Craftsman 917388811 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

IC..FTSMnWl

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

5.5 Horsepower 21" Multi-Cut

Model No.

917.388811

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

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

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

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

Troubleshootin( .............................. 15-16

Repair Parts .................................... 32-37

Sears Service ........................ 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 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

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::_Lookfor this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!H BECOME ALERT!H YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_I_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

_, CAUTION: Always disconnect spark

hands after handling. 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.

_i, CAUTION: Muffler and other engine

parts become extremely hot during

operation and remain hot after engine has

stopped. To avoid severe burns on contact, _LWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its

stay away from these areas. 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.

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 clear 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 drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The operator could lose

footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing 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 ma- chine and the mowing activity. Neveras-

sume that children will remain where you last 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

machine.

• 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 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 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.

• 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.

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 service centers. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING

DEFLECTORS

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

\\ FOR

__ REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

FOR

STABILIZER

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS 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 assem-

bled 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 as- sembly 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 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 thorougly 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 U

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

Et Frame

opening

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to bag- ging or discharging, 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

DRWARNING ON OFF AND FEETAWAY

3perator presence control bar

Throttle / choke

Starter handle

3asoline filler cap

,Fuel valve lever

Air filter

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Mulcher door

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.

Starter handle - used for starting the

engine.

Mulcher door - allows conversion to discharging or bagging operation.

ThrotUe/choke control - used for starting the engine; & allows you to select either

6 CHOKE or FAST engine speed.

The operation of any lawn mower can result in for-

eign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage.

Alwayswearsafety glassesor eye shields whileoperatingyourlawnmowerorperform-

ingany adjustmentsor repairs.We recom- mendstandardsafetyglassesorawidevision

safetymaskwornoverspectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINE CONTROL

The engine is controlled by a throttle control located on the side of the upper

handle. CHOKE position is for starting a

cold engine and FAST position is for start-

ing a warm engine and normal operation.

The engine speed is not adjustable.

"_ FAST

CHOKE ,"-""

TO CONVERT MOWER Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:

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.

Rear Grass

catcher

handle

Catcher frame hook

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

ACAUTION: 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 setting. NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9- position adjusters (ifso equipped) allow lever

to be positioned between the plate tabs.

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Rear door must be closed.

• Open mulcher door and install dis- charge deflector under door as shown.

• Mower is now ready for discharging operation.

• To convert to mulching or bagging opera- tion, discharge deflector must be removed

and mulcher door must be closed.

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER

FOR MULCHING -

1. Rear door closed.

2. Mulcher door closed.

FOR REAR BAGGING -

1. Grass catcher installed.

2. Mulcher door closed.

FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

1. Rear door closed.

2. Side discharge deflector installed.

Ar_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.

LOWER WHEELS FOR HIGH CUT _/_

_._j Plate tab "-_k'_

RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT Lever 7

Open

mulcher

door

deflector

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

DO NOT thread the cap into the tube when taking reading.

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. Pur- chase fuel in quantities that can be used

within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or

fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near 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.

__ Oil filler cap/dipstick

Bag handle

BEFORE STARTING 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.

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. Oil Use guage on oil fill cap/dipstick for

checking level. Insert dipstick into the cap

tube and rest the oil fill cap on the tube. 8

Upper limit Lower limit

Gasoline

filler cap

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. Be sure fuel valve is in the ON position.

2. To start a cold engine, move handle mounted throttle/choke control lever to

CHOKE position.

3. Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back.

4. Slowly move throttle control lever to FAST position after engine starts.

• To start a warm engine, move throttle

control lever to FAST position, then fol- low steps above.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator pres-

ence control bar. Wait until blade and all moving parts have stopped and turn

fuel valve to OFF position if you do not intend to restart the engine soon.

• 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 Mainte-

nance 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.

Fuel valve lever

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.

• 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.

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 second

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.

,.,.,..,.,.,..

AS YOU COMPLETE E

REGULARSERVICE /_..7 _'_£" _._.._/_'_ f" DATES

Checkfor Loose Fasteners If I_'

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher (If Equipped) V _

M Clean Lawn Mower

(Power-Propelled Mowers) !/

O Clean Under Drive Cover

Check drive belt/pulleys

RE (Power-Propelled Mowers) ll/

Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade i_ _

LubricationChart b/'

Clean Battery/Recharge /Electric Start MowersI If I/4

E Check Engine Oil Level I_

Change Engine Oil I_1,2

Inspect Muffler

IG Clean Air Filter _2

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug

E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge li/2

1- Change more oftenwhenoperaitngundera heavyIcedor inhighambienttemperatures.

2 - Service moreoftenwhen operatingindirtyordustyconditions. 3 - Replace bladesmoreoftenwhen mowinginsandysoil.

4 - Charge48 hoursat end ofseason.

/_r Fr _

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.

BEFORE EACH USE

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI-

CATION CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

(_ Handle bracket mounting pins

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.

Mulcher

door hinge

Rear door

hinge

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Serial Number: Date of Purchase:

Gasoline Capacity /Type: 1.0 Quarts (Unleaded Regular) Oil Type (API-SF-SJ): SAE 10W30

Oil Capacity: 18.5 Ounces Spark Plug (Gap: .030") NGK BPR6ES

Valve Clearance (± 0.04 mm): Intake: 0.015 mm; Exhaust: 0.020 mm

Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs. / 47-54 N-m.

• 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 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 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 hardware (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

properly. 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

Blade

Blade shaft bolt \

washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

GRASS CATCHER

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

• Check your grass catcher often for dam- age or deterioration. Through normal use

it will wear. If catcher needs replacing, re- place only with a manufacturer approved

replacement 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

"F -20 0 30 32 40 80 80 100

"c_o -=o -lo -o lo 20 3o

TEMPERA11JRERANGEANTICIPATEDBEFORE NEXTOILCHANGE

NOTE: Multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30

etc.) improve starting in cold weather, and you should check your engine oil level fre- quently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil.

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

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 18.5 oz. If oil is not com- pletely drained from engine, you may

not need the entire container of a 20 oz. bottle of oil. Slowly pour 3/4 of the

oil from the container down the oil fill spout into the engine.

6. Wait one minute to allow oil to settle. Use guage on oil fill cap/dipstick for

checking level. Insert dipstick into the tube and rest the oil fill cap on the tube. DO NOT thread the cap into the tube when taking reading.

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 plug.

Oil filler cap/dipstick

limit

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. Remove cover.

2. Carefully remove cartridge.

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

Ar_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.

Tabs

MUFFLER

Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage.

Tabs

+ 28 hidden pages

Craftsman 917388811 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual