Craftsman 917388900 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRRFT.TMRN°I

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

6.5 Horsepower 21" Multi-Cut

Model No.

917.388900

CAUTION:

Read and followall

Safety Rulesand Instructions beforeoperatingthisequipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Visit our Craftsman website: www.seara.com/craftsman

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

Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4

Assembly / Pre-Operation ...................... 5

Operation ............................................. 6-9

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

Maintenance .................................... 10-13

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

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

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

Storage ............................................ 15-16

Troubleshooting .............................. 16-17

Repair Parts ..................................... 34-39

Sears Service ......................... Back Cover

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.

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 throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in

serious injury or death.

_kLook for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

& WARNING: In order to prevent

accidental starting when setting up,

transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and

place wire where it cannot contact spark plug.

_kWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of

its constituents, and certain vehicle _J22' _

components contain or emit chemicals

known to the State of California to cause

cancer and birth defects or other repro- ductive harm.

&WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the

State of Califomia to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Wash hands after handling.

& 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.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on 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 not put hands or feet near or under

rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge 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 barefoot 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 approved 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 mecha-

nism 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. Vibration is generally a warning of

trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operat-

ing 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

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 not trimnear drop-offs, ditchesor 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.

IlL CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

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

machine and the mowing activity. Never

assume 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

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 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 setting 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 retailoutlets and service centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you, when you provide the model

number of your lawn mower. Some ofthese accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS STABILIZER

FOR FOR

_ GRASS CATCHERS _ GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

MULCHER KITS

GAS CANS

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 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 necessary to ensure proper tightness. All parts such as nuts, wash-

ers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.

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 thoroughly for additional

loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR 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 your mowing comfort. Refer to

=ADJUST HANDLE" in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual.

Operator I: control bar

Mowing position

Lower handle

TO INSTALL A'I-rACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging, see "TO CON-

VERT MOWER" in the Operation section of this manual).

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND ALLSAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourselfwith 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

Throttle

control

Starter oil cap with dipstick

handle

Primer

Grass catch_

Muffler

Gasoline fillercal:

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 Commis-

sion. 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.

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

starting a cold engine. Throttle control - used for starting the

engine and allows you to select either

6 FAST or SLOW engine speed.

The operation of any lawn

mower can result in foreign objects thrown into 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 standard safety glasses or wide vision safety mask worn

over spectacles. HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED The engine speed is controlled by a

throttle control located on the side of the

upper handle. FAST position isfor starting, normal cutting, trimming and

better grass bagging. SLOW position is

for light cutting, trimming and fuel

economy.

SLOW

FAST "" "

I t _ IJ

,i p

ENGINE ZONE q;ONTROL

_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 control bar which

requires the operator to be positioned behind the lawn mower handle to start

and operate the lawn mower.

TO ADJUST cu'n'ING 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.

LOWER WHEELS FOR HIGH CUT

RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT Lever

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.

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

operation, discharge deflector must he 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. _I, CAUTION: Do not run your lawn

mower without rear door closed, clipping

deflector or approved grass catcher in

place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or

propped open.

Pivot pins Rear Grass

catcher

handle

7 Catcher frame hook

Discharge

mulcherdoor

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.

A 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 3/4 (15 oz.) of the oil

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

4. Wait one minute to allow oil to settle.

Insert and tighten dipstick, then remove it to check oil level.

5. Continue adding small amounts of oil and rechecking the dipstick until it

reads full. DO NOT overfill, or engine

will smoke on startup.

6. 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.

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

emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Grass

catcher

frame

handle

Bag handle

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. Purchase fuel in

quantities that can be used within 30

Adays to assure fuel freshness.

CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or

fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline

near an open flame.

A CAUTION: 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 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 cap

• Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of grass clippings and chaff.

This will help engine air flow and extend engine life.

Gasolin_

filler cap

Prime

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 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 allow starter rope to snap back.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator

presence control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather itmay 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.

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

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.

• 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.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: For bestperformance,keep

mower housing freeof built-up grass and

trash. See "CLEANING" in the 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 fail ontothe lawnthey 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 recutting action of the

blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when itis wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulchingaction. 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 cutlJng height so that the lawn mower cuts

offonly the top one-third of the grass blades. Ifthe lawnis overgrown itwill 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. Forextremely heavy grass, reduce your width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow

slowly.

MAX 1/3

• Certain types of grassand grasscondi- tions may require that an area be mulched

a second time to completely hidethe clippings. When doing a second cut, mow

acrossorperpendicular tothe firstcut path.

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

change to east to westthe next week. This

will help prevent meting and grainingof

the I,m_n.

!MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE __?#__"f

AS YOU COMPLETE

SERVICE

.EGO RSEBV,CE DATES

Check for Loose Fasteners _ if Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(If Equipped)

M Clean Lawn Mower

O Clean Under Drive CoverPower-Propelled Mowers)

Check drive belt/pulleys

El (Power-Propelled Mowers)

CheckJSharpen/Replace Blade

LubricationChart

Clean Battery/Recharge

ElectdcStartMowers1

E Check EngineOil Level

N Change Engine Oil

G _lean Air Filter

I Inspect Muffler

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug E Replace Air FilterPaper Cartridge

1 - Change more often when opemtteg under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures. 2 -Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions, 3 - Replace b_adesmorn often when mowing in sandy soil,

4 -Charge 48 hours at end of season,

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warrantyon thislawn mowerdoes not coveritemsthat have been subjectedto

operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from thewarranty, operator must

maintainmoweras instructedinthis manual. Some adjusknentswillneed to be made

periodicallyto properlymaintain your unit. Alladjustmentsinthe Serviceand Adjust-

mentsseclionofthismanualshouldbe

checked at leastonce each season.

• Once a year, replacethe spark plug,clean or replaceair filterelement and check

bladefor wear. A new spark plug and

dean/new airfilterelement assure proper air-fuelmixture and helpyour engine run

better and last longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

v' i/

i/ v'4

1/1.=

V'=

v'=

LUBRICATION CHART

Wheel

adjuster (on

each wheel)

Engine oil

Mulcher

door hinge pin

Rear door

hinge

(!) Handle bracket mounting pins

(]) Spray lubricant

(_) See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.

LUBRICATION

Keep unitwell lubricated(See "LUBRICATION

CHART_.

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

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Serial number:

Date of purchase: Gasoline capacity / type: 1.6 quarts (Unleaded Regular)

Oil type (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

Oil capacity: 20 ounces Spark plug (gap: .030") Champion RJ19LM or J19LM

Blade bolt torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs.

• The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the mower

housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.

LAWNMOWER Alwaysobservesafety rules when perform-

ing any maintenance.

TIRES

the engine.

4. Install the blade bolt with the lock

washer and hardened washer into

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.

5. Use block of wood between blade and

• 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 tuming when removing blade bolt.

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

4. Remove blade bolt by tuming 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 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, bolt

3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade

• 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 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.

Blade

(opposite sharp edge) is up toward

blade adapter and crankshaft.

lawn mower housing and tighten the blade bolt, turning clockwise.

Blade adapter Crankshaft

keyway

3rank

Harc shaft

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 damage or deterioration. Through

normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace 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

-30 -_ -t0 0 IO 20 _to 411

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT,,O_L CHANGE

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. Change the oil after every 25 hours of

operation orat 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 untilfuel 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 from lawn mower or 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.

Container

+ 28 hidden pages

Craftsman 917388900 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual