Craftsman 917389621 Owner’s Manual

-Owner's Manual

ICRAFTSMBN'I

6.0 HORSEPOWER 21" MULTI-CUT

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.389621

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• Repair Parts

NOTE: Engines which are certified to comp/y withCalifornia and U.S. EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment), are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and include the following emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM), and Three-way

Catalyst (TWC) (if so equipped). AVISO: Los motores homologados para cumplir con la rnglamentaci6n sobre emisiones de

California y de la Agenda de proteccibn Ambtental estadounidense (EPA) para equipos

pequei_osno circulantes (SORE) funciooan con gasolina normal sin plomo, e incluyen los

siguientes sistemas de control de emislones: medificacibn del motor (EM) y catalizador de triple accibn (TWC) (en caso de tenet!o).

The D.O,M. decal includes engine life specifications for the emissions-related useful life period of your engine. This peded relates to the emission compliance life as certified by EPNCARI_ To

find the/ife period specification for your engine, please match one of the following letters with the

letter pdnted on your D.O.M. decal: (C) 125 hours, (B) 250 hours, (A) 500 hours. La calcoman|a D.O.M. induye espectiicaciones sobre la duraci6n del motor pars el perfedo de

vida ,',tilde su motor relaeJ'.,lonedocon emisiones. Este perledo se relaciona con la dursck_nen confownidedcon las emisiones segOn Iocert_cado por EPA/CARB. Pars hallar la especiflcacibn del pedodo de vida de su motor, mire oudl de las siguientes letres viene impresa en su

calcomanla D.O.M,: (C) 125 horas, (B) 250 hares, (A) 500 horas.

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

VisitourCraftsmanwebsite: www sears.condcraftsman

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

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

Assembly .............................................. 5

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

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

Maintenance ....................................... 10

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

For twoyears from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained, lubricated,and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructionsin

the owner's manual, Sears will repair flee of charge any defect in matsdal or workman-

ship. If thisCraftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty

applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.

ThisWarranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotarymower 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 CenterlDepartment in the United States. This warranty applies only

while this product is in use in the United States. This Warranty gives you specific legal dghts, and you may also have other dghts which

varyfrom state to state. Seers, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60179

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

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

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

Troubleshooting ................................. 16

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

Parts Ordedng ..................... Back Cover

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the followingsafety instructionscouldresult in

sedous 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 not put hands or feet near or under

rotatingparts. 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 weedng 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 instructionsfor

proper operation and installation of

eccessodes. Only use accessories

2 approved by the manufacturer.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel ddves, 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 in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing:keep e

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

operating mower. I1.SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to slip

and fall accidents which can result in severe injury.All slopes require extra

caution. Ifyou feel uneasy on a slope, do

notmow 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

isnot alert to the presence of children. Childrenare 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

comers, 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 plugto 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 if you

stdke an object. Repair, ifnecessary, 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 necassan/.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cuL Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and

use extra caution when servicing them.

• Do not change the engine governor

3 setting or overspeed the engine.

• A_J_ookfor this symbolto pointout

importantsafety precautions. It means CAUTION!!] BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

A CAUTION: In order to prevent accidental starting when setting up,

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

placewire where it cannot contact spark plug.

_WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals

known to the State of Califemia to cause

cancer and birth defects or other

reproductive harm. AWARNING: 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 reproductiveharm. Wash hands after handling.

CAUTION: Muffler and other engine parts become extremely hot dudng operation and remain hot after engine

has stopped. To avoid severe burns on

contact, stay away from these areas.

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 outletsand servicecenters. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you, when you

providethe model number of your lawn mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

MULCHERK_S

FOR

SiDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEEL

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

Read these instructionsand this manual in 3. Remove any packing material from its entirety before you attempt to assemble

or operate your now lawn mower. IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe

engine. Your now lawn mower has been as-

sembled at the factory with the exception ofthose parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete

around control bar.

Your handles may be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to Service and Adjustmentssection of this manual.

Operator presence control bar

Upper handle

Liftup

the assembly have been placed in the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper

Mowing

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.

Lower handle

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with

mower.

2. Cut down two end comers 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 cerefufly so as not to pinch or damage conh*olcab|es.

