Craftsman 917387850 Owner’s Manual

_A/R6

®

MODEL NUMBER 917.387850

eAssembly

Operation
Customer

Responsibilities
Service

OWNER'S MANUAL

Adjustments
Repair Parts

Caution:

Read and Follow
all Safety Rules

and Instructions
Before Operating

This Equipment

159077 1,6.97 VBL

Printed in U,S.A.

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 tS
EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

SAFETY RULES

TRAINING:

• Pleadthis operator's manual carefulfy. Become familiar with

the controls and know how to operate your mower propet¥
Learn how to quickly stop mower.

• Do not allow children to use your mower. Never allow adults
to use mower without proper instructions.

• Keep tbe*_lr'ea of-op'aration "clear'of a!l persons, especially
small children'and pets.

- Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de-
scdbed in this manual.

• Do not operate mower if it has been dropped or damaged in
any manner. Always have damage repaired before using

your mower.

• Do not use accessory attachments that are not recommended
by the manufacturer. Use of such attachments may be
hazardous.

• The blade turns when the engine is running.

PREPARATION:

• Always the roughly 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,

• 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 sandats. Wear onfy solid shoes with good
traction when mowing.

• Check fuel tank before starting engine. Do not fill gas tank

indoors, when the engine is running orwhen the engine is hot.
Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before filling the

gas tank. Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the
engine.

• Always make wheel height adjustments before starting your
mower. Never attempt to do this while the engine is running.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

OPERATION:

• Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being
cut. Do not let other interests distract you.

• Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never run while operating
your mower. Always be sure of your footing - keep afirm hold

on the handles and walk.

o 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 b_ade and all moving
parts have stopped. Then disconnect the spark plug wire and

keep it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental
starting.

• Do not continue to run your mower ifyou hit a foreign object.
Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any dam-

age before restarting and operating you mower.

• Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the
engine. Engine damage or personal injury may result.

• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnormally. Exces-
sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,

safely check for the cause ofvibration and repair as required.

• Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are danger-

ous.

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

across the face of slopes, never up and down or you might
lose your footing. Do not mow excessively steep sJopes. Use

caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain or when
changing directions - maintain good footing.

° Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates,

grass catcher or other safety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

• Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to be
sure they are tightened properly.

• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for
proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working condi-

tion.

- Keep all safety devices in place and working.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, 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.

Look for this symbol to point out im-
portant safety precautions. It means

A ..........I

- !

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it can-
not contact spark plug in order to pre-
vent accidental starting when setting
up, transporting, adjusting or making

repairs.

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A WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product con-

tains chemicals known to the State of CaliTor-

nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.

iii iiiiii i i iiiiiii

2

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Lawn
Mower. tt has been designed, engineered and manufac-

tured to give you the_best possibte dependability and

performance,
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily

remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized

Service Center/Department. We have competent, well-
trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair
this lawn mower.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructioh_;V_ill

enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower

properly. AIways observe the "SAFETY RULES".

MODEL
NUI_1BER

SERIAL
NUMBER

DATEOFPURCHASE

THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND

ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING

YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE

FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

917_387850

PRODUCT SPECIFICATmONS

4ORSEPOWER: .. 5.5

DISPLACEMENT: 11.5 CU. IN.
GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.5 QUARTS

AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (AP!-SF/SG): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

OIL CAPA(_ITY: 20 OZS.
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION J19LM

(GAP: .030")
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .008

EXHAUST: .008

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 RESPONSIB LITUES

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.

LllVlmTEDTWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained, fubricated, and tuned up
according to the operating and maintenance instructionsin the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any

defect in material or workmanship.
If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty appties 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.

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 SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES. "THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE

THIS PRODUCT IS IN USE IN THE UNITED STATES".
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

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

LE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

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

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

OPERATION ............... _........................................... _...... 8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 11

UNDEX

A

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

Adjustments:

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

Engine Speed ........................ t4

Handle Height ........................ t4

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

Air Filter:

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

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

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

B

Btade:

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

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

C

Conirols:

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

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

Operator Presence

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

Customer Responsibilities... 3, 11-13

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 Adjustment:

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

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

Lubrication:

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

Lawn Mower .......................... 11

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

Maintenance Schedule ................. ! 1

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

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

STORAGE ................................................................... 15

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

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

REPAIR PABTS - ENGINE .................................... 18-20

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

E

Oil:

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

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

Operation:

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

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

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

Operator Presence

F

H

L

M

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

Options:

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

Repair Parts:

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

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

Responsibilities, Customer.. 3, 11-13

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

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

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

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

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

Spark Plug .................................... I3

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

Speed Control:

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

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

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

Storage ......................................... t5

O

R

S

T

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

W

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

i,i

....LAWN MOWER ACCESSORUES

ii,lu , ., i , ="_" ..... _ ........... lUll " I' I''

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets
and service centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you, when you provide the model number of your lawn

mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

÷

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

"CLIPPINGDEPLECTOR -

.... i

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

n i,i, .....

MUFFLERS

BELTS

,inu,i

BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

MULCHER KITS

GRASS CATCHERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

STABILIZER

FOR

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

WHEELS ENGINE OIL

5

= . =.nn ' I m=...mr,,lu=..,

ASSE LY

, , i,iii1,11........ i

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 atthe
factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled

for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers,
bolts, etc. necessary tocomplete the _ssembty have been

placed in the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper
operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you o

assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct
tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

TO REMOVE LAW_N_MOWER "FROM

"4

CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with mower.

• Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel

down flat.

o Remove all packing materials except padding between

• upper and lower handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle. •

- Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thor-
oughly for additional loose parts.

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 lower handle section locks into
place in mowing position.

• • Raise upper handle section into place on lower handle,

remove protective padding and tighten both handle
knobs.

, Remove handle padding holding operator presence

control bar to upper handle.

• Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your
mowing 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 place.

You can now install catcher or optional clipping deflec-
tor.

To return to mulching operation, install mulcher plug
into discharge opening of mower.

MULCHER PLIJ

FIG. 2

ii

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
CONTROLBAR

LIFT UP

LOWER HANDLE

MOWING POSITION

FIG. 1

.... ,,,,,,,, .... , ...............

BLY

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 onthe straight _egof 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 hemevenly around the tubular frame until

both ends of frame are exposed out bf 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.

o Siip vinyl bindings over frame.
NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warm

water for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let it dry before
using.

• Close the'ilip lid. Flip lid must be closed while operating
lawn mower.

• 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.

" A _ cAUTioN, Do notrun yourlawn"_""="=='='_mower---_

_ without clipping deflector orapproved |

grass catcher in place. Never attempt |
to operate the lawn mower with the rear |

-- door removed orp!opped0pen _

f

I

__2/

TUBULAR
FRAME

LOWER FRAME HANDLE

\

BRACKET

LOWER

FRAME

(Frames must
be fully seated)

/

FiG. 3B

FIG. 3C

DOOR

GRASS
CATCHER

FRAME

TUBULAR FRAME SEWN

= SEWN HEM

FORMED
TABS

FIG, 4

"FL| LID ....

FIG. 3A