Craftsman 917388152 Owner’s Manual

S__)S Owner's Manual

CRAFTSMAN+

5.0 HORSEPOWER

22" REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.388152

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:
Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions
beforeoperatingthis equipment

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

Warranty 2 Product Specifications 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

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

TRAINING:

• Read this operator's manual carefully.

Become familiar with the controls and
know how to operate your mower

properly. Learn how to 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 clear of all

persons, especially small children 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.

Always have damage repaired before
using your mower.

• Do not use accessory attachments that
ere not recommended by the manufac-

turer. Use of such attachments may be

hazardous.

• The blade tums when the engine is

running.

PREPARATION:

• Alwaysthoroughlycheckthearea to be

mowedand clear itofall stones,sticks,

wires,bones,and otherforeignobjects.
These objectswill be thrownbythe blade

andcancause severe injury.

• Alwayswearsafety glassesor eye

shieldswhen startingand whileusing
yourmower.

• Dressproperly,Do not operate mower
when barefootorweadng open sandals.
Wear onlysolidshoeswithgoodtraction

when mowing.

• Check fueltank beforestartingengine.
Do notfill gas tank indoors,whenthe

engineisrunningorwhen the engineis

2

hot.Allowthe engineto coolforseveral
minutesbeforefillingthe gas tank. Clean

offany spilledgasolinebefore startingthe

engine.

• Alwaysmake wheel heightadjustments
beforestartingyourmower.Never
attemptto dothiswhilethe engineis

running.

• Mow onlyin daylightor 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 a firm

hold on the handles and walk.

• 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 blade 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 if you

hit a foreign object. Follow the procedure
outlined above, then repair any damage

before restarting and operating you

mower.

• Do not changethe govemor settingsor

overspeed the engine. Engine damage or

personal injury may 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 rdn the engine indoors. Exhaust
fumes are dangerous.

• 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 exces-
sively steeB_!_.L _l_b_l_yyh en
operating,i_fit_9_ l_!_lY_.l_t_Lff_i9or

when changingdirections-- maintain

goodfooting.

• Never operateyour mowerwithout

properguards,plates, grasscatcheror
othersafetydevicesin place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

• Check the blade and the engine mount-

ing bolts otten to be sure they are
tightened properly.

• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at

frequent intervals for proper tightness to
be sure mower is in safe working

condition.

• Keep all safety devices in place and

working.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine

free of grass, leaves or excessive grease

and oil.

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

CAUTION: Always disconnect sparkplug

wireand placewirewhere itcannotcontact

sparkpluginordertopreventaccidental
startingwhen settingup, transporting,

adjustingor makingrepairs.

WARNING

The engineexhaustfromthisproduct
containschemicalsknowntothe State of

Califomiato causecancer, birthdefects,or
otherreproductiveharm.

3

These accessorieswereavailablewhen this
lawnmower was produced.They are also

availableat mostSears retailoutletsand
servicecenters.MostSears storescan also

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

'

orderrepairpartsforyou,when youprovide
the modelnumberofyourlawnmower.

Some ofthese accessoriesmaynotapply
to your lawnmower.

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

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 pres-

ence controls to minimize the risk of injury.
Your unit is equipped with such controls.
Do not attempt to defeat the function of the
operator presence controls under any

circumstances.

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 at the

factory with the exception of those parts left

unassembled for shipping purposes. All
parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,
necessary to complete the assembly have

been placed in the parts bag. To ensure
safe and proper operation of your lawn

mower, all parts and hardware you as-

MULCHER KITS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

WHEELSBLADE ADAPTERS

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

tightness;

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

Remove loose parts included with

mower.
Cut downtwoend comersof carton

and layend paneldownflat.

Removeallpackingmaterials except

padding between upper and lower
handleandpaddingholdingoperator

presencecontrol bartoupperhandle.

Rolllawnmoweroutof cartonand

checkcartonthoroughlyforadditional
looseparts.

4

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfoldhandlescarefullyso
as notto pinch ordamage controlcables.

• Raise handlesuntillowerhandlesection
locksintoplace in mowingposition.

• Remove protectivepadding, raise upper
handlesectionintoplaceon lower

handlesand tightenbothhandleknobs.

• Remove handlepaddingholdingoperator

presencecontrolbarto upperhandle.

• Your lawnmower handlecan be adjusted

for your mowingcomfort.Refer to "Adjust

Handle"inthe Serviceand Adjustment

sectionof thismanual.

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Yourlawnmowerwas shippedreadyto be

usedas a mulcher.Toconvertto baggingor

discharging:

• Open rear doorand removemulcher

plug.Store mulcherplugina safe place.

• You can now installcatcheroroptional
clippingdeflector.

• To returnto mulchingoperation,install
mulcherplugintodischargeopeningof

mower. __

Mulcherplug

Operator presence
controlbar

Upper handle

Lift up

Lower
handle

CAUTION: Do not runyour lawn mower
withoutmulcher plugin place or approved

clippingdeflectoror grasscatcher in place.
Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with

the rear doorremoved or proppedopen.

Mowing
position

5

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER

READ,THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND 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

Operator presence control bar

Engine zone control cable

Starter handle

cap

ine speedcontrollever

Air filter

Mulcher plug

with dips_ck

Lawn mower housing

Wheel adjuster

(on each wheel)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotarywalk-behind power lawn mowers conformto the safety standards ofthe American

NationalStandards Instituteand the U.S. Consumer ProductSafety commission. The blade
turns when the ermine is running,.

Operator Presence Control Bar- must be
held down to the handle to startthe engine.

Release to stop the engine.

Primer- pumps additionalfuelfrom the
carburetorto the cylinderforuse when starting
a coldengine.

Engine Speed Control - located onthe side
ofthe engine which allows you to select either

fast or slow engine speed.

Mulcher Plug - located atthe discharge
opening must be removed when convertingto

bagging ordischargingoperat_n.

Sarter Handle - used for startingthe engine.

6

Theoperationofanylawnmowercan resultin
foreignobjectsthrownintotheayes,whichcan

resultinsevereeyedamage.Alwayswear

safetyglassesoreyeshieldswhileoperating
yourlawnmowerorperforminganyadjust-

mentsorrepairs.Werecommenda wide

visionsafetymaskoverthespectaclesor
standardsafetyglasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

The engine speed is controlledby a lever

located on the side ofthe engine. Fast
positionisfor startingthe engine, normal

cutting,and better grass bagging. Slow
positionisfor lightcutting,trimmingand fuel
economy.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

CAUTION: Federalregulationsrequirean
enginecontroltobe installedonthis lawn

mowerinordertominimizethe riskofblade
contactinjury.Do notunderanydrcumstances

attempttodefeatthefunctionoftheoperator

LowerWheels for HighCut

Plate Tab

Lever

Raise Wheels for Low Cut
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

• Close the flip lid. Rip lid must be dosed
while operatinglawn mower.

• Liftthe rear dooron the mower housing and

place the grass catcherframe onto the
formed tabs on the rear door hinge bracket.

• The grass catcher issecured to the lawn
mower housingwhen the rear dooris
lowered onto the grass catcher frame.

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

withoutclippingdeflectoror approved grass

catcher inplace• Never attemptto operate the
lawn mower withthe rear door removed or

propped

control.The bladeturnswhenthe engineis Hinge _

running, bracket

• Yourlawnmowerisequippedwithan

operatorpresencecontrolbarwhich
requirestheoperatortobe positioned

behindthelawn mowerhandletostartand Formed
operatethelawnmower, tabs

Engine speed control lever

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• To remove grass catcher, release operator
presence controlbar to stop engine.

• Liftupreardoorand remove the grass

mer

TO ADJUST CUTFING HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for lowcut and lower wheels
for highcut.

