Craftsman 917387321 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

£RIIFTSMAMo

6.0HORSEPOWER
20" REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.387321

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espafiol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

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

Warranty 2 Product Spec'_calions 11
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 13

Assembly 4 Storage 14
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 15
Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 32

Maintenance 10 Parts Ordering Back Cover

L]MITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For two years from date of purchase, whenthis 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.

Ifthis 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 duflng normal use, such as rotarymower

blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark pJug.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crank-

shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructionscon-

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 whi[e
this product is in use in the United States.

This Warranty gives you specific legal rights,and you may also have other dghts which
vary from state to state.

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

TRAINING:

• Read this operator's manual carefully.

Become familiar withthe controlsand

knowhow to operate your mower

properly.Learn howto 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 dear of all
persons, especially small ehi[dren and
pets.

• Use mower only as the manufacturer

intended and as described in this manual.

° Do not operate mower if it has been

dropped or damaged in any manner.

A{ways have damage repaired before

using your mower.

• Do not use accessoryattachments that

are not recommended bythe manufac-

lurer. Use of suchattachments may be

hazardous.

• The btade tums 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 withgood traction

whenmowing.

• 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 spilledgasolinebefore starting the

engine.

• Always make wheel height adjustments
before starting your mower. Never

attempt to do thiswhile the engine is

running.

• Mow only in daylightor good artificial

_ght.

OPERATION:

• Keep your eyes and mindon your mower
and the area being cut. Do notlet other

interestsdistract you.

• Do not mow wet or slippery grass.Never
runwhile operatingyour mower. Always

be sure of yourfooting -- keep afirm
holdon the handles and walk.

• Do not put hands orfeet near orunder
rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge

openingat alltimes.

• Alwaysstop the engine whenever you

leave or are notusing your mower, or
beforecrossingdriveways,walks, roads,

and anygravel--covered areas.

• Never direct discharge of materia_toward
bystandersnorallow anyone near the

mower whileyou are operating it.

• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing
your mower, stopthe engine and make
absolutely sure the blade and all moving

partshave stopped. Then disconnectthe
spark plugwire and keep itaway from the

spark plugto prevent accidental starting.

• Do not continueto run your mower ifyou
hita foreign object. Follow the procedure

outlinedabove, then repair any damage
beforerestarting and operatingyou

mower.

• Do not change the governor settingsor

overspeed the engine. Engine damage or

personal injurymay result.

• Do not operate your mower if itvibrates

abnormally. Excessive 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 dangerous.

° Never cut grass bypullingthe mower

towards you. Mow aorosethe faoe of

slopes, never up and down oryou might
loseyour footing.Do not mow exces-

sively steep slopes. Use cautionwhen
operatingthe mower on uneven terrain

or .whenchangingdirections-- maintain
goodfooting.

• Never operateyour mowerwithout

proper guards,plates,grass catcheror
othersafety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE;

• Check the blade and the engine mount-

ingboltsoftento be sure they are

tightenedproperly.

• Check allbolts,nutsand screwsat
frequent intervalsfor propertightnessto

be sure moweris in safe working
condition.

• Keep all safetydevices in place and
working.

• To reducefire hazard, keep the engine
free of grass, leaves or excessive grease

and oil.

• Check grass catcher often for deteriora-
tion and wear and replace wornbags.

Use only replacement bags that are
recommended by and complywith

specifications ofthe manufacturer of your

mower.

• Always keep a sharp blade on your
mower+

• Allow engine tocool before storing inany

enclosure.

• Never store mower withfuel inthe tank
insidea buildingwhere fumes may reach
an open flame or an ignition source such
as a hot water heater, space heater,

clothes dryer, etc.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark piug
wire and place wire where it cannot

contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when se_ng up,

transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State of

CaJJfomiato cause cancer, birth defects,
or ether reproductive harm.

These accessorieswere availablewhen this
lawn mower was produced.They are also

available at mostSears retailoutlets and
servicecenters. MostSears storescan also

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CUPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS,

order repairpartsfor you,when you provide
the model number ofyour lawn mower.

Some ofthese accessories may notapply
toyour lawn mower.

MULCHER,KFrS

STABIL,IZER

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is
capable of amputating hands and feet and

throwing objects. Failure to observe the
following safety instructionscould result in

seriousinjury or death.
Safety standards requireoperator pres-
ence controls to minimize the risk ofinjury.

