For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting (See "OIL VISCOSITY CHART" in the Mainte- nance section of this manual).

To change engine oil, see the Mainte- nance section in this manual.

ADD GASOUNE

Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide depos- its and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quanti-

ties that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

IMPORTANT: When operating in tem- peratures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help in- sure good cold weather starting.

_WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or

longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines

and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use

gasoline near an open flame.

TO START ENGINE

When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine,

Be sure freewheel control is in the transmission engaged position,

Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake.

Place motion control lever in neutral

(N)position.

Move attachment clutch to "DISEN- GAGED" position.

Move throttle control to choke position. NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting procedures below.

Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to "START" position and re- lease key as soon as engine starts. Do not run starter continuously for more than fifteen seconds per minute. If the engine does not start after several at- tempts, move throttle control to fast po- sition, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does not start, move the throttle control back to the choke posi-

tion and retry.

WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and above)

When engine starts, move the throttle control to the fast position.

The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If the engine does not ac- cept the load, restart the engine and al- low it to warm up for one minute using the choke as described above.

COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 ° F and below)

When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle control in the choke

position until the engine runs roughly, then move throttle control to fast posi- tion. This may require an engine warm- up period from several second_ to sev-

eral minutes, depending on the temper- ature.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP

Before driving the unit in cold weather,

the transmission should be warmed up as follows:

Be sure the tractor is on level ground.

Place the motion control lever in neu- tral. Release the parking brake and let the clutch/brake slowly return to operat- ing position.

Allow one minute for transmission to warm up. This can be done during the engine warm up period.

The attachments can also be used dur-

ing the engine warm-up period after the transmission has been warmed up.

NOTE: At a high altitude (above 3000

feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32 F) the carburetor fuel mixture may need to

be adjusted for best engine performance. See 'q-OADJUST CARBURETOR" in the

Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

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Craftsman 917.27066 owner manual ADD Gasoune, To Start Engine, Automatic Transmission Warm UP

917.27066 specifications

The Craftsman 917.27066 is a powerful and reliable riding lawn mower designed to make lawn maintenance a hassle-free task. This model combines a strong build quality with modern technology, catering to homeowners who value efficiency and performance in yard care.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.27066 is its robust engine. Equipped with a 19 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine, it delivers ample power that allows it to tackle various terrains with ease. This engine is designed for durability and efficiency, ensuring that users can cover more ground without frequent refueling.

The mower includes a 42-inch cutting deck, which provides a well-balanced cutting width perfect for medium-sized lawns. The size of the deck facilitates a clean and precise cut, ensuring that users can achieve a professional-looking finish in minimal time. The adjustable cutting height feature, with multiple settings, allows users to customize the grass length to meet their specific lawn care needs.

In terms of technology, the Craftsman 917.27066 features an electric start for convenient operation. This means no more pulling on a starter cord repeatedly; simply turn the key, and you're ready to mow. The adjustable seat adds to the comfort, making it suitable for extended use during those long mowing sessions.

The ergonomically designed steering wheel and intuitive control layout enhance the user experience by making the mower easy to maneuver. The tight turning radius enables users to navigate around flowerbeds, trees, and other obstacles, ensuring a thorough cut without leaving unkempt patches.

Another notable characteristic is the transmission system. The Craftsman 917.27066 features a hydrostatic drive system, which provides seamless speed adjustments and enhances overall ease of use. This is particularly beneficial for beginners who may find traditional gear transmissions challenging.

Moreover, the mower is designed with durability in mind. Its reinforced frame and heavy-duty materials ensure it can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. The incorporation of safety features, such as a safety switch that stops the engine when the operator leaves the seat, adds an extra layer of protection for users.

Overall, the Craftsman 917.27066 is a versatile and powerful riding lawn mower that combines ease of use, comfort, and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for homeowners who want to maintain their lawns effortlessly. Whether tackling flat surfaces or uneven terrain, this mower provides a dependable solution for all your lawn care needs.