels off ground while

turning lawn mower.

Operatorpresencecontrolbar

Ddve

control

TO ADJUST CUTrlNG HEIGHT

Raise wheels for low out and lower

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

position isbest 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 satitng.

NOTE: Adjuster is propedy 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.

Lc:_verWheelsforHighCut P/ateTab_

RaiseWheelsfor LowCut Lever

TO CONVERT MOW1ER Yourlawnmowerwas shippedreadyto be

usedas a mulcher.Toconverttohegging :

REARBAGGING

• Liftreerdoorofthelawn mowerand place the grssscatcherframe hooksontothe

doorpivotpile.

• To converttomulching operaf_co,remove grasscatcherand dose rear door.

ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without 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

To engage DriVe control

drive control disengaged 7

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 clippingsfrom bag using both

frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do notdrag the bag when

emptying; itwill cause unnecessary wear.

Grass frame

hand/e

Bag

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE ADD OIL Your lawnmower is shipped withoutoil in

the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil.

For type and grade of oil to use, see =ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this

manual.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area around oilfill is clean.

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 reading. To read proper level,

tighten engine oil cap, then remove it to read the dipstick,

3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Check oil level before each use. Add

oil it needed. Fillto 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. 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.

A,WARNING: Experience indicatesthat 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 untilthe fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel

next season. See Storage Instructionsfor additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner productsin the fuel

tank or permanent damage may occur. _, CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank

filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel, Do not store, spillor use gasoline near an open flame.

Engine oilcap Gasoline filler cap

TO START ENGINE NOTE: Due to protective coatingson the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be present during the inkial use of the product and should be considered normal.

I. To start a cold engine, push pdmer

three (3) times before trying to start.

Usa e firm push. This step is net

usually necessary when starting an

engine which has already run for a

few minutes.

2. Hold operator presence control bar

down to the handle and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator presence control bar.

NOTE: In ccoler weather it may be necessary to repeat pdmingsteps. In

warmer weather over pdming may cause flooding and engine willnot start. If you

do flood engine, wait a few minutes before attempting to startand do not

repeat priming steps.

MOWINGTIPS

• Under certain conditions, such as very

tall grass it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce push ng

effortand to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of grass clippings. It may also be necessary to

reduce groundspeed 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 roar discharge lawn

mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of cutgrass may not enter the grass catcher. Reduce ground speed (pushing speed) and/or runthe lawn

mower over the area a second time.

• If a trail of clippingsis left on the dght side of e rear discharge mower, mow in

a clockwise direction with a small overlap to collectthe clippingson the

next pass.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can

become filled with dirt and dust with use and catchers will collect lessgrass.

To prevent this, regularly hose catcher

off with water end let dry before using.

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

MULCHING MOWINGTIPS IMPORTANT: For bestperformance,

keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. See =CLEANING" in the

Maintenance section of this manuel.

• 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 intothe

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 recuttingaction of the blades.

• Avoid cuttingyour lawn when it is wet.

Wet grass tends to form clumps and

interferes with the mulching action. The best time to mow your lawn isthe

early aftemcon. At this time the grass has dried and the newly cut area will

notbe exposed to the direct sun.

• For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height so that the lawn mower

cutsoff only the top one-third of the grass blades. If the lawn Is overgrown it will be necessary to raise the height ef 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.

• Certain types of grass and grass

conditionsmay 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 firstcut path.

• Change your cutting pattern from week

to week. Mow northto south one week

then change to east to west the next

week. This will help prevent matting

and graining of the lawn.

Check for LcoSe Fasteners _ I I,4 Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(IfEquIpped_ Iv/ I ,,/ l/

M clean Lawn Mower i/ i//

O Clean Under Drive Cover(Power-ProFelled Mowers)

Check ddve belt! ulleys

ER (p ower.Propell_oPMowers) I_

Check]Sharpen/Replace Blade b/s

Lubdcation Chart _ tf

Clean Batteq//Rechaq

ElectricStartMowem _ _4

E Check Engine Oil Level

N Change Engine OII 11,/1.2

G Clean _Jr Filter i/=

I Inspect Muffler _//

N Clean or Replace Spad< Plug

E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge I//=

I. Ct_ng o _m oftmlwhen ope_g ultd_ a h,mvy I_d orll_high_ t_n_oera_ure_

2. SeP..k_ morn olten '_ opetatJP__ dldy or dusP/c_it_s.

3 -R_ I_adesmorn_ _ mowingIn=_¢y soil.

