Craftsman 917383340 Owner’s Manual

SEARS

®

MODELNUMBER917.383340

-"Assembly
"Operation

"Maintenance
"Service

"Adjustments
"RepairParts

OWNER'SMANUAL

Caution:
Readand Follow

all SafetyRules
andInstructions

BeforeOperating

ThisEquipment

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SAFETYRULES

A

A]llk WHERE JT CANNOT CONTACT SPARK PLUG TO PREVENT ACCID[::NTAL

cA,.n-,o.: 0.s oNN cr .oo ANoP.ACFW,R

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START,NOW.E.SE T,NO-UP.TRANS O T.',Oo ,:,JUST,.OMA :,NO

RE ' .I STOYOUR .WNMOWER.

IMPORTANT

FEDERAL REGULATIONS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE BLADE STOP CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE
RISK OF BLADE CONTACT INJURY. YOUR LAWN MOWER IS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS. DO
NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES.

• BE CAREFUL-WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUN-

NING THE BLADE IS TURNING.

• Please read your owner's manual. Only allow
persons who know the safety rules to use your

lawn mower.

• DO NOT tie the operator presencecontrol bar

to the handle. Control must be free to permit
brake engagement when handles and control

are released.

• DO NOT allow children to use your lawn

mower.

• Check your lawn mower over before each use.
Tighten any loose bolts, nuts, etc.

• Remove all sticks, stones,wires, cans, boards,
etc. from area to be mowed. These objects can

be thrown by the blade.

• DO NOT allow children, bystanders or pets in

the area while mowing.

* Always wear shoes when mowing. DO NOT

operate lawn mower when barefoot or wear-
ing open sandals.

* Always wear safety glasses or eye shields

before starting your lawn mower and while
mowing.

• Always shut off engine before trying to adjust
whee/heights.

• When engine is running, DO NOT put hands
or feet under lawn mower or in the discharge

chute, nor make any adjustments.

• Stay clear of discharge opening at all times.

• Do not fill gas tank when engine is running,
when indoors or when engine is hot. Allow

engine to cool for several minutes before fill-

ing gas tank. Clean off any spilled gasoline
before starting engine.

• Mow only in goodlight.

• Always stop blade when not cutting grass or
when crossing gravel drive, sidewalk, or

roadway.

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LOOKE0RTillsSYMBOLTOPOINTOUTIMPOR-
TANTSAFETYPRECAUTIONS.IT MEANS--ATTEN-
TION!!! BECOMEALERT!!!YOUR SAFETYIS

INVOLVED.

• DO NOT continue to run your lawn mower if

you hit a foreign object. Stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark

plug, inspectthe lawn mower for damage and
make repairs as required.

• DO NOT usea damaged lawn mower. Always
have damage repaired before mowing.

• DO NOT run your lawn mower if it vibrates

too much. Stop engine and make repairs.
Vibration is an indication of damage.

• Never useyour lawn mower without proper
guards or deflectors in place.

* Always mow across a slope or inclined area.

DO NOT mow up or down a slope or inclined
area.

• DO NOT mow in wet grass. Be careful of

footing when mowing in wet grass, use shoes
with good traction.

• DO NOT run with the lawn mower.

* DO NOT run your lawn mower indoors. Ex-

haust gases are deadly poison.

• Always disconnect the spark plug wire from
spark plug to prevent accidental starting when
transporting or storing your lawn mower after
the mowing season.

• DO NOT attempt to raise engine speed above
factory settings. Engine damage or personal

injury may result.

• If a grass catcher isused on your lawn mower,
check the catcher often for damage or
deterioration. It will wear through normal use.

Use only a recommended replacement catcher.

• Always stop blade to remove or install catcher.

• DO NOT store your lawn mower or gasoline

where fumes may reach an open flame and
cause a fire.

• DRAIN THE GASOLINE from your lawn

mower before transporting your lawn mower

inside your car or other vehicle.

2

CON_J,TULATIONSonyourpurchaseofaSearsCraft-

sman Lawn Mower. It has been designed,

engineeredandmanufacturedto giveyouthebest

passibledependabilityand performance.
Shouldyouexperienceanyproblemyoucannoteasi-

ly remedy,pleasecontact your nearest Sears Ser-

vice CenteriDepartment. We have competent, well-
trained technicians and the proper tools to service
or repair this unit.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructions

will enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn
mower properly. Always observe the "SAFETY

RULES".

ii

MODEL

NUMBER917.383340

SERIAL

NUMBER.

DATE OF
PURCHASE

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE
FOUND ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR
OF THE LAWN MOWER HOUSING.

YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER
AND DATEOF PURCHASE AND KEEPIN A SAFE

PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS

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HORSE POWER:

DISPLACEMENT:

III I

GASOLINE CAPACITY:

i

OIL (21 oz. Capacity):

iiii

SPARK PLUG (GAP .030 in.):

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VALVE CLEARANCE: Intake:

Exhaust:

I II

SOLID STATE IGNITION

AIR GAP:

i i i

BLADE BOLT TORQUE:

ii i

i

4.0

i

10.49 cu. in.

i

1.0 quart

(Unleaded)

SAE 30 or
(SAE 10W30)

Champion
RJ19-LM or

Sears 7_ 33312
or STD 361458

|ll

.008 in.
.008 in.

