Craftsman 917.374043 owner manual Grass Catcher, Gear Case, To Change Engine OIL, AIR Filter

GRASS CATCHER

•The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used.

•Check your grass catcher often for dam- age or deterioration. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replac- ing, replace only with approved replace- ment catcher shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual. Give the lawn mower model number when ordering.

GEAR CASE

•To keep your drive system working properly, the gear case and area around the drive should be kept clean and free

of trash build-up. Clean under the drive cover twice a season.

•The gear case is filled with lubricant to the proper level at the factory. The only time the lubricant needs attention is if service

has been performed on the gear case.

•If lubricant is required, use only Texaco Starplex Premium 1 Grease, Part No. 750369. Do not substitute.

ENGINE

LUBRiCATiON

Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SG-SL. Se-

lect the oil'sSAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

F -20	0	30	32 40	60	80	100
c -_0	-2o -1_		_	1_	_0	1o 4_

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°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil. Change the oi! after every 25 hours of op- eration orat least once a year if the 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, empty 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 plug.

. 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 re-

move any oil trapped inside of engine.

Container

4.Wipe off any spilled oi! from lawn mower or side of engine.

5.Slowly pour oil down the oil fill spout, stopping every few ounces to check the oil level with the dipstick.

6.Stop adding oil when you reach the FULL mark on the dipstick. Wait a minute to allow oil to settle.

7.Continue adding small amounts of oil, rechecking the dipstick until oil level settles at FULL. DO NOT overfill, or engine will smoke heavily from the muffler on startup.

8.Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick before starting engine.

9.Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

AIR FILTER

Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged by using a dirty air filter. Replace the air filter cartridge every

100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner

more often under dusty 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 sur-

face. If very dirty, replace cartridge.

,_CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such as kerosene, are not to be used to clean cartridge. They may cause deterioration of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not use pressurized air to clean or dry cartridge.

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

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