Craftsman 917387160 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

@

5.5 HORSEPOWER

20" EAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.387160

CAUTION:

Read and follow all
Safety_ Rules=an d=lnstructions

before operating this equipment

3.A. Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Warranty 2 Product Specifications 11
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments I3

Assembly 4 Storage I4

Operation 6 Troubleshooting 15
Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Paris 32

Maintenance 10 Parts Ordering Back Cover

LtM[TED 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 detect 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 dudng normal use, such as rotary mower
blades, blade adapter€, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crank-
shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con-

tained 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 h'om state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/8!7 WA, HQFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

TRAINING:
* Read this operatoCs manual Carefully

Become familiar with timeconlrols and
know how to operate your mower
properly- Learn how to quickly slop

mower.

. Do not allow children to use your mower°

Never allow adults to use mower without
proper instructions.

. Keep time area of operation clear of all

persons, especially small children and
pets.

. Use mower only as the manuiaoturer

intended and as described in this manual

Do'notoperate mower if :ithas been ........ .....

dropped or damaged in any manner, when mowing_
Always have damage repaired before

using your mower.
Do net use accessory attachments that
are not iecommended by the manufac-
turer: 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 slones, 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.

o Check fuel tank before starting engine.

Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the
engine is nmning or when the engine is

hot. Allow the engine to cool for several

minutesbeforefillingthegastank.Clean
offanyspilledgas(_tinebeforestartingthe

engine

• Alwaysmakewheelheightadjustments
beforestartingyourmower..Never
attempttodothiswhiletheengine is

running,

= Mow only in daylight or good artificial

light_

OPERATION:

• Keep your eyes and mind on your mower
and the are a being cut. Do not let other

interests distract you.

• Do not mow wet or slipper/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 cleai" bf 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 dis.charge of mate#al toward
bystanders nor allow anyone near the

mower whiie you are ol3erating it.

• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing
your mower, stop the engine and make

abso ute!y sure the bladeand all mov!qg

parts have stopped. Thendisconnect the

spark plug wire and keepltt away :f_6m il:ib

spa_-k_piug toiprevent accidental sta_ing,

, DO not,€ontinue to run your mowe[ tf you

hit,a fo_,eign object.Fo lo& the i_rocedure
outlined above, then repair any damage
before restart ng and operating you

mower,

o Do not change the g0vernor settings Or

overspeed the engine, Engine damage or
personal injury may i'esulL

o Do not Operate your mower f it V brates

abnorma!!y, Excessive vibrat!on is an
indication of damage; stc_pthe engine,

safely chec k for the cause of vibration.
and repair as required.

• Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust
fumes are dangerous,

• Never Cut grass by pulling the mower

good footing.

- Never operate your mower wffhou!
proper guards, platesl grass catcher or

other safety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

o Check the blade and the engine mounF

ing bolts of!en 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

condition. _

* Keep all safety devices in place;at_d !

working.

o To redu(;e fire hazard, keep the engine

free of grass; leaves or excessive grease
and oil. ,

-, Check grass catoher often for deteriora-
tion andwear and replaY;e worn _bags.

Use onl_,"replacement bag_:that"are _'
recommended by and comply with

speci!ications of the manufacturer of your
mower.

° Always keep a sharp blade on your

. mower. : '!, ,:';:

o Allow engine to coot before storing in'any

enclosureo ._

, Never stere m.0wer with fuel in the tank :

inside a building where fumes may reach

,, an open flame or a.n ignition source such

as a hot water I_eater, space h'eater,

ci0thes dry_r,,etc,

Leek forthis Symb01to point 0ut_,Jmportarit

safety precauti0r_s. It means .... :'i

CAUTION!Ii :BECOME ALERTII! YOt!)B

SAFETY:IS INVOLVED. '....... _:

CAUTION: Always disconnectspa,r_'

plug wire and place wire where it _, ,_:
cannot contact spark plug in order to ,

prevent accidental starting When setting

up, ti-ansporting, adjusting or making

repairs.

