Craftsman 917272261 To Clean Battery and Terminals, Belts, Transaxle Cooling, Engine Lubrication

BA'n'ERY

Yourtractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. How-

ever periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend ts fe.

•Keep battery and terminals clean.

•Keep battery boifs tight.

•Keep small vent holes open.

•Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour.

NOTE: The odginal equipment battery on yourtractor 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).

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

The transmission fan and coolingfins 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 coolingfan to be sure fan blades are intact and clean.

•Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clippings and other matedals. To

prevent damage to seals, do not use compressed 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

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

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

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

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

NOTE: Although multi-viscosityoils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosityoilswill result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°E 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. 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 oilmust 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 cap from end of drain vane 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, dose and lock the drain valve by pushing inward and tuming clockwise until the pin is in the locked position as shown.

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