Craftsman 917388611 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRAFT$1VlAN°I

6.75 HORSEPOWER
21" REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.388611

• 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

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 ........................ Sack 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 work-

manship.

Ifthis Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty

appries 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
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 in use in the UnitedStates.

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

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.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all

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

oughly familiar with the controls and
the proper use of the machine before
starting.

• Do notput hands or feet near or under

rotating parts. Keep clear of the

discharge opening at all times.

• Onty allow responsible individuals,
who are familiar with the instructions, to

operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as

recks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown
by the blade.

• Be sure the area is clear ofother
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 net pull mower backwards unless

absolutely necessary. Always look

down and behind before and while
moving backwards.

• Do notoperate the mower without

proper guards, plates, grass catcher or

other safety protective devices inplace.

• See manufacturer's instructionsfor

proper operation and installation of
accessories. Only use accessories

approved by the manufacturer,

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel

drivas,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

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 inwet grass.
Always be sure of your footing: keep a
firm holdon the handle and walk; never

run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mecha-

nismor 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 immediatelyfor the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of

trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles orsafety
glasses with side shields when
operating mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip

and tall 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 nottrimnear drep-offs, ditchesor
embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.

• Do nottrim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced

footing oouTd cause slipping.

III. CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscan occur if the operator

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

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

you last saw them.

• Keep childrenout of the trimming area

and underthe 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

chiJdren.

• 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 otherfuels. 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 debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before

storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment ifyou
strike 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 deterioration,

which could expose moving parts or
aUow 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
setting or overspeed the engine.

3

_,Look for this symbol to point out

importantsafety precautions. It means
CAUTION!I! 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
birthdefects or other reproductive harm.

• , CAUTION: In order to prevent

Wash hands after handling.

accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark
plug.

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.

_,WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its

constituents,and certain vehicle
components contain or emit Chemicals
known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other

reproductive harm.

These accessoriRs were availablewhen thislawn rnc_v_rwas produced. They are not

shipped with your mower.They are also availableat most Sears retailoutletsand service
centers. MostSears storescan alsoo_derrepairpartsfor you, whenyou providethemodel
numberofyourlawnmower. Some of these accessodRsmaynot applyto yourlawnmower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS

GRASS CATCHERS GRASS CATCHERS

FOR FOR

REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL

4

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

Read these instructions and this manuar

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
of those parts left unassembled for
shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts,
washers, bolts,etc., necessary to com-
plete the assembly have been placed in

the parts bag. 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 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 layend panel down flat.

3. Remove all packing matedals except

padding between upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.

4. Rolllawn mower out of carton and

check carton thorougryfor additional

loose pads.

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

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
for yourmowing comfort. Refer to "AD-

JUST HANDLE" in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual.

control bar

Upper

Lift u

posiUon

Lower handle

TO INSTALL ATrACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convert mower
to bagging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER"

in the Operation section of this manual,

5

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND 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 end understand their meaning,

I' 1

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

zone control cable

Gasoline filler cap

Airfilter

Grass

Engine oil cap with dipstick,

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped (oneachwheel)

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

Amedcan National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commis-
sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Operator presence control bar - mustbe Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
held down to the handle to startthe carburetor to the cylinder for use when
engine. Release to stop the engine, starting a cold engine.
Starter handle - used for starting the

engine. 6

Primer

Muffler

Housing

Wheeladjuster

Theoperationofanylawn

mowercan result in foreign

ob eels thrown into the
eyes, which can resull 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
The engine speed was set at the factory

for optimumperformance. Speed is not
adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_kCAUTION: 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

requiresthe operator to be positioned

behind the lawn mower handle to start

and operate the lawn mower.

TO ADJUST cu'rrlNG HEIGHT
Raise wheels for low cut and lower

wheels for high cut, adjust cutting height
to suit your requirements. Medium

positionis 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 insertsinto hole in lever.
Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped)

allow lever to be positioned between the
plate tabs.

TO CONVERT MOWER

Yourlawn mower was shippedready to be
usedas a mulcher. Toconverttobagging:

REAR BAGGING

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

door pivotpins.

• To convertto mulchingoperation, remove
grass catcherand dose reardoor.

_.CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without clipping deflector 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 frame hook

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift up on grasscatcher usingthe
frame handle.

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

3. Empty clippings from bag usingboth

frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do notdrag the bag when
emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

catcher

handle

/

frame

handle

LowerWheelsfor HighCut __

RaiseWheelstot Low C_ Lever

Bag

I

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

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

For type and grade of oil to use, see
"ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this

manual.

f. 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 readir',g.To read proper leve_,

tighten engine 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. 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. Use 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.

