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 al- ternative in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage 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 carburetor. 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 will 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.

_I, 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.

 

10.

Fuel

valve

lever

(if

so

10.

Turn

fuel

valve

 

 

lever

 

 

equipped)

in

OFF

position.

 

to the ON

position.

 

11.

Weak

battery

(if equipped).

11.

Charge

battery.

 

 

 

12.

Disconnected

 

battery

12.

Connect

battery

 

to engine.

 

 

connector

(if

equipped).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17

Page 17
Image 17
Craftsman 917.376674 owner manual Other, Problem, Correction