Craftsman 917379611 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
[CRBFTSMI N'[
6.75 HORSEPOWER
21" REAR DISCHARGE
POWER PROPELLED
ROTARYLAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.379611
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Espa_ol
• Repair Parts
NOTE: Engines which are certified to complywith California and U.S. EPA emission regulations
for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment), are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline,
and include the following emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM), and Three-way
Catalyst (TWC) (If so equipped).
AVISO: Los motores homologados para cumplir con la reglamentaci6n sobre emisiones de
California y de la Agencia de Protscci6n Ambiental estadounidense (EPA) para equipos
pequefios no cimulantes (SORE) funcionan con gasolina normal sin plomo, e incluyen los
siguientes sistemas de control de emisiones: modificaci6n del motor (EM) y catalizador de triple
acci6n (]WC) (en caso de tenerlo).
The D.O.M. decal includes engine life specifications for the emissions-related useful life period of
your engine. This period relates to the emission compliance life as certified by EPA/CARB. To
find the/ire period specification for your engine, please match one of the following letters with the
letter printed on your D.O.M. decal: (C) 125 hours, (B) 250 hours, (A) 500 hours.
La calcomanfa D.O.M. incluye especificaciones sobre la duracibn del motor para el perlodo de
vide t_tUde su motor relacoiooado con emisiones. Este periodo ss relaciona con la duraci6n en
conformided con las emisiones segdn Io certificado por EPNCARB. Para hailer la especificaci6n
del perlodo de vide de su motor, mire cudl de las siguientes letras viene impresa en su
calcomenia D.O.M.: (C) 125 bores, (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 website: www.ssars.com/craRsman
Warranty ................................................. 2
Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4
Assembly ................................................ 5
Operation ............................................. 6-9
Maintenance Schedule ........................ 10
Maintenance .................................... 10-13
LIMITED'FWO 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 thisCraftsman 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 rightswhich
vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60179
Product Specifications .......................... 11
Service and Adjustments ................. 14-15
Storage ............................................ 15-16
Troubleshooting .............................. 17-18
Repair Parts ..................................... 35-43
Parts Ordering ........................ Back Cover
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
instructionson the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thor-
oughly familiar with the controlsand
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 isclear 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.
2
• Stoptheblade(s) when crossinggravel
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-
nismor drive clutch on mowers so
equipped before starting the engine
(motor).
• If the equipment should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine (motor)
and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when
operating mower.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip
and fall accidents which can result in
severe injury.All slopes require extra
caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do
not mow it.
DO:
• Mow across the face of slopes: never
up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts,or bumps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT;
• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.
• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.
III. 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 out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off ifchildren
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 servicingthem.
• Do not change the engine governor
setting or overspeed the engine.
&Look for this symbolto point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!H BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
&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
CAUTION: In order to prevent
reproductive harm.
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark
plug.
CAUTION: Muffler and other engine
parts become extremely hot during
operation and remain hot after engine has
stopped. To avoid severe burnson
contact, stay away from these areas.
&WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories 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 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
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
GRASS CATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS
BELTS BLADES
MULCHER KITS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
GRASSCATCRERS
LAWN MOWERS
AIR FILTERS
BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS
4
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
shippedWITHOUT 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
shippingpurposes. 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 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.
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 and tighten both handle
knobs.
3. Remove handle padding holding
operator presence controlbar 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 I
control bar
position
Lower handle
TO INSTALL ATrACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a rnulcher. To convertmower
tobagging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER"
in the Operation section of this manual.
KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourself
withthe location ofvarious controlsand 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 FAS'r SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
Operator presence control bar
Engine zone
control Cable
lever
Starterhandle
knob
Gasoline cap
Grass
Air filter
Primer
Muffler
Drive cover
Housin
Wheel adjuster
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
(on each wheel)
WITHOUT OiL OR GASOLINE inthe engine.
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the
Amencan 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 for starting 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.
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold engine. 6
Theoperationofanylawn
mower can result in foreign
objects thrown intothe
eyes, which can result in
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 was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.
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 ofthe 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 motionwill 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.
Operatorpresencecontrolbar
severe eye damage.
