Craftsman 917.272281 To Clean Battery and Terminals, Transaxle Cooling, Transaxle Pump Fluid

•Keep battery and terminals clean.

•Keep battery bolts tight.

•Keep small vent holes open.

•Recharge at 6-10 amperes for I 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 ADJUSTMENTS section of this

manual).

TRANSAXLE COOLING

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

Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission while engine is running or while the transmissionis 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 clippings and other materials. To prevent damage to seals, do not use

compressed air or high pressure sprayer to clean cooling fins.

TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID

The transexle 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 a Sears or other qualified service

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classificationSF-SJ.

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

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NOTE: Although multi-viscosityoils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosityoils will result in increased oil consumptionwhen used above 32°R Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil. 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. "13ghtenoil 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.

•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

Close_
and _.-'"		_ Drain
Locked [	"_e_	_jTube
Yellow Ca_

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.

3.Unlock drain valve by pushing inward slightly and turning countemlockwise.

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

20valve.