Craftsman 917.271815 owner manual Engine, Battery, Belts, Transaxle Cooling, Lubrication

BATTERY

Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. How- ever, 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.Remove terminal guard.

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).

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.

TRANSAXLE COOLING

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

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

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

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

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

_0	.2o	.10	0 .	20	30	40
TEMPERATURE		RANGE	ANTICIPATEO	B_FORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

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°E 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 _L._"_ ._ i __"

Yellow _		__	Drain
Cap -	_;__		/uDe

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 yellow cap onto to 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. Be sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate reading. Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick.

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