Craftsman 917389990 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRAFTSMAN°I

4.0 HORSEPOWER 20" REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.389990

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaSol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears,com/craftsman

Warranty ................................................. 2 Product Specifications.......................... 10

Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4 Service and Adjustments ...................... 13

Assembly ................................................ 5 Storage ............................................ 14-15

Operation ............................................. 6-8 Troubleshooting .............................. 16-17

Maintenance Schedule .......................... 9 Repair Parts ..................................... 30-35

Maintenance ...................................... 9-12 Parts Ordering ........................ Back Cover

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

For one year 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.

Ifthis 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 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 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., £)/817 Wa, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60179

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the foUowing safety instructions could result in

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 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. 2

• 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).

• Ifthe 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. ]fyou 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 tdm 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. SERVICES

• 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 pads, 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.

•_Look for this symbol to point out importantsafety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!H YOUR SAFETY ISINVOLVED.

,_.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.

A WARNING: In order to prevent

Wash hands after handling.

accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs,

always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug.

_WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of

_kCAUTION: 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.

its constituents,and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals

known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other repro-

ductive harm.

These acceesodes were availablewhen this lawn rnower wes produced. They are not shipped with your mower. They areaJsoavailable at most Sears retailo_ets andservice

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

number of your lawn mower. Some of these accessories may not applyto your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

MULCHER KITS

STABILIZER

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

GRASSCATCHERS

FOR

SFDEDISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

ELADE ADAPTSRS WHEELS

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

Read these instructionsand this manual in its entirety before you attempt to

assemble or operate your new lawn mower.

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shippedWITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in

the engine.

Your new lawn mower has been as- sembled at the factory with the exception

of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts,

washers, bolts, etc., necessary to com- plete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper

operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be

tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with

mower.

2. Cut down two end 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.

HOW TO SET UP YOU R LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so as not to pinchor 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.

Operator control bar

Lift L

Mowing

position

Lower handle

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourself

with the locationof various 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 ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

"Operator presence control bar

Engine zone control cable

Hand]s knob

Starter Gasoline filler cap handle

Air filter

Grass Primer

Muffler

Engine oil

Housing

IMPORTANT: This lawn

mower isshipped WITHOUT Whssiadjuster OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. (oneachwheel)

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 Primer - pumps additional fuel 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

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 wide vision safety

mask over spectacles or standard safety

glasses,

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory

for optimum performance. Speed is not adjustable. ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_,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 ofthe 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'I-rlNG 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.

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift the rear door on the mower housing and place the grass catcher

frame onto the formed tabs on the rear

door hinge bracket.

2. The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass catcher

frame.

A.CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without clipping deflector or

approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or propped open.

Rear door

bracket

Grass

catcher

frame

Formed

tabs

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. To remove grass catcher, release operator presence control bar to stop engine.

2. Lift up rear door and remove the grass catcher by the handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear,

LowerWheelsforHighCut PlateTab

RaiseWheels for LowCut Lever

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE ADD OIL Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in

the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil.

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

7 manual.

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

2. Remove engine oil plug and fill to the top slot in filler hole. Pour oil slowly.

Do not over fill.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine

for accurate reading.

3. Reinstall engine oil plug and tighten.

• Check oil level before each use. Add

oil if needed. Fill to the top slot in filler

hole.

• 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 gase- line. Purchase fuel in quantities that

can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

_kWARNING: Experience indicates that 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.

CAUTION: Fill to bottom of 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.

fiber cap

oilplug TO START ENGINE

NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be 8

present during the initialuse of the product and should be considered

normal.

1. To start a coldengine, 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 it may 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

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 (pushing speed) 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 collectthe 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 grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine air flow and extend engine life.

MA,NTENA.CESCHEDULE

AS YOU COMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE /_0_*(_,_7S ERViCE DATES

Check for Loose Fasteners _

Clean!Inspect Grass Catcher

(If Equipped) _ _#_

M Clean Lawn Mower fi/ _,/

O Clean Under Drive Cover(Power-Propelled Mowers) _/

Check drive belt/pulleys

RE {Power-Propelled Mowers) II/

Check/SharperVReplace Blade _/

Lubrication Chart _

Clean Battery/Rechar_

Electric Start Mowers 11/ V'4

E Check Engine Oil Level

N Change Engine Oil V_1.2

G CleanAir Filter _ =

I Inspect Muffler !#/

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug V _

E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge 1,,/2

1 - Ch_ltge tllo_eoften when opecatingundera heavy _oadot in high Rmbienl temperatures,

2. Sen/ice more often when operating In dlrt'/or dosly conditiolls.

3 - Replace blades moteoftenwhen rcowingin sandy soil. 4 - Charge 48 hoursat end of season,

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

periodically to properly maintain your

unit.

All adjustments in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual

should be checked at least once each season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug, clean or replace air filter element and

check blade for wear. A new spark plug and clean/new air filter element

assure proper air-fuel mixture and help your engine run better and last longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

1. Check engine oil level

2. Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI-

CATION CHART').

(_) Handle bracket mounting pins door hinge (_) Spray lubricant

_) See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.

LUBRICATION CHART

(_ Wheeladjuster

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

lubricants willattract dust and dirt that

will shorten the life of the self-lubricat-

ing bearings. Ifyou feel they must be lubricated, use onlya dry, powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly.

gine oil

Rear

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

;ERIAL NUMBER:

DATEOF PURCHASE:

;ASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.25 QUARTS (UNLEADED REGULAR)

31LTYPE (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F) OILCAPACITY: 20 OUNCES

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

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.

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety ruleswhen perform-

ing any maintenance.

TIRES

• Keeptiresfree ofgasoline, oil,or insect control chemicalswhichcan harmrubber.

• Avd_dstumps,stones, deep ruts,sharp

objectsandotherh_ards 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

aligning the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised lugs on the adapter.

3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade

(opposite sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

4. Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft.

5. Use block of wood between blade and

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

• The recommended tightening torque is

35-40 ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat

treated. 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 untilthe blade is balanced.

Crankshaft

Key_ keyway

Blade

Blade shaft

bolt

10 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 willwear. 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 classificationSF-SJ.

Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils

(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in

cold weather, these multFviscosity 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 or at least once a year if the

lawn mower is not used for 25 hoursin

one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before

starting the engine and after each five (5)

hours of continuous use. 33ghten oil plug

securely each time you check the oil

level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with spark plug.

2. Be sure lawn mower is on level

surface.

NOTE: Oil willdrain more freely when warm.Catch oil in a suitable container.

3. Remove bottom oil drain plug.

4. After oil has drained completely, replace oildrain plug and tighten securely.

5. Fill engine withoil. (See "ADD OIL" in

the Operation section of this manual.)

6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark

plug.

Drain plug

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

occurs first. Service aircleaner more often under dusty conditions. Do not

wash air filter.

TO CHANGE AIR FILTER

1. Remove the air filter by turning counterclockwise 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 dirt accumula-

tion.

4. Insert new filter into cover.

5. Put air filter cover and filter into collar

aligning the tab with the slot.

6. Push in on cover and turn clockwise to

tighten.

Collar Turn counter-

clockwise to

remove

Air filter

Tab" _lockwise

Air filter cover to tighten

MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it

could create a fire hazard and/or dam- age.

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