Craftsman 917389690 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
ICRRFTSMRN°I
6.75 HORSEPOWER
21" REAR DISCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.389690
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Espa_ol
• Repair Parts
NOTE: Engines which are certified to comply with California and U.S. EPA emission regulations
for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment), are certified to operate on regular unleadedgasoline,
and include the following emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM), and Three-way
Catalyst (TWC) (If so equipped).
AVISO: Los motores homalogados para cumplir con la reglamentacibn sobrs emisiones de
California y de la Agencia de Proteccibn Ambien_l estadounidense (EPA) para equipes
pequeFiosno circulanfes (SORE) funcionan con gasolina normal sin plomo, e inclwen los
siguientessistemas de control de emisiones: modificaci6n del motor (EM) y catalizado_ de triple
acci6n (TWC) (en caso de tenet/o).
The D.O.M. decal includes engine life specifications for the emissions-related useful life penod of
your engine. This pedod relates to _he emission compliance life as certified by EP/VCARB. To
findthe life pedud 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 calcomanla D.OM. incluye espechtcaolones sobre la duracibn del motor para eTperiodo de
vida Otil de su motor relaccionado con emisiones, Este pertode se relaciona con la duracibn en
conformidad con las emisiones segdn Io cartificado por EPA/CARB, Para hallar la especificacibn
del periode de vide de su motor, mire cual de las siguientes lelras viene impresa en su
calcomanla D.O.M.: (C) 125 horas, (B) 250 horas, (A) 500 horas.
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
VisitourCraftsman website: www.sears.corn/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 ........................ 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 instructionsin
the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or work-
manship.
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 retuming the Craftsman power mower to the nearest
Sears Service Center/Department in the United States. This warranty applies only
while this product is in use inthe United States.
ThisWarranty gives you specific legal dghts, 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
throwingobjects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould resultin
serious injury or death.
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 controlsand
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
racks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown
by the blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of uther
people before mowing. Stop machine ff
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 instructionsfor
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 uncloggingthe chute.
• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait
untilthe blade comes to complete stop
before removing grass catcher.
• Mow only in daylightor 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 ofyour footing: keep a
firm holdon the handle and walk; never
run.
• Disengage the self-propelled mecha-
nism or ddve clutch on mowers so
equipped before starting the engine
(motor).
• If the equipment should startto 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.
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 nottrim near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.
• Do not tdm excessively steep slopes.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.
II1.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 tdmming 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, tress, 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 debds 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.
3
_,Look for this symbol to point out
importantsafety precautions. It means
CAUTIONIII BECOMEALERT!!I 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 contactspark
plug.
_,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
reproductiveharm.
Theseaccessorieswere avellablewhenthislawnmowerwas produced."n_eyare not
shipped with your rnowar.They are alsoavalableat mostSearsretailoutletsand service
centers. Most Searsstorescanalsoorder repairpartsforyou, whenyou providethemodel
numberofyourlawnmower. Some ofthese accessoriesmaynot applyto yourlawnmower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
A,WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State of Californiato cause cancer and
birthdefects 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.
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS STABIUZER
nEAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
GAS CANS
®
AIR RLTERS SPARK PLUGS
BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL
Read these instructionsand this manual
in its entirety before youattempt 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 twoend 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 thorouglyfor additional
loose parts.
HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfoldhandle 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 "AD-
JUST HANDLE" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.
conVol bar
Upper
Liftu
position
Lower handle
pin
3-Position
handle
bracket
J
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
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 illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourself
with the location ofvarious 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
control bar
I cable
knob
Gasoline filler cap
Air filter
Grass catche
Engine oil cap
with d
primer
MuffLer
Housing
Wheeladjuster
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped (oneach wheel)
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-
siGn. The blade turns when the engine is running,
Operator presence control bar - mustbe Primer - pumps additionalfuel from the
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. 6
Theoperation 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 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
_I,CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the dsk
ofblade contact injury. Do not under any
circumstancesattempt 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 CUTTING HEIGHT
Raise wheels for low cut and lower
wheels for high cut, adjust cUttingheight
to suit your requirements. Medium
position is best for most lawns.
To change cuttingheight, squeeze
adjuster lever toward wheel. Move
wheel up or downto suit your require-
ments. Be sure all wheels are in the
same setlJng.
NOTE: Adjuster is properlypositioned
when plate tab inserts into hole in lever.
Also, g-positionadjusters (if so equipped)
allow lever to be positioned between the
plate tabs.
LowerWheelsforHighCut PlateTab_
S
TO CONVERT MOWER
Yourlawn mowerwas shippedreedy to be
usedas amulchar.Toconvert tobagging :
REARBAGGING
• Liftreardoorofthe lawn mower and place
the grasscatcher frame hooksontothe
doorpivotpins.
• To convertto mulchingoperatJon,remove
_lgrass catcheranddose rear door.
CAUTION: Do not runyour lawn mower
without clippingdeflector 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 grass catcher using the
frame handle.
2. Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower handle.
3. Empty clippingsfrom bag using both
frame handle and bag handle.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when
emptying; itwill cause unnecessary wear.
Bag
catcher
handle
Grass
_catcher
frame
handle
I
RaiseWheelsforLowCut Lever
7
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped withoutoil 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.
1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area
around oil fill is clean.
2. Remove engine oil cap and fill to the
full lineon the dipstick. Pour oil slowly.
Do not over fill.
NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine
foraccurate reading. To read proper level,
tightenengine 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 tofull 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.
_I,WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohel or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and
formation of acids duringstorage. 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 carburetor are 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.
Al_CAUTION: Fill to bottomof gas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or
use gasoline near an open flame.
Gasolins
filler cap
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protectivecoatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present duringthe initial use ofthe
product and should be considered
normal.
1. To start a cold engine, push primer
three (3) times before tryingto starf.
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 it may be
necessary to repeat priming steps. In
warmer weather over pdming may cause
floodingand engine willnot start. If you
do flood engine, waif a few minutes
before attempting to start and do not
repeat priming steps.
MOWINGTIPS
• Under certain conditions, such as very
tall grass, it may be necessary to raise
the heightof 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 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.
• 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 the area a second time.
• If a trail of clippings is left on the right
side of a rear discharge mower, mow in
a clockwise direction with a small
overlap 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, regularly hose catcher
off with water and let dry before using.
• Keep top of engine around starter clear
and clean of grassclippings and chaff.
This will help engine air flow and
extend engine life.
MULCHING MOWINGTIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance,
keep mower housing free of built-up
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 intothe
grass and not be noticed. Also, the
mulched grass will biodegrade quickly
to provide nutdentsfor the lawn.
Always mulch with your highest engine
(blade) speed as this will provide the
best recuttingaction of the blades.
• Avoid cuttingyour lawn when it iswet.
Wet grass tends to form clumpsand
interferes with the mulchingaction. The
besttime to mow your lawn is the eady
afternoon. At thistime 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 pushingeffort and to keep
from overloading the engine and
leaving clumps of mulched grass. For
extremely heavy mulching, reduce your
width of cut by 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 south one week
then change to east to west the next
week. This will help prevent matting
and graining of the lawn.
MAINTENANCESCHEDULE
FILL tN DATES
AS YOU COMPLETE
REGULAR SERVICE SERV]CE DATES
Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher
Check for Loose Fasteners "_ 'liS/ " " L_'
(ifEquipped) i,4 t/
Clean Lawn Mower fl/ V#
Clean Under Ddve Cover
Power-propelled Mowers) _/
Check ddve ben ulleys
(Power_Propelle_PMowers) II/
ChectdSharperv_eplace Blade f_3
Luhdcaffon Chart _
Clean Battery/Recha_
IElectrlc Start Mowers M/ 1_4
Check Engine Oil Level t##
ChancreEngine Oil f_l_.
Clean Air Filter It/ 2
Inspect Muffler
Clean or Replace Spark Plug t##
Replace Air Filter Paper Cadddge (It/2
1 * Cl_P_e mornoftml when o_ting ulna- a heavy bad or _ high a_bie_t _raturE_.
2 - Servlc_ _ often_'1_e_ope_tll_ II_dirty ot dusly conditK_ns,
3. Rop_ blades more often whe_ mowing In sa_ soil
4. Chapge48 hc_m at s_d of m.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does
notcover 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
periodicallyto propedy maintain your
unit.
All adjush'nents 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
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 door Nnge
(_) Spray lubricant
_) See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.
10
LUBRICATION CHART
(_) Wheeladjuster
each wheel)
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease
plastic wheel bearings, viscous
lubricants will attract dust and dirt that
will shorten the life ofthe self-lubricat-
ingbearings. If you feel they must be
lubricated, usa onlya dry, powdered
graphite type lubricant sparingly.
(_ Brake
spring
bracket
Rear
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
SERIAL NUMBER:
DATEOF PURCHASE:
GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS UNLEADED REGULAR
OILTYPE (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 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 sedal number and date of purchase in the space
provided above.
LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when
performing any maintenance.
TIRES
• Keep tires free ofgasoline, oil, or insect
controlchemicals which can harm
rubber.
• Avoid stumps,stones, deep ruts, sharp
objectsand 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 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
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, turning clockwise.
• The recommendsd tightening torque is
35-40 ft. Ibs.
IMPORTANT: Blade boltis grade 8 heat
treated.
Crankshaft
Key_, _keyway
Blade shaft
bolt Hardene
washer Trailing edge Blade adapter
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
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 untilthe 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 detedoration. Through
normaluse it will wear. If catcher needs
replacing, replace only with a manufac-
turer approved replacement catcher.
Give the lawn mower model number
when ordedng.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classificationSF-SJ.
Select the oil'sSAE viscositygrade
according to your expected operating
temperature.
SAlE VISCOSITY GRADES
Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operationor at least once a year ifthe
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 tippinglawn 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 Operation section ofthis manual.)
6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark
plug.
TE_pERAllJRE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXI" C4L C_GE _°
NOTE: Although multi-viscosityoils
(5W30, 10W30 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.
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