Craftsman 917.289253 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and termi-
nals can cause the battery to "leak" power.
1. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first
then RED battery cable and remove
battery from tractor.
2. Rinsethe batterywith plain waterand dry.
3. Clean terminals and battery cable ends
with wire brush until bright.
4. Coat terminals with grease or petro-
leum jelly.
5. Reinstall battery (See "REPLACING
BATTERY" in the SERVICE AND AD-
JUSTMENTS section of this manual).
TRANSAXLE COOLING
Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt
and chaff which can restrict cooling.
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after
100 hours of operation and replace if neces-
sary. The belts are not adjustable. Replace
belts if they begin to slip from wear.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SG-SL.
Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating
temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
F -20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100
c -_0 -2; -,0 ; 1'o _0 _0 4o
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
oil vise chart1 e
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils
(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in
cold weather, they will result in increased
oil consumption when used above 32°R
Check your engine oil level more frequent-
ly to avoid possible engine damage from
running low on oil.
Change the oil after every 50 hours of op-
eration or at least once a year if the tractor
is not used for 50 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before starting
the engine and after each eight (8) hours
of operation. Tighten oil fill cap/dipstick
securely each time you check the oil level.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
Determine temperature range expected
before oil change. All oil must meet API
service classification SG-SL
Ensure tractor is on level surface.
Oil will drain more freely when warm.
Catch oil in a suitable container.
1. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful
not to allow dirt to enter the engine when
changing oil.
2. Removeyellowcapfromendofdrainvalve
and install the drain tube onto the fitting.
3. Unlock drain valve by pushing inward
slightly and turning counterclockwise.
Oil Drain Valve
Closed
and
Locked
Yellow Ca
4. To open, pull out on the drain valve.
5. Afteroil has drained completely, close and
lock the drain valve by pushing inward
and turning clockwise until the pin is in
the locked position as shown.
6. Remove the drain tube and replace the
cap onto the end of the drain valve.
7. Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick
tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. For
approximate capacity see "PRODUCT
SPECI FICATIO NS" section ofthis manual.
8. Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for
checking level. For accurate reading,
tighten dipstick cap securely onto the
tube before removing dipstick. Keep oil
at "FULl" line on dipstick. Tighten cap
onto the tube securely when finished.
ENGINE OIL FILTER
Replace the engine oil filter every season
or every other oil change if the tractor is
used more than 100 hours in one year.
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly using
a dirty air filter. Service air cleaner more
often under dusty conditions. See Engine
Manual.
CLEAN AIR SCREEN
Air screen must be kept free of dirt and
chaff to prevent engine damage from
overheating. Clean with a wire brush or
compressed air to remove dirt and stub-
born dried gum fibers.
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