Your unit is equipped withsuch controls.
Do not attempt to defeat the functionof the
operator presence controlsunder any

circumstances.

Read these instructionsandthismanualin its

enl_retybeforeyou attemptto assemble or
operate your new lawn mower.Your new lawn

mower hasbeen assembled at the factory

withthe exceptionof thoseparts left

unassembledfor shipping purposes AI[parts

such as nuts, washers, bolts,etc., necessary

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

AIR FILTIERS

SPAI_,,,K PLUGS,

ENGINE OIL

tocompletetheassemblyhavebeen placedin
theparts bag. Toensuresafe and proper
operationofyourlawnmower,allpartsand

hardwareyouassemblemust betightened
securely. Usethe correcttoolsasnecessaryto
ensureproper tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON

• Remove loose parts includedwith mower.

• Cutdown twoend comers of carton and lay

endpanel downflat.

• Remove allpacking materials except
paddingbetween upper and lower handle
andpadding holding operator presence
control bartoupper handIe

• Roll lawn mower out of cartonand check
cartonthoroughIyfor addrtionalloose parts.

4

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 pos_on.

° Remove protective padding, raise upper

handle section intoplace 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.

control bar

Lift up

Mowing

Lower

handJe

position

TO INSTALL AI-I'ACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. Toconvert to begging

or discharging:

• Open rear door and remove mulcher
plug. Store mulcher plug in a safe place.

• You can now installcatcher or opt_onat
clippingdeflector.

° To return to mulching operation,install

mulcher plug into discharge opening of

mower.

Mulcherplug

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plug in place or approved

clipping deflector or grass catcher in
place. Never attempt to operate the lawn

mower with the_'rear door removed or

propped open,

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULESBEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN

MOWER. Compare theillustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourseffwiththe
locationof various controls and a_ustments. Save this manuaJforfuture refer.

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

CAL'q'tON ENGINE ENGINF- FAST 8;LOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control bar

Engine zone controJcab]e

Handle

Grass catcher

Air filter

MuJcher plug

Engine oil cap

with dipstick

Lawnmowerhousing

Wheeladjuster

(oneach wheel)

iii

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotarywalk-behind power lawn mowers conform tothe safetystandards of theAmerican

NationalStandards Inst_uteand the U.S. Consumer ProductSafety Commission, The blade

turnswhenthe enqine is runnin,_. ,,,

Operator Presence Control Bar- must be

helddown to the handle to starttheengine.
Releasetostop theengine.

Primer - pumps addilJonalfuelfrom the
carburetorto the cylinderfor usewhen staring

i i

Starter Handle- usedfor starting the engine.
Mulcher Plug - locatedatthe discharge

openingmust be removedwhenconvertingto
baggingor dischargingoperation.

acoldengine.

The operationof anylawnmowercan resuttin
foreignobjectsthrownintothe eyes,whichcan

res_ insevereeyedamage. Alwayswear
safetyglassesoreye shieldswhiteoperating

yourlawn moweror performinganyadjust-

meritsor repairs,We recommenda wide
visionsate_ mask overthesr_ctactesor
standardsafetyglasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not

adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

CAUTION: Federal reguIations require

an enginecontrolto beinstalledonthis

lawn mower in order to minimize the risk

of blade contact injury. Do not under any

circums'_tnces attempt to defeat the
function of the operator control. The blade

turns when the engine isrunning.

• Your lawn mower is equippedwithan
operator presence controlbarwhich

requiresthe operatorto be posHoned

behindthe lawnmowerhandletostartand
operatethe lawn mower.

TO ADJUST cLrn3NG HEIGHT

• Raisewheelsfor low cutand lower wheels

for highcut.

• Adjustcutting heightto suit your require-

merits. Medium position isbest for most
lawns.

• To change cuffing hek3ht,squeeze adjuster

levertoward wheel Movewheel up or down
tosuit your requirements, Be sure allwheels

are inthe same set,rig.

NOTE: Adjuster is property positionedwhen
platetab insertsinto hole in lever. ALso,9-

posifion adjusters (ifso equipped) _ow lever
to be pos'_ionedbetween the plate tabs.

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

• Closetheflip lid. Eliplid mustbe dosed
whgeoperatinglawn mower

• Liftthe reardoor on the mowerhousingand

placethegrasscatcherframe ontothe
formedtabson the reardoorhingebracket.

