Craftsman 917388230 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

CRAFTSMAN°

5.0 HORSEPOWER
22" ECONOMY

SIDE DISCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.388230

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espafiol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Insuuc_u_
before operating this equ_hF

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

Warranty 2 Product Specifications 9
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 12
Assembly 4 Storage 13

Operation 5 Troubleshooting 14
Maintenance Schedule 8 Repair Parts 32
Maintenance 8 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 matedal 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 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

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.

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 useyour 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
are not recommended by the manufac-

turer. Use of such attachments may be
hazardous.

• The blade turns when the engine is

running.

PREPARATION:

• Always thoroughly 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.

2

• Dress properly. Do not operate mower

when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Wear only solid shoes with good traction

when mowing.

• Check fuel tank before starting engine.
Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the
engine is running or when the engine is
hot. Allow the engine to cool for several
minutes before filling the gas tank. Clean

off any spilled gasoline before starting the
engine.

• Always make wheel height adjustments
beforestarting your mower. Never
attempt to do this while the engine is
runnin_].

• 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 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 change the governor settings or

overspeed the engine. Engine damage or
personal injury may result.

Do not operate your mower if it vibrates

abnormally. Excessive vibration is an
indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration

and repair as required.

• Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust
fumes are dangerous.

• Never cut grass 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 steep slopes. 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 mount-

ing 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
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 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 ignitionsource such
as a hot water heater, space heater,

Aclothes dryer, etc.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent

accidental starting when setting up,

transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

WARNING

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

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

3

Theseaccessories 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

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

CUPPING DEFLECTOR

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

MUFFLERS

MULCHER KITS

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

AIR RLTERS

STABIMZER

FOR

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

%

BELTS BLADES

Read these instructions and this manual in • Remove all packing materials except

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 MOWER

of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware TO UNFOLD HANDLE
you assemble must be tightened securely.

Use the correct tools as necessary to

ensure proper tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with

mower. .

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

BLADE ADAPTERS

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 thoroughly for additional loose

parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage control cables.

• Raise handles until lower handle section

locks into place in mowing position.

• Remove protective padding, raise upper

handle section into place on lower
handle and tighten both handle knobs.

• Remove handle padding holding

operator presence control bar to upper
handle.

WHEELS

ENGINE OIL

4

• Your lawn mower handle can be

Operator presence controlbar

adjusted for your mowing comfort.

Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the Service

and Adjustment section of this manual.

Upper handle _ _,_t /_

Liftup __ .,_ Mowing

-:__,_2-" /// position

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

MOWER. Compare the illustrationswithyour lawn mower to familiarize yourselfwith the
locationof various controlsand 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 WARN_G ON OFF ANt) FEET AWAY

Operator presence controlbar

Enginezonecontrolcable

Handle knob

Starter handle

Engineoilcap withdipstick

Gasoline fillercap

Mulcherdoor

Primer Wheel adjuster

(on each wheel)
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 Commis-
sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.

operatorpresence control bar- must be

helddown to the handle to start the engine.
Release to stopthe engine.

Starter handle - used for startingthe engine.
Mulcher- allows conversionto discharge or

bagging operation.

Primer - pumps additionalfuel from the
carburetortothe cylinderfor use when starting

a cold engine.

5

The operation of any lawn mower can result in
foreign objects thrown into the eyes, whichcan

result in severe eye damage. Always wear
safety glasses or eye shields while operating
your lawn mower or performing any adjust-
ments or repairs. We recommend a wide

vision safety mask over spectacles or standard
safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
The engine speed was set at the factory

for optimum performance. Speed is not

adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

ACAUTION: Federal regulations requ re 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 CUTFING 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
adjuster lever toward wheel. Move

wheel up or down to suit your require-
ments. Be sure all wheels are in the

same setting.

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. Lever Plate tab

Lower wheels for

high cut _ _

Raise wheels for low cut

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil inthe
engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil

fill is clean.

• Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full line
on the dipstick.

• Use 20 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of oil
to use, see "ENGINE" in Maintenance
section of this manual.

• Pouroil slowly. Do not overfill.

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

• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap
each time.

• Reinstall engine oilcap 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

• Fill fuel tank. 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

freshness.

WARNING: Experience indicatesthat alcohol
blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol

or methanol) 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 fuel tank, start the engine and let it
run until 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

fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

Gasoline filler Engine oil cap

cap

TO START ENGINE

• 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.

• 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, release operator

presence control bar.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be
necessary to repeat priming steps. In

warmer weather over priming may cause

6 flooding and engine will not start. If you do

floodengine, wait a few minutes before

attempting to start and do not repeat

priming steps.
TO CONVERT TO DISCHARGING

MOWER
Your mower is shipped ready to be used

as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or

discharging:

• Lift discharge guard and remove

mulcher plate.

• Mower can now be used for side

discharge or optional grass catcher can

be attached.

• To return to mulching operation, simply
reinstall mulcher plate as shown.

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without discharge guard, approved grass
catcher or mulcher plate in place.

J_ Hooks

.=rod

Mulch

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 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 overlapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.

• For better grass bagging and most

cutting conditions, the engine speed
should be set in the fast position.

• For side discharge lawn mowers, cutting

in a counter-clockwise direction, starting

at the outside of the area to be cut,

spreads grass clippings more evenly
and puts less load on the engine. To

keep clippings off of walkways, flower
beds, etc., make the first cuts in a
clockwise direction.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can
become 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: Forbest performance, keep
mower housingfree ofbuilt-upgrass and

trash. See "Cleaning" in MAINTENANCE

sectionofthis manual.

• The special mulching blade will recutthe

grass clippingsmany timesand reduce

them in size sothat as they fallontothe

lawn they will disperse intothe grassand
not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will

biodegrade quicklyto provide nutriantsfor

the lawn. Always mulch with your highest

engine (blade) speed as this will providethe
best recuttingaction ofthe blades.

• Avoid cutting yourlawn when it isweL Wet
grass tends to form dumps and interferes
with the mulching action. The best time to

mow your lawn isthe early aftemcon. At

this time the grass has dried and the newly

cut area willnot be exposed to the direct

sun.

• For best results,adjustthe lawn mower

cuttingheight so that the lawn mower cuts
off only the top one-thirdof the grassblades.
Ifthe lawn isovergrown itwill be necessary
to raisethe height ofcutto reduce pushing

effortand to keep from overloadingthe
engine and leavingclumps of mulched
grass. For extremely heavy mulching,

reduceyour widthof cutby overlapping

previouslyout path and mow slowly.

• 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 second cut, mow

across or perpendiculartothe firstcut path.

• Change your cuttingpattern from weekto

week. Mow northto south one week then

change to east towest the next week. This
willhelp prevent mattingand grainingof the

lawn.

7

.A'NTENANCESC.EOULE

.sYOUCOMPL o,,,,...

REGULAR SERVICE f__-_t_(_:_._-_ SERVICE DATE:_

Check for Loose Fasteners _ t##

(if Equipped)

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher _

a Clean Lawn Mower

O Ctean Under Drive Cover(power-Propelled Mowers)

Check drive belt/pulleys

RE (Power-Propelled Mowers)

ChecWSharpen/Repla"ceBlade _ 3

LubricationChart If (I/

Clean BatteP//Recharge
IElactrla Start Mowers) IV# (I,/4

E Check Engine Oil Level _/'

N Char_le Engine Oil t/_,z
G CLeanAir Filter I_ 2

I Inspect Muffler

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug

E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge i,/°z

t - Change more ofl_ v_en operating under a heavy load or in high a'_0i*nl Ii_tp*rals'es.
2 -Ser, dce rnore onen '/A'_n operating in dirty or dwl'/condllk_s.

3 - Repk:q blade= morroon_ wi_m mow_g in =andy K*IIL
4 - ChaiSe 48 hours at end of =euon.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on thislawn mower does not
cover items that have been subjected to

operatorabuse or negligence. To receive full

value from the warranty, operator must

maintain mower as Instructedin this manual.
Some adjustmentswill need to be made
periodicallytopmpedy maintain your unit.

Alladjustments in the Service and Adjust-

merits section ofthis manual shouldbe

checked at least once each season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug, clean
or replace air filterelement and check blade

for wear. A new spark plug and clean/new
air filterelement assures proper air-fuel

mixture and helpsyour engine run better
and last longer.

• Followthe maintenance schedule inthis
manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loosefasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated(See "LUBRICATION

CHART").

(_) LUBRICATION CHART

Wheel
adjuster (_) Mulcher door

_J

oil __

(_) Handle bracket

mountingpin

(_ Spray lubricante
(_) Referto MAINTINANCE"ENGiNE"

SECTION.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings. Viscous lubricantswillattract

dust and dirtthat will shortenthe lifeof the self
lubricatingbearings, if you feel they must be

lubricated,use only a dry, powdered graphite
type lubricant sparingly.

8