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.

CLEAN AIR INTAKE/COOLING

AREAS

To insure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen, cooling fins, and other external surfaces of the engine are kept clean at all times.

Every 100 hours of operation (more often under extremely dusty, dirty conditions), remove the blower housing and other

cooling shrouds. Clean the cooling fins and external surfaces as necessary. Make sure the cooling shrouds are reinstalled. NOTE: Operating the engine with a blocked grass screen, dirty or plugged cooling fins, and/or cooling shrouds removed will cause engine damage due to overheating.

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 and cover.

Remove wing nut and air cleaner from base.

TO SERVICE PRE-CLEANER

Slide foam pre-cleaner off cartridge.

Wash it in liquid detergent and water.

Squeeze it dry in a clean cloth. Allow it to dry.

Saturate it in engine oil. Wrap it in clean, absorbent cloth and squeeze to remove excess oil.

TO SERVICE CARTRIDGE

• Replace a dirty, bent, or damaged cartridge.

NOTE: Do not wash the paper cartridge or use pressurized air, as this will damage the cartridge.

Reinstall the pre-cleaner (cleaned and oiled) over the paper cartridge.

Reassemble air cleaner, wing nut, cover and tighten knob securely.

MUFFLER

Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage.

SPARK PLUGS

Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first.

Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"

section of this manual.

ENGINE OIL FILTER

Replace the engine oil filter every season or every other oil change if the tractor is used more than 100 hours in one year.

Drain oil from engine crankcase (See "TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL" in this section of this manual, through step remove drain plug).

Remove oil filter and wipe off filter adapter.

Apply a thin coating of new engine oil

to the rubber gasket on replacement oil filter.

Install replacement oil filter on filter adapter. Turn oil filter clockwise until rubber gasket contacts the filter adapter, then tighten filter an additional 1/2 turn.

Fill crankcase with new oil (See 'q-O CHANGE ENGINE OIL" in this section

of this manual). For approximate

capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFICA- TIONS" section of this manual.

Start the engine and check for oil leaks. Correct any leaks before placing engine into full operation.

Filter

Oil

IN-LINE FUEL FILTER

The fuel filter should be replaced once each season. If fuel filter becomes

clogged, obstructing fuel flow to carbure- tor, replacement is required.

With engine cool, remove filter and plug fuel line sections.

Place new fuel filter in position in fuel

line with arrow pointing towards carburetor.

Be sure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are properly positioned.

Immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline.

CI:u_PF_Clamp

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Craftsman 917.271142 manual AIR Filter, Engine OIL Filter, IN-LINE Fuel Filter

917.271142 specifications

The Craftsman 917.271142 is a versatile and robust lawn mower that caters to homeowners seeking an efficient solution for their yard care needs. This model is designed for residential use and combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly features, making it an excellent choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.271142 is its powerful 21-inch steel deck, which provides an ideal cutting width for tackling a variety of grass conditions. This deck is designed for durability, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of lawn maintenance season after season. The mower's adjustable cutting height ranges from 1 to 4 inches, offering flexibility to achieve the desired grass length to suit individual preferences and seasonal variations.

The Craftsman 917.271142 is equipped with a reliable Briggs & Stratton engine, known for its potent performance and ease of start. This engine provides sufficient power to handle thick grass and tough terrain while ensuring consistent cutting results. Additionally, the mower includes a self-propelled feature, which significantly reduces fatigue during long mowing sessions, allowing users to navigate uneven landscapes effortlessly.

In terms of technology, the Craftsman 917.271142 integrates a mulch kit, allowing for efficient grass clipping recycling. This system breaks down clippings into fine pieces that can be evenly distributed back onto the lawn, promoting healthier soil and reducing waste. For those who prefer traditional bagging, the mower also features a rear bagger option, making cleanup a breeze.

User convenience is further enhanced by ergonomic design elements. The adjustable handle ensures a comfortable grip for different user heights and can be easily folded for compact storage. The mower's large rear wheels provide improved maneuverability on various terrains, giving users better control during operation.

Maintenance is straightforward due to the mower's design, enabling easy access to the air filter and spark plug, which simplifies routine check-ups and repairs. Overall, the Craftsman 917.271142 combines power, efficiency, and user-centric features to make lawn care less of a chore and more of an enjoyable outdoor activity. Whether you are dealing with an expansive yard or a smaller garden, this mower is engineered to deliver reliable performance year after year.