Craftsman 917386081 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRRFTSMRN°IMOWER

ROTARY LAWN

4.0 Horsepower 20" Side Discharge

Model No.

917.386081

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty ................................................. 2

Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4

Assembly / Pre-Operation ................... 4-8

Operation ........................................... 9-11

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 12

Maintenance .................................... 12-15

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER For one year 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 workman-

ship. 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 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 used 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, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

Product Specifications .......................... 13

Service and Adjustments ...................... 15

Storage ............................................ 16-17

Troubleshooting .............................. 17-18

Repair Parts ..................................... 36-41

Sears Service ......................... Back Cover

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.

_,Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means

CAUTIONH! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

WARNING: In order to prevent

accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and

place wire where it cannot contact spark plug.

_I,WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle '_ .

components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause

cancer and birth defects or other repro- ductive harm.

_I,WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the

State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Wash hands after handling.

=0ACAUTION: Muffler and other engine

parts become extremely hot during

operation and remain hot after engine

has stopped. To avoid severe burns on

contact, stay away from these areas.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the

manual(s) before starting. Be thor-

oughly familiar with the controls and

the proper use of the machine before

starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with the instructions, to

operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc.,

which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if

anyone enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when

barefoot or wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pu_l mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. Always look

clown and behind before and while moving backwards.

• Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or

other safety protective devices in place.

• See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and installation of

accessories. DO NOT use accessories that are not recommended by the

manufacturer of your mower, such as de-thatcher blade attachments, which

can be hazardous and damage the

mower.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment, before cleaning

the mower or unclogging the chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the blade comes to complete stop

before removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial

light.

• Do not operate the machine while

under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass.

Always be sure of your footing: keep a firm hold on the handle and walk; never

run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mecha- nism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine

(motor).

• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor)

and check immediately for the cause.

Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety

glasses with side shields when operat- ing mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to slip

and fall accidents which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra

caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do

not mow it.

DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exercise extreme caution

when changing direction on slopes.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or

embankments. The operator could lose footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced

footing could cause slipping,

III. CHILDREN Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the

machine and the mowing activity. Never

assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the trimming area and under the watchful care of another

responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.

• Before and while walking backwards, look behind and down for small children.

• Never allow children to operate the

machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind

corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects

that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable

and vapors are explosive,

-Use only an approved container.

-Never remove gas cap or add fuel

with the engine running. Allow

engine to cool before refueling. Do

not smoke,

-Never refuel the machine indoors.

- Never store the machine or fuel

container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater.

• Never run a machine inside a closed area.

• Never make adjustments or repairs

with the engine (motor) running.

Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep

equipment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or

other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while the engine (motor) is running.

• Grass catcher components are subject

to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or

allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with

manufacturer's recommended parts,

when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.

Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and

use extra caution when servicing them.

• Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine.

(1)

Lowel

Handle

Parts packed separately in carton

(1) Engine Zone

Control Cable

(1) Discharge

Guard

C4)Wheels

Parts Bag contents not shown full size

(4) Wheel

Height

Adjusters

Parts Bag contents shown full size

(2) Hex Bolts 1/4-20

Upstop Bracket

(1) Upstop

Bracket

Discharge Guard

(2) Washers 3/4" Dia.

Rope Guide

e(l) Rope

(2) Wing Nuts

(2) Locknuts 1/4-20

Wheels

[1) Hex Washer Head

Self-tapping Screw

#10-24 x 1/2

j_ Wheel Adjusters

_....... / (4) Locknuts

(2) Washers 1-1/4" Dia. 3/8-16

(1) Locknut

1/4-20

(4) Flange Locknuts 3/8-16

(4) Wheel Adjuster Knobs

Handles

(2) Hairpin Cotters

ACAUTION: Do not operate this mower

without the discharge guard or an entire approved grass catcher in place. These

guards are for your protection and are required by the American National

Standards Institute and Consumer

Products Safety Commission.

ACAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it

cannot come in contact with plug.

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before you attempt to

assemble or operate your new lawn

mower. IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is

shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

Your new lawn mower has been as- sembled at the factory with the exception

of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts,

washers, bolts, etc., necessary to com- plete 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.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly

easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed. (1) 5/16" Wrench (1) Adjustable Wrench

(1) 7/16" Wrench (1) 9/16" Wrench (1) 1/2" Wrench (1) 3/4" Wrench

When right hand or left hand is men- tioned in this manual, it means when you

are standing in the operating position, behind the handle.

