Craftsman 917.273638 manual To Clean Batteryandterminals, To Changeengineoil, Transaxle Cooling

NOTE:The originalequipmentbatteryon your tractor is maintenancefree.Do not attemptto openor removecaps or covers. Adding or checking levelof electrolyteis not necessary.

TO CLEAN BATTERYANDTERMINALS

Corrosionand dirt on the batteryand terminalscan causethe batteryto "leak" power.

1.Removeterminalguard.

2.DisconnectBLACKbatterycablefirst then RED batterycableand remove batteryfrom tractor.

3.Rinsethe batterywith plain water and dry.

4.Cleanterminalsand batterycableends with wire brushuntil bright.

5.Coat terminalswith greaseor petro- leumjelly.

6.Reinstallbattery(See "REPLACING BATTERY"in the SERVICEAND AD- JUSTMENTSsection of this manual).

Checkthe crankcaseoil levelbeforestart-

ing the engine and after each eight (8) hours of operation. Tightenoil fill cap/

dipsticksecurelyeachtime you check the oil level.

TO CHANGEENGINEOIL

Determinetemperaturerangeexpected beforeoil change. All oil mustmeetAPI service classificationSG-SL

Besure tractor is on levelsurface.

Oilwill drainmore freely whenwarm. Catchoil in a suitable container.

1.Removeoil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful notto allow dirt to enter the engine whenchangingoil.

2.Removeyellow cap from end of drain valveand installthe draintube onto the

fitting. OilDrainValve

TRANSAXLE COOLING

Keeptransaxlefree from build-upof dirt and chaff whichcan restrictcooling.

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.

LUBRmCATmON

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

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

F

c -1o-2o -lo _ _'o _o _o 40

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

oivi_ chart1 e

NOTE: Although multi-viscosky oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, they will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°R Check your engine oil level more frequent- ly to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil.

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.

Drain

Tube

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 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. For accurate reading, tighten dipstick cap securely onto the tube before removing dipstick. Keep oil at "FULF' line on dipstick. Tighten cap onto the tube securely when finished.

ENGmNE OraL FmLTER

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

AIR FILTER

Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Replace pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season. Service paper cartridge every

100 hours of operation or every season, 18whichever occurs first.