Craftsman 917.38741 owner manual TO SHARPEN BLADE NOTE We do not recommend

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend

sharpening blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced.

Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced blade will

cause eventual damage to lawn mower or engine.

•The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.

•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.

Blade

Crankshaft

Key.keyway

Lockwasher

Blade _

Crank

Blade

bolt

Hardened Trailing Blade adapter

washer edge

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 low on oil.

Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation 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

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

•Be sure lawn mower is on level surface.

•Oil 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.

•Refill engine with oil. Pour slowly. Do not over fill.

•Fill to top of slot inside of filler hole.

•Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

GRASS CATCHER

(If purchased as an accessory)

•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

manufacturer approved replacementDrain plug catcher. Give the lawn mower model

number when ordering.

ENGINE LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classificationSF, SG or SH. Select the oil'sSAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

SAE	VISCOSITY	GRADES
-20'	30" 32' 4O"
TE MpE_I:_ATURERANGE	ANTICIPATED	BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE	12