UNPACK CARTON

1. Remove all loose parts from carton.

2. Examine all items. Compare with list of unassembled parts and hardware.

3. Remove lawn mower housing with care. Avoid touching blade under

housing. Always wear gloves or other protection when working under or

lifting mower.

ASSEMBLE LOWER HANDLE

NOTE: The holes in lower handle are off

center to allow different height positions.

1. To install lower handle onto the

handle brackets squeeze the bottom ends of lower handle towards each

other until the lower handle will slip onto the mounting pins.

2. Position the lower handle in the mowing position.

3. Install the two hairpin cotters onto mounting pins.

Mowing position

(_'_ Mowing F_ ', position /

, ;,

Hairpin

Mounting=

ASSEMBLE UPPER HANDLE

1. Position upper handle over lower

ASSEMBLE UPSTOP BRACKET

2. Position upstop bracket on the left

3. Install the hex washer head screw into

LOW POSITION

SQUEEZE

TO INSTALL

Hairl:

handle with small hole for mounting up-stop bracket to left side and

assemble handle bolts and wing nuts. Tighten securely.

inside of upper handle as shown.

the hole in up-stop bracket and upper

handle. Tighten securely.

HIGH POSITION

AS VIEWED FROM FRONT OF MOWER

ASSEMBLE WHEELS

1. Install wheels on threaded adjuster

axle arms.

2. Secure each wheel with flanged Iocknut. Tighten securely.

3. Assemble adjustment knobs to adjuster levers by pressing on or

tapping lightly.

Hex \ washer

head \ screw

ASSEMBLE ADJUSTERS TO MOWER DECK

Look carefully at the four (4) adjuster assemblies. Notice that there are two (2)

different types. Type I is for the right rear and left front. Type II is for the right front

and left rear.

1. Place each adjuster in the middle

adjustment position.

2. Position appropriate adjuster at each corner of mower.

3. Install each adjuster with adjuster bolt

and tab in deck holes as shown and secure with 1-1/4" washer (rear

adjusters only) and 3/8-16 Iocknut. Tighten all adjusters securely.

Axle arm

Flanged Iocknut

A_ustment

knob

Wheel

ASSEMBLE DISCHARGE GUARD

1. Place discharge guard on top of lawn mower discharge opening.

2. Install two (2) 1/4-20 x 3/4 hex bolts through housing and discharge guard.

3. Install two (2) 3/4" diameter washers and two (2) 1/4-20 Iocknuts. Tighten securely.

Washers

Type I

1-1/4" Washer (Rear Adjusters Only)

Tabhole_f._ _ _-L_--_Locknuts)) )

Type I heig

(right rear/left front) _,.J_r'_'-__ I.

Type II height adjuster _ (right front/left rear)----.,.._-_ Tab hole 7

Discharge guard

Hex

INSTALL CONTROL BAR

1. Position control bar so flattened

section with hole is on opposite side of handle as up-stop bracket.

2. Insert one end of control bar into handle hole on inside of handle.

Carefully push in on opposite end of control bar and insert into hole on

opposite side of handle.

Control bar

ASSEMBLE ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE TO UPPER HANDLE

Assemble cable to opposite side of up- stop bracket.

1. Route cable below crossbar of lower handle and up to control bar.

2. Hook "Z" bend fitting on inner wire into

hole in control bar.

3. Attach cable fitting to upper handle as shown.

4. Secure cable to lower handle with wire tie.

Control Upper

Upstop

racket

Up-stop bracket

ASSEMBLE ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE TO ENGINE

1. Straighten cable and find the end with

the small plastic fitting.

2. Hook the "Z" bend fitting on inner wire

of cable into hole in brake arm of

engine.

3. Align the tapered end of the small plastic fitting with the hole in the

mounting bracket and push in until

fitting snaps into place.

zone control cable

INSTALL STARTER ROPE

1. Put threaded end of rope guide through hole in side of upper handle

above lower handle crossbar. Secure

with 1/4-20 Iocknut.

2. Hold control bar against upper handle and slowly pull engine starter rope out

until rope will slip into loop of rope guide.

