Craftsman 917.38721 owner manual NOTE We do not recommend sharp, Grass Catcher, Air Filter

°The recommended tightening torque is 35-40 ft. Ibs..

IMPORTANT:	Blade bolt is grade 8
heat treated..

NOTE: We do not recommend sharp-

ening blade- butifyoudo, be sure the blade is balanced.

TO SHARPEN BLADE

Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause eventual damage to lawn mower or engine.

o The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt

to sharpen while on the mower.

o To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of the straight nail exposed. Place center hole of blade over the head of the nail

If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.

BladeCrankshaft keyway

Key

Blade

Crank- shaft

bolt

LockTrai Blade

washer' edge adapter Hardened

washer

GRASS CATCHER

(If purchased as an accesssory)

o The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used,

=Check your grass catcher often for damage or deterioration. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace only with a manufac- turer approved replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower model number

when ordering.

ENGINE LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF, SG or SH.

Select the oil'sSAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

SAE VIScosrPI" GRADES

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils 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 lowon oil.

Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at 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

oDisconnect spark plug wire from spark plug

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

o Be sure lawn mower is on level surface.

oOil will drain more freely when warm. = Catch oil in a suitable container

=Remove bottom oil drain plug.

• After oil has drained completely, replace oil drain plug and tighten securely.

o Refill engine with oil. Pourslowiy. Do not over fill.

•FlUto top of slot inside of filler hole

•Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

Drain plug

AIR FILTER

Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged by using a dirty air filter. Clean the element after every 25 hours of operation, more often if mower is used in very dusty, dirty conditions.

TO CLEAN AIR FILTER ELEMENT

oRemove the air filter by tuming counter- clockwise to the stop and pull away from collar.

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