Craftsman 917383641 Owner’s Manual
®
MODEL NUMBER
oAssembly
oOperation
oCustomer
Responsibilities
oService
917.383641 OWNER'S MANUAL
_ne TM
O Convertible
oAdjustments
oRepair 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
REPAIRS_
CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE AND PLACE WIRE WHERE IT CANNOT CONTACT SPARK
IMPORTANT
SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE 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 manual carefully= Become familiar with
the controls and know how to operate your mower property
Learn how to quickly stop mower
Do not allow children to use your mower Never allow adults
touse 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
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 ishot •
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
mowen Never attempt to do this while the engine is running_
Mow only in dayligbt or good artificial light
OPERATION:
Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being
cuL Do not let other interests distract you
Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never run while operating
your mower. Always be s_lre of your footing -keep a firm hold
on the trandles and walk_
Do not put trands or feet near or under rotating parts Keep
clear of the discharge opening at all times
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 absolutety 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.
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 if itvibrates abnormalty Exces-
sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safe tycheck for the cause of vibration and repair as requi red_
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 in place.
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 isin 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
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.
Always keep a sharp blade on your mower..
Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure
Never store mower with fuel in tbe 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.
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I
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. I
IT MEANS - ATTENTION!!! BECOME AL.ERT!!f YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
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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 easily
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 instructionswill
enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower
properly.. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES"
MODEL
NUMBER 917_383641
SERIAL
NUMBER
PRODUCT SPECIFICATmONS
HORSEPOWER: 3 8
DISPLACEMENT: 9.0 CU_IN
GASOLINE CAPACITY 1 5 QUARTS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (API-SG): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPJONRJt9-LM
GAP: 030") STD361458
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: 008 IN
EXHAUST: 008 IN
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: 0125 IN
DATEOFPURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND
ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING
YOUSHOULDRECORDBOTHSERIALNUMBERAND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
i BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT LBS
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this p_ducL Contact your hearst Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSiBiLITiES
• Read and observe the safety rules_
Follow a regular schedu{e 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 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 AVA{LABLE 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 ether rights which vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND COr, D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
3
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFE'f'Y RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ....................... 3, 9-11
WARRANTY ................................................................... 3
ASSEMBLY .................................................................... 5
OPERATION .................................................................. 6
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ........................................ 9
DEX
A
Accessories ....................................... 5
Adjustments:
Carburetor ................................. 12
Engine Speed ................................12
Handle Height ......................... 12
Height of Cut ..................................7
Air Filter:
Replacement .............................11
Service ...................................... t 1
Assembly ...................................................5
B
Blade:
Sharpening .............................. 10
Replacement .......................... 10
C
Controls:
Engine Zone Control .................. 7
Engine Speed Control ................6
Operator Presence
Control Bar .................................. 6
Customer Responsibilities ..... 3, 9-11
Air Filter ...................................... 11
Blade Care/Replacernent ........10
Engine ................................... 11
Lubrication ................................. 11
Spark Plug ................................. 11
Cutting Levels .....................................7
Engine:
Air Filter ........................................11
Oil Change .................................11
Oil Level ..........................................11
Oil Type .................................... 11
Starting ..........................................8
Stopping ........................................8
Storage ..........................................13
Fuel:
Capacity ..................................... 3
Storage .................................. 13
Type ........................................... 7
Handle Adjustment:
Assembly .........................................5
Cutting Height ...............................12
Lubrication:
Engine ..................................... 11
Lawn Mower ............................. 9
Maintenance Agreement .................. 3
Maintenance Schedule .....................9
Mowing Tips ....................................... 8
Oil:
Engine .................................... 11
Storage .................................... 13
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................. 12
STORAGE .................................................................... 13
