BATTERY

Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. 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.

Remove terminal guard.

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

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

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 pressure water or steam to clean transaxle.

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

Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clippings and other materials, To prevent damage to seals, do not use compressed 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/department,

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF, SG, or SH. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

Change the oil after every 50 hours of

operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 50 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, 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. replace oil drain plug and tighten securely.

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

overfill. For approximate capacity see

"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual.

Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. Insert dipstick into the tube and rest the oil fill cap on the tube. Do not thread the cap onto the

tube when taking reading. Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick. Tighten cap onto the tube securely when finished.

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Craftsman 917.273322 owner manual Engine, Battery, Transaxle Pump Fluid, Lubrication