Mounting bracket

PUSH IN_

plastic fitting

Rope guide

Lower handle

crossbar

arm

Engine starter rope

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAl_AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith 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 FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

-Operator presence control bar

Engine zone control cable

!nut

Starter handle Gasoline filler cap

Primer

Air filter

Engine oil plu

Muffler

Housing

Discharge guard

Wheel adjuster (on each wheel)

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the

American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commis-

sion. 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.

Starter handle - used for starting the engine. 9

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.

The operationof any lawn

mowercan resultin foreign objectsthrownintothe

eyes,whichcan resultin severeeye damage.

Alwayswearsafetyglassesor eye shieldswhileoperatingyour lawnmower

orperforminganyadjustmentsor repairs. Werecommenda standardsafety

glassesor widevisionsafetymaskworn overspectacles.

ENGINE SPEED The engine speed was set at the factory

for optimum performance. Speed is not adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

ACAUTION: 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 control. The blade

turns when the engine is running.

• Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence 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

Raise wheels for low cut and lower

wheels for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit your requirements. Medium

position is best for most lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze

adjuster lever toward wheel. Move

wheel up or down to suit your require-

ments. Be sure all wheels are in the same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned

when plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped)

allow lever to be positioned between the plate tabs.

LOWER WHEELS FOR HIGH CUT

_ Plate tal

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in

the engine. For type and grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance

section of this manual. A CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with

oil, or it will smoke on startup.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area around oil fill is clean.

2. Remove engine oil plug and fill to the top slot in filler hole. Pour oil slowly.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine for accurate reading.

3. Reinstall engine oil plug and tighten.

• Check oil level before each use. Add

oil if needed. Fill to top slot in filler hole.

• Change the oil after every 25 hours of

operation or each season. You may need to change the oil more often

under dusty, dirty conditions.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler

neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a

minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in

quantities that can be used within 30

days to assure fuel freshness. A CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline

near an open flame.

A CAUTION: Alcohol 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 storage of 30 days or

longer. Drain the gas tank, start the

engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel

next season. See Storage Instructions for

additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel

tank or permanent damage may occur.

RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT Lever

Gasoline

filler cap

Engine

oilplug

TO START ENGINE

NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be

present during the initial use of the product and should be considered

normal.

1. To start a cold engine, push primer three (3) times before trying to start.

Use a firm push. This step is not usually necessary when starting an

engine which has already run for a

few minutes.

2. Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and pull starter

handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back.

MOWING TIPS

A CAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher

blade attachments on your mower. Such attachments are hazardous, will damage

your mower and could void your warranty.

• Under certain conditions, such as very

tall grass, it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing

effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of grass

clippings. It may also be necessary to reduce ground speed and/or run the

lawn mower over the area a second time.

• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the

width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

• For side discharge lawn mowers,

cutting in a counter-clockwise direction, starting at the outside of the area to be cut, spreads grass clippings more

evenly and puts less load on the engine. To keep clippings off of

walkways, flower beds, etc., make the first cuts in a clockwise direction.

• Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine air flow and

extend engine life.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator presence control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to r_peat priming steps. In

warmer weather over priming may cause flooding and engine will not start. If you

do flood engine, wait a few minutes before attempting to start and do not

repeat priming steps.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE /__°_ _o_X/_y

AS YOU COMPLETE ./'_'4 "/,_0_" SERVICE

REGULARSERVICE /__'4 _X_y_ DATES

Chock for Loose Fasteners _ I_

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(If Equipped) I_ if#

M Clean Lawn Mower

O Clean Under Drive Cover(Power-Propened Mowers) _,_

Check ddvo belt/pulleys

RE Power-P ropelledMowers) if

Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade I1#3

LubricationChart V'

Clean Battery/Recharge

tElectdc Start Mowers ! I_

E Check Engine Oi! Level _#' N Change Engine Oil I_r.2

G Clean Air Filter _ 2

i Inspect Muffler _'

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug i/

E Replace AirFilter Paper Cartridge t#12

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures. 2 - Sewice more often when operai_ng in dirty or dusty conditions,

3 - Replace blades more often when mowing insandy soil. 4 - Charge 48 hour_ at et,,dof season.

