Craftsman 917388012 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRAFTSMAWI

6.0 HORSEPOWER
21" REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.388012

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions

beforeoperatingthisequipment

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

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

Warranty ................................................. 2 Product Specifications.......................... 11

Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4 Service and Adjustments ...................... 14

Assembly ................................................ 5 Storage ............................................ 15-16

Operation ............................................. 6-9 Troubleshooting .............................. 16-17

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 10 Repair Parts ..................................... 34-39

Maintenance .................................... 10-13 Parts Ordering ........................ Back Cover

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, Bears will repair free of charge any defect in material or work-
manship.

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 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 returningthe Craftsman power mower to the nearest

Sears Service Center/Department in the United States. This warranty applies only
while this product is inuse in the United States.

This Warranty gives you specificlegal dghts, and you may also have other dghts

whichvary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., [3/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwingobjects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould result in
serious injuryor death.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all

instructionson the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thor-

oughly familiar with the controlsand
the proper use of the machine before

starting.

• Do not put hands or feel near or under

rotatingparts. Keep clear ofthe

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 pull mower backwards unless

absolutely necessary. Always leek
down 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 instructionsfor

proper operation and installetion of
accessories. Only use accessories
approved bythe manufacturer.

• Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggravel
ddves,walks,ormarls.

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

the mower or uncloggingthe chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait
untilthe 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.

Alwaysbe sure of your footing: keep a

firm hold on the handle and walk; never

run,

• Disengage the self-propelled mecha-

nism or drive clutchon mowers so
equipped before starting the engine

(motor).

• Ifthe 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 gngg_esor safety
glasses with side shields when
operating 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 tdm near drop--offs,ditchesor
embankments. The operator could lose

footing or balance.

• Do not tdm excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur ifthe operator

isnot alert tothe presence of children.
Childrenare often attracted to the

machine and the mowing activity. Never
assume that children will remain where

you last saw them.

• Keep childrenOutof the tdmming area

and under the watchful care of another

reeponsible adult.

• Be alert and tum 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
comers, 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 acciden-
tal 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 debds build-up. Clean oilor fuel

spillage. Allow machine to cool before
stodog.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you

stdke 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 detedoretion,
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 seTv_ng them.

• Do not change the engine governor

setting or overspeed the engine,

ALook for this symbol to point out

importantsafety precautions. It means
CAUTIONI!I BECOME ALERTI!I YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_, CAUTION: 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.

AWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its

constituents, and certain vehicle

componentscontain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other

reproductiveharm.

These accessoriesware availablewhen thislawa mowerwas produced,They are not

shipped with your mower._ are alsoevailabicat rnostSears retanoutletsandservice

centers. MostSears storescan alsoorder repairpartsforyou, whenyouprovidethemodel

oumber ofyour lawn rnower. Sorneof theseaccessoriesrnaynotapply to yourlawnmower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

_.WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

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

State of Califomia to cause cancer and
birthdefects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.

A CAUTION: 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.

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE: LAWN MOWERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

MULCHERKITS

FOR

SIDI_DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWNMOWERS

AIR FILTERS

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

4

STABIUZER

<Y

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

Read these instructionsand this manual
in its entirety before you attempt to

assemble or operate your new lawn

mower.

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is

shippedWITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in
the engine.

Your new lawn mower has been as-

sembled at the factory with the exception
ofthose parts left unassembled for
shippingpurposes. All parts such as nuts,

washers, belts, etc., necessary to com-

plete the assembly have been placed in
the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper
operationof 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

1. Remove loose parts included with
mower.

2. Cut down two end comers of carton
and lay end panel down flat.

3. Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator

presence control bar to upper handle.

4. Roll lawn mower out of cartonand
check carton thorougly for additional

loose parts.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN
MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfoldhandle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage controlcables.

1. Raise handles until lower handle
section locks into place in mowing

position.

2. Remove protective padding, raise
upper handle section into place on

lower handle and tighten both handle

knobs.

3. Remove handle padding holding
operator presence control bar to
upper handle.

Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted
foryour mowing comfort. Refer to "AD-

JUST HANDLE" in the Service and
Adjustmentssection of this manual.

Operator
control bar

position

Lower handle

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To con,,_rtmower
to bagging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER"

in the Operation sectionof this manuel.

5

KNOW¥OUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourself
with the location of vadous controls andadjustments. 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

presence control bar

knob

Gasoline filler cap

Air filter

Primer

Muffler

Housing

Wheeladjuster

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped (oneach wheel)
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe engine.

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotarywalk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the

American National Standards institute andthe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commis-
sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Operator presence control bar - mustbe Primer - pumps additionalfuel from the
held down tothe handle to start the carburetor to the cylinder for use when

engine. Release to stop the engine, starting a cok:lengine.