.0125 in.

35-40 ft.-Ibs.

MAINTENANCEAGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.

CUSTOMERRESPONSIBILITIES

* Read and observe the safety rules.

* Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower.
* Follow the instructions under "Maintenance" and "Storage" sections of this Owner's Manual.

TWOYEARLIMITEDWARRANTYON CRAFTSMANPOWERMOWER

Fortwoyears from thedate of purchase,whenthisCraftsmanLawnMower ismaintained,lubricatedand tuned-
up accordingtothe instructions'in theowner's manual, Searswill repair, free of charge, any defectinmaterial

and workmanship.
If thisCraftsman Lawn Mower isused for commercialor rental purposes, thiswarranty applies for only 90

days from the date of purchase.

Thiswarranty does not cover:

Expendable itemswhich becomeworn during normal use, suchas rotacy mower blades, blade adapters,

belts, air cleaners and spark plug.
Repairs necessarybecauseof operator abuse or negligence, includingbent crankshaftsand the failure to

maintain the equlpment accordE'ngto the instructionscontained in the owner's manual.

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER TO THE

NEAREST SEARS SERVICECENTERIDEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES

ONLY WHILE THIS PRODUCT IS IN USE IN THE UNITED STATES.
Thiswarranty gives you specificlegal rights, and you may also have other rightswhich may vary from state

to state.

Sears, Roebuck and Company, D/731CR-W, Sears Tower, Chicago, IL 60684

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3

TABLEOFCONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ........................ 2

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ............. 3

CUSTOMER RESPON51BiLITIES ........... 3

WARRANTY ........................... 3

LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES ......... 5

ASSEMBLY .......................... 5,6

OPERATION .................. 7-9

MAINTENANCE .................. 10,1 1

INDEX

Adjustments:

Carburetor 12
Handle Height 12
Height of Cut . 8

Air Filter:

Replacement 1I

Assembly:

Grass Catcher .6

Handle ..... 5

Accessories 5

Blade:

Replacement .10
Sharpening 10

Controls:

EngineZone Control Cable . 8

Operator PresenceControl Bar .7

Engine Speed Control ...... 8

Customer Responsibilities..... 3

Cutting Levels .8

Engine:

Oil Cap .. .9
Oil Change 11

Oil Level ........ 9

Oil Type .9

Starting ......... 9

Storage 13

Handle:

Adjustment 12
Assembly 5

Knob 7

Lubrication:

Brake Spring Bracket 14
Engine . 14

FrontWheel Adjuster 14
Handle Bracket Mounting Pin 14

Maintenance:

Agreement 3

Air Filter 11

Blade CarelReplacement 10
Grass Catcher 11

Lubrication .... 14

Spark Plug ..... 11

Mowing Tips 9

Oil:

Engine .. 9
Storage 13

Operation:

Operating Lawn Mower 7-9

Operator PresenceControl Bar 7
Options:

Attachments.... 5

Parts ..... 16,17

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT 12

STORAGE ....... 13

SERVICE RECOMMENDATION'S 14

TROUBLE SHOOTING ....... 15

REPAIR PARTS-LAWN MOWER .. 16,17
REPAIR PARTS-ENGINE 18-21

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE" ' "Back Cover

Safety Ru|es 2
Serviceand Adjustments:

Carburetor 12

Engine Speed 12
Rear Deflector 12

Handle 12

L

M

Service Recommendation 14
Spark Plug ! 1

Specifications 3
Speed Control:

Engine 8

Starting the Engine 9

Starter Handle 7,9

Stopping Your Lawn Mower 9
Storage 13

T

TroubleShootingChart

W

Warranty 3

Wheels:

Wheel Adiusters 7,8

15

Fue|:

Type .9
Storage 13

R

Repair/Replacement Parts 24
Responsibilities,Customer .. 3

4

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LAWNMOWERACCESSORIES

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These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are also available at most Sears
retail outlets, catalog and service centers. Most Sears stores can 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.

ENGINE

SPARKPLUG MUFFLER

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AIR FILTER GASCAN ENGINEOIL

III

STABILIZER

©

III I I

LAWNMOWERMAINTENANCE

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BELT BLADE BLADEADAPTER WHEELS LAWNMOWERCOVER

IU III

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ASSEMBLY

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Your lawn mower has been assembled at the fac-

tory except for the grass catcher bag and the grass
catcher frame.

TOREMOVELAWNMOWERFROMCARTON

• Cut down the corners of the carton and lay ends

and sides down.

• Cut the plastic wrapping and remove from over

handles and lawn mower.

• Remove loose parts if included with lawn mower,

(i.e. grass catcher, catcher frame, hardware pack,

etc.).

• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton

thoroughly for loose parts.

HOWTOSET-UPYOURLAWNMOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

Remove any packing material from around control

bar.

