Craftsman 917386020 Owner’s Manual

MODEL NUMBER

917.386020

OWNER'S MANUAL

Assembly
Operation

Customer
Responsibilities

oService

Adjustments
Repair Parts

Caution:
Read and Follow

all Safety Rules
and Instructions

Before Operating

This Equipment

153375 Rev, 2 03.07.96 ksiTR

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Printed in U.S.A.

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers

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.

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 CIRCUMSTANCES.

TRAINING:

• 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.

* The blade turns when the engine is running.
PREPARATION:

= Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear itof

all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects.
These objects will be thrown by the blade and can cause
severe injury.

o Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when starting and

while usingyour 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 isrunning orwhen the engine ishot.

Allow the engine tocool 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 isrunning.

, Mow only 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.

o 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 engine 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 repairingyour mower, stopthe

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.

SAFETY RULES

• 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 injurymay result.

Do not operate your mower if itvibrates abnormally. Exces-

sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check 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 notmow 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 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.

o Check grass catcher often for deterioration and wear and

rep]ace 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 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.

K_ ook for this symbol to point out im-

The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains chemicals known to the State of Califor =

nia to cause cancer, birth defects_ or other

portant safety precautions, it means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR

SAFETY iS iNVOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it can-

not contact spark plug in order to pre_

vent accidental starting when setting
up, transporting, adjusting or making

repairs.

A WARNING A

reproductive harm.

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 easily

remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized

Service Center/Department. We have competent, welF
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 917.386020

SERIAL

NUMBER

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 4.0
DISPLACEMENT: 11.5 CU. IN.

GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.5 QUARTS
AND.TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR

OIL TYPE (API:SF/SG): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS.
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION J19LM RJ19LM

(GAP: ,030,) STD361458
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .008

EXHAUST: .008

SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 IN.

DATE OF PURCHASE

THE MODELAND SERIALNUMBERSWILLBE 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.

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

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

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

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.

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 inthe 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 normaJ 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 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

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LE OF CONTENTS

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

PRODUCT SPECiFiCATIONS ...................................... 3

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBiLITiES ..................... 3, 10-12

WARRANTY ......................................................... ;........ 3

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

OPERATION .................................................................. 6

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... 10

INDEX

A

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

Adjustments:

Carburetor .............................. 13

Engine Speed, ....................... 13

Handle Height ........................ 13

Height of Cut ............................ 7

Air Filter:

Replacement .......................... t2

Service ................................... 12

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

B

Blade:

Sharpening ............................ 11

Replacement .......................... 11

C

Controls:

Drive Control ............................ 6

Engine Zone Control ................ 7

z

Engine Speed Control .............. 6

Operator Presence

Control Bar ............................... 6

Customer Responsibilities... 3, 10-12

Air Filter .................................... 12

Blade Care/Replacement ....... 11

Engine .................................... 12

Lubrication ............................. 12

Spark Plug ............................. 12

Cutting Levels ................................. 7

Engine:

Fuel:

Handle Adjustment:

Lubrication:

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

Maintenance Schedule ................. 10

Mowing Tips ................................... 9

Oil:

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................ 13

STORAGE ................................................................... 14

TROU BLESHOOT|NG .................................................. 15

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

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

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ............................... _.. 24

E

Air Filter ................................. 12

Oil Change ............................. 12

Oil Level ................................. 12

Oil Type ................................. 12

Starting .................................... 8

Stopping ................................... 8

Storage .................................. 14

F

Capacity ................................... 3

Storage .................................. 14

Type ......................................... 8

H

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

Cutting Height ........................ ! 3

L

Engine .................................... 12

Lawn Mower ....................... 10

M

O

Engine .................................... 12

Storage ............. t4

Operation:

Engine Control ......................... 7

Grass Catcher ........................ 11

Mower ...................................... 7

Operator Presence

Control Bar ............................... 7

Options:

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

R

Repair Parts:

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

Lawn Mower ..................... 16-17

Responsibilities, Customer .. 3, 10-12

S

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

Service and Adjustments .............. 13

Carburetor .............................. 13

Engi ne Speed ......................... 13

Handle ................................... 13

Spark Plug .................................... 12

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

Speed Control:

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

Starting the Engine ......................... 8

Stopping the Engine ....................... 8

Storage ......................................... 14

T

Trouble Shooting Chart ................ 15

W

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

LAWN ACCESSORIES

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 model number of yourlawn

mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

\

GRASS CATCHERS

\

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MULCHERKITS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

/_ GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

MUFFLERS

BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

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 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
CARTON

Remove loose parts included with mower.

o

Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel
down flat.

