Craftsman 917.273823 owner manual Engine, Transaxle Pump Fluid

•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 Adjust- ments section of this manual).

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 clip- pings and other materials. To prevent damage to seals, do not use com- pressed 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 trans-

axle ever leak or require servicing, contact a Sears or other qualified service center.

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 SG-SL

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

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, t 0W30 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. Check the crankcase oil level before start-

ing 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 SG-SL.

•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

Drain Tube

2O