Craftsman 917.259172 Transaxle Cooling, Transaxle Pump Fluid, Lubrication, AIR Filter See Fig

¢USTO ESPONS LnTmES

V-BELTS

Check V-belts for deterioration and wear'after t 00 hours of

operation and replace if necessary_ The belts are not adjustable.. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear.

TRANSAXLE COOLING

The fan and cooling fins of transmission should be kept clean to assure proper cooling.

Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission while engine is running or while the transmission is hot.

=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_

After'oil has drained completely, replace oil drain plug and tighten securely.

Refill engine with oil through oil fitl dipstick tube. Pour

slowly. Do not overfill, For approximate capacity see

"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS on page 3 of this manual.

Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level° Be sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate reading° Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick_

TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID

The transaxle was sealed at the factory and fluid mainte- nance is not required for the life of the transaxleo St_ould the transaxle ever leak or require servicing, contact your near- est authorized service center/departmento

ENGgNE

LUBRICATION

Only use high quality detergent oil rated with APt service classification SF, SG, or SH. Select the oil'sSAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

=F	*20 =	0 °	30" 32 _ 40 °	60 °	B0 °	t00	_
°c ._0o		-2¥	-_o_' ;o	t'oo	2oo'	_	_ ~
						aoo	40°

TEMPERATURE RANGEANTICIPATEDBEFORENEXTOILCHANGE

FIG. 15

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 oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 25 hours in one year,.

Checkthe 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 (See Figs. 15 & 16)

Determine temperature range expected before oit change. Aft oil must meet AP1 service classification SF, SG or SHo

. Be sure tractor'is on level surface.

*Oil will drain more freely when warm., o Catch oil in a suitable container.

=Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt to enter the engine when changing oil.

=Remove drain plug.

FIG, 16

CLEAN AIR SCREEN (See Fig, 16)

Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating_ Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers.

AIR FILTER (See Fig. 17)

Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air fiiter, Clean the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of opera- tion or every season. Service paper cartridge every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first.

Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions.

=Remove knob(s) and cover°

TO SERVICE PRE-CLEANER

• Slide foam pre-cleaner off cartridge,

=Wash it in liquid detergent and water.

• Squeeze it dry in a clean cloth,

°Saturate it in engine oil. Wrap it in clean, absorbent cloth and squeeze to remove excess oil

=If very dirty or damaged, replace pre-cfeaner.

o Reinstall pre-cleaner over cartridge.

•Reinstall cover and secure with knob(s).

TO SERVICE CARTRIDGE

°Remove wing nuts and cartridge plate_

oCarefully remove cartridge to prevent debris from en- tering carburetor.

=Clean cartridge by tapping gently on flat surface, tf very dirty or damaged, replace cartridge.

=Reinstall cartridge plate, wing nuts, precleaner, cover and secure with knob(s).

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