Craftsman 917.27242 owner manual To Clean Battery and Terminals, Belts, Engine Lubrication

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.Open battery box door,

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 ADJUSTMENTS section of this

manual).

V-BELTS

Check V-beifs 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,

TRANBAXLE COOLING

TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID

The transaxle was sealed at the factory

and fluid maintenance is not required for the life of the transaxle. Should the

transaxle ever leak or require servicing, contact your nearest authorized service center/department.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Only use high quality detergent oil rated with APt service c_assification SF-SJ.

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

Change the oil after every 50 hours of

operation 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 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.

•Oi_ 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

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 end clean.

•inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clippings and other materials. To prevent damage to seals, do not use compressed air or high pressure sprayer to clean cooling fins.

when changing oil.

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

fitting.

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 to the end of the drain valve.

7.Refill engine with oil through oil fin dipstick tube. Pour slowly. Do not

overfill. For approximate capacity see

"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"

2O section of this manual.