WARNING

The eng!in:eexhaust from ths product
contains chem'cals known to the State
of California tOcause cancer, bi_h

defects, or etherreproductive harm.

slopes, never up:and dewri or you might

•t0se your footing, Do not mow exces,
sively steep slopes, Use cautior_ when
operating the mower on uneven terrain or

when Changing directions -- ma ntain

These accessories were available when this

lawn mower was produced. They are also

available, at most Sears retaif outlets and
service centers. Most Sears stores can also

LAWN MOWER PERF,ORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

_ FO.RREAR DISCHARGE LAWNMOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

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.

,, , MULCHER KITS:

,,i

STAB!LIZER

_ jJ2

SIDE DISCHARGE

i LAWN MOWERS :

GAS CANS

MUFFLERS

BELTS | BLADES

MPORTANT: This cutting machine is

:apable of amputating hands and feet and

hrowing objects,, Failure to observe the

o[lewing safety instruction s could result in
_erious ihjury or death.

Safety standards require operator pres-
ence controls to minimize the risk of injury,

€our unit is equipped with such controls,
_)o not attempt to defeat the function of the

)perator presence controls under any
;ircumstances.
:_ead these instructions and this manual in

ts entirety before you attempt to assemble
)r operate your new lawn mower, Your new

awn mower has been assembled at the
actery with ihe exception of those parts left

massembted-fer shipping purposes,.,-AIl .........

:)arts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,

_ecessary to complete the assembly have

_een placed in the parts bag, To ensure
_afe and proper operation of your lawn

'nower, all parts and hardware you as,-

SPARKPLUGS.

ENGINE OIL

HI',I.I

semble must be lightened securel_._Use the
cor_ect 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 lay end panel down flat.

° Remove all packing materials except

padding between upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator

presence control barto upper handle.

° Roll lawn mower out of carton and

..... dlie._ k-_ailiDh-rtl_Of,_d,Ohly fSr _d_ iti6_] ,

loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN

MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefully so

as not to pinch or damage control cables..
, Raise handles until lower handle section

locks into place in mowing position.

• Remove protective padding, raise upper
handle section into place on lower
handles 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.

Operator presence

control bar

Upper handle up

Lift up

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mutcher.. To convert to bagging
or discharging:

° Open rear door and remove mulcher

plug. Store mulcher plug in a safe place.

• You can now install catcher oi optional
clipping deflector.

o To return to mulching operation, install

mutcher plug into discharge opening of
mowec ._._a_ll '

MoloP9

r

CAUTION: Do not run_,yourlawn mower

without mulcher plug !n place or @proved

clipping deflector or grasscatcher in place,

Never attempt to operate the lawn mower

witti therear door removed or propped

open.

Lower

handle

Mowing
position

KNOWYOUR LAWNMOWER
READTHISOWNER'SMANUALANDSAFETYRULESBEFOREOPERATINGYOURLAWN

MOWER.Comparetheillustrationswi[hyourlawnmowertofamiliarizeyourselfwiththelocation
ofvariouscontrolsandadjustments.Savethismanualforfuturereference.

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the

product. Learn and understand their meaning.

tAUteN ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW OHOKE FUEL OIL DANG£R_ KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEETAWAY

_,,_" ii1!1!,1111111,,,11!1 I !l II I! Ii piPiiiiiil,ll, 1._,,, , , ,

Handle

Grass catcher

i,,i ii i i, ,i - ,_,., i

in1 , ,, i, i ] _

,i Jm

Ope[ator presence control bar

Engine zone control 'cable

filler cap

)eed control lever

Air filter

Mulcher plug

Engtne oil

with dipstick

Lawn mower housing

Wheel adjuster
(on-each wheel)

p iii ,i,i , ] i iiiiiiil11_1ff,111, , _ ii _

vlEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS "
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to tl_e safety standards of the American

qational Standards Institute and the U,S, Consumer Product Safety Commission, The blade

urns when the enaine is runnina.

f;_, L: ,, t_,_ _,f .... ,_,,l_,l,,,,r i i i i irllul, i

3perator,,Presenee_ControI,Bar._must,,,be ...............EnglneSpeed Control'=l_ated 5ri°thr_'_ide_.......