Drive
control
TO ADJUST cu'n'ING HEIGHT
Raise wheels for low cut and lower
wheels for high cut, adjust cuttingheight
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.
b
"---'_"_L°werWheels for High Cut_
Raise Wheels for Low Cut Lever
TO CONVERT MOWER
Yourlawn mower was shippedready to be
usedas a mulcher. Toconvertto bagging:
REARBAGGING
• Liftreardour ofthe lawn mower and place
grasscatcherframe hooksontothe
dcor pivotpins.
• To convertto mulchingoperal_on,remove
grasscatcherand closerear door.
ACAUTION: Do not runyour lawn mower
without clipping deflector or approved
grass catcher in place. Never attempt to
operate the lawn mower with the rear
door removed or prepped open.
Pivot " Rear Grass
catcher
_- handle
Catcher frame hook
To engage Ddve control
ddve 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 not drag the bag when
emptying; itwill cause unnecessary wear.
Grass
frame
handle
Baghandle
I
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oit 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 oil fUl is clean.
2. Remove engine oil cap and fill tothe
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,
tightenengine oil cap, then remove it to
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
• 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
fuet 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.
A CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or
use gasoline near an open flame.
Engineoilcap Gasolinefillercap
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present dudng the initial use of the
product and should be considered
normal.
1. To start a cold engine, push primer
three (3) times before trying tostart.
Use a firm push. This step is not
usually necessary when starting an
engine which has already run for a
few minutes.
2. Hold operator presence controtbar
down to the handle and pullstarter
handle quickly. Do not allow starter
rope to snap back.
8
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 notstart. If you
do flood engine, wait a few minutes
before atlempting to start and 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 pushing
effortand to keep from overloading the
engine and leaving clumps of grass
clippings. It may also be necessary to
reduce ground speed and/or runthe
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 trailof clippingsis left on the right
side of a rear discharge mower, mow in
a clockwise direction with a small
overlap to collectthe clippingson the
next pass.
• Pores in clothgrass catchers can
become fittedwith dirt and dust with
use and catchers will collect less grass.
To prevent this, regularly hose catcher
off with water and letdry 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 best performance,
keep mower housing free of built-up
grass and trash. See "CLEANING" in the
Maintenance section of this manast.
• 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 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 is the
eady afternoon. At thistime the grass
has dried and the newly cut area will
notbe exposed to the direct sun.
• For best results, adjust the lawn mower
cuttingheight so that the lawn mower
cutsoff only the top one-third ofthe
grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown
it wiUbe necessary to raise the height
of cut to reduce pushingeffort and to
keep from overloading the engine and
leaving clumps of mulched grass. For
extremely heavy mulching, reduce your
width of out by overlapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.
• Cedain 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 thefirst cut path.
• Change your cutting pattern from week
to week. Mow north tosouth one week
then change to east to west the next
week. This will help prevent matting
and graining of the lawn,
Max1/3
MA'"TENANCESC"EOU'E
As COMPLETE SERVICEn
_hack for LOOSeFasteners I/ I/
Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher
(IfEquipped) V' I,/
M Clean Lawn Mower V' I/
O Clean Under Ddve CoverPower*Propelled Mowers) _4_
Check ddve belt/pulleys
IE Power-Propelled Mowers_ l/
Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade _
Lubrication Chart _
Clean BattePj/Recha e
E_ectricStart Mowe_sn_ II/ 11/4
E Check Engine Oil Level
N Change Engine Oil I,/!,=
G Clean Aff Filter _ 2
Inspect Muffler _,1
N Clean or Replace Spark Plug I/
E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge V#2
I. Chan_ more oftt*n when operst klg u nd4_" a heavy Icad or in I_gh ambient lemperalures,
2 ° Service n'_re o_en when operating in d_dyo#dusty condltiot_s,
3 - Replace blades moreoflen when mowing tn sandys_l,
4 oCharge 48 houri at en_ 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
periodicallyto properly maintain your
unit.
All adjustments in the Service and
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
1. Check engine oil level.
2. Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keep unit welt lubricated (See "LUBRI-
CATION CHART").
__/ lm
LUBRICATION CHART
(_ Wheelad uster
(_) Handle bracket mounting pins door hinge
(_) Spray lubricant
(_) See "ENGINE" In Maintenance section.
IMPORTANT: Do not oilor grease
plastic wheel bearings. Viscous
lubricants will attract dust and dirtthat
will shorten the lifeof the self-lubricat-
ing bearings. If youfeel they must be
lubricated, use only a dry, powdered
graphite type lubricant sparingly.
10
eachwhee)
DATES
_) Brake
spring
bracket
Rear
PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS
SERIALNUMBER:
DATEOFPURCHASE:
q_GASOLINECAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS UNLEADED REGULAR
qbOILTYPE(API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F
O LCAPACITY: 20OZS.
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 serial number and date of purchase in space
provded above.
LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when
performing any maintenance.
TIRES
• Keep tirosfree of gasoline, oil, or insect
control chemicals which can harm
rubber.
• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp
objects and other hazards that may
cause tire damage.
BLADE CARE
For best results, mower blade must be
kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged
blades.
TO REMOVE BLADE
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with spark plug.
2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make
sure air filter and carburetor are up.
3. Use a wood block between blade and
mower housing to prevent blade from
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 boltis grade 8 heat
treated.
Bladeadapter _.Crankshaft
Key_,_=1 _ keyway
B,ads'°Tkwas2L
bOlt Hardene_l" ' / _ _J/" ='
washer Trailingedge Bladeadapter
11
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 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 dry when used.
• Check your grass catcher often for
damage or deterioration. Through
normal use it willwear. If catcher
needs replacing, replace only with a
manufacturer approved replacement
catcher. Give the lawn mower model
number when ordering.
DRIVE WHEELS
Check front drivewheels each time
before you mow to be sure they move
freely.
The wheels not turning freely means
trash, grasscuttings, etc. are in the drive
wheel area and must be cleaned to free
drive wheels.
If necessaryto 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 notturn freely, contact a Sears or other
qualified service center.
GEAR CASE
• To keep your drive system working
propedy, 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 isfilled with lubricantto
the proper level at the factory. The only
time the lubricant needs attention is if
service has been performed on the
gear case.
• if lubricantis 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 classificationSF-SJ.
Select the oil's SAE viscositygrade
according to your expected operating
temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
NOTE: Although multi-viscosityoils
(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in
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
operationor 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.
12
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 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.
AIRFILTER
Your engine will not run properly and may
oe damaged by using a dirty air filter.
Replace the air filterevery 100 hours of
operation or every season, whichever
_ccurs first. Service air cleaner more
_ffen in under dusty conditions. Do not
,','ashair filter.
TO CHANGE AIR FILTER
1, Remove the air filter by turning
clockwise to the stop and pull away
from collar.
Z, Remove filter from inside of cover.
3. Clean the inside of the cover and the
collar to remove any dirt aocumula-
tion.
_,. Insert new filter into cover.
5. Put air filter cover and filter into collar
aligning the tab with the slot.
3. Push in on cover and turn counter-
clockwise to tighten,
Collar
Clip
Turn
clockwise
remove
Slot
Airfilter
Turn
Air filter cover
clockwise to tighten
counter-
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it
could create a fire hazard and/or dam-
age.
SPARK PLUG
Roplace spark plugs at the beginning of
each mowing season or after every 100
hours of operation, whichever occurs first.
Spark plug type and gap settingare
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 withthe 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 resultin
shortened engine life.
CLEAN UNDER DRIVE COVER
Clean under drive cover at least twice a
season. Scrape underside of cover with
putty knife or similar tool to remove any
build-up of trash or grass on underside of
drive cover.
to
13
_I,CAUTION: Before performing any
service or adjustments:
1. Release control bar and stop engine.
2. Make sure the blade and an 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 cuTr|NG HEIGHT
See "TO ADJUST CU'I-[ING 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 wilt
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 drive cover. Remove belt
from gearcase pulley by pushing
down on puney and rolling belt off it.
2. Turn lawn mower on itsside 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.
TO ADJUST HANDLE
The upper handle may be adjusted to
four (4) different height positions.
1. Loosen both handle knobs only
enough to anow the upper handle to
pivot to the desired adjustment
position.
2. Tighten both handle knobs securely.
Handle
Knob
Handle
Knob
Drive
cover
Push
14
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