Starter handle - used for startingthe

engine. 6

Theoperationofanylawn

mowercanresultinforeign

objectsthrownintothe

eyes, which can result in

severe eye damage.
Alwayswear safety glasses or eye
shieldswhile operating your lawn mower
or performing any adjustments or repairs.
We recommend a wide vision safety
mask over spectacles or standard safety
glasses.

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory
foroptimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
ACAUTION: Federal regulations require

an engine controlto be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the dsk

of blade contact injury.Do not under any
circumstancesattempt to defeat the

functionofthe operator control.The blade
turns when the engine is running.

• Your lawn mower is equipped with an

operator presence control bar which
requiresthe 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 cuttingheight

to suityour requirements. Medium
positionis best for most lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze

adjuster lever toward wheel. Move

wheel up or down to suityour require-

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

NOTE: Adjuster is propedy positioned
when plate tab inserts intohole in lever.

Also, 9-position adjusters (it so equipped)
allow laver to be positioned between the

plate tabs.

LewerWheelsfor Hig/nCut pr._lste_

TO CONVERT MOWER
Yourlawn mower wsa _ rsadyto ba

usedas a rnulch_. Toconvert tobagging:
REAR BAGGING

• Liftrsar dnorof the lawn mower and place
the grass catchorframe hooksontothe
doorpivotpins.

• To converttomulchingoperation,remove

grasscatcherand dose reardoor.
ACAUTION: Do notrun your lawn mower
without clippingdeflector or approved
grass catcher in place. Never attempt to
operate the lawn mower with the rear
door removed or propped open.

Pivot ' Rear Grass

catcher

handle

Catcher frame hook

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift up on grass catcher usingthe
frame handle.

2. Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower handle.

3. Empty clippings from bag using beth
frame handle and bag handle.

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

/

Grass

catcher
frame

handle

Bag

I

RaiseWheelsforLowCut Lever

7

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL

Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil.

Fortype and grade of oil to use, see

"ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this

manual.

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

2, Remove engine oil cap and fill to the

full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly.
Do not over fill.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine
for accurate reading. To read proper level,
tightenengine oil cap, then remove it to
read the dipstick.

3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Check oil level before each use. Add

oil if needed. Fillto full line on dipstick.

• Change the oil after every 25 hours of

operationor each season. You may
need to change the oil more often
under dusty, dirty conditions.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank. Usa fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane. Do not mix oil with gaso-
line. Purchase fuel in quantities that
can be used within 30 days to assure

fuel freshness.

_I_.WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract

moisture which leads to separation and
formation ofacids 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 untilthe fuel lines

and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
next season. See Storage Instructionsfor

additional information. Never usa engine
or carburetor cleaner products inthe fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.

CAUTION: Fill to bottom ofgas tank

filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spillor

ass gasoline near an open flame.

Gas°lic_p

Engine _ - f'.i h,-'hl"I_t)3J

oilcap

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 pdmer

three (3) times beforetPjing 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.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator

presence control bar.

NOTE: in cooler weather it may be
necessary to repeat pdmingsteps. In

warmer weather over pdming may cause

flooding and engine will not start. If you

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

repeat pdming steps.

8

MOWlNGTIPS

• Under certain conditions, such as very
tall grass, it may be necessary to raise
the height of cut to reduce pushing

effortand to keep from ovedoading 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 ovedapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.

• For better grass bagging and most
cutting conditions,the engine speed

should be set in the fast 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

(pushingspeed) and/or run the lawn
mower over the area a second time.

• Ifa trail of clippingsis left on the dght

side of a rear discharge mower, mow in
a clockwise directionwith e small

ovedap to collect the clippingson the
next pass.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can

become tilled with dirtand dust with
use and catchers willcollect less grass.

To prevent this, regularly hose catcher

off with water and let dry before using.

• Keep top of engine around starter clear

and clean of grass clippingsand chaff.

This will help engine air flow and

extend engine life.

MULCHING MOWlNGTIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance,

keep mower housing free ut buitt-up
grass and trash. See "CLEANING" inthe

Maintenance section of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will recur
the grass clippingsmany times and

reduce them in size so that as they fall
onto the lawn they will disperse into the
grass and not be noticed. Also,the

mulched grass will biodegrade quickly
to provide nUtrientsfor the lawn.
Always mulch with your highest engine
(blade) speed as this will providethe

best recuttingaction of the blades.

• Avoid curlingyour lawn when it iswet.

Wet grass tends to form clumpsand
interferes with the mulching action.The
best time to mow your lawn is the early
afternoon. At this time the grass has
dded and the newly cut area willnot be
exposed to the direct sun.

• For best results, adjust the lawn mower

cutting height so that the lawn mower
cuts off only the top one-third dt the
grass blades. If the lawn isovergrown it
will be necessary to raise the height ol
cut to reduce pushing effort andto keep
from ovedoeding the engine and

leaving clumps of mulched grass. For
extremely heavy mulching, reduce your

width of cut by ovedapping previously

cut path and mow slowly.