• Raise lower handle section until it isinthe upright

storage detents (See Figs. 1 & 2).

• Raise upper handle section until it is in-line with

lower handle and tighten one handle knob.

• Lower the entire handle assembly to the mowing

position and engage the height adjustment links
onto the handle bracket pins (See Fig. 2).
See "Adjust Handle" section, page 13 to select

the most comfortable mower handle position.

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HANDLE KNOB_ [_Y/ / m /,'.','_,_. /.',"

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CONTROL BAR,,_ , "-,.

UPPER HANDLE_ /-/// _ ":" _'_

'"--.//// ! ,;." .._"

II/1 LOWER ,;/ ,,;,,

rV/// HANDLE ,_/ ,'/

_r._ "_ ;._-"-- _ .. _.,.-'c'--"-_k.. .... "','," POSITION

I[ I II

FIG. I

II I

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FIG. 2

/, / _t

STORAGE

(L DETENTS

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II

_JUIL

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!'0 UNFOLDHANDLE(CONT'D)

ASSEMBLY

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• Your Lawn Mower has been shipped with Pro-

tective Handle Padsplaced between the upper
and lower sectionsof the handle. For best lawn

mower performance these Pads need to be
discarded after the handle is placed in the mow-

ing position.

• Once the Handle is in the mowing position,

remove the Handle Knob, Handle Bolt and Pro-
tective Pad from the side with the loose Handle

Knob. (Make sure the other side is tight to sup-
port the Upper Handle).

• Discard the Pad and reinstall the Handle Bolt and
Knob--Tighten securely.

• Loosen and remove the Handle Knob, Handle
Bolt and Protective Pad from the other side and
discard the Pad.

• Reinstall the Handle Bolt and Knob-- Tighten

securely. Now your handles should be clamped

together without the protective pads.

TO ASSEMBLE& ATTACHGRASSCATCHER

• Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with stiff

part of bagon the bottom (See Fig. 3).Make sure

the framehandle is outside of the bag top.

• Slip vinyl bindings over frame (See Fig. 3).

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.

• Lift the rear door of the lawn mower and place
the catcher frame side hooks onto the handle

bracket hooks (See Fig. 4).

• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower

housing when the rear door is lowered onto the

grass catcher frame.

CATCHER

HANDLE

CATCHEI

FRAME

S{DE HOOK

BRACKET

FIG. 3

FIG.4

FRAME
OPENING

DOOR GRASS

-CATCHER

FRAME

CAUTION: DONOTRUN YOURLAWNMOWER
WITHOUTCLIPPINGDEFLECTORORAPPROVED
GRASSCATCHERIN PLACE.NEVERATTEMPTTO
OPERATETHELAWNMOWERWITH THEREAR

DOORREMOVEDOR PROFI_DOPEN.

I II I III

OPERATION

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KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Com-
pare the illustrations with your Lawn Mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls

and adjustments. Save this manuaJ for future reference.

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

STARTER HANDLE

GRASS

GASOLINE FILLER CAP

OIL FILLER
WITH DIPSTICK

WHEEL AD,

(ON EACH WHEEL)

LAWN MOWER HOUSING

FIG. 5

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MEETSCPSCSAFETYREQUIREMENTS

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 Commission. The blade turns when the engine

is running.

IIIIIIIII II I III

r OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR- must be

held down to the handle to start the engine. Release

to stop the engine.

IIlll II IIIIII IIIIIIIIII I

STARTER HANDLE - used for starting the engine.

OPERATION

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HOWTOUSEYOURLAWNMOWER

ENGINESPEEDCONTROL

I

The engine speed is controlled by a lever (red knob)

Iocatedon the left side of the engine. "HIGH" posi-
tion is for starting engine, normal cuffing and better

grass bagging. "LOW" position isfor fight cuffing,
trimming and fuel economy (See Fig. 6).

ENGINEZONECONTROL

CAUTION:FEDERALREGULATIONSREQUIREAN
ENGINECONTROLTO BEINSTALLEDON THIS

LAWNMOWERIN ORDERTO MINIMIZE THE
RISKOF BLADECONTACTINJURY. DO NOT
UNDERANY CIRCUMSTANCESATTEMPTTO DE-
FEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR

CONTROL.THEBLADETURNSWHENTHEENGINE
ISRUNNING.

* Your Lawn Mower is equipped with an Operator

Engine Control Bar which requires the operator

to be positioned behind the lawn mower handle
to start and operate the lawn mower.

TOEMPTYGRASSCATCHER

• To remove grass catcher, release operator
presence control bar to stop engine.

• Lift up rear door and remove the grass catcher
by the handle.

• Empty by shaking catcher with open end

downwards (See Fig. 7).

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

ENGINE SPEED

IJllLl

iiii ii i

IMER

Jl_

FIG. 6

/

FIG. 7

TO ADJUSTCUTTINGHEIGHT

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for
high cut.

• W-heels are set in a low cut for shipping. Adjust
cutting height to suityour 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 requirements. Be sure all wheels are in the
same setting (See Fig. 8).

Hill I [I

FIG. 8

8