Craftsman 917.289244 owner manual Transaxle Pump Fluid

BATTERY

Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery with an au- tomotive 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.Rinsethe battery with plain waterand dry.

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

4.Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly.

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

JUSTMENTS section of this manual).

TRANSAXLE COOLING

The transmission fan and cooling fins should be kept clean to ensure proper cooling.

Do not attempt to dean fan or transmission while engine is running or while the trans- mission is hot. To prevent possible damage

to seals, do not use high pressure water or steam to clean transaxle.

•Inspect cooling fan to Ensure 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 Sears or other qualified service center.

V-BELTS

Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours of operation and replace if neces-

sary. 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, 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 frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil. Change the oil after every 50 hours of opera- tion 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 se- curely 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.Slide oil drain extension from the docking position on the engine blower housing and extend outward from engine.

Docking	Oil Drain
Position

ExtenS_.cap

3.To open, twist cap counter-clockwise

4.After oil is drained completely, replace cap and twist clockwise until it stops.

5.Re-attach oil drain extension to engine blower housing.

6.Refill enginewith oilthrough oilfill dipstick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. For ap-

proximate capacity see "PRODUCT SP-

ECIFICATIONS" section of this manual.

. 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 "FULl" line on dipstick. Tighten cap onto the tube securely when finished.

18