Craftsman 917.377631 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
Change the oilafter every 25 hoursof
operationor each season. You may need
to change the oilmore often underdusty,
dirtyconditions.
GAS
Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will
increase carbon and lead oxide deposits
and reduce valve life). Do not mix,oil
with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quanti-
ties that can be used within 30 days to
assure fuel freshness.
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN
TEMPERATURES BELOW 32°F(0°C), use
fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help
insure good cold weather starling.
WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an
engine while in storage. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system should be
emptied before storage of 30 days or
longer. Drain the gas tank; start the
engine and let it run until the fuel lines and
carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next
season. See Storage Instructions for
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank filler
neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled
oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use
gasoline near an open flame.
Gasolinefiller
Engineoil cap
w/dipstick j cap
TO START ENGINE
To start a cold engine, push primer five
(5) times before trying to start. Use a
firm push. This step is not U_Jall_ -
necessary when starting an engine
which has already run for a few minutes.
Hold operator presence control bar
down to the handle.
Tum electric start key clockwise to crank
engine.
IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine more
than five continuous seconds between
each time you try to start. Wait 5 to 10
seconds between each attempt.
To start engine using the auxiliary
starter handle, follow the steps above.
Exchange the use of the start key for -_
starter handle. Pull starter handle
quickly. Do not allow starter rope to
snap back.
To stop engine, release operator
presence control bar.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be
necessary to repeat priming steps. In
warmer weather over priming may cause
flooding and engine will not start. If youdo
flood engine wait a few minutes before
attempting to start and do not repeat
priming steps.
MOWING TIPS
Under certain conditions, such as very tall
grass,it may be necessary to raisethe
heightof cut to reduce pushingeffortand to
keep from overloadingthe engine and
leavingclumps of grass clippings.
For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut by overlapping previously cut
path and mow slowly.
When using a rear discha_ la_WTrnowerin
moist, heavy grass, dumps of cut grass
may not enter the grass catcher. Reduce
groundspeed (pushing speed) and/or run
the lawn mower over the area a second
time.
Ifa trailof clippingsis lefton the rightside of
a rear discharge mower, mow in a clock-
wise directionwith a small overlap tocollect
the dippings on the next pass.
Pores in clothgrass catchers can become
filledwith dirt and dustwith use and
catchers willcollectless grass. To prevent
this, regularlyhose catcher offwith water
and letdry before using.
Keep top of engine around starterclearand
clean of grass clippingsand chaff. This will
help engine air flow and extend engine life.
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