ENGINE

FUEL SYSTEM

IMPORTANT: It is important to prevent gum deposits from forming in essential fuel system parts such as carburetor, fuel filter, fuel hose, or tank during storage. Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation

of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage.

Empty the fuel tank by starting the en- gine and letting it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty.

Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

Use fresh fuel next season.

NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or stor- age container. Always follow the mix ratio found on stabilizer container. Run engine

at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach the car-

buretor. Do not empty the gas tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.

ENGINE OIL

Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with clean engine oil. (See "ENGINE" in the Maintenance section of this manual).

CYLINDER

1.Remove spark plug.

2.Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through spark plug hole into cylinder.

3.Pull starter handle slowly a few times to distribute oil.

4.Replace with new spark plug.

OTHER

Do not store gasoline from one season to another.

Replace your gasoline can if your can starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your gasoline wilt cause problems.

If possible, store your unit indoors and cover it to protect it from dust and dirt.

Cover your unit with a suitable protec- tive cover that does not retain moisture.

Do not use plastic. Plastic cannot breathe, which allows condensation to

form and will cause your unit to rust.

IMPORTANT: Never cover mower while engine and exhaust areas are still warm.

_CAUTION: Never store the lawn mower

with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

TROUBLESHOOTING - See appropriate section in manual unless directed

to a Sears Parts & Repair Center,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROBLEM

 

CAUSE

 

 

CORRECTION

 

 

 

Does not start

1.

Dirty

air filter.

 

1.

Clean/replace

air filter.

 

 

2.

Out

of

fuel.

 

 

2.

Fill fuel

tank.

 

 

 

 

3.

Stale

 

fuel.

 

 

3.

Empty

fuel

tank

and refill

tank

 

4.

Water

in fuel.

 

 

with fresh,

clean

gasoline.

 

 

 

4.

Empty

fuel

tank

and refill

tank

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

with fresh,

clean

gasoline.

 

 

5.

Spark

plug

wire

is

5.

Connect

wire

to

plug.

 

 

 

disconnected.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.

Bad

spark plug.

 

6.

Replace

spark

plug.

 

 

7.

Loose

blade

or

broken

7.

Tighten

blade

bolt or

 

 

 

blade

adapter.

 

 

replace

blade

adapter.

 

 

8.

Control

bar

in released

8.

Depress

control

bar to

 

 

 

position.

 

 

 

handle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.

Control

bar

defective.

9.

Replace

control

bar.

 

18

Page 18
Image 18
Craftsman 917.371721 owner manual Problem Cause Correction, Does not start