Engine, Transaxle Cooling, Belts | Craftsman 917.27285 guide

•Keepsmall vent holesopen.

•Rechargeat 6-10 amperesfor 1 hour. NOTE:The originalequipmentbattery on your tractor is maintenancefree. Do not attemptto open or removecaps or covers. Adding or checking levelof electrolyteis not necessary.

TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS

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

1.Remove terminal guard.

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

3.Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.

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

5.Coat terminals with grease or petro- leum jelly.

6.Reinstall battery (See "REPLACING BATTERY" in the SERVICE AND AD-

JUSTMENTS section of this manual).

TRANSAXLE COOLING

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

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.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF-SJ.

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

temperature.

SAE V_SCOSITY GRADES

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TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

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°E Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil. Change the oil after every 50 hours of op- eration or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 50 hours in one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before start-

ing 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-SJ.

•Be sure tractor is on level surface.

•Oil will drain more freely when warm.

•Catch oil in a suitable container.

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

when changing oil.

2.Remove yellow cap from end of drain valve and install the drain tube onto the

fitting.

Oil Drain Valve

Closed and Locked Position

Drain Tube

3.Unlock drain valve by pushing inward slightly and turning counterclockwise.

4.To open, pull out on the drain valve.

5.After oil has drained completely, close and lock the drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise until the pin is in the locked position as shown.

6.Remove the drain tube and replace the cap onto the end of the drain valve.

7.Refill engine with oil through oil fill dip- stick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see "PROD- UCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual.

8.Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. For accurate reading, tighten dipstick cap securely onto the tube before removing dipstick. Keep oil at "FULl" line on dipstick. Tighten cap onto the tube securely when finished.