Craftsman 917388060 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRnFT=MnN'I

ROTARY LAwN MOWER

6.0 Horsepower 21" Rear Discharge

Model No.

917.388060

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

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

Warranty ................................................... 2

Safety Rules .......................................... 2-4

Assembly / Pre-Operation ........................ 5

Operation ............................................... 6-9

Maintenance Schedule ........................... 10

Maintenance ...................................... 10-13

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained,

lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the

owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in 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 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 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 used 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

Product Specifications ............................ 11

Service and Adjustments ................... 13-14

Storage .............................................. 14-15

Troubleshooting ................................. 15-16

Repair Parts ....................................... 32-39

Sears Service .......................... Back Cover

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw- ing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious

injury or death.

AI._ook for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_,WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead and lead

compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth

defects or other reproductive harm. Wash

AWARNING: In order to prevent ac-

hands after handling.

cidental starting when setting up, trans-

porting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and

place wire where itcannot contact spark plug.

_WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle compo-

nents contain or emit chemicals known

to the State of California to cause cancer

and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

4"_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.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read,understand,and follow all

instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly

familiar with the controls and the proper

use of the machine before starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep c_ear of the dis-

charge 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 bare- foot or wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless

absolutely necessary. Always look 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 instructions for

proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use accessories ap-

proved by the manufacturer.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the 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. Always be sure of your footing: keep a

firm hold on the handle and walk; never run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mech- anism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine (motor).

• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and

check immediately for the cause. Vibra- tion is generally a warning of trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when oper-

ating 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 cau- tion. 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 trim near drep-offs, ditches or embankments, The operator could lose

footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced foot-

ing could cause slipping.

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine

and the mowing activity. Neverassume that children will remain where you _ast

saw them.

• Keep children out of the trimming area and under the watchful care of another

responsible adult.

* Be alert and turn 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 ma-

chine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, 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 refue_ 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 accidental starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equip- ment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel

spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting,

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and ser-

vice 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,

• Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while the engine (motor) is running.

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration,

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 servicing them.

• Do not change the engine governor set- ting or overspeed the engine.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING

DEFLECTORS

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DIS(Y-lARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

FOR

BLADEADAPTERS

STABILIZER

_ GAS

/_/! GRASSCATCHERS

_( SIDE DISCHARGE

AIR FILTERS

FOR

LAWN MOWERS

_ CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble

or operate your new lawn mower. IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. Your new lawn mower has been as-

sembled at the factory with the excep- tion of those parts left unassembled for

shipping purposes, To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower, all

parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use thecorrect tools

as necessary to ensure proper tightness. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,

necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with mower.

2. Cut down two end corners 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 carton and check carton thoroughly for additional

loose parts.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so as not to pinch or damage control cables.

1. Raise handles until lower handle sec-

tion locks into place in mowing position.

2. Remove protective padding, raise up-

per 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 for your mowing comfort. Refer to "AD-

JUST HANDLE" in the Service and Adjust-

ments section of this manual.

Operator presence

control bar

LIFT UF

Mowing

position

Lower handle

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

1. Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigid part of bag on the bottom.

Make sure the frame handle is outside of the bag top,

2. Slip 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.

Catcher frame

handle

_-'i Frame

opening

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convert to bag-

ging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER" in the

Operation section of this manual).

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments, 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

ol bar

knob

Starter

handle

Engine oilcap with dipstick

G rass catcher

Muffler

Gasoline fillercal:

Air fi

Primer Wheel adjuster

(on each wheel)

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Com-

mission. The blade turns when the engine is running. Operator presence control bar - must

be held down to the handle to start the engine. Release to stop the engine.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.

Starter handle - used for starting engine. 6

Theoperationofanylawn mowercanresultin foreign objectsthrownintothe eyes,whichcan resultin

severeeyedamage.Always

wearsafetyglassesoreyeshieldswhile operatingyourlawnmowerorperforming

anyadjustmentsorrepairs.We recom-

mendastandardsafetyglassesorwide

visionsafetymaskworn overspectacles.

