Craftsman 917.270732 owner manual Battery, Transaxle Cooling, Engine

BATTERY

Your tractor has a battery charging

system which is sufficient for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend its life.

•Keep battery and terminals clean.

•Keep battery bolts tight.

•Keep small vent holes open.

•Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour. NOTE: The original equipment battery on your tractor is maintenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps or covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not necessary.

TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS

Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to "leak"

power.

•Open battery box door.

•Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor.

•Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.

•Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until bright.

•Coat terminals with grease or petro- leum jelly.

•Reinstall battery (See "REPLACING BATTERY" in the SERVICE AND

ADJUSTMENTS section of this

manual).

V-BELTS

Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours of operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable,

Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear.

TRANSAXLE COOLING

Keep transaxte free from build-up of dirt and chaff which can restrict cooling.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF, SG, or SH. Select the oil'sSAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating

temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

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 or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 25 hours in one

year.

Check the crankcase oil level before

starting the engine and after each eight

(8) hours of operation. Tighten oil fill cap/

dipstick securely each time you check the oil level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

Determine temperature range expected before oil change. All oil must meet API service classification SF, SG or SH.

•Be sure tractor is on level surface.

•Oil will drain more freely when warm.

•Catch oil in a suitable container.

•Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt to enter the engine when changing oil.

•Remove drain plug.

•After oil has drained completely, replace oil drain plug and tighten securely.

•Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour slowly. Do not

overfill. For approximate capacity see

"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual.

•Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. Be sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate reading. Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick.

Oil Drain Plug

CLEAN AIR SCREEN

Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers,

,,.PE';_'";_;"'_;''O=_O"E'X'O'LO"= 18