Craftsman 316.79197 Maintenance Schedule, Frequency Maintenance Required, Checking the OiL Level

WARNING: To prevent serious injury, never perform maintenance or repairs with unit running.

I Always service and repair a cool unit. Disconnect the

1 I spark pug w re to ensure that the unt cannot start.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Perform these required maintenance procedures at the frequency stated in the table. These procedures should also be a part of any seasonal tune-up.

NOTE: Some maintenance procedures may require special tools or skills. If you are unsure about these procedures take your unit to a Sears or other qualified service dealer.

FREQUENCY					MAINTENANCE				REQUIRED
Before	starting			engine	Fill fuel	tank	with		fresh fuel
					Check	oil
Every	10	hours			Clean and re-oil				air filter
1st change			at 10 hours		Change	oil
2nd change			at 25 hours		Change	oil
Every	25	hours		after	Clean spark		arrestor
10 hours		on new engine			Check	rocker		arm to valve		clearance
Every	25	hours			Check	rocker		arm to valve		clearance
Every	25	hours			Check	spark		plug condition		and gap

CHECKING THE OiL LEVEL

The importance of checking and maintaining the proper oil level

in the crankcase cannot be overemphasized. Check oil before each use:

1.Stop the engine and allow oil to drain into the crankcase.

2.Place the engine on an elevated, level surface with the cutting head shield hanging off the surface to get a proper oil level reading (Fig. 19).

L

Fig. 1 g

3.Keep dirt, grass clippings and other debris out of the engine. Clean the area around the dipstick before removing it.

4.Remove the oil fill plug.

5.Look into the oil fill hole, use a flashlight if needed. The oil should be just touching the inner most thread (Fig. 19).

6.If the oil level is not touching the inner most thread on the oil fill hole, add a small amount of oil to the oil fill hole and recheck (Fig. 20). Repeat this procedure until the oil level reaches the inner most thread on the oil fill hole.

NOTE: Do not overfill the unit

NOTE: Make sure the O-ring is in place on the oil fill plug when checking and changing the oil (Fig 21)

v

O-Ring __

\ MaxOilFi,Li,,J/ Hole \ ,

Fig. 20 -- Fig. 21

NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and system may be performed by a Sears or other qualified service dealer.

In order to assure peak performance of your engine, inspection of the engine exhaust port may be necessary after 50 hours of operation. If you notice lost RPM, poor performance or general lack of acceleration, this service may be required. If you feel your engine is in need of this inspection, refer service to a Sears or other qualified service dealer for repair. DO NOT attempt to perform this process yourself as engine damage may result from contaminants involved in the cleaning process for the port.

		SEE
		p. 6
		p.	10
		p.	11
		p.	10
		p.	10
		p.	13
and	adjust	p.	12
and	adjust	p.	12
		p.	13
CHANGING		THE OIL

[_l WARN'NG:jhandlingunit Wear gloves to prevent injury when

For a new engine, change the oil after the first 10 hours of operation. Change the oil while the engine is still warm. The oil will flow freely and carry away more impurities.

1.Unplug spark plug boot to prevent accidental starting.

2.Remove the oil fill plug.

3.Pour the oil out of the oil fill hole and into a container by tipping the unit to a vertical position (Fig. 22). Allow ample time for complete drainage.

4.Wipe up any oil residue on the unit and clean up any oil that may have spilled. Dispose of the oil according to Federal, State and local regulations.

5.Refill the crankcase with 3.04 fluid ounce (90 ml)

of SAE 30 SF, SG, SH	Fig, 22
oil.

NOTE: Use the bottle and spout saved from initial use to measure the correct amount of oil. The top of the label on the bottle measures approximately 3.04 ounces (90 ml) (Fig. 23). Check the level, See Checking the Oil Level. If the level is low, add a small amount of oil and recheck. Do not overfill (Fig. 23).

6.Replace the oil fill plug.

7.Reconnect the spark plug boot.

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