• Certain types of grass and grass
conditionsmay require that an area be
mulched a second time to completely
hide the clippings.When doing a

second cut, mow across or perpendicu-
larto the first cut path.

• Change yourcutting 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 o! the lawn.

9

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE _fFILL IN DATES

AS YOU COMPLETE
REGLlt.AR SERVICE f SERVICE DATES

Check for Loose Fasteners _
Cteardlnspect Grass Catcher

(If Equipped) I1_ 11_ II_

M clean Lawn Mower I_/ I ;V/

O Clean Under Drive Cover

(Power-proF_lted Mowers) I_'
Check Give dew ulleys

RE ipower.Prope,_°Mowers) t_

Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade !/'_}

Lubrication Chart _

Clean Battew/Recha

Electd¢ Start Mowe_q_e I1_ it/4

E Check Engine 011Level _/

I

I

N Chan_eEngineOII b/t_

G Clean Air Filter Ip# :z

Inspect Muffler

N Clean or Reptace Spark Plug V /

E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge t//2

1 - Cl'ang e reom o_ whe_ operating uqde¢s ha_ load or II1highan'ble_ temparaturu,

2 - Son/k_ morn onen*_d_nopecat_g in din'ye¢dL_y condi_ons.

s - Rep_ bladesrmreoe_mwhenmow_g_ _rdy aoM.

4. C_arge 48 houn_al end dm.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

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

instructedin this manual.
Some adjustments will need to be made

periodicallyto properly maintain your
unit.

All a_ustrnents in the Service and
Adjustmentssection 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 tun better and last I_Jer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in

this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubdcated (See "LUBRI-

CATION CHART').

(_) Handle bracket mounting pins door hinge

(_) Spray lubricant
_) Su "ENGINE" In Maintenance section.

10

LUBRICATION CHART

IMPORTANT: Donot oil or grease
plastic wheel bearings. Viscous

lubricants willattract dustand dirtthat
willshorten the life of the self-lubdcat-

Ing bearings, ifyou feel they must be
lubricated, use only a dry, powdered
graphite type lubricant sparingly.

(_) Brake

spring

bracket

ne oil

Rear

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SERIAL NUMBER:
DATE OF PURCHASE:
GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS (UNLEADED REGULAR)

OILTYPE (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32"F); SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32_F
OIL CAPACITY: 20 OUNCES

SPARK PLUG (GAP: .045") CHAMPION RESISTOR TYPE RJ19LM4

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

• The model and sedal numbers will be found on a decal on the rear ofthe mower
housing. Record both sedal number and date of purchase In space pmvldod above.

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety nJleswhenperform-

ingany maintenance.

"nRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil,or insect
controlchomicaiswhichcan harm rubber.

• Avoid stumps,stones,doep ruts,sharp
objectsandother hazards that may cause

tiredamage.

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 belt.

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 adopter and
check the key inside hub of blade
adapter. The key must be In good condi-
tion to work properly.Replace adopter it
damaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE

1. Positionthe blade adapter on the

engine crankshaft. Be sure key in
adopter and crankshaft keyway are

aligned.

2, Pos;tion blade on the blade adopter

aligningthe two (2) boles in the blade
with the raised lugs on the adopter.

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 tightenthe
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 ff 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 gdnding wheel. Do not attempt

to sharpen while on the mower.

• To cheek blade balance, ddve 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 bodzontal position. If either
end of the blade moves downward,
sharpen the heavy end until the blade

is balanced.

Crankshaft

Key-_ _keyway

Blade shaft
bolt

11 washer TraiUngedge Blade adapter

GRASS CATCHER

• The grass catcher may be hosed with
water, but must be dry when used.

• Check your grass catcher often for

damage or detedoretion. Through
normal use it will wear, If catcher needs

replacing, replace only with a manufac-
turer approved replacement catcher.

Give the lawn mower model number
when ordering.

ENGINE
LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated
withAPI service classificationSF-SJ.

Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating

temperature.

T_MpL_A_IJ RE RANG_ ANTIClPATE_ B_FOR_ NF_F OIL (_ tANGE I

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils
(5W30, 10W30 etc,) improve starting in
cold weather, these multi-viscosityoils
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 eveq/25 hours of
operationor at least once a 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 of continuous use. Tighten oil plug
securely each time you check the oil

level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
NOTE: Before tippinglawn mower to

drain oil. drain fuel tank by running
engine untilfuel tank is empty.

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

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

3. Tip lawn mower on its side as shown
and drain oil into a suitable container.

Rock lawn mower back and forth to
remove any oil trapped inside of

engine.

4. Wipe off any spilled oilon lawn mower

and on side of engine.

5. Fillengine with oil. (See "ADD OIL" in

the Operation section of this manual.)

6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark

plug.

12