• Adjustcuttinghe'_ht tosuityour require-

merits. Medium _ is best formost
lawns,

• To change cuttingheight,squeeze adjuster

levertoward wheel. Move wheel up or down

to suit your requirements. Be sure all wheels

are in the same setting.

catcherby the handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying;
itwillcause unnecessary wear.

Grass catcher

NOTE: Adjuster isproperlypositionedwhen
plata tab insertsinto hole in lever. Also, 9-

positionadjusters (if so equipped) allow lever
to be poeitionedbetween the platetabs.

7

BEFORESTARTINGENGINE
OIL
Yourlawnmowerisshippedwithoutoilinthe

engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil
fillis dean.

• Remove engine oil cap w/dipstickandfillto
the full line on the dipstick.

• Use 20 ozs. of oil For type and grade of oil
to use, see "ENGINE" in Customer

Responsibilities sectionof this manual.

• Pour oilslowly.Do notover fill,

• Check oil level before each use. Add oilif
needed. Fillto full line on dipstick.

• To read proper level, tighten engine oilcap

each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• 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.

GAS

• Fillfuel tank. Use fresh,clean,regular

unleaded gasolinewith a minimum of87
octane. Do not mix oilwith gesoline.

Purchase fuel in quantitiesthat can be used
within30 days to assure fuel freshness.

WARNING: Experienceindicatesthat

alcoholblendedfuels(calledgasoholorusing
ethanolormethanol)canattractmoisture

whichleadstoseparationandformationof

acidsduringstorage.Acidicgascandamage
thefuel systemofan enginewhile instorage.

Toavoidengineproblems,the fuel system
shouldbe emptiedbeforestorageof30days
orlonger.Drainthe fueltank,starttheengine
and letitrununtilfuel linesandcarburetorare

empty.Usefreshfuelnextseason.See

StorageInstructionsforadditionalinformation.
Neveruseengineorcarburetordeaner

productsinfueltankorpermanentdamage

mayoccur.

TO START ENGINE

• To starta coldengine, push primer five (5)
times before tryingtostart. Use a firm push.

This step isnotusually necessary when

startingan engine which has already run for
a few minutes.

• Push engine speed controlleverto fast

position.

• Hold operatorpresence controlbar down to
the handle and pullstarter handle quickly.

Do not allowstarter ropeto snap back.

• To stop engine,1 release operatorpresence

controlbar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be neces-

san/to repeat primingsteps. In warmer
weather over primingmay cause flooding and

engine will notstad. If you doflood engine,
wait a few minutesbefore attemptingto start

and do not repeat primingsteps.
MOWING TIPS

• Under certain conditions, such as verytall
grass, it may be necessary to raise the

height of cutto reduce pushingeffod and to
keep from overloadingthe engine and

leaving dumps of grassdlppinge.

• For extremely heavy cutting,reduce the

width ofcut and raisethe rear of the lawn

mower housing one (1) wheel adjuster
settinghigherthan the front for better

dischargeof grass.

• For better grass bagging and mostcutting
conditions,the engine speed should be set
inthe fast position.

• When using a rear discharge lawn mower in
moist, heavy grass, dumps of cut grass

may notenter the grasscatcher. Reduce

groundspeed (pushing speed) and/or run

thelawnmowerovertheareaasecond

time.

• ffa trail of grass dippings is left on the dght
side of a mar discharge lawn mower, mow

in a clockwisedirection with a small ovedap
tocollectthe clippingson the next pass.

• Keep top of engine around starterclear and
clean of grass clippingsand chaff.This will

help engine airflow and extend engine life.

• Pores inclothgrass catchers can become
tilled withdirt and dustwithuse and

catchers willcollectless grass.To prevent
this, regularlyhose catchers offwithwater

and letdry before using.

8

MULCHING MOWING TIPS

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep
mower housingfree ofbuilt-upgrass and trash.

Clean UNDERSIDE OF MOWER HOUSING
after each use. See "Cleaning"in CUSTOMER

RESPONSIBILITIES section ofthis manual.

