Craftsman 917.270814 owner manual Engine, Lubrication

•Keep battery and terminalsclea n.

• Keep battery bolts tight. _

•Keep small vent holes open.

•Recharge at 6-10 amperes for1 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 ter- minals can cause the battery to =leak" power.

•Remove terminal guard.

•Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor.

•Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.

•Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until bright.

•Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly.

•Reinstall battery (See "REPLACING

BATTERY" in the SERVICE AND

ADJUSTMENTS section of this manu-

al).

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.

TRANSAXLE COOLING

Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt and chaff which can restrict cooling.

engine damage from running low on 0il.

Change the oil after every 25 hours of : operation or at least once a year Jfthe tractor is not used for 25 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, SG or SH.

•Be sure tractor is on level surface.

•Oil will drain more freely when warm.

•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.

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

•Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour slowly. Do not

overfill. For approximate capacity see

=PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section 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.

Air Screen

Oil

Plug

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

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

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

Oil

CLEAN AIR-SCREEN

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.

ENGINE COOLING RNS

Remove any dust, dirt or oil from engine cooling fins to prevent engine damage from overheating. Air guide covers must be removed. Remove side panels and

hood (See =TO REMOVE HOOD AND

GRILL ASSEMBLY" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).

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