]eld down to the handle to start the engine°
:{elease to stop the engine.
=rimer - pumps additional fuel fiom the

;arburetor to the cylinder for use wllen starling

cold engine.

of the engine which allows you to select either
fast (i_) or slow (,_t.) engine speed
Mulche-r Plug-located at the dischaT:ge

opening must be removed when converting to
bagging or discharging operatien.

._arter Handle - used for starting the engine.

TheoperationofanylawnmowerCan:resultin
foreignobjectsthrownintotheeyes,whichcan
resultinsevereeyedamage.Alwayswear

safetyglassesoreyeshieldswhileoperating
yourlawnmoverorperforminganyadjust-
meritsorrepairSoWerecommendawide

visionsafetymaskoverthespectaclesor
standardsafetyglasses.

HOWTOUSEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINESPEEDCONTROL

Theenginespeediscontrolledbyaleyer
locatedor_thesideoftheengine.Fast(_)

positionisforstarting.theengine,normal
cutting,andbettergrassbagging.Slow(,_)
positbnisfoi_lightcutting,trimmingandfuel

economy
ENGINEZONE CONTROL ,

CAUTION: Federalregulations 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

operalor presence control bar which
requires the operator to be positioned

behind the lawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower.

Engine speed control lever

Lower Wheels for High Cut

Plate Tab

t

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

TO AI"I'ACH GRASS CATCHER

t , . _ ,

• Close the fli_ lid. Flip hd must be!closed _
while Operating lawn mower.

• Lift the rear door on the mower housing and
place the grass catcher frame o_to the

formed tabs on the rear door hin#e brao_keL

• The grass catcher is secured tOlhe law0
mower housing when the rear door is '

lowered onto the grass catcher f_ame.

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn n_0wer .
without clipping deflector or approved grass
catcher in place. Never attempt to qperate the

lawn mower with the rear door rembved o_ :
propped open.

Hinge ........ , r

bracket

Formed

Grass catcher

Lever

!abs

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower Wheels
for high cut.

• Adjust cutting height to suit your require-
ments. Medium posilion is best for most

lawns,

° To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster

lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or down
to suit your requirements. Be sure all wheels

are in the same setting.

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

to be positioned between the plate tabs.

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
° To remove grass catcher, release operaior

presence control bar to stop engine.

* Lift up rear door and remove the grass

catcher by the handle,

NOTE; Do not drag the bag when emptying;
it will cause unnecessary wear,

BEFORESTARTINGENGINE
OIL

Your.ila_mowerisshippedwithoutoilinthe

engin;a.

• Besuremowerislevelandareaaroundoil
fillisclean.

• Removeengineelicapw/dipstickandfillto
theful!lineontiledipstick.

, Use20ozs.of'oil,Fortypeandgradeofoil

touse,see"ENGINE"inCustomer
Responsibilitiessectionofthismanual.

, Pour oil s!owly. 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.

• Change the oil after every 25 hou_ of

operation or each season. You may need
to change the oil more ofleh under dusty,
dirty conditions.

GAS
, Fill fuel tank_ Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline W,'tha 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.

tNARNING: Experience indicates that
_Icohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
Jsing ethanol or methanol) can attract

"noisture wlqich leads to separation and
brmation of acids during storage. Acidic

jas can damage the fuel system of an
_=nginewhile in storage. To avoid engine

3roblems, the fuel system should be
=_mptied before storage of 30 days or
onger. Drain the fuel tank, start the engine

_nd let it run until fuel lines and carburetor
_re empty. Use fresh fuel next season.

Bee Storage Instructions for additional
nformation. Never use engineor carbure-
:or cleaner products in fuel tank or
:)ermanent damage may occur.

TO START; ENGINE
o To start a cold engine, push primer five (5)

times before trying to staiL'Use a firm push.

This step is not usually necessary when
sta_ling an engine which has already run for

a few minutes_ ,

• Push engine speed control leve_'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 operate€ presence
control bar.

NOTE: In cooter weather it may lie necessary
to repeat priming stepS. In.Warmer weat hei"
over pdming may cause flooding and engine
wilt not start, if you do flood eng!ne, wait a few

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

MOWING TIPS

• 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.

• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce time

width of cut and raise the rear of the lawn

mower housing one (1) wheel adjuster

setting higher than the front for better
discharge of grass.

o For better grass bagging and most cutting

conditions, the engine speed should be set
in the fast (_9tP) position.

,, When using a rear discharge lawn mower in

moist, heavy grass, clumps of cut grass
may not enter the grass catcher. Reduce

ground speed (pushing speed) and/or run

the lawn mower over the area a second
time.

• If a trail of grass clippings is left on the right
side of a rear discharge lawn mower, mow

in a clockwise direction with a small overlap

to collect the clippings on the next pass.

• Keep top of engine around starter clear and
clean of grass clippings and chaff_ This wilt

help epgine air flow and extend engine life.

° Pores in cloth grass catchers can become

filled with dirt and dust with use and
catchers will collect less grass. To prevent

'thistregularly'hese catchers.off_with_water

and let dry befor e =using.

IMPORTANT;Forbestperformance,keep
mowerhousingfreeofbui_bupgrassandtrash.

CleanUNDERSIDEOFMOWERHOUSING
aftereachuse.See"Cleaning"inCUSTOMER

RESPONSIBILITIESsectionofthfsmanual.

• Thespecialmulchingbladewillrecurthe
grassclippingsmanytimesandreduce

theminsizesothatastheyfallontothe
lawntheywilldisperseintothegrassand

notbenoticed.Also,themulchedgrasswill
biodegradequicklytoprovidenutrientsfor

thelawn.Alwaysmulchwithyourhighest
engine(blade)speedasthiswillprovidethe

bestrecuttingactionoftheblades.

• Avoidcuttingyourlawnwhenitiswet.Wet
grasstendstoformclumpsandinterferes

withthemubhingaction.Thebesttimeto
mowyourlawnistheeartyafternoon.Atthis

timethegrasshasdriedandthenewlycut
areawillnotbeexposedtothedirectsun.

r-u[uuu_ lU_Ul_.U,ac_jus_u_elawn mower

curling height so that the lawn mower cuts
off only the top one4hird of the grass blades.

It the lawn is overg[own it will be necessary

to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing
effort and to keep from overloading the
engine and leaving clumps of mulched

grass. For extremely heavy mulching,
reduce your width of cut, mow slowly and

raise the rear of the Iawn mower one wheel

adjuster setting higher than the front.
Certain types of grass and grass conditions

may require that an area be mulched a
second lime to completely hide the

dipping& When doing a second cut, mow

across or perpendicular to the first cut path.
Change your cutting pattern from week to

week. Mow north to south one week then
change to east to west the next week. This

will help prevent matting and graining of the
lawn.

MAX 1/3

E

N

G

I

N
E

, Change mere o(to,3 whet_ operating uad_t a heavy toad el" ta high _mblefll lomF, eratures

2 - Setvlct_ more orion when epetsl]ng tn dirly or dusty condilions

3 _,Replaca blades m6r,_ ?t'l=rl Whet1 mowing in sandy.soll

4,=Charge 4a hou eat _nd ol _,son

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on thislawn 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 adjustrnents wi!l need to be made /,
periodically to properly maintain your unit, ,

All adjustments in the Service and _"
Adjustments section of this manual should be

checked at least once each season
o Once a year. replace the spark plug, replace

air filter element and check blade for wear, A

new spark plug and clean!new air filter

element assures proper air-fuel mixture and

helps your engine run better and last longer.

. Follow the maintenance schedule in this

manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

, Check engine oil level

• Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION

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

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings, Viscous lubricants will attract

dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the self
lubricating bearings. If you feel they must be

._ubdcated, use only.,a_d_j,-po_de_e&graphite ....

type lubricant sparingly.

LUBRICATION CHART

2 Wheet

I

t

(_ Brake spring

bracket

_gineoit

(_ Rear I_ Handle bracket

door
hinge mounting pin

(_ SPRAY LUBRICANT

(_) SAE 30 MOTOR OIL. REFERTO

ENGINE- CUSTOMER
RESPONSIBILfTIES SECTION.

