Craftsman 917386051 Owner’s Manual
MODEL NUMBER 917.386051 OWNER'S MANUAL
oAssembly
oOperation
oCustomer
Responsibilities
oService
oAdjustments
e Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
155049 3.29.96TR Printed in U.S.A.,
......................................................... ,', ........ _3
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.
SAFETY RULES
TRAINING:
• Read this operator's manual carefully, Become familiar with
the controls and know how to operate your mower propedy
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.,
° 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 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 heightadjustmentsbeforestartingyour
mower,,Never'attempttodo thiswhiletheengineisrunning,
• 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
, 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 a{I times.
° 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 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°
• 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 resulL
• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnormaUy 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 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 is in safe working condi-
tion
* Keep all safety devices in place and working,
* To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, ]eaves
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 coot before storing in any enclosure
. Never store mower with fuef 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
i ,llll lllllll ii lllllllllllllllll ii Llll I
Look for' this symbol to point out iT'
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
portant safety precautions. It means
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
The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains chemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
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, well-
trained technicians and the proper toofs to service or repair
this lawn mower..
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions wilt
enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower
properly.. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
MODEL
NUMBER 917386051
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
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 45
DISPLACEMENT: tl 5 CU IN,
GASOLINE CAPACITY t 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
BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 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 inst_'uctions 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,
tf 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, beits,
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 lS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAr,,I 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
TA LE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ....................... 3, 9-11
WARRANTY ............................................................ t..... 3
ASSEMBLY ................................................................... 5
OPERATION .................................................................. 6
NDEX
A
Accessories ...................................................5
Adjustments:
Carburetor, .........................................12
Engine Speed ..................................12
Handle Height ..............................12
Height of Cut ...................................... 7
Air Filter:
Replacement .....................................11
Service ....................................................11
Assembly .....................................................5
B
Blade:
Sharpening .........................................10
Replacement .......................................10
C
Controls:
Engine Zone Control ........................6
Engine Speed Control ....................6
Operator Presence
Control Bar, ............................................6
Customer Responsibilities ..... 3, 9-I1
Air Filter ...............................................11
Blade CarelRepfacement .............t0
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 ...........................................................8
Handle Adjustment:
Assembly .......................................5
Cutting Height ..................................12
Lubrication:
Engine ....................................... 11
Lawn Mower ..................................9
Maintenance Agreement ...................3
Maintenance Schedule ........................9
Mowing TiRs ...................................... 8
Oil:
Engine ..................................................11
Storage ..................................... 13
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ....................................... 9
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................ 12
STORAGE ................................................................... 13
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 19
REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ........................ 14-15
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 16-18
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................................... 20
E
F
H
L
M
O
Operation:
Engine Control ............................ 7
Grass Catcher ...............................7
Mower .............................................7
Operator Presence
Control Bar .................................................7
Options:
Accessories ...........................................5
R
Repair Parts:
Engine ...........................................16-18
Lawn Mower ...................... !4-15
Responsibilities, Customer, ....3, 9-11
S
Safety Butes ..................................... 2
Service and Adjustments .................12
Carburetor ......................................12
Discharge Guard ....................... 12
Engine Speed ........................... 12
Handle ............................................12
Spark Plug ...........................................................11
Specifications ....................................................3
Speed Control:
Engine ........................................ 6
Starting the Engine ..............................8
Stopping the Engine ....................... 8
Storage ...................................................13
T
Trouble Shooting Chart ................. 19
W
Warranty .......................................................3
4
LAWN MOWER ACCESSORUES
These accessories were available when this Iawn 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
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
MULCHER KITS
STABILIZER
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
.....t/;/ fo \
{i' "
MUFFLERS
BELTS
i,l,llll
BLADES
AIR FILTERS
BLADE ADAPTERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
WHEELS
GAS CANS
i,i ,11
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
, i,i
5
ASSEMBLY
Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAW'N MOWER
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 o
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
o Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel
down flat
o 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..
TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)
IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES
Raise handles until lower handle section locks into
place in mowing position_
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 Adjustment section of this manual.
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
UPPER HANDLE
LIFT UP
ii/iJuii/
LOWER HANDLE
MOWING POSITION
FIGo 1
6
OPERATnO
KNOW YOUR LAWN iVIOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER., Compare the
illustrations 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
OR WARNING ON OFF
ENGINE ZONE
CONTROL CABLE.,. ,_
STARTER
HANDLE
ENGINE OIL CAP
WITH DIPSTICK
FAST FUELSLOW CHOKE
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
UPPER HANDLE
HANDLE KNOB
OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
AND FEET AWAY
GASOLINE FILLCAP
AIR FILTER
PRIMER
SPEED CONTROL
WHEEL ADJUSTER
(ON EACH WHEEL)
MULCHER
DOOR
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power tawnmowers conform to the safety standards of tile 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,,
MULCHER DOOR _ allows conversion to discharge or
bagging operation,,
PRIMER - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the
cylinder for use when starting a coid 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 (4_) engine speed.,
7
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