Craftsman 917.374361 owner manual Before Starting Engine

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

Empty the grass catcher when clippings are visible in the full bag indicator window.

1.Lift up on grass catcher using the frame handle.

2.Remove grass catcher with clippings from under lawn mower handle.

3.Empty clippings from bag using both frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when empty- ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Grass catcher frame

A CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline

near an open flame.

,A CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or metha- nol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Empty the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

Engine

Bag handle

oil cap

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL

Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine. For type and grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance section of this manual.

A CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with oil, or it will smoke heavily from the muffler on startup.

1.Be sure lawnmower is level.

2.Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.

3.You receive a container of oil with the unit. Slowly pour the entire container

down the oil fill spout into the engine. NOTE: Initial oi! fil! requires only 18 oz. due to residual oil in engine from the manufacturers 100% quality testing. When changing oi! you may need 20 oz.

4.Insert and tighten dipstick.

IMPORTANT:

•Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

•Change the oi! after every 25 hours of operation or each season. You may need to change the oil more often

under dusty, dirty conditions. See "TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL" in the Mainte-

nance section of this manual.

ADD GASOLINE

Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of

87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel fresh- ness.

Gasoline filler cap

TO STOP ENGINE

•To stop engine, release operator pres- ence control bar.

TO START ENGINE

NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the engine, a small amount of smoke may be

present during the initial use of the product and should be considered normal.

NOTE: Your engine is equipped with an automatic choke system. No priming or choking is required before starting.

•To start engine, hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and turn

the start key.

IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine more than five continous seconds between each

time you try to start. Wait 5 to 10 seconds between each attempt.

•To start engine using the rope starter, hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back.

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