1. Raise lower handle section to operat-

ing position and squeeze the bottom ends of lower handle towards each

other until the pin in handle can be inserted into one of the three height

adjustment holes.

2. Remove protective padding, raise upper handle section into place on lower handle and tighten both handle

knobs.

3-Position handle adjustment

bracket J

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

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

mower=inthe OPERATION section of this manual.

Handle pin

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

LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of vadous controls and adjustments. Save this manual forfuture

reference. These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or In literature supplied with the

product. Learn and understand their meaning.

CAUTION ENGINI_ ENGINE FA_T _.OW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARN)NG ON OFF AND REET AWAY

• Operator presence control bar

Handle knob

Gasoline filler cap

Grass catcher _

Engine oil cap

Mulcher door

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

Lawn mower housing

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe engine.

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

Amedcan National Standards thstJtute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commis-

sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Operator Presence Control Bar- must Primer - pumps addiUonal fuel from the be held down to the handle to start the carburetor to the cylinder for use when

engine, Release to stop the engine, starting a cold engine.

Starter Handle - used for starting the engine.

Theoperationof any lawn

mower can result in

foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result

in severe aye damage.

Always wear safety glasses or eye

shields while operating your lawn mower or performingany 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

_CAUTION: Federal regulations require

an engine controlto be installed on this lawn mower in order to minimize the risk

ofblade contact injury. Do not under any cimumstancesattempt to defeat the

function of the operator control.The blade

turnswhen 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 CUTTING HEIGHT Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for highcut, 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 propedy pes'dioned

when plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped)

allow lever to be positioned between the

platetabs. LowerWheelsforHighCut

Pla_

TO CONVERT MOWER Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. Toconvert 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.

Pivotpins

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Rear door must be closed.

• Open mulcher door and install dis-

charge 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

FORMULCHING-

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.

•,CAUTION: Do not runyour lawn mower without rear door dosed or

approved grass catcher in place.

Never attempt to operate the lawn mower

with the rear door removed or propped open.

RaiseWheels for LowCut

Mulcher

door

• Open

MulcherDoor

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE ADD OIL

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

Fortype and grade of oil to use, see

_ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this

manual.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area around oil fill is clean.

2. Remove engine oil cop 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 reading. To read proper level, tighten engine oil cop, then remove it to

read the dipstick.

3. Reinstall engine oil cop 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

operationor 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 con be used within 30 days to assure

fuel freshness.

AWARNING: Experience indicotesthat alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) con attract

moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage• Acidic

gas con damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine

problems, the fuel system should be

emptied before storage of30 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

nextseason. See Storage Instructionsfor additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel

tank or permanent damage may occur.

_, CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank fillerneck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any

spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

Engine _Y=I_ Gasoline fiUer

cap____ cap

TO START ENGINE

NOTE: Due to prote_ve coatingson the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be

present during the initialusa 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 coolerweather it may be necessary to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather over priming may cause floodingand engine will not start. If you do flood engine, wait a few minutes before attempting to start and do not repeat priming steps.

.MOWINGTIPS

• Undercertainconditions,suchasvery tallgrass,itmaybenecessarytoraise theheightofcuttoreducepushing

effortandtokeepfrom ovedoading the

engine and leaving clumps of grass clippings. It may also be necessary to reduce ground speed and/or run the

lawn mower over the area a second time.

• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the

width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

• For better grass bagging and most

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

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can

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

prevent this, regularly hose catcher off with water and let dry before using.

• Keep top of engine around starter clear

and clean of grass clippingsand 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. Clean UNDERSIDE OF MOWER HOUSING after each use. See

•Cleaning" in 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 biedegrade 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 it is wet.

Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action. The best time to mow your lawn is the eady afternoon. At this time the grass has dded and the newly cut area will not be exposed to the direct sun.

• For best results, adjust the lawn mower cuttingheight so that the lawn mower cutsoff 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 ovedoading the engine and leaving clumps of mulched grass. For extremely heavy mulching, reduce your width ofcut, mow slowly and raise

the rear of the lawn mower one wheel adjuster setting higher than the front.

• Certain types of grass and grass conditionsmay require that an area be

mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings.When doing a second cut, mow across or perpendicu- lar tothe firstcut 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.

