Craftsman 917383242 Owner’s Manual
®
MODEL NUMBER 917.:
• Assembly
"Operation
"Customer
Responsibilities
• Service
OWNER'S MANUAL
Convertible
- Adjustments
• Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
_nd Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
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SAFETY RULES
REPA,RS. IMPORTANT
SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCECONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK,OF INJURY, YOUR UNff IS EQUIPPED WiTH
SUCH CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEATTHE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUM-
STANCES,
TRAINING:
o Read this operator's manual carefully. Become familiar with
the controls and know how to operate your mower properly.
Learn how to quickly stop mower.
• Do not allow children to use your mower. Never allow adults
to use mower without proper instructions.
Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially
small children and pets.
• Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de-
scribed in this manual.
= Do not operate mower if it has been dropped or damaged in
any manner. Always have damage repaired before using
your mower.
• Do not use accessory attachments that are not recommended
by the manufacturer. Use of such attachments may be
hazardous.
Be aware that the blade turns when the engine is running.
PREPARATION:
• Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear it of
all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects.
These objects will be thrown by the blade and can cause
severe injury.
• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when starting and
while using your mower,
- Dress properly. Do not operate mower when barefoot or
wearing open sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good
traction when mowing.
° Check fuel tank before starting engine. Do not fill gas tank
indoors, when the engine is running or when the engine is hot.
Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before filling the
gas tank. Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the
engine.
- Always make wheel height adjustments before starting your
mower. Never attempt to do this while the engine is running.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
° Always stop the blade whenever you leave or are not using
your mower, or before crossing driveways, walks, roads, and
any gravel-covered areas.
• Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor
allow anyone near the mower while you are operating it.
• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your mower, stop
the engine and make absolutely sure the blade and atl
moving parts have stopped. Then disconnect the spark plug
wire and keep it away from the spark plug to prevent
accidental starting.
o Do not continue to run your mower if you hit a foreign object.
Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any dam-
age before restarting and operating you mower.
• Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the
engine. Engine damage or personal injury may result.
• Do not operate your mower ifit vibrates abnormally. Exces-
sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safelycheck for the cause of vibration and repair as required.
° Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are danger-
ous.
° Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. Mow
across the face of slopes, never up and down or you might
lose your footing. Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
Use caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain or
when changing directions - maintain good footing.
• Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates,
grass catcher or other safety devices inplace.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
• Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to be
sure they are tightened properly.
• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for
proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working condi-
tion.
• Keep all safety devices in place and working.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves
...................................................................................................................................................................................................or excessive grease and oil,......................................................................................................................................................
OPERATION:
o Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being
cut. Do not let other interests distract you.
* Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never run while operating
your mower. Always be sure of your footing- keep a firm hold
on the handles and walk.
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep
clear of the discharge opening at all times.
° Check grass catcher often for deterioration and wear and
replace worn bags. Use only replacement bags that are
recommended by and comply with specifications of the
manufacturer of your mower.
AIways keep a sharp blade on your mower.
• Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
• Never store mower with fuel in the tank inside a building
where fumes may reach an open flame or an ignition source
such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc.
ii i,illll : ........................... rll ............................
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. I
IT MEANS - ATTENTION!!! BECOME ALERT!t! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. 1
2
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Lawn
Mower. It has been designed, engineered and manufac-
tured to give you the best posSible dependability and
performance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot easi}y
remedy, please contact your nearest Sears AUthorized
Service Center/Department. We have competent, well-
trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair
this lawn mower.
Please read and retain this manual: The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower
properly. Always observe the SAFETY _RULES".
MODEL
NUMBER 917.383242
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
THE MODELAND SERIALNUMBERSWILL BEFOUND
ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
PRODUCT SPECiFiCATiONS
HORSEPOWER: 4.0
DISPLACEMENT: 1!.5 CU. IN.
GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.5QUARTS
AND TYPE; UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (APt-SG): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS.
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJt9-LM
(GAP: ,030") STD361458
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .008"
EXHAUST: .008"
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 IN.
BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS,
MADNTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
o Read and observe the safety rules.
• Fellow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower.
Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual.
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up
according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any
defect in material or workmanship.
If this Craftsman Lawn Moweris used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from
the date of purchase.
This Warranty does not cover:
o Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts,
air cleaners and spark plug.
o Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negfigence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to maintain
the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual.
WARRANTY SERVICE fSAVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER TO THE NEAREST
SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT INTHE 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
TABLE OF CO TENTS
SAFETY RULES ....................... _..... ,, ........ . .................... 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ............. ,......................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBIMTIES ..................... 3,.11-13
WARRANTY .................................................... ...o ......,o.3
ASSEMBLY ................................................................... B
OPERATSON ............... ......................... :......................... 8
iNDEX
A
Accessories ...................................... 5
Adjustments:
Carburetor .............................. 14
Engine Speed ......................... 14
Handle Height, ................... ;.... 14
Height of Cut ............................. 9
Air Filter:
Replacement .......................... 13
Service .................................... t 3
Assembly ........................................ 6
E}
Blade:
Sharpening ............................. 12
Replacement .......................... 12
C
Controls:
Engine Zone Control ................. 9
Engine Speed Control .............. 8
Operator Presence Control Bar 8
Customer Responsibilities ...3, 11-13
Air Filter .................................. 13
Blade Care/Replacement .....,, 12
Engine .................................... 13
Lubrication ................... _.......... 13
Spark Plug ...............; .....i....,..,i3
Cutting Levels ............................ _....9
Engine:
Air Filter .................................. 13
Oil Change .............................. I3
Oil Level .................................. 13
Oil Type ................................. :13
Starting ..................................... 10
Stopping .................................. 10
Storage ................................... i 5
Fuel:
Capacity .................................... 3
Storage ................................... !5
Type .......................................... 9
Handle Adjustment:
Assembly ........ .......................... 6
Cutting Height ....................... ,.. 9
Lubrication:
Engine i 3
Lawn Mower 11
Maintenance Agreement .........,_........3
Maintenance Schedule .................. ! 1
Mowing Tips ............... ................... 10
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 11
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............... .................. 14
STORAGE ........................ ,........................................... 15
TROU BLESHOOTtNG ..;;;..,:........................................ 21
RE PAlR PARTS - LAWN:MOWER ........................ I6-17
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ..................................... 18-20
PARTS ORDERINGISERV}CE ................ BACK COVER
!
