Craftsman 917.273642 manual Transaxle Pump Fluid, Engine Lubrication

TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS

Corrosion and dirt on the battery and termi- nals 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 Se-

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

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

F	-20	0	30 32 40	60	80	100
c	-30	-2; -1;	;	1;	_0	10 4;

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

oil visc chaA1 e

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils

(5W30, 10W30 etc.)improve starting in cold weather, they will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°E Check your engine oil level more frequent- ly 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 starting the engine and after each eight (8) hours of operation. Tighten oil fill cap/dipstick se- curely 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 SG-SL.

•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

Yellow Cap

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.

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