• The grasscaltlcherisse_re d tothelawn
mowerhousingwhen the mardoor _s

lowered ontothe grasscatcherframe.

CAUTION: Do not runyour Iawnmower
withoutdippingdeflector orapproved grass

catcherinplace.Neverattempttooperatethe
lawn mowerwiththe reardoorremovedor

proppedopen.

Hinge
bracket

Grass catcher

Formed
tabs

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• To removegrass catcher, releaseoperator
presencecontrol barto stopengine.

• Liftup reardoor and remove the grass
catcher bythe handle.

NOTE: Donot drag the bag when emptying;
itwilIcause unnecessary wear.

Lower Wheels for High Cut

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

_ Lever

7

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL

Yourlawnmower is sh_ed withoutoil inthe
engine.

• Besuremoweris leveland areaaroundoil

fillisclean.

• Removeengineoilcapw/dipstickandfilIto
thefullI_neon the d'_ostick.

• Use20 ozs.of oil.Fortypeand gradeofoil

to use,see "ENGINE"in Maintenance
sectionofthismanual.

• Pour oilslewty.Do not overfill

• Checkoil level before each use. Add oiIif
needed. RI[to fulllineon d_s_ck.

• To read proper level, tighten engineoil cap

each time.

• Reinstallengineoilcapandtighten.
° Changethe oilaftereve]y25 hoursof

operationoreach season. Youmayneed
tochangetheoilmore oftenunderdusty,

dirtyconcr_ons.

GAS

• Fillfuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. (Use of leaded gasoline wig

increasecarbon and lead oxidedeposits
and reduce valve life). Do notmix oil

with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quanti-
ties that can be used within30 days to

assure fuel freshness.

IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN
TEMPERATURES BELOW 32°F(0°C), use

fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help
insure good cold weather starting.

WARNING: Experience indicates that

alcohol blended fuels (caited gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract

moisture which leads to separation and

formation of acids dudng storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an

engine while in storage. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system should be

emptied beforestorage 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 productsin the fuel

tank or permanent damage may occur.

CAUTION: Fillto bottom of gas tank filler
neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled
oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use

gasoline near an open flame.

TO START ENGINE

• Tostarta coldengine,pushprimerfive(5)
times beforetnjingto start.Use afirmpush.

ThisstepiSnotusuallynecessarywhen
starthgan enginewhichhasalready runfor

afew minutes.

• Holdoperator presencecontrolbardownto

the handleand pull starterhandlequickly.

Do not allow starter ropeto snap back.

• To stopengine,releaseoperatorpresence

control bar.

NOTE: Incoolerweatheritmaybe necessary

torepeatpdmingsteps.Inwarmerweather

over priming may cause floodingand engine

willnot start. If you do floodengine,wait a few
minutesbeforeattemptingto startand do not

repeat primingstep_

MOWING TIPS

• Under certaincond'_ons,suchas very tall
grass,itmaybe necessaryto raise the

heightof cuttoreducepush_g effortandto
keepfromoverloadingtheengineand

leavingdumpsof grass clippings.

• For extremelyheavycutting,reducethe
width of cut and raisethe rear ofthe lawn

mower housingone (1) wheel adjuster
sett_g higherthan the frcnt forbetter

discharge of grass.

• When using a reardischarge lawnmower in
moist,heavygrass,clumpsofcut grass

may not enterthegrass catcher. Reduce
groundspeed (pushing speed)ancVorrun

the lawn mowerover thearea a second

time.

• Ifatrailofgrassclippingsisleft onthe right
side of a rearc_schargeIawnmower, mow

in aclockwisedirectionwitha smalloverlap

tocollect theclippingsonthe nextpass.

• Keeptopof enginearoundstarterclearand
eleanof grassclippingsandchaff.Thiswill
helpengineairflowandextendenginelife.

° Pores in clothgrasscatcherscanbecome

filledwithdirtanddust withuseand
catcherswillcollectless grass.To prevent

this,regularly hosecatchersoffwithwater
and letdrybefore using.

MULCHINGMOWINGTIPS
IMPORTANT:Forbestperformance,•

keep mower housing free of built-up grass
and trash. Clean UNDERSIDE OF

MOWER HOUSING after each use. See

"Cleaning" in MAINTENANCE sec'don of

this manual.