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 19
REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ........................ 14-15
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 16-18
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................ BACK COVER
E
F
H
L
M
O
Operation:
Engine Control .............................7
Grass Catcher .......................... 10
Mower ............................................7
Operator Presence
Corrtrol Bar, ............................... 7
Options:
Accessories ..................................5
R
Repair@arts:
Engine .................................. 16-18
Lawn Mower. ...................... 14-15
Responsibilities, Customer ._.3, 9-11
S
Safety Rules ....................................... 2
Service and Adjustments ............... 12
Carburetor ................................ 12
Engine Speed ........................... 12
Handle ..................................... 12
Spark Plug ..........................................11
Specifications ..................................... 3
Speed Control:
Engine ................................... 12
Starting the Engine .............................8
Stopping the Engine .......................... 8
Storage .......................................... 13
T
Trouble Shooting Chart ................. 19
W
Warranty .......................................... 3
4
LAWN ACCESSORUES
, ,i,,,,
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced, They are also available at most Sea rs 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,
ENGINE
SPARK PLUG MUFFLER
AIR FILTER
©
If lawn mower is an electric start
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
REAR BAG
OPTIONAL
i i i,iir
GAS CAN ENGINE OIL STABILIZER
CHARGER ] BATTERY
DUST SHIELD
i,
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FABRIC BAG
REPLACEMENT
BAG FOR REAR
DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
BEUr BLADE
OPTIONAL
CATCHER FOR
SiDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWER
BLADE
ADAPTER
WHEELS
SIDE DISCHARGE CATCHER
L.AWN MOWER
COVER
®
ASSEMBLY
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 unassembled
for shipping purpose& 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 lay end panel
down flat
o Remove all packing materials except padding between
upper and lower handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle
o Roll lawn mower' out of carton and check carton thor-
oughly for additional loose parts
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)
IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES
o Raise handles until lower handle section locks into
place in mowing position_
° Raise upper handle section intoplace 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 carl be adjusted for your
mowing comfort See "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
mulcher To convert to bagging or discharging:
o Open rear door and remove mulcher plate. Store
mulcher plate in a safe place
• You can now install catcher or optional clipping deflec-
tor
o To return to mulching operation, install mulcher plate
into discharge opening of mower Be sure all tabs are
seated properly
TO ASSEMBLE & ATTACH GRASS
CATCHER (See Figs. 3 & 4)
Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigidpart of
bag on the bottom_ Make sure the frame handle is
outside of the bag top_
Slip vinyl bindings over frame.
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 grass
catcher frame side hooks onto the handle bracket
hooks.
o The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower
housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass
catcher frame
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
UPPERHANDLE
LIFT Up
MOWING POSITION
LOWER HANDLE
FIG, 1
SLOTS
TABS
FIG. 2
CATCHER FRAME
\
FRAME OPENING
FiG. 3
IDOOR
GRASS CATCHER
FORMED
TABS
FIG. 4
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plate in place or ap-
proved clipping deflector or grass
catcher in place. Never attempt to op-
erate the lawn mower with the rear door
removed or propped open.
6
OPERATION
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the
iltustratiens with your tawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments Save this
manual for future reference
OPERATORPRESENCECONTROLBAR
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE
STARTER HANDLE
HANDLE KNOB
ENGINE OIL CAP WITH
DIPSTICK
GRASSCATCHER
MULCHER PLATE
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER
PRIMER
AIR FILTER
LAWN MOWER HOUSING
GASOLINE FILLER CAP
WHEEL ADJUSTER
(ON EACH WHEEL)
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute
and the US, Consumer Product Safety Commission The blade turns when the engine is running,,
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR - must be held
down to the handle to start the engine Release to stop the
engine
PRIMER - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the
cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.
STARTER HANDLE - used 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,
MULCHER PI..ATE _ located at the discharge opening,
must be removed when converting to bagging or discharg-
ing operation.
7
OPERATION
NOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
i
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL (See Fig. 5)
The engine speed is controlled by a lever' located on the
side of the engine Fast (_) position is for starting the
engine, normal cutting, and better grass bagging. Slow
(._) position is for light cutting, trimming and fuel economy
ENGINEZONE 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 of the operator con-
trol, The blade turns when the engine is
running.
Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator pres-
ence control bar which requires the operator to be
positioned behind the lawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower_
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 6)
Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut,
• Wheels are set in low cut for shipping. Adjust cutting
height to suit your requirements. Medium position is
best for most lawns
° To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever to-
ward wheel Move wheel up or down to suit your
requirements. Be sure all wheels are in the same
setting,
ENGINE SPEED
CONTROL LEVER
LOWER WHEELS
FOR HIGH CUT RAISE WHEELS
PRIMER
FIG. 5
FOR LOW CUT
FiG.6
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