Craftsman 917386030 Owner’s Manual

S_/E/A/RS

®

MODEL NUMBER 917.386030 OWNER'SMANUAL

oAssembly
oOperation

oCustomer

Responsibilities

oService
oAdjustments

oRepair Parts

Caution:
Read and Follow

all Safety Rules

and Instructions
Before Operating

This Equipment

152734 01o02_96 ks 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 tN 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:

o Read this operator's manua! 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

o 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 ts running.

PREPARATION:

o Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear it of

all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects.
These objects wilt 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 isrunningorwhen the engine ishOt,r
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.
o Mow only in daylight or good artificial Iight.
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 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..

• Always stop the engine whenever you leave or are not using
your mower, or before crossing drLveways, walks, roads, and

any gravel-covered areas.

= Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor

allow anyone near the mower while you are operating iL

• Before cleaning, inspecting, orrepairingyour mower, stop the
engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all moving

parts have stopped. Then disconnect thespark plug wire and
keep it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental

starting,

SAFETY RULES

- Do not continue torunyour mower if you hita foreign objecL
Follow the procedure outlined above, t_ .pair any dam-

age before restarting and operating you mower_

• Do not change the govemor 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 the cause ofvibration and repair as required

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

ous.

o 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 slope& Use

caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain orwhen
changing directions - maintain good footing..

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

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

o 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.

• 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 coo{ 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 ignitionsource
such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc+

A Look for this symbol to point out im- !

................... ii

iii

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

nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other

i lu i ,111 '1

portant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERTt!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

ii nl,nnn,i in iiiiinl1.11111

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. .............

i in i i nUlll

& WARNING &

reproductive harm.

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

pefformance_

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 ar',d retain this manual, The instructions will

enable you tu assemble and maintain your lawn mower

properly,, Always observe the "SAFETY RULES",

MODEL
NUMBER 917.386030

PRODUCT SPECIF CATaONS

HORSEPOWER: 40

DISPLACEMENT: 115 CU IN

GASOLINE CAPACITY 1_.5QUARTS

AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR

-OILTYPE (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

SERIAL

NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERSWILL BE FOUND

ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING

YOUSHOULDRECORDBOTHSERIALNUMBERAND

DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEPIN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

SOLID STATE IGNITION

AIR GAP: 0125 iN.

BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

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

CUSTOMER RESPONSilBKUTIES

o Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower.
o Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual..

UMITED 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 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

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

,,.... i.._. = ..... u. .m,u ...........

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 ........................... t3

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

Air Filter:

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

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

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

B

Blade:

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

Replacement .................................1t

C

Controls:

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

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

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

Operator Presence

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

Customer Responsibilities o°°3, 10-12

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

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

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

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

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

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

Engine:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fuel:

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

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

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

Handle Adjustment:

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

Cutting Height ..............................13

Lubrication:

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

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

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

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

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

Oil:

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

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

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

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

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 15

REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ........................ t6-t7

REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... t8-20

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

E

F

H

L

M

O

Operation:

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

Grass Catcher .......................... 1t

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

Engine 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 ................. t5

W

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

i, ulu , ii u, ,,H,I ...... II

LAWN MOWER ACCESSOR!ES

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 your lawn

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

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FORREAR DISCHARGELAWNMOWERS

,,,, i

REAR DISCHARGE

i__,_ GRASSFoRCATCHERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

t, ,i, i H,,,

BELTS BLADES

LAWNMOWERS

,,, ,,,, ,,,,,_ _ __ _L ,,

MUFFLERS

ii, i

lu

BLADE ADAPTERS

MULCHERKITS

AIR FILTERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

WHEELS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

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, alt 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 Iay end panel

down flat,

, 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

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. "i)

IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLES CAREFULLY SO AS

NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES,,

, Raise handles until lower handle section locks into

place in mowing positi'on

OPERATOR PRESENCE

CONTROLBAR

UPPER

MOWING POSITION

LOWER HANDLE

FIG. 1

o 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 Adjustments section of this manual

5

,,,iii,i i , ,i, ,

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the
iilustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments, Save this

manual for future reference..

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand
their meaning.

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE

OR WARNING ON OFF

STARTER
HANDLE

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER

................................. 111,, , i i i

ENGINEZONE

CONTROLCABLE

ENGINE OIL CAP
W1TH DIPSTICK

FUEL

UPSTOPBRACKET

OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR

HANDLE KNOB

AND FEET AWAY

GASOLINEFILLCAP

LAWN MOWER HOUSING

DISCHARGE

MULCHER PLATE

rv'HEEL ADJUSTER

FIG. 2

(ON EACH WHEEL)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotary walk-behind power fawn 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.

ii iii i, ii , i

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR - must be held
down to the i_andle 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 LEVER - located on the side
of the engine which allows you to select either fast (,_) or

slow (__,) engine speed_

MULCHER PLATE - Located at the discharge opening
must be removed when converting to bagging or discharg-

6

ing operatbn.

!

The operation of any _awnmower can result inforeign objects thrown into the eyes, which can

result in severe eye damage. Nways wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your
lawn mower or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety

mask over the spectacles or standard safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL (See Fig. 3)

The engine speed is controlled by a tever located on the
side of the engine. Fast (,_) position isfor starting engine,

normal cutting and better grass bagging Slow (,_)

position is for light cutting, trimming and fuel economy.

ENGINE ZONE 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. 4)

o Raise wheels for low cut and Iower 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.

o 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. 5)
Your mower is shipped ready to be used as a mulcher.. To

convert to bagging or discharging:

• Lift discharge guard and remove mulcher plate.
o Mower can now be used for side discharging or op-

tional grass catcher can be attached.

• To return to mulching operation, simply reinstall mutcher
plate as shown,.

ENGINE SPEED
CONTROL LEVER

FIG. 3

LOWER WHEELS RAISE WHEELS
FOR HIGH CU_.T _ __ FOR LOW CUT

FIG. 4

DISCHARGE GUARD

/MULC.ER

FIG. 5

,_ CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower I

i ........ : .......

without discharge guard, approved i
grass catcher or mulcher plate in place. !

,,,, ,,,, , , | ,

i_, =,,,u,.......

OPERATION

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL (See Fig. 6)

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the engine

. Be sure mower is [evel and area around oil fill is clean.
. Removeengineoilcapw/dipstickandffiltothefulltine

on the dipstick.

o Use 20 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of oilto use, see

"ENGINE" in Customer Responsibilities section of this
manual.

. Pour oi_stowly Do not over fill_

- Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill
to full line on dipstick.

• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

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

change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions.

GAS (See Fig. 6)

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

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

days to assure fuel freshness

WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohoi blended

fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can
attract moisture which leads to separation 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 fuel tines 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.

-_--_ GASOLINE FILLER CAP

ENGINE OIL CAP W/DIPSTICK

FIG. 6

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primerfive (5) times before
trying to start. Use a firm push. This step is not usuaIly
necessary when starting an engine which has already

run for a few minutes

• Move engine speed control lever to fast (,_) position.

° 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. Inwarmer weather over priming may cause
flooding and engine will not start_ Ifyou do flood engine wait
a few minutes before attempting to start and do not repeat

priming steps.