4 _Charge 48 hcum _ end of 8_ason.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this lawn mower does

notcover items that have been subjected

to operator abuse or negligence. To

receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain mower as

instructedin this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made (

periodicallyto properly maintain your I [ unit.

All adjustments in the Service and I \ Adjustmentssection 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

(_) Handle bracket mounting pins door _nge

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

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Check for loose fasteners. LUBRICATION

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

LUBRICATION CHART

(_) Wheeladjuster

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.

wheel)

(_ Brake

spnng

bracket

Rear

PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS

SERIALNUMBER: DATEOFPURCHASE: GASOLINECAPACITY/TYPE:1.5QUARTSUNLEADEDREGULAR

OIL'TYPE (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS. SPARK PLUG (GAP: ,045") CHAMPION RESISTOR TYPE RJ19LM4

BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the

lawn mower housing.Record both sedal number and date of purchase in space provided above.

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when

performing any maintenance.

TIRES

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

rubber.

• Avoid stamps, 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-

dcokwlse.

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 boltis grade 8 heat

treated.

Crankshait

Key_.

Blade

Blade shaft bolt

washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen- ing blade - but ff 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 grindingwheel. Do not attempt

to sharpen while on the mower.

• To check blade balance, drive a nail

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

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

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

sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.

GRASS CATCHER

• The grass catcher may be hosed with

water, but must be drywhen used.

• Check your grass catcher often for

damage or detedoration. 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 ordedng.

DRIVE WHEELS Check front drive wheels each time beforeyou mow to be sure they move

freely.

The wheels notturning freely means trash, grass cuttings, etc. are inthe ddve

wheel area and must be cleaned to free drive wheels,

If necessary to clean the ddve wheels,

check beth 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 turnfreely, contact a Sears or other qualified service center.

GEAR CASE

• To keep your drive system working prepedy, the gear case and area around the drive should be kept clean and free of trash build-up. Clean under

the ddve cover twice a season.

• The gear case is filled with lubdcant to the proper level at the factory. The only

time the lubdcant needs attentionis if service has been performed on the gear case.

• If lubdcant 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 SF-SJ.

Select the oil's SAE viscositygrade according to yourexpected operating

temperature,

NOTE: Although multi-viscosifyoils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve startingin cold weather, these multi-viscosityoils 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

startingthe 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 end forth to remove any oil trapped Inside of

engine.

4. Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower and on side of engine.

5. Fill engine with oil. (See "ADD OIL" in

the Operacion section of this manual.)

6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark

plug.

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 in under dusty conditions, Do not

wash air filter. TO CHANGE AIR FILTER

1. Remove the air filter by turning clockwiseto the stop and pull away

from collar.

2. Remove filter from inside of cover,

3. Clean the inside of the cover and the collar to remove any dirt accumula-

tion.

4. Insert new filter Into cover.

5. Put air filter cover and filter into collar aligning the tab with the slot.

6. Push in on cover and turn counter- clockwiseto tighten.

Collar

Turn

clockwise

C_p

Slot

Air filter"

Turn

Air _iter cover

clockwise to tighten

courter-

MUFFLER Inspect end replace corroded muffler as it

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

SPARK PLUG Replace spark plugs at the beginning of

each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting are

shown in =PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"

in Maintenance section of this manual. CLEANING IMPORTANT: For best performance,

keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. Clean the underside of

your mower after each use. ACAUTION: Disconnect spark plugwire

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.

CLEAN UNDER DRIVE COVER Clean under drive cover at least twice a

season. Scrape underside of cover with putty knife or similartool to remove any build-up of trash or grass on underside of

drive cover.

A,CAUTION: 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

plugand place where it cannot come in contact with plug.

LAWN MOWER

TO ADJUST CU111NG HEIGHT

See "TOADJUST CU'I-rlNG 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 ofthe rear of the mower

intothe operator mowing position. If the deflector becomes damaged, it should be

replaced. TO REMOVE/REPLACE DRIVE BELT

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

down on pulley and rolling belt off it.

2. Turn lawn mower on its side with air

filter and carburetor up.

3. Remove blade.

4. Remove debds shield.

5. Remove belt from engine pulley on crankshaft.

6. Install new bell by reversing above steps.

7. Always use factory approved bell to

assure fit and long life.

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

Drive cover

Push

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917379601 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual