Craftsman 917386132 Owner’s Manual

S_FA/RS

®

MODEL

oAssembly
oOperation

oCustomer

Responsibilities

Service

917.386132 OWNER'SMANUAL

oAdjustments

Repair Parts

Caution:
Read and Follow

all Safety Rules

and Instructions
Before Operating

This Equipment

156050 &21o96 VBL

• ,, , ,,........... _ , . . • • ,_........... _ _,,,,,, ,, , ..... • ,, . ,,, , ,, , _ ,_,,,

Printed in UoSoA.

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 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 alt persons, especially

small children and pets,

• Use mower on{y as the manufacturer intended and as de-
scribed in thismanual.

" 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,

o Always wear safety g{asses 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

o Check fuel tank before starting engine. Do not li[] gas tank

indoors, when the engine is running orwhen the engine is hoL
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,

,, Mow only in dayilght or good artificial light

OPERATION:

,, Keep your eyes and mifid 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 afirm hold

on the handles and walko

° 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 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 aH moving

parts have stopped_ Then disconnect the spark plugwire and

keep it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental
starting

• Do not continue to run your mower ifyou hit a foreign object,
Follow the procedure outFined 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 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-

OUSo

• Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you° Mow

across the face of slopes, never up and down or you mfght
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 aii 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 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 .........._ ..........Look for this symbol to'point out ira"

,A _ portant safety precautions. It means

,_ CAUTIONIt! BECOMEALERTt!! YOUR

SAFEis!,VOLVEO.

iiii I IH, i iiii

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark |

4_ plug wire and place wire where it can-

..... N

• 1I' i,'_t

The engine exhaust from this product con-

ins cnemica_s Known to the State of Cadtor-

nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other

not contact spark plug in order to pre-

vent accidental starting when setting

up, transporting, adjusting or making
repairs.

ill ii '1

i i, i i, ,,,,i, ii ,i i i, ii

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

performance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily

remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized
Service CentedDepartment: We have competent, well-

trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair
this lawn mower.

Please read and retain this manual.. The instructions wilt
enable you to assembte and maintain your lawn mower

properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

MODEL
NUMBER 91_' 386t32

SERIAL

NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE

THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERSWILLBE 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 SPEClFiCATBONS

HORSEPOWER: 4.5
DISPLACEMENT; 11.5 CU, IN,

GASOLINE CAPACITY t,5 QUARTS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR

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

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS,

SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJI9LM
(GAP: ,030")

VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .008

EXHAUST: 1008

SOLID STATEIGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 IN.

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 RESPONSIBBUTmES

o Read and observe the safety rules
o 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 in the owner's manual Sears will repair free of charge any

defect in matedar 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, beits,

air cleaners and spark plug..

o 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 tS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER TO THE NEAREST
SEARS SERVlCE CENTER/DEPARTMENT 1NTHE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE

THIS PRODUCT lS IN USE 1NTHE 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

..... : u Ull_lll,,,,

,, iii _J,,,,,i_1 L=,,,II i

TABLE

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

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 11-13

WARRANTY .................................................................. 3

ASSEMBLY ................................................................... 6

OPERATION .................................................................. 8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... tl

OF CONTENTS

A

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

Adjustments:

Carburetor .....................................14

Engine Speed .............................14

Handle Height ..............................14

Height of Cut .... :...........................9

Air Filter:

Replacement ..............................13

Service ...........................................13

Assembly ................................................6

B

Blade:

Sharpening .............................. 12

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

C

Controls:

Engine Zone Control ............... g

Engine Speed Control ............. 8

Operator Presence

Control Bar ...........................................8

Customer Responsibilities... 3, 11-I3

Air Filter .................................... 13

Blade Care/Replacement ....... 12

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

Lubrication ....................................13

Spark Plug .................................. 13

Cutting Levels .....................................9

Engine:

Air Filter .........................................13

Oil Change .............................. 13

Oil Level .......................................13

Oil Type ................................:......13

Starting .......................................... 10

Stopping ........................................10

Storage ...........................................15

Fuel:

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

Storage ................................................15

Type .............................................. 9

Handle Adiustment:

Assembly .......................................6

Cutting Height ..............................14

Lubrication:

Engine o:........................................13

Lawn Mower ...............................t 1

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

Maintenance Schedule ..........................11

Mowing Tips ......................................10

Oil:

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

Storage ......................................... 1 5

..... JJl_, , ul,_l

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................. 14

STORAGE ...................... ;............................................. 15

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 21

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

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

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .................................... 22

E

F

H

L

M

O

, i , ,n

Operation:

Engine Control ........................... 9

Grass Catcher ..............................9

Mower ...............................................9

Operator Presence

Control Bar ...................................9

Options:

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

R

Repair Parts:

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

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

Responsibilities, Customer.. 3, 11-13

S

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

Service and Adjustments .............. 14

Carburetor ..................................14

Engine Speed ............................:. 14

Handle ..........................................14

Spark Plug ......................................... 13

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

Speed Control:

Engine .........................................14

Starting the Engine ............................ 10

Stopping the Engine ..................... 10

Storage ....................................................15

T

Trouble Shooting Chart ....................21

W

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

4

LAWN OWER ACCESSORHES

These accessories were available when this Iawn mowerwas 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,

LAW_.NMOWER, P,E,R,F_ORMANCIE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS

STABILIZER

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

GRASS CATCHERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

FOR

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

WHEELS

ASSEMBLY

.r

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 LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

o Remove loose parts included with mower
o Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel

down flat,

o Remove all packing materials except padding between

upper and lower lnandle 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. 1)

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

Raise handles until Iowe_ handle section locks into
place in mowing position

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 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 plug, Store

mulcher plug in a safe pEace_
You can now install catcher or optional clipping deflec-

tor.

o To return to mulching operation, install mulcher plug

into discharge opening of mower.

MULCHER PLUG

FIG, 2

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plug 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.

OPERATOR PRESENCE .....

CONTROL BAR _ /_) /_,._,

UPPER HANDLE _////" ZY !_)

LIFTUP _//// _ // ///

_%_ a MOWING POSITION

LOWER HANDLE

///7" LIFT UP /y /_:

FIG. 1

ASSEMBLY

TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS
CATCHER (See Figs. 3A thru 4)

. Insert leg of tubular frame through front opening of

grass catcher and thread frame into sewn hem of bag.

NOTE: Keep bag hem gathered on the straight leg of the

tubular frame.

• When frame comes out the other end of sewn hem,
immediately work the end of frame down inside the bag

as shown in inset.

- Slide sewn hem evenly around the tubular frame until
both ends of frame are exposed out of the front open-
ing

• Assemble lower frame to tubular frame as shown Be
sure handle is outside of bag and frames are fully

seated as shown in inset.

• Slip vinyl bindings over frame,

NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warm
water for a few minutes, tf bag gets wet, let it dry before
using

,, Ciosethe flip tid=Ftip lid must be closed while operating

lawn mower..

o Lift the rear door on the mower housing and place the

grass catcher frame onto the formed tabs on the rear
door hinge bracket

, The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower

housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass

catcher frame

\

without clipping deflector or approved
grass catcher in place. Never attempt

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
to operate the lawn mower with the rear

door removed or propped open.

TUBULAR FRAME SEWN

SEWN HEM

FIG. 3A

FLIP LID

BRACKET

GRASS
CATCHER
FRAME

FORMED

TABS

FIG. 4