Craftsman 917.271554 Engine, Transaxle Cooling, V-BELTS Check V-beltsfor deterioration and wear

However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend its life.

•Keep battery and terminals clean.

•Keep battery bolts tight.

•Keep small vent holes open.

•Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour. NOTE: The original equipment battery on your tractor 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.Open battery box door.

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).

TRANSAXLE COOLING

Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt and chaff which can restrict cooling.

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.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

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

Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

F	_	_	,
	.3O	.to	0
	TEMPERATURE	RANGE	ANTICIPATED	BEFORE N_XT OIL C_;ANGE

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

operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 25 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 oil must 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 yellow cap from end of drain valve and install the drain tube onto

the fitting.

Oil Drain Valve

Closed	and		Drain
			Tube
Locked	_	b
			/
Position	[
Yellow		L-,
Cap _

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, close and lock the drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise until the pin is in the locked position as shown.

6.Remove the drain tube and replace the cap onto the end of the drain valve.

7.Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour slowly. Do not

overfill. For approximate capacity see

"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual.

8.Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. For accurate reading, tighten dipstick cap securely onto the tube before removing dipstick. Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick. Tighten cap onto the tube securely when finished.

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