• The special mulchingblade will recutthe
grass clippingsmany times and reduce
them insize so that as they fall ontothe

lawnthey willdisperseintothe grass and
notbe noticed. Also, the mulched grasswill

biodegrade quicklyto provide nutrientsfor

the lawn. Always mulch withyour highest

engine (blade) speed as this will provide the
best recuttingactionofthe blades,

• Avoid cuttingyour lawnwhen it iswet. Wet
grass tends toform dumps and interferes

with the mulchingaction.The best time to

mow your lawn is the early affemoon. At this
time the grass,hasdried and the newly cut

area will not be exposed to the directsun.

Forbestresults,adjustthe lawnmower

cuttingheightsothatthe lawnmowercuts

offonlythetopone-thirdofthe grassblades.
Ifthe lawnisovergrownit willbe necessanj

to raisethe heightofcuttoreducepushing

effortandtokeepfromoverloadingthe
engineandleavingclumpsofmulched

grass.Forextremelyheavymulching,
reduceyourwidth ofcut,mow slowlyand

raisethe rearofthelawnmoweronewheel
adjustersettinghigherthanthefront.

Certaintypesofgrassandgrassconditions
mayrequirethat an areabe mulcheda

secondtimetocompletelyhidethe
clippings.Whendoinga secondcut,mow

acrossorperpendiculartothefirstcutpath.
Changeyourcuttingpatternfromweekto

week.Mownorthtosouthoneweekthen

changetoeasttowestthe nextweek.This
willhelp preventmattingandgrainingofthe

lawn.

9

AS YOU COMPLETE

SE.V,CE SERV,CE DATES

Check for Loose Fasteners _ ll/

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher
(If Equipped)

M Clean Lawn Mower

Clean Under Drive Cover(Power-Propelled Mowers)
Check ddve belt/pulleys

S (Power-Propelled Mowers)

Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade

Lubdcation Chart

Clean Battery/Recharge
fElectrlc Start Mowers I

E Check Engine Oil Level

N Change Engine Oil

G Clean Air Rlter

I Inspect Muffler

!,'

t/

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug

E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge

1 - Change more often when operating under • _ bad or In high ambient temperatures.

2 - Service more often w_henopomftng indfttyor dusty €ondnlons.

3 - Riplace blades more often when mowing in sandy lOlL

4. Charge 48 hours It end of ran.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warrantyonthis lawnmowerdoesnot
coveritemsthat havebeensubjectedto
operatorabuseornegligence.Toreceivefull

valuefrom thewarranty,operatormust maintain

moweras instructedinthismanual.
Someadjustmentswillneedtobemade

periodicallyto properlymaintainyourunit.
AlladjustmentsintheServiceand

Adjustmentssectionofthis manualshouldbe
checkedat leastonceeachseason.

• Once ayear,replacethesparkplug,replace
airfilterelementandcheckbladefor wear.A

newsparkplugandclean/newairfilter
elementassuresproperair-fuelmixtureand
helpsyourenginemnbetterandlastlonger.

• Followthemaintenancescheduleinthis
manual.

BEFOREEACH USE

• Checkengineoillevel.

• Checkfor loosefasteners.

LUBRICATION
Keepunitwelllubricated(See"LUBRICATION

CHART").

v'

v' v'4

V'I=

LUBRICATION CHART

Wheel
adjusters

bracket

oil

DRear

door (D Handlebracket
hinge mountingpin

(_) SPRAYLUBRICANT

(_) SAE30 MOTOROIL REFERTO

ENGINE- CUSTOMER
RESPONSIBILITIESSECTION.

IMPORTANT: Donotoilorgreaseplastic

wheel bearings. Vbcous lubricants willattract

dustand dirtthat will shortenthe life ofthe self
lubricatingbeatings. If youfeel they must be

lubricated,use onlya dry,powdered graphite

type lubricantsparingly.

10

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL NUMBER 917.388152
SERIAL NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE
HORSEPOWER: 5.0

DISPLACEMENT: 11.5 CU. IN.
GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS

UNLEADED REGULAR

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

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS.