1/3

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

FILL _NDATES AS YOU COMPLETE _ERVICE DATES

REGULAR SERVICE

Checkfor Loose Fasteners "l,/

;lean/Insp_t Grass Catcher

_Equipped) 1/ 1/ t/

Cleen Lawn Mower I/ I_/ Clean Under Drive Cover

(Powec-Propei_edMowecs) I/ Checkdrivehe ys

(Power.pmpell_eM _ow_)

C_harpen/Replace Blade I/3

q m m

LubricationChart 1/ I_

CJeanBatteP//Rechaq

EleCMCStart Mowers t_/ 1/4

CheckEngineOn Level I/ Change Engine Oil 1/1.2

Clean Air Filter I_ 2

Inspect Muffler

Clean or ReplaceSpark plug b/ ReplaceAirFilter Paper Cartridge 1/z

1 - ChllrOD r_orl) o_n _d1_1 _ Ulld_ i h_lVy IGqd _- tl_ h_h _ b'_eqiluI#. 2 - Set_t_ more offlm v.tlen 0_enl_ _n didy or dusly oondt_m_. 3 - R_a¢8 _adel mo_ _,*_ when _ in sandy aOll.

4 - Charge 48 Ix_Jmat endof m.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

LUBRICATION CHART

_Nheel adjusters

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

instructedin this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made periodicallyto propedy maintain your

unit. All adjustments in the Service and

Adjustmentssection 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

• ) Rear doorhinge (_Handlebracket

check blade for wear. A new spark plug and cleaNnew air filter element assures proper air-fuel mixture and helps your engine run better and last longer.

• Fonow the maintenance schedule in

this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

I. Check engine oil level.

2. Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI-

_)Refer to maintenance "Engine" section,

{_Spray lubricant

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings, viscous lubri-

cants will attractdust and dirt that will shorten the life of the self-lubricating

beadngs, ifyou feel they must be lubricated, usa only a dry,powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly.

CATION CHART").

• ) Brake Spring

Bracket

(_) Engine oil

mountingpin

•PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS SERIALNUMBER

DATEOFPURCHASE

GASOLINECAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS

UNLEADED REGULAR

OiLTYPE (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 serial numbers willbe found on a decal attached to the roar of the

lawn mower housing.Record both sedal number and date of purchase in space provided above.

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

LAWN MOWER Always observe safety rules when

performing any maintenance. TIRES

• Keep tiros 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 bledes.

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 housingto prevent blade from turningwhen 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- tionto 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

aligningthe 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, tuming 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 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 eveotual damage to lawn mower or engine.

• The blade can be sharpened with a file

or on a gdnding 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 inchof 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,

Key.._. X kCrynkyhaft

_,,_ [ / _ V'1_o_\ Crank

bolt Har_dened Tdera_adeingBl_adeadapter

washer e ga

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 itwill wear. If catcher needs

replacing, replace only with a manufac- turar approved replacement catcher.

Give the lawn mower model number when ordering.

ENGINE LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated withAPI service classificationSF-SJ.

Select the oil'sSAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature,

NOTE: Although multi-viscosityoils (5W30, lOW30 etc.) improve starting in

cold weather, these multi-viscosityoils 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 alter every 25 hours of

operationor at least once a year if the lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in

one year.

Blade adapter

Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and alter each five (5)

hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug securely each time you check the oil

level. TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Beforetipping 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 on lawn mower and on side of engine.

5. Fill engine with oil. (See =Add Oil" in the Operacion section of this manual•)

6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark

plug.

Container_

AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properlyand may

be damaged by using a dirty air filter. Replace the air filter every year or after every 100 hours of operation, more often if you mow in very dusty, dirty conditions.

Do not wash air filter.

TO CHANGE AIR FILTER

I. Remove the air filter by turning

clockwise to the stop and pull away from collar.

2. Remove filter from inside of cover.

3. Clean the inside of the cover and the collar to remove any dirtaccumula-

tion,

4. Insert new filter into cover.

5. Put air filter cover and filter intocollar aligningthe tab with the sloL

6. Push in on cover and tum counter- clockwise to tighten.

+ 28 hidden pages

Craftsman 917389621 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual