Craftsman 917388351 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRAFTSMAN'I

6.25 HORSEPOWER

21" MULTI-CUT

ROTARY LAWN MOWEI_

Model No.

917.388351

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaSol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
VisitourCraftsmanwebsite:www.sears.com/craftsman

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

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

Assembly .............................................. 4

Operation .............................................. 6

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

Maintenance ......................................... t 0

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 workman-
ship.

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
crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions

contained in the owner's manual.

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

Service and Adjustments ...................... 13

Storage ................................................. 14

Troubleshooting ................................... 15

Repair Parts .......................................... 34

Parts Ordering ...................... Back Cover

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, Roebuck and Co., Dept. 817 WA, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60179

Safety standards require operator
presence control to minimize the risk of

injury. Your unit is equipped with cuch

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.
Leam 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 are
not recommended by the manufacturer.

Use of such attachments may be hazard-

ous.

• The blade rums when the engine is

running.

PREPARATION:

• Always thoroughly check the area to be

mowed and clear it of allstones, sticks,
wires, bones, and other foreign objects.

These objects will be thrown by the blade
and can cause severe injury.

2

• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields

when starting and while using your mower.

• Dress properly. Do notoperate 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
runningor when the engine is hot. Allow

the engine to cool for several minutes
before fillingthe gas tank. Clean off any
spilled gasoline before starting the engine.

• Always make wheel height adjustments

before startingyour mower. Never attempt

to do thiswhile the engine is running.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificiallight.

OPERATION:

• Keep your eyes and mind on your mower

and the area being cut. Do not let other
interestsdistract you.

• Do not mow wet or slipperygrass. Never
runwhile operating your mower. Always

be sure of your footing- keep a firm hold on

the handles and walk.

• Do notput hands orfeet near or under

rotatingparts. Keep clear of the discharge
opening at all times.

• Always stop the engine whenever you
leave or are notusing your mower, or
before crossingdriveways, 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 disconnectthe
spark plug wire and keep it away from the
spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Do net continueto run your mower ifyou hit
a foreign object. Follow the procedure

outlined above, then repair any damage
before restarting and operating your

mower.

• Do not change the governor settings or

overspeed the engine. Engine damage or
personal injurymay result.

• Do notoperate your mower if itvibrates
abnormally. Excessive vibration is an

indicationof 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 pullingthe mower

towards you. Mow across the face of
slopes, never up and down or you might

lose your footing. Do not mow excessively
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, grasscatcher or other safety
devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

• Check the blade and the engine mounting
belts often to be sure they are tightened

properly.

• Check all belts, nutsand screws at frequent
intervalsfor proper tightnessto be sure
mower is in safe working condition.

• Keep allsafety devices in place and
working.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free

of grass, leaves or excessive grease and

oil.

• Check grass catcher often for deterioration
and wear and replace wom bags. Use

only replacement bags that are recom-
mended 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 buildingwhere fumes may reach
an open flame or an ignitionsource such
as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes
dryer, etc.

ALook for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means

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

=(:_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.

AI:_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

These acceseofies were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not

shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retailoutlets and service
centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you, when you providethe model
number ofyour lawn mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

FOR

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

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 exception 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 the correct tools as neces-
sary to ensure proper tightness. All parts

such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., neces-
sary to complete the assembly have been
placed in the parts bag.

AIR FILTERS

WHEELS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with

mower.

• Cut down two end comers of carton and

lay end panel down flat.

• Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower

handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle,

• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check

carton thoroughly for additional loose

pads.

4

HOW TO SET UPYOUR LAWN

MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage control cables.

• Raise handles until lower handle Liftup
section locks into place in mowing

position. Lower

• Remove protective padding, raise handle
upper handle section into place on

lower handle and tighten both handle
knobs.

• Remove handle padding holding
operator presence control bar to upper

handle.

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

Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the Service manual.

and Adjustments section of this manual.

Operator
presence

control bar

Upper.
handle

TO INSTALL AI-rACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convert to

bagging or discharging, see "To convert
mower" in the OPERATION section of this

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

Starter

Handle

Engine oil ca

with dipstick

Mulcher door

Engine zone control cable

filler cap

Lawn mower housing

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the Wheel adjuster

engine, (on each wheel)

II I I II I

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

National Standards Instituteand the U,S, Consumer Product Safety Commission. 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 stopthe engine.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when

starting a cold engine.

Starter Handle - used for startingthe engine.

6

The operation of any lawn mower
can result in foreign objectsthrown

nto the eyes, which can result in

severe eye damage. Always wear safety
glasses or eye shields while 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 CONTROL

The engine speed was set at the factory for

optimum performance. Speed is not adjust-
able.

ENGINEZONE CONTROL

_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 controlbar which
requires the operator to be positioned

behind the lawn mower handle to startand
operate the lawn mower.

TO ADJUST cUTrlNG HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cut.

• Adjustcuttingheight to suit your require-

merits. Medium positionis best for most

lawns.

• To change cuttingheight, squeeze adjuster

lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or
down to suit your requirements. 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.
Lower Wheels for HighCut

Plate Tab

REAR BAGGING

• Lift rear door of the lawn mower and place
the grass catcher frame hooks onto the

door pivot pins.

• To convert to mulching or discharging

operation, remove grass catcher and close
rear door.

Pivot pins

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Rear door must be closed.

• Open mulcher door and install discharge
deflector under guard as shown.

• Mower is now ready for discharging

operation.

• To convert to mulching or bagging
operation, discharge deflector must be

removed and mulcher door must be
closed.

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER

WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN

MOWER

FOR MULCHING -

• Rear door dosed.

• Mulcher door dosed.

FOR REAR BAGGING -

• Grass catcher installed.

• Mulcher door closed.

FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

• Rear door dosed.

• Side discharge deflector installed.

_I:_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn

mower without rear door closed or

approved grass catcher in place. Never
attempt to operate the lawn mower with
the rear door removed or propped open.

Lever

Raise Wheels for LowCut

TO CONVERT MOWER

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to begging or
discharging:

Mulcher
door

7

Open
Mulcher Door

Discharge

deflector

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.
/I, CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank

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

gasoline near an open flame.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL

Yourlawn mower is shipped without oil inthe

engine.

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

• Remove engine oil cap and fillto the full

lineon the dipstick.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into
engine for accurate reading.

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

• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.

• 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 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 concr_ions.

ADD GASOLINE

• 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.

Engine oil
cap

cap

filler

TO START ENGINE

• To starta cold engine, push primer five (5)
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

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

attempting to start and do not repeat
priming steps.

AWARNING: Experience indicates that
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

8