_.WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol b_ended fuels (called 9asohol 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 gas tank, start the

engine and let it run untilthe fuel lines
and carburetorare empty. Use fresh fuel

next season, See Storage Instructionsfor

additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.

A CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank
tiller neck. Do not overfill. Wipe offany

spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or

use gasoline near an open flame.

• Gasoline
fillercap

Engine
oilcap

TO START ENGINE

NOTE: Due to protectivecoatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be

present duringthe initial use of the
product 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 anow 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 pdming steps. In

warmer weather over priming may cause
flooding and engine will not start. Ifyou
do flood engine, wait a few minutes

before attempting to start and do not
repeat primim:jsteps.

8

MOWINGTIPS

• Under certain conditions,such as very
tallgrass, it may be necessary to raise

the height of cut to reduce pushing
effortand to keep from overloading the
engine and leaving clumps of grass
clippings. It may also be necessary to
reduce ground speed and/or runthe

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.

• 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 thearea a second time.

• If a trail of clippingsis left onthe right

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

ovedap to collect the clippings on the

next pass.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can

become filled with dirt and dust with
use and catchers will collect less grass.

To prevent this, regularlyhose 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 of buiIFup
grass and trash. See "CLEANING" inthe

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 thiswill provide the

best recutling action of the blades.

• Avoid cuttingyour lawn when it is wet.
Wet grass tends to form clumps and
interferes with the mulching action. The
best time to mow your lawn isthe early
affemoon. At thistime 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

reavingclumps of mulched grass. For

extremely heavy mulching, reduce your
width of cutby overlapping previously
cut 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 perpendicu-
lar to the first cut path.

• Change your cutting pattern from week
to week. Mow north to southone week

then change to east to west the next
week. This will help prevent matting
and graining of the lawn.

MA,NTENANCESC.EOULE

ROGO R 0RV,CB

Check for Loose Fasteners ¥/ I 1_

ClearVInspect Grass Catcher

It Equipped) i/ ll/ i/

M Clean Lawn Mower ll/ _'

Clean Under Drive CoverIPower-Propelled Mowers)

Check ddve belt/pulleys

E (Power-Propelled Mowers) I_

ChecWSharpeIVReplace Blade _,/_

Lubrication Chart _' f#/

Clean Batter//Recharge

Electric Start Mowers'_ V/ t,J4

E Check Engine Oil Level

N Change En_line Oil 1_.2

G Clean Air Filter _ 2

I Inspect Muffler _'

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug t/

E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge i,/2

1 . Chsnoe more often when operating urtdet a heavy load Or in high aml_erd lemperalure$

2 - Service more o_lenwhen operating in ditty or dusly _ditionJ=,
3 - Replace blades more o_en when mowingin sandy _oII,

4 - Charge 48 houm al e_ of season.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does

not cover items that have been subjected
to operator abuse or negfigence. 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

Adjustments 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.

BEFORE EACH USE

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI-

CATION CHART').

(_) Handle bracket mounting pins

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

10

LUBRICATION CHART

(_) Wheeladjuster

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

lubricants willattract dust and dirt that
will shorten the life of the self-lubricat-

ing bearings. If you feel they must be
lubricated, use only a dry, powdered
graphite type lubricant sparingly.

(_) Brake

spdng

bracket

Rear

door hinge

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SERIAL NUMBER:
DATEOF PURCHASE:

3ASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS UNLEADED REGULAR
S)ILTYPE (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS.

SPARK PLUG (GAP: .045") CHAMPION RESISTOR TYPE RJ19LM4
BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

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

provided above.

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when

performing any maintenance.
TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil,or insect
controlchemicals which can harm

rubber.

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

BLADE CARE
For best results, mower blade must be

keptsharp. 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 tilter and carburetor are up.

3. Use a wood block between blade and

mower housingto 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 condi-

tion to work properly.Replace adapter if

damaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE

1. Position the blade adapter on the
engine 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

(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 tighten the

blade bolt, turning clockwise.

• The recommended tightening torque is

35-40 ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat

treated,

Bladeadapter _ Crankshaft

Key..._ _=,1 "_ keyway

Lo_kwasher_1_- _"_ / )_

Blade

o C X

Blade / shaft

washer Trailingedge Bladeadapter

11

TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen-

ing 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.

GRASS CATCHER

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

• Check your grass catcher often for

damage or deterioration. Through
normal use it will wear. Ifcatcher 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 classification SF-SJ.
Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade

according to your expected operating
temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or 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 oilplug
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
remove any oil trapped inside of

engine.

4. Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower
and on side of engine.

5. Fill engine with oil. (See =ADD OIL" in
the Operation section of this manual.)

6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark
plug.

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils
(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in

coldweather, these multi-viscosity oils
will result in increased oil consumption
when used above 32°E Check your
engine oil level more frequently to avoid

possible engine damage from running
low on oil.

12