E
F
H
L
M
Operation:
Engine Control .......................... 9
Grass Catcher ...................... :... 9
Mower ....................................... 9
Operator Presence
Control Bar ............................... 9
Options:
Accessories ............................... 5
Ft
Repair Parts:
Engine ....::......................... 18-20
Lawn Mower ...................... !6-17
Responsibilities, Customer ..3, 11-13
S
Safety Rules .................................... 2
Service and Adjustments ..................
Carburetor .............................. 14
Engine Speed ......................... 14
Handle .................................... t 4
Spark plug .................................... 13
Specifications .................................. 3
Speed Controh
E ng!ne ...................................... 9
Starting the Engine..: ..................... I0
Stopping the Engine ....................... 10
Storage ......................................... 15
O
Oil:
...............................................................................................................................Engine,,,,,, .................... ....... t3 ...........................................................................................................................................................................................
Storage ................................... ! 5 W
TroubleShooting Chart ................. 21
Warranty ......................................... 3
T
4
LAWN ACCESSORIES
......... i
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. 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 modeJ number of your lawn
mower° Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.
ENGmNE
SPARK PLUG
MUFFLER AIR FILTER
if tawn mower is an electric start
GAS CAN
ENGINE OIL
STABiLiZE R
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
DUST SHIELD
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
REAR BAG
OPTIONAL
FABRIC BAG
REPLACEMENT
BAG FOR REAR
DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
BELT BLADE
SIDE DISCHARGE CATCHER
OPTIONAL
CATCHER FOR
SiDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWER
. _ .... _..
BLADE
ADAPTER..
ASSE LY
Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety
before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn
mower. Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the
factory with the exception of those parts left unassembied
for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers,
bolts, etc., necessary to complete 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
Remove loose parts included with mower.
Cut down two end corners of carton and tay end pane]
down flat.
• Remove all packing materials except padding between
upper and lower handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle. '
, Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thor-
oughly for additional loose parts.
HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)
IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLES CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO P1NCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.
• Raise handles until lower handle section locks into
place in mowing position.
Raise upper handle section into place on lower handle,
remove protective padding and tighten both handle
knobs.
• Remove handle padding holding operator presence
control bar to upper handle ....
• Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your
mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust. Handle" in the
Service and Adjustment section of this manual.
TO iNSTALL ATTACHMENTS
(See Fig. 2)
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mutcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:
Open rear door and remove mutcher ptate. Store
mulcher pfate in a safe place.
........You can now.install catcher or optional clipping deffec .......
tor.
To return to mulching operation, install mulcher plate
into discharge opening of mower. Be sure all tabs are
seated properly.
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
UPPER:HANDLE
MOWING POSITION
MULCHER PLATE TABS
FiG. 2
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without muicher plate in place or ap-
proved clipping deflector or grass
catcher in place, Never attempt to op-
i crate the lawn mower with the rear door
,removed or propped open.
6
MBLY
TO ASSEMBLE & ATTACH GRASS
CATCHER (See Figs, 3 & 4)
o 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.
• SJipvinyl bindings over frame.
NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, h0fd them in warm
water for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let it dry before
using,
Lift the rear door of the lawn mower and place the
grass catcher frame side hooks onto the handle
bracket hooks.
The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower
housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass
catcher frame,
m
CATCHER FRAME
\
FRAME OPENING
FiG. 3
DOOR
GRASS CATCHER
FRAME
FORMED
TABS
• • m,,,, ,J ,,L
FiG. 4
7
OPERATION
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 tocation of various controls and adjustments, Save this
manual for future reference_
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE
HANDLE KNOB
GRASS CATCHER
MULCHER PLATE
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER
OPERATORPRESENCECONTROLBAR
STARTERRANDLE
:=
'_ LAWN MOWER HOUSING
GASOUNE FILLER CAP
WHEEL ADJUSTER
(ON EACH WHEEL)
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power iawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American Nat ona Standards institute
and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. "['he blade turns when the engine is running.
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR _must be hefd
down to the handb to start the engine. Release to stop the
engine.
PRIMER _pumps additional fuer from the carburetor to the
cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.
STARTER HANDLE[ oused for starting the engine_
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL ,, located on the side of the
engine which allows you to select either fast (_) or slow
(_) engine speed°
MULCNER PLATE - located at the discharge opening
must be removed when converting to bagging or discharg-
ing operation.
.
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