Craftsman 917.374091 owner manual Cleaning, Muffler

Back plate

Lip

Cartridge

Slot

Cover

Covertab

MUFFLER

Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage.

SPARK PLUG

Replace spark plug at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in the "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual.

CLEANING

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-grass and

trash. Clean the underside of your mower after each use.

,_CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.

•Clean the underside of your lawn mower

by scraping to remove build-up of grass and trash.

•Clean engine often to keep trash from accumulating. A clogged engine runs hotter and shortens engine life.

•Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.

•We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean lawn mower unless the

electrical system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in short- ened engine life.

WATER WASHOUT FEATURE

Your lawn mower is equipped with a fitting that allows quick and easy cleaning of the underside of the housing. To use this feature, proceed as follows:

1.Move lawn mower to an area of cut grass or another hard surface.

NOTE: Water, grass and other debris will drain from beneath the mower housing during the washout process.

2.Remove grass catcher and discharge chute assembly from lawn mower.

3.Close mulcher door (if equipped).

4.Connect a garden hose to the fitting where shown.

IMPORTANT: Be sure the garden hose is not routed under the lawn mower housing or entangled in the wheels.

5. Turn on water supply and check for leaks at the fitting.

If no leaks are present, start engine (as described in the Operation section of this manual) and let engine run until the underside of the lawn mower is clean.

•ll WARNING: Do not engage the drive system during the washout process.

6.Shut off the engine.

7.Shut off water supply and remove

hose from fitting.

CAUTION: Do not remove hose from

fitting while engine is running. Water in engine can result in shortened engine life.

8.Start engine (as described in the Op- eration section of this manual) and let

engine run for a full minute to remove excess water from mower.

Hose

Fitting

CLEAN UNDER DRIVE COVER

Clean under drive cover at least twice a season. Scrape underside of cover with putty knife or similar tool to remove any build-up of trash or grass on underside of drive cover.

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