;PARK PLUG(GAP: .030") CHAMPION RJ19L

VALVECLEARANCE: INTAKE: .004" - .008"

EXHAUST: .004" - .008"

SOLID STATE IGNITION

AIR GAP: .0125 IN.

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

The model and sedal numberswill 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.

LAWNMOWER

• Remove blade and attachinghardware

Always observe safety ruleswhen performing

any maintenance.

TIRES

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

• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts,sharp
objects and other hazards that may cause

tiredamage.

BLADE CARE

For best results,mower blade mustbe kept

sharp. Replace bent ordamaged blades.
TO REMOVE BLADE

• Disconnect spark plugwire from spark plug
and place wire where itcannotcome in

contact with spark plug.

•Tum lawn mower on itsside. Make sure air
filter and carburetor are up.

• Use a wood block between blade and

mower housingto prevent bladefrom
tumingwhen removing blade belt.

• Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap
blade with heavy cloth.

• Remove blade boltby tuming counter-

clockwise.Use a 9116"box or open-end
wrench.

(bolt,lock washer and hardened washer).

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and

check the key insidehub of bladeadapter.
The key must be ingood conditionto work

properly. Replace adapter if damaged.
TO REPLACE BLADE

• Positionthe blade adapter on the engine

cranksh_t. Be sure key in adapter and
keyway in crankshaftare aligned.

• Position blade onthe blade adapter
aligningthe two (2) holes inthe blade with

the raisedlugs onthe adapter.

• Be surethe trailingedge is uptoward the

engine.

• Installthe blade bolt withthe lockwasher
and hardened washer intoblade adapter

and crankshaft.

• Use block ofwood between blade and
lawn mower housingand tighten the blade

belt, turningclockwise.

• The recommended tighteningtorque is 35-
40ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat

treated.

11

NOTE: Wedonotrecommendsharpening

blade - but ifyoudo, be sure the blade is
balanced.

TO SHARPEN BLADE

Care should be takento keep the blade
balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause

eventual damage to lawn mower orengine.

• The blade can be sharpened with a file or

on a grindingwheel. Do not attemptto
sharpen while onthe mower.

• To check blade balance, ddve a nailintoa
beam or wall. Leave about one inchofthe

straightnail exposed. Place center hole of
blade over the head ofthe nail. Ifblade is

balanced, itshouldremain in a horizontal
position.If eitherend ofthe blade moves

downward, sharpen the heavy end untilthe
blade isbalanced.

GRASS CATCHER

• The grass catcher may be hosed with

water, butmust be drywhen used.

• Check your grass catcheroftenfor damage
or deterioration. Through normal use itwill

wear. If catcher needs replacing,replace

onlywith a manufacturerapproved
replacement catcher.Give the lawn mower

model number when ordering.

Blade Crankshaft

adaptor

Bolt Crank

Lockwasher Hardened Blade shaft

washer Trailing adaptor

edge

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SF, SH or
SG. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade

according to your expected operating
temperature.

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

on oil.

Changethe oilafterevery25 hoursofopera-

tionorat leastonce ayear ifthe lawnmower

is not used for 25 hoursin one year.
Check the crankcase oillevel before

startingthe engine and after each five (5)
hoursof continuoususe. Tightenoil plug
securelyeach time you check the oillevel.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to

drain oil, drain fuel tank by running engine
until fuel tank is empty.

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark

plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with spark plug.

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

• Tip lawn mower on its side as shown

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.

• Fill 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.

Con_lne_

AIR FILTER "--J

Yourengine will not runproperlyand may

bedamaged by usinga dirty air filter.
Replace the airfilter every year, more

oftenifyou mow in very dusty,dirty

conditions.Do notwash air filter.
TO CHANGE AIR FILTER

40" R O" 10" _" IO"

TEMPERATURERANGEANTICIPATEDBEFORENEXT OqLCHANGE

• Remove the air filtercover by turning

counterclockwiseto the stop and pull
away from collar.

• Remove filter from inside of cover.

• Clean the inside of the cover and the

12