Craftsman 917.388201 owner manual Engine, Lawn Mower, Grass Catcher

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when per- forming any maintenance.

TIRES

. Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.

•Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage.

BLADE CARE

For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades. A CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade approved by the manufacturer of your mower. Using a blade not approved by the manufacturer of your mower is hazardous, could damage your mower and void your warranty.

TO REMOVE BLADE

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

2.Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up.

3.Use a wood block between blade and

mower housing to prevent blade from turning when removing blade bolt.

NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

4.Remove blade bolt by turning counter- clockwise.

5.Remove blade and attaching hardware (bolt, Iockwasher and hardened washer).

TO REPLACE BLADE

1.Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised lugs on the adapter.

2.Be sure the trailing edge of blade (oppo- site sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

3.Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft.

4.Use block of wood between blade and

lawn mower housing and tighten the blade bolt, turning clockwise.

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

Blade adapter	Ke,	Crankshaft
Lockwasher
Blade

ii

/

Blade,:

bolt Hardened .....:::,, / \

washer Trailing edge Crankshaft

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated. If bolt needs replacing, replace only with approved bolt shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual.

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharp- ening the blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is 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.

GRASS CATCHER

The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used. Check your grass catcher often for dam- age or deterioration. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replac- ing, replace only with approved replace- ment catcher shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual. Give the lawn mower model number when ordering.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SG-SL.

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

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

				_m
		I _'ivivl_9:I
F	-20	0	30 32 40	60	80	100
c -_o		-2_ -1;	_	;o	_o	1o 4;

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

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. 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.

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