10

PRODUCT SPEClEICATIONS

MODEL NUMBER 917,387160
SERIAL NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE
HORSEPOWER: 5°5

DISPLACEMENT: 11.5 CU. IN,,

GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1,5 QUARTS

UNLEADED REGULAR

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

sAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

O1L CAPACITY:
SPARK PLUG(GAP: ,030") ..o

VALVECLEARANCE:

SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 IN.
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS. :

Themodel and serial numbers will be found on a decal at!ached to the rear Qf the. ]"
lawn mower t_ou_sing.Record both serial number and date of Purchase in space

provided above. , __----

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safe_y rules when performing

an_i 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 resul!s, mower b!ade must be kept
shar F Repi&ce bent or damaged blades.

TO REMOVE BLADE

• Disconnect spark plug wih_ from spark plug
and place wire where it cannot come in

contact with spark ptug,

• Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air
filter and carburetor are up.

.__Use, a,woc_dbbck_betweenblade_and.

mower housing to prevent blade from

tumlng when removing blade bolt.
Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap
blade with heavy cloth.

Remove blade boltby turning counter-

clockwise Use a 9/16 '_box or openend
wrench:

• Remove blade and attaching hardware
(bolt, lock washer and hardened washe .

NOTEi Remove the blade adapterland

check the key inside hub of blade adapter
The key rhust be in good condition to wod

properiy. Replace adapter if damaaed.

TO REPLACE BLADE

• posit!on the blade adapter on the engine
crankshaft, Be sure key in adapter and

keyway in crankshaft are aligned.

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

the raised lugs on the adapter.

° Be sure the trailing edge ls up toward the

eng!ne. , : :

• Install the blade bolt with the lock washer
and hardened .washer inb blade adapter

and crankshaft.

• Use block of wood between blade and

....fawn mowe_housing and4ighten4he blade.

bolt, tiJmt_g 61_k-wise.

. The recommended tightening torque is 35-

40 ft. Ibs.

IMPORiANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat
treated,

11

20 OZ&
CHA-_IO a RJI9L

INTAKE: .008
EXHAUST: .008

NOTE: We do not recommend shaq3ening
blade - but ifyou do, be sure the blade is

balanced.

TO SHARPEN BLADE

Care should be laken to keep the blade

balanced, An unbalanced blade will cause

eventuaJ damage to lawn mower or engine,

o 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. tf blade is
balanced, it should rem_n in a horizontal

position_ If either end of the blade moves
downward, sharpen the heavy end until the

blade is balaneedl

GRASS CATCHER

, The grass catcher may be hosed with

water, but must be dry when used,

, Check your grass catcher often for damage

or deterioration. Through normal use it will
wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace

only with a manufacturer approved
replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower
model number when ordering.

Blade Crank shaft

adaptor ..__ keyway

Biade. Key__./t'_, _,-"'_

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 opera-

tion or at 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. Tighlen oil plug
securely each time you check the oil level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Befol_e tipping lawn mower to drain
oil, drainfuet tank by running engine until

fuel tank is empty.

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with spark plug.

• Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a
clean surface.

° Tip lawn mower on its side anddrain ofl

into a suitable container. Rock lawn
mower back and forth to remo,)e any oil

trapped inside of engine.

, Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower

and on side of engine.

• Fil! engine with oil. Fill only to the "FULL."
line on the dipstick_ DO NOT OVER

FILL

• Replace engine o11cap.
° Reconnect spark plug wire to sparl{

plug.

washer Trailing- adaptor

edge

ENGINE
.UBRICATION

1so only high quality detergent oil rated
_lth API service classifiOation SF, SH or

iG. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
_ccording to your expected operating

_mperature. . ,.

SAE VISCOSITY GR&DES

Container

AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly and may

be damaged by using a dirty air filter.

Replace the air filter every year, more
olten if you mow in very dusty, dirty

conditions° Do not wash air filter.

.Rernove the air filter cover by turning

counterclockwise to the stop and pull
away from collar,

• Remove filter from inside of cover.

• Clean the inside of the cover and the

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