• The special mulchingbladewillrecut the
grassclippingsmanytimes and reduce
them in size so thatas theyfagontothe

lawnthey witldisperse intothe grass and
notbe noticed. Also,the mulched grasswill

biedegrade quickly to provide nutrients for

the lawn, A_waysmulch withyourhighest

engine (blade)speed as thisw=llprovide the

best recut_ng action of1heblades.

• Avoid curlingyour lawn whenit iswet.Wet

grasstendsto formdumps and interferes
withthe mulching amen. The besttime to
mow your lawn Lsthe earlyaJtemoon.Atthis

time the grasshasdriedandthenewlycut

areaw111notbe exposed to thedirectsun.

• For bestresults,adjustthe _awnmower

cullingheightso that thelawn mowercuts
offonlythetopone-thirdofthe grassblades.

Ifthe lawn is overgrownit willbe necessary
to raisethe heightof cutto reducepushing

effoffand tokeep from overloading _ -
engineand leaving clumpsof mulched
grass.Forextremely heavy mulching,

reduceyour wid_ of cut, mowslowiyand
raisethe rearof the lawnmower one wheel

adjustersettinghigherthanthe front.

• Certaintypesofgrassandgrassconditions

may requirethatanarea be mutcheda
secondtimeto completelyhidethe

clippings.When doinga secondcut,mow

acrossor perpendicularto the firstcutpath.

• Changeyourcuttbgpatternfromweekto
week.Mow northtosouthone week then

changetoeastto westthenextweek.This

will helppreventmattingand grainingofthe

lawn.

1/3

9

FELL FN DATES /___#"_._ _._ _,_ _,_-,I,
REGULAR SERV}CE ICE DATES

AS YOU COMPLETE /_/_f-SER--___V

Oheck for Loose Fa.,.steners _ I/
CJean/]nspect Grass Catcher
(If Equipped) V t I_

M Clean La_-i Mower I,/ I_

{Power-Prope|ted Mowers} ik/

O Clean Under Drive Cover

Check drive be_fle_

E {Power:P'ropelled Mowers) II/
g CheckJSharpen/RepTace BJade IV/'=

i Lubr_catio_ Chart tf

CIea.n Battery/Rechmge

'I_e_ st_ M_e_ 1 v' v'4 ......

E c_ E._e o, Leve| !y" i
N Chan@eEr_neOil _,_'_

] [nsl_ct Muffler

N Clean orRepla_ Spark Plug !/"

E Replace Air P_iter Paper C_tddge V'2

I - Ch_lge rnor_ _en when _p_mtmg un_r = h_ load or _ high R._b[ent templra_ums.

2 - _ mote o_en when o_:_em1_g in d_y or du_ _or_s.

4 - Charge 48 houm _t end of l_son.

GENERAL RECOMMEND/_glONS
The warrantyon this lawn mowerdoesnot

coveritemsthathavebeensubjectedto

LUBRICAT]ON CHART

Wheel
adjusters

operatorabuseor neg[igence.Toreceivefull
valuefromthe warranty,operatormust

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

periodicallytoproperly maintain yourun_
Alladjustmentsinthe Service andAdjustments
sectionofthis manual should be checked at

]east once each season.

• Oncea year,replace thespark plug,replace
airfilterelement and checkbladefor wear.A

newspark plugand ciearv'newair filter
elementassures proper air-fuelmixtureand

helpsyour engine run better and lastlonger.

•FoIIow the maintenanceschedule in this

manual

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Checkfor loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep un'_weI[lubricated (See "LUBRICATION

CHAFrr).

C) Rear (3_)Handle bracket

door
hinge mounting pin

(_) SPRAY LUBRICANT

_) SAE30 MOTOROL REFERTO

ENGINE - MAINTENANCE SECTION.

IMPORTANT: Donot oilor greaseplastic
whee!bearings.Viscouslubricantswill
attractdust and dirtthat w_lshortenthe

lifeofthe self lubricatingbeatings.Ifyou

feelthey must be lubricated,use onlya

dry,powderedgraphite type lubricant
sparingly.

(_ Brake spring

bracket

,gine oil

10

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL NUMBER 917.387321

SERIAL NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE
HORSEPOWER: 6.0
DISPLACEMENT." 11.5 CU. IN.

GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS

UNLEADED REGULAR

OiLTYPE (API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS.
SPARK PLUG(GAP: .030") CHAMPION RJ!9LM OR J19LM

VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .004 - .008

EXHAUST: .004 - .008

SOLID STATE IGNITION

AIR GAP: .0125 IN.