RemoVe allpacking 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= !)

IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLES CAREFULLY SO AS '_
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.

LAWN MOWER FROM

5

AIR FILTERS

WHEELS

OPERATOR PF
CONTROLBAR

UPPER HANDLE

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

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MOWING POSITION

LOWER HANDLE

FIG. 1

o

Raise handles until lower handle section locks into

place in mowing position.

Q

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 comforL Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this manual,

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 yoursetf with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this

manual for future reference.
These symbols may appear on your fawn mower or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand

their meaning.

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING QN OFF AND FEET AWAY

OPERATQR PRESENCE

CONTROLBAR

ENGINE ZONE

CONTROL CABLE

STARTER HANDLE

HANDLEKNOB

CABLE CLIP

ENGINE OIL CAP

WITH DIPSTICK

GASOLINE FILL CAP

LAWN MOWER HOUSING

DiSCHARGE GU,

MULCHER PLATE

AIR

WHEEL ADJUSTER

FIG, 2 (ONEACHWHEEL)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

sears rotary walk-behind power Lawnmowers 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.

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,
MULCHER PLATE - Located at the discharge opening

must be removed when converting to bagging or discharg-
ing operation.

6

OPE

ower can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result

_vereeye damage: Always wear safety glasses oreye shields wliite operating your tawn mower

_orming any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over the

_ spectacles or standar d safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the tactory for optimum

performance. Speed is not adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

CAUTION: Federal regulations require

an eng ine 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 fawn 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, 3)

Raise wheels for low cut and Iower wheels for high cut.

• Wheels are set in tow cut for shipping. Adjustcutting
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.

Your lawn mower has been shipped ready for mulching
operation. To convert to discharging or bagging operation:

TO CONVERT TO DISCHARGING MOWER

(See Fig. 4)

Your mower is shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. 3-0
convert to bagging or discharging:

, Lift discharge guard and remove mu!cher plate.

• Mower can now be Used for side discharging or op-

tiona! grass catcher can be attached.

To return to mulching operation, simply reinstall mu!cher
plate as shown.

LOWER WHEELS RAISE WHEELS
FOR HIGHC_ _ FOR LOW CUT

\

FIG, 3

DISCHARGE GUARD

MULCHER

_"_ TAB

FIG. 4

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without discharge guard, approved
grass catcher or mulcher plate in place.

OP

ATIO

. = . _ .... - ....

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OlIL (See Fig. 6)

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the engine.

- Be sure mower is level and area around oil fill is clean.

- Remove engine oi! cap w/dipstick and fill to the full ]irie
on Lhed pstick.

• Use 20 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of oilto use, see
"ENGINE" in Customer Responsibilities section of this

man ual.

- Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.

, Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill

to full line on dipstick.

• 7-0read proper level, tighten engine oil cap each time.

- Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

- After the first two (2) hours of mowing, change the oi!,
and every 25 hours thereafter. You may need to

change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions.

GAS (See Fig. 5)

- Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded

gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded
gasoline will increase carbon and ieadoxide deposits
and reduce valve life). Do not mix oilwith gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30

days to assure fue! freshness.

WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended
fuels (called gasohoJ or using ethanol or methanol) can
attract moisture which leads _oseparation 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 stor-

age of 30 days or longer. Drain the fuel tank, start the
engine and let it run until fue! lines and carburetor are
empty. Use fresh fuel next season, See StOrage Instruc-

tions for additional information. Never use engine or
carburetor cleaner products in fuel tank or permanent

damage may occur.

GASOUNE FILLER CAP

ENGINE OIL CAP W/DIPSTICK

FIG. 5

TO START ENGINE

,, To start a cold engine, push primer five (5) times before

trying to start. Use afirm push. This step is not usually
necessary when starting an engine which has already

run for a few minutes.

° Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle

and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter

rope to snap back.

• To stop engine, release operator presence control bar.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat

priming steps, tn warmer weather over priming may cause

flooding and engine Wiltnot start. Ifyou do flood engine wait

a few minutes before attempting to start and do not repeat
priming steps.

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