Craftsman 917.289362 Battery, Transaxle Cooling, Transaxle Pump Fluid, Belts, Engine LU Brication

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 wilt 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 batterywith plain waterand dry.

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

4.Coatterminals 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 clean 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 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 transaxte. 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

LU BRICATION

Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SG-SL.

Select the oil'sSAE 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 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

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 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

Exten_.Cap

3.To open, twist cap counter-clockwise

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

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