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED The engine speed was set at the factory

for optimum performance. Speed is not adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL A::I,CAUTION: Federal regulations 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 operator presence control bar which

requires the 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 cutting height to suit your requirements. Medium position is

best for most lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze ad- juster lever toward wheel. Move wheel

up or down to suit your requirements.

Be sure all wheels are in the same set-

ting.

NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when plate tab inserts into hole in lever.

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

plate tabs. LOWER WHEELS FOR HIGH CUT

"1-OCONVERT MOWER Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging:

• Lift rear door of the lawn mower and

place the grass catcher frame hooks onto the door pivot pins,

• To convert to mulching operation, re- move grass catcher and close rear door.

_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without rear door closed, clipping deflector or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with

the rear door removed or propped open.

Pivot pins Rear Grass

catcher

handle

Catcher frame hook TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift up on grass catcher using the

frame handle.

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

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

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when empty-

ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Grass

catcher

frame

handle

RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT Lever

Bag handle

bEFORE S-IAR'I ING ENGINE

ADD OIL

Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine. For type and grade of oil to

use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance section of this manual.

• 1,CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with oil, or it will smoke on startup.

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

2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout. Make sure that rim of spout is clean.

3. You receive a container of oil with the unit. Slowly pour the entire container

down the oil fill spout into the engine.

4. Wait one minute to allow oil to settle.

Insert and tighten dipstick, then re- move it to check oil level.

5. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick

before starting engine.

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil

if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

• Change the oil after every 25 hours of

operation or each season. You may

need to change the oil more often under

dusty, dirty conditions.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck.

Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of

87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.

Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel fresh-

ness.

Aq,CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or

fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline zar an open flame.

CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels

(called gasohol or using ethanol or metha-

nol) can attract moisture which leads to

separation and formation of acids 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 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 products in the fuel

tank or permanent damage may occur.

_Engine

Gasoline" I _ \_\ _==_- v /

t,lorca;

Primer"""-

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 prod-

uct and should be considered normal.

1. To start a cold engine, push primer three (3) times before trying 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 pres-

ence control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be neces-

sary to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather over priming may cause flooding

and engine will not start. If you do flood engine, wait a few minutes before attempt-

ing 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 clip-

pings. It may also be necessary to re-

duce ground speed and/or run the lawn

mower over the area a second time.

• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

• For better grass bagging and most cut- ting 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 (pushing

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

• If a trail of clippings is left on the right

side of a rear discharge mower, mow in a clockwise direction with a small over-

lap to collect the clippings on the next pass.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can be- come filled with dirt and dust with use

and catchers will collect 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 clippings and chaff.

This will help engine air flow and extend engine life.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up

grass and trash. See "CLEANING" in the Maintenance section of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will recut

the grass clippings many 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 nutrients for the lawn. Always

mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recut-

ting action of the blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps and

interferes with the mulching action. The best time to mow your lawn is the early

afternoon. At this time the grass has dried and the newly cut area will not 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 of the

grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown 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 grass, reduce your width of cut

by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

MAX 1/3

• Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be

mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a sec-

ond 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.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

FILL IN DATES _'___ _,,/A_ _/'_._',_"_/_ _OJ_cJr'_'k_O_"

REGULAR SERVICE

Check for Loose Fasteners i/ b/

_:'_ulpn_ Grass ca'cher V_ _

MO Clean Lawn Mower

Clean Under Drive Cover

(Power Propelled Mowers) _

W Check ddve belt_ulleys

(Power-PropelledMowers) I/

R Ched,VSharperVReplaceBlade I_z

LubdcaUo_Chart _ I_

Clean Battery/Recharge IBecldc Start Mowers_ li/ I/4

HE CheckEngineOil Level

Change Engine Og t_l.Z

InspectMuffler

IG Clesn/urFIl_r I_ =

N Clean or Rsplaoe Spark Plug

Replace Air Filter Paper CadTIdge I_2

1- C_ mo_ oftenwhenoperatingLmdermheavyIo_1or Inhighwnl_enttemperatures. 2- _mdce moreoftent_len Ol_mdlngIn dlrlyotdu_ =_ltlo_t. 3- R_ace b_d_ more oft=mwhenmowingIn=_ly =o11.

