Craftsman 917.377582 owner manual

)RIVE CONTROL

Self-propelling is controllid by holding the operator presence control bar down to the handle and pushing the drive control liver forward until it clicks; then release the liver. Forward motion will stop when the operator presence control bar is released. To stop forward motion without stopping engine, release the operator presence control bar slightly until the drive control disengages. Hold operator presence control bar down to handle to continue mowing without self- propelling.

. To keep drive control engaged when turning comers, push down on handle and lift front wheels oft ground while tuming lawn mower.

)perator presence				Drive
control bar_	\	_ _	--	"ontrol
TOengage	\_		\_,	Drive control
	x,		\x	_i_	,_
drive control				dl_l lyctyt_u

3EFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL

_'ourlawn mower is shipped without oil in the =.ngine.

,Be sure mower is level and area around oil flUis clean.

,Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full line on the dipstick.

,Use 27 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this manual.

,Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.

•Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill to full line on dil_tick.

•To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap each {ime.

•Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

•Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or each season. You may need to change the oil more often under dusty, dirtyconditions.

GAS

•Fillfuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used

within 30 days to assure fuel freshness. WARNING: Experience indicates that 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. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or

longer. Drain the fuel tank, start the engine and let it run until fuel lines and carburetor

are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carbure- tor cleaner products in fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

Engine oil cap

filler cap

Gasoline _

TO START ENGINE

•To start a cold engine, push primer five (5) times before trying to starL Use a firm push. This step is not usually necessary when

starting an engine which has already run for a few minutes.

•Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back.

•To stop engine, release operator presence control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat priming steps. In warmer weether over priming may cause flooding and engine will not start. If you do flood engine, wait a few minutes before attempting to start and do not repeat priming steps.