Craftsman 917.38519 owner manual Cleaning

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.)improve starting in cold weather, they will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil. Change the oil after every 25 hours of opera- tion orat least once a year if the lawn mower

is not used for 25 hours in one year. Check the crankcase oil level before

starting the engine and after each five (5) hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug securely each time you check the oil level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil, empty fuel tank by running en- gine until fuel tank is empty.

1.Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.

2.Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface.

3.Tip lawn mower on its side as shown and drain oil into a suitable container.

Rock lawn mower back and forth to re- move any oil trapped inside of engine.

AIR FILTER

Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged by using a dirty air filter. Replace the air filter cartridge every 100 hours of operation or every season, which- ever occurs first. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions.

TO CLEAN AIR FILTER

1.Loosen screw and tilt cover to remove.

2.Carefully remove cartridge.

3.Clean by gently tapping on a flat sur-

_1 face. If very dirty, replace cartridge.

CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such as kerosene, are not to be used to clean cartridge. They may cause deterioration of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not use pressurized air to clean or dry cartridge.

4.Install cartridge, then replace cover making sure the tabs are aligned with the slots in the back plate. Fasten screw securely.

Lip Back plate

/

,Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn mower or side of engine.

5.Slowly pour oil down the oil fill spout, stopping every few ounces to check the oil level with the dipstick.

,Stop adding oil when you reach the FULL mark on the dipstick. Wait a minute to allow oil to settle.

,Continue adding small amounts of oil, rechecking the dipstick until oil level settles at FULL. DO NOT overfill, or engine will smoke heavily from the muffler on startup.

,Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick

before starting engine.

9.Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

Cart_

Slot

Cover

tab

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 SPECIFIC- ATIONS" 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.

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