Craftsman 917383370 Owner’s Manual

SEA! S

DEL 917.383370

oAssembly
oOperation

oCustomer

Responsibilities

• Service

OWNER'S MANUAL

oAdjustments

io Repair Parts

Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules

and Instructions
Before Operating

This Equipment

SAFETY RULES

PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETTING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING

CAUTION: ALWAYSDISCONNECTSPARKPLUGW|RE ANDPLACEWlRE WHERE ITCANNOT CONTACTSPARK

REPA,.S. iMPORTANT

SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TOMINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY. YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH
SUCH CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUM-
STANCES.

TRAINING:

,, Read this operator's manuat 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

e

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
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 tile 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 tile engine is running_

° Mow oniy in daylight or good artificial light,

OPERATION:

" 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 afirm 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

o Always stop the blade whenever you leave or are not using

yourmower, orbefore 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,

o Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your mower, stop

the engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all
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 ifyou 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,
safely check for thecause of vibration and repair as required_

o

Do not run the engine indoors, Exhaust fumes are danger-
ous.

a

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 excessivety steep slopes
Use caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain or
when changing dlrect_ons - maintain good footing,

Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates,
grass catcher or other safety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

,, Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to be

sure they are tightened prope_iy

. 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 theengine free of grass, leaves

or excessive grease and oil

= Check grass catcher often for deterioration and wear and

replace worn bags Use onfy replacement bags that are
recommended by and comply with specifications of the

manufacturer of your mower.
° Always keep a sharp blade on your mower
= Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

= Never stere 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

LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
IT MEANS - ATTENTION!!! BECOME ALERT_!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

Illllllll

2

I

I

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears

Craftsman Lawn Mower. tt has been designed, engineered
and manufactured to give you the best possib}e de-

pendability and performance .... : .......

Should you experience any problems you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Service Cen-
ter/Department. Sears has competent, well trained tech-
nicians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit.

Please read and retain this manual The instructions wilt
enable you to assemble and maintain your fawn mower

properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES"

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 4_0
DISPLACEMENT: 11,,05cu, in,
GASOLINE CAPACITY: 1,,0quart

(Unleaded)

O'i'L(20 oz,.Capacity): SAE 30 (Above 32°F

5W30 (Below 32°F)

MODEL
NUMBER 917,383370

SERIAL
NUMBER

DATE OF
PURCHASE

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WtLL BE

FOUND 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

SPARK PLUG (GAP .030 in.):

(0..76 mm)

VALVE CLEARANCE: Intake: 008 in.

Exhaust: .008 in.

SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: ..025 in.

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 fL-Ibs..

Champion
RJ 19LM or
Sears z_ 33312
or STD 361458

or STD 360950

MAINTENANCE 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
, Follow 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

UiVlJTED 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 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:

o 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 tN USE 1NTHE 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 60'179

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

PRODUCTSPECIFICATiONS .............................. 3

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ............. 3, 11-13

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

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

ASSEMBLY ........................................................... 5

OPERATION .......................................................... 7

nNDEX

Accessories ............................................ 5

Adjustments:

Carburetor .................................. 14

Engine Speed ............................ t4

Handle Height ............................. t4

Cutting Height .............................. 8

Air Filter:

Replacement .............................. 13

Assembly:

Handle ............................................ 5

Grass Catcher ............................... 6

Clipping Deflector ........................ 6

Blade:

Sharpening ................................. 12

Replacement ............................... 12

Controls:

Operator Presence Control Bar.. 8

Engine Zone Control ................... 8

Engine Speed Control ................. 8

Customer Responsibilities ..... 3, 11-13

Agreement ................................... 3

Air Filter ....................................... 13

Blade CarelReplacement .......... 12

Engine ........................................ 13

Grass Catcher ............................ 12

Maintenance Schedule .............. 11

Lubrication ................................. 11

Spark Plug ................................. 13

A

Engine:

Oil Change ................................. 13

Oil Level ....................................... 9

Oil Type ......................................... 9

Starting ......................................... 9

Storage ....................................... 15

Fuel:

Type .................................................. 9

Storage ........................................ 15

Handle:

B

C

Adjustment ................................. 14

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

Lubrication:

Engine ........................................ 11

Wheel Adjuster .......................... t 1

Brake Spring Bracket ................ 11

Rear Door Hinge ......................... 11

Maintenance Agreement ..................... 3

Maintenance Schedule ..................... 11

Mowing Tips ...................................... 10

Mulching/Mowing Tips ..................... 10

Oil:

Engine .......................................... 9

Storage ....................................... 15

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE .............................. 11

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ,:....,_,._i_'i_._._14

STORAGE ........................................................... 15

TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................... 23

REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ................ 16-17

REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ............................ 18-20

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ........ BACK COVER

E

F

H

L

M

O

Operation:

Operating Lawn Mower ............... 8

Control Bar ................................... 8

Speed Control ................................ 8

Operator Presence Control Bar ......... 7

Options:

Attachments ................................. 8

P

Repair Parts

Lawn Mower .......................... 16.17

Engine ................................... 18-20

R

Responsibilities, Customer .,..3, 1t-13

S

Safety Rules ......................................... 2

Service and Adjustments:

Carburetor .................................. 14

Engine Speed ............................. 14

Handle ........................................ 14

Rear Deflector ............................ 14

Spark Plug ......................................... 13

Specifications ..................................... 3

Starting the Engine:

Speed Control .............................. 9

Stopping the Engine ........................... 9

Storage .............................................. 15

T

Trouble Shooting Chart ................... 23

W

Warranty .............................................. 3

Wheels:

Wheel Adjusters ........................ 11

4

LAWN MOWER ACCESSOIR ES

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 also order repair parts for you, when you provide the model number of
your lawn mower. Some of these accessories may not appty to your lawn mower

ENGINE

;PARK PLUG MUFFLER AIR FILTER GAS CAN ENGINE OIL

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

, ,=,

STABILIZER

BELT BLADE BLADE

ASSEMBLY

=,l....................

Read these instructions and the Owner's Manual in its
entirety before you attempt to assemble or operate your

new lawn mower. Your new lawn mower has been as-
sembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left

unassembled for shipping purposes_ Allparts 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 hard-
ware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the
correct tools as necessary to ensure propei" tightness_

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON

o Remove loose parts included with mower.
. Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel

down flat.

. Remove all packing materials except padding be-

tween upper and lower handle and padding holding
operator presence control bar to upper handle,.

• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton
thoroughly for additional loose parts°

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN

MOWER

ADAPTER

OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR

UPPER HANDLE

HANDLE

ADJUSTMENT

BRACKET

WHEELS

LOWER HANDLE

FIG. 1

KNOB BOLT

LAWN MOWER

COVER

MOWING POSITION

TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Figs. 1 & 2)

• Raise lower handle section to operating po_ition and
align hole in handle with one of three height positioning

holes

° Insert handle bolt through handle and bracket and

secure with knob

° Repeat for opposite side of handle
° Raise upper handle section to operating position, re-

move protective padding and tighten handle knobs

securely

FIGo 2

Remove any packing material from around control bar
Your handles may be adjusted for your mowing com-

fort, Refer to Service and Adjustments section of this

manual.