Craftsman 38872 owner manual To Sharpen Blade, Grass Catcher, Engine Lubrication, AIR Filter

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 eP,gk_e.

•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, ddve 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 hodzontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the 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 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 ordedng.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API sewica classification SF-SJ.

Select the oil'sSAE viscositygrade according to your expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

F -_ ce 30- 3_ 4o* • co" _o* lao'.

TEMPERA'nJR£ RM4GE/_/lrlCIPAll_ BEFORE NF.,XTOIL CP,ANC_

NOTE: .&Jthoughmulti-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.

Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in

one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before

starting the engine and after each five (5) hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug securely each time you check the oil level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil, drain fuel tank by running engine until fuel tank is empty.

1.Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug.

2.Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface.

3.Tip lawn mower on its side as shown and drain oil into a suitable container. Rock lawn mower back and forth to 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 of this manual).

6.Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

Container

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, more often if you mow in very dusty, dirty conditions.

TO CLEAN AIR FILTER

1.Loosen screw and tilt cover to remove.

2.Carefully remove cartridge.

3.Clean by gently tapping on a flat surface. If very dirty, replace cartridge.

A, CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such as kerosene, are not to be used to clean cartridge. They may cause detedoration of the cartddge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not use pressudzed air to clean or dry cartddge.

4.Install cartridge, then replace cover making sure the tabs are aligned with the slots in the back plate. Fasten screw securely.

12