Craftsman 917.2759 manual To Change Engine OIL, Engine Lubrication

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, you will need a 5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, or a cone balancer. (When using a cone balancer, follow the instructions supplied with balancer.)

NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing blade. The lobes of the center hole may appear to be centered, but are not.

Slide blade on to an unthreaded portion of the steel bolt or pin and hold the bolt or pin parallel with the ground. If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.

,,	_	Blade
Bolt J
or Pin	Center	Aole____

BATTERY

Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. How-

ever, 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.

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

The transmission fan and cooling fins should be kept clean to assure proper cooling.

Do not attempt to clean fan or transmis- sion while engine is running or while the

transmission is hot. To prevent possible damage to seals, do not use high pressure water or steam to clean transaxle.

Inspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades are intact and clean.

Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clip-

pings and other materials. To prevent damage to seals, do not use com- pressed air or high pressure sprayer to clean cooling fins.

TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID

The transaxle was sealed at the factory

and fluid maintenance is not required for

the life of the transaxle. Should the trans- axle ever leak or require servicing, contact a sears or other qualified service center.

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

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

F -20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

oJ_ visc chart4_

Change the oil after every 25 hours of op- eration or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 25 hours in one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before start-

ing the engine and after each eight (8) hours of operation.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

Determine temperature range expected before oil change, All oil must meet API service classification SG-SL.

Be sure tractor is on level surface,

Oil will drain more freely when warm, Catch oil in a suitable container,

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