4 - Ch=ge 48 houm_t e_l o_=ea=o_

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 instructed in this manual.

Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your unit. All adjustments in the Service and Adjust-

ments section 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 run better and last longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this

manual.

LUBRICATION CHART

(_) Handle bracketmounting pins

Wheel

adjuster (on

each wheel)

(_) Rear door

hinge

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI-

CATION CHART").

(_) Spray lubricant _) See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease

plastic wheel bearings. Viscous lubri- cants will attract dust and dirt that will

shorten the life of the self-lubricating bearings. If you feel they must be

lubricated, use only a dry, powdered

graphite type lubricant sparingly.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Serial Number:

Date of Purchase:

Gasoline Capacity / Type: 1.6 Quarts (Unleaded Regular) Oil Type (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

Oil Capacity: 20 Ounces Spark Plug (Gap: .030") Champion RJ 19LM or J 19LM

Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs.

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

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when per- forming any maintenance. TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect

control chemicals which can harm rub- ber.

• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp

objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage.

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 bolt.

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 adapter and

check the key inside hub of blade adapter. The key must be in good condition to work

propedy. Replace adapter if damaged. TO REPLACE BLADE

1. Position the blade adapter on the en- gine crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter

and crankshaft keyway are aligned.

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

with the raised lugs on the adapter.

3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (op- posite 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 tighten the

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 sharpening

blade - but if 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 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. If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the

heavy end until the blade is balanced.

Blade adapter _ Crankshaft

Key _ _ _ keyway

BladeLo_kwas_=r_LL_. _//

B,;,do\

bolt Harden " " t " \ .......

11 washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

Crank

GRASSCAI'CHER

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

• Check yourgrass catcheroften for damage or deterioration. Through normal use itwill wear, If catcher needs replacing, replace

onlywith a manufacturerapproved replace-

ment catcher. Give the lawn mower model number when ordering.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION Use only high quality detergent oil rated with

API service classification SF-SJ. Select the

oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

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°1:. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil.

Check the crankcase oil level before

starting the 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 tipping lawn mower to drain oil, drain fuel tank by running engine until

fuel 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 re- move any oil trapped inside of engine,

4. Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn mower or side of engine.

5. Fill engine with oil The engine oil capacity

is 20 oz. If oil is not completely drained from engine, you may not need the entire

container of a 20 oz. bottle of oil. Slowly pour 3/4 ofthe oil from the containerdown

the oil fill spout into the engine.

6. Wait one minute to allow oil to settle.

Insert and tighten dipstick, then remove it to check oil level.

7. Continue adding small amounts of oil and rechecking the dipstick until it reads full. DO NOT overfill, or engine

will smoke on startup.

8. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick before starting engine.

9. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly and may

be damaged by using a dirty air filter, Replace the air filter every 100 hours of

operation or every season, whichever oc- curs first. Service air cleaner more often

under dusty conditions.

TO CLEAN AiR FILTER

1. Loosen screw and tilt cover to remove.

2. Carefully remove cartridge.

3. Clean by gently tapping on a flat sur- A_I face. if very dirty, replace cartridge.

CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such as

kerosene, are not to be used to clean car- tridge. They may cause deterioration of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not use pressurized air to clean or dry cartridge.

4. Install cartridge, then replace cover making sure the tabs are aligned with the slots in the back plate. Fasten

screw securely.

Back I

Cover

Cartridge Cover tabs

MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it

could create a fire hazard and/or damage. SPARK PLUG

Replace spark plug at the beginning of

each mowing season or after every 100

hours of operation, whichever occurs

first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"

in the Maintenance section of this manual.

+ 28 hidden pages

Craftsman 917388060 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual