Craftsman 917.273134 owner manual Engine, Battery, Transaxle Cooling, Lubrication, Air Filter

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.Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor.

2.Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.

3.Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until bright.

4.Coat terminals with grease or petro- leum jelly.

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

JUSTMENTS 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. Se-

lect the oil'sSAE viscosity grade accord- ing to your expected operating tempera- ture.

Change the oil after every 50 hours of op- eration or at least once a year if the tractor

is not used for 50 hours in one year. Check the crankcase oil level before start-

ing the engine and after each eight (8) hours of operation.

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

Locked Position -.

Yellow Cap _ "_ Drain

Tube

02463

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 to the end of the drain valve.

7.Refill engine with oil through oil fill dip- stick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see "PROD-

UCT 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 read- ing. Keep oil at "FULl" line on dipstick.

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.

1. Remove knob and cover.

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