Craftsman 917.270822 Belts, Transaxle Cooling, Transaxle Pump Fluid, Engine Lubrication

•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 petro- leum jelly.

•Reinstall battery (See "REPLACING BATTERY" in the SERVICE AND AD-

JUSTMENTS 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 ad ustable. Replace be ts f they beg n to slip from wear.

TRANSAXLE COOLING

The transmission fan and cooling fins 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 pres- sure water or steam to clean transaxle.

•Inspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades are intact and clean.

•Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clip- pings and other materials. To prevent damage to seals, do not use com- pressed 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

transaxle ever leak or require servicing,

contact your nearest authorized service center.

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.

SAE VISCOSITY GR_ES

_o

30" 10"

TEMPEP0_TURE RANGE ,NgrlCIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL C_E

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 op- eration or at least once a year if the trac- tor is not used for 25 hours in one year. Check the crankcase oil level before

starting the, engine and after each eight

(8)hours or operation. "13ghten oil,fill cap/ dipstick securely each time you cneck the oillevel.

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_ re-

place oil drain plug and tighten se- curely.

•Refill engine with oil through oil fill dip- stick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill.

For approximate capacity see "PROD-

UCT SPECIFICATIONS" 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 Drain _ __.._

Plug_

Oil Fill Cap/Dipstick _ _y

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 compressecl air to remove dirt and stub-

born driedgum fibers.

AIR FILTER

Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Clean the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation 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-cleaneroff 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- cleaner.

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