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

• The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the
lawn mower housing.Record both serial number and date of purchase in space

provided above.

LAWN MOWER

Alwaysobservesafety ruleswhenperforming
any maintenance.

TIRES

• Keep_ free ofgasoline, oil,orinsect
controlchemicalswhich can harm rubber.

• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp

objectsandother hazards thatmay cause
tire damage.

BLADE CARE

For best results,mower bIade must bekept
sharp. Replacebent or damaged blades.

TO REMOVE BLADE

• Disconnectspark plug wke from spankplug
andplacewire where itcannot comein

contactwith spark plug.

° Turn lawn mower on its side. Makesure air

filterandcarburetor are up.

• Use awood blockbetween bladeand
mower housing to prevent blade from
turningwhenremoving bladeboll

• Protectyourhands with gloves and/orwrap
bladewithheavy cloth.

• Removeblade bolt bytuming counter-
clockwise.Use a9/t 6" box or open-end

wrench.

• Remove blade and attachinghardware

(bolt,lockwasherandhardened washer).

NOTE; Removethe bladeadapter and
checkthekey inside hubofbladeadapter.

The key mustbe ingoodconditionto work
properly.Replace adapter ifdamaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE
o Position the blade adapter onthe engine

crankshaft.Be surekey in adapterand
keyway in crankshaft arealigned.

• Positionblade on the bladeadapter
aligningthe two (2) holes inthe blade with
the raised lugs onthe adapter.

• Be sure thetrailing edge is uptoward the
engine.

• tnstatlthe bladebott v4ththe [ockwasher
and hardened washer intoblade adapter

andcrankshaft.

° Use block of wood between bladeand

Iawnmower housing and lighten the blade
belt,turningctodevise.

• The recommended _ghteningtorque is35-

40ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat

treated.

11

NOTE: We donot recommendsharpening
blade- butifyoudo, be suret_ btadeis

balanced.
TO SHARPEN BLADE

Care shouldbe taken tokeepMe blade

balanced.An unbalancedbladewillca:use

eventualdamage tolawn mowerorengine.

• The blade can besharpenedwith a file or

on a grading wheel Do notattempt to
sharpen while on themower.

• To checkblade balance, d_e a nail intoa
beam or wall. Leave about one inchof_e

straight nailexposed. Race center holeof
blade over the head ofthe nail.Ifbladeis

balanced, it should remain in a horizontal
pos_on. If either end of the blade moves

downward, sharpenthe heavyend until the
blade is balanced.

GRASS CATCHER
* The grass catchermay be hosedwith

water,butmust be d_ whenused.

• Check yourgrasscatcher oftenfor damage
ordeterioration.Through normaluseit wilt

wear.If catcherneedsreplacing,replace
onlywitha manufacturer approved

replacementcatcher.Givethe lawn mower
model numberwhen ordering.

Blade Crankshaft

adaptor

NOTE: Although multi--viscosity oils
(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve startingin

cold weather, these multi---viscosity oils
will result in increased oil consumption

when usedabove 32°F. Check your
engine ell level more frequently to avoid

possible engine damage from running low

on oil.
Change the oilafterevery25 hoursofopera-

tionorat least oncea year if the lawn mower
is not used for 25 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before

startingthe engine and after each five(5)
hours ofcontinuous use. _ghten oil plug
securelyeach time you check the oil level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
NOTE: Before tipping lawnmower to drain

oil,drain fuel tank by running engine until

fuel tank isempty.

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

come in contact withspark plug.

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

° T_p lawn mower on its side and drain oil

into a suitable container. Rock lawn
mower back and forth to remove 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 oil cap.

• Reconnect spark plug wire to spark

plug.

BLoltckwas/her H_ardened\ "_B_ade'sOha_ k

washer Trailing adaptor

ENGINE
LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SF, SH or
SG. Select the oil'sSAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating
temperature.

edge

Container

AIR FILTER
Your engine wilt not run properly and may

be damaged by using a dirtyair filter.
Replace the air filter every year, more
often if you mow invery dusty,dirty

cond_ions. Do not wash air filter.

TO CHANGEAIR FILTER

• Remove the air filter cover by turning
counterclockwise to the stop and pull

away from coIfar.

• Remove filter from inside of cover.

12