GENERALRECOMMENDA_ONS

The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to

operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, operator must

maintain mower as instructed in this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made

periodically to properly maintain your uniL

All adjustments in the Service and Adjust-

ments section of this manual should be

checked at least once each season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug, clean or replace air filter element and check

blade for wear. A new spark plug and clean/new air filter element assure proper

air-fuel mixture and help your engine run better and last longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

(!) Handle bracket mounting pins

LUBRICATION CHART

(D Wheel adjuster

each wheel)

(_ Brake

bracket

Engine oil

spring

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICATION CHART").

(_) Spray lubricant

(_) See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings. Viscous

lubricants will attract dust and dirt that

will shorten the life of the self-lubricat-

ing bearings. If you feel they must be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

;erial Number:

Date of Purchase:

Gasoline Capacity/Type: 1.25 Quarts (Unleaded Regular)

Oil Type (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

Oil Capacity: 20 Ounces

Spark Plug (Gap: .045") Champion RJ19LM4

Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs.

• The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the mower

housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.

LAWN MOWER Always observe safety rules when perform-

ing any maintenance.

TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.

• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts,sharp objects and other hazards that may cause

tire damage.

BLADE CARE

For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged

blades. TO REMOVE BLADE

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark

plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug.

2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make

sure air filter and carburetor are up.

3. Use a wood block between blade and

mower housing to prevent blade from turning when removing blade bolt.

NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter-

clockwise.

5. Remove blade and attaching hard- ware (bolt, lock washer and hardened

washer).

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check the key inside hub of blade adapter. The key must be in good condi-

tion to work properly. Replace adapter if

damaged. TO REPLACE BLADE

1. Position the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft. Be sure key in

adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned.

2. Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in the blade

with the raised lugs on the adapter.

3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade

(opposite sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

4. Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into

blade adapter and crankshaft.

5. Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the

blade bolt, turning clockwise.

• The recommended tightening torque is

35-40 ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat treated.

TO SHARPEN BLADE NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen- ing blade - but if you do, be sure the

blade is balanced. Care should be taken to keep the blade

balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause eventual damage to lawn mower or engine.

• The blade can be sharpened with a file

or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.

• To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or wall. Leave about one

inch of the straight nail exposed. Place center hole of blade over the head of

the nail. If blade is balanced, it should

remain in a horizontal position. If either

end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade

is balanced.

Blad, Crankshaft

Loc

Blade

Blade.

bolt Hard_

washer

Trailing edge Blade adapter

;way

shaft

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated

with API service classification SF-SJ. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade

according to your expected operating

temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

C .3¢ -20 .10 O I0 40

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils

(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in

cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid

possible engine damage from running low on oil.

Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation orat least once a year if the

lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in

one year. Check the crankcase oil level before

starting the engine and after each five (5) hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug

securely each time you check the oil

level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with spark plug.

2. Be sure lawn mower is on level surface.

NOTE: Oil will drain more freely when warm. Catch oil in a suitable container.

3. Remove bottom oil drain plug.

4. After oil has drained completely,

replace oil drain plug and tighten

securely.

5. Fill engine with oil. (See "ADD OIL" in

the Operation section of this manual).

6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

Drain plug

AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly and may

be damaged by using a dirty air filter. Replace the air filter every 100 hours of

operation or every season, whichever

occurs first. Service air cleaner more

often under dusty conditions. Do not wash air filter.

TO CHANGE AIR FILTER

1. Remove the air filter by turning counterclockwise to the stop and pull

away from collar.

2. Remove filter from inside of cover.

3. Clean the inside of the cover and the collar to remove any dirt accumula-

tion.

4. Insert new filter into cover.

5. Put air filter cover and filter into collar

aligning the tab with the slot.

6. Push in on cover and turn clockwise to tighten.

Collar Clip

COUNTER-

CLOCK-

Slot

Air filter

Tab CLOCK*

Air filte WISE TO TIGHTEN

MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it

could create a fire hazard and/or dam- age.

SPARK PLUG Replace spark plugs at the beginning of

each mowing season or alter every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting are

shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"

in Maintenance section of this manual.

CLEANING

IMPORTANT: For best performance, kiip mower housing free of built-grass and

trash. Clean the underside of your mower after each use.

_CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it

cannot come in contact with the spark plug.

• Clean the underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove build-up

of grass and trash.

TURN

WISE

RE-

MOVE

TURN

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917386081 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual