nFTXMON ° MODEL NUMBER 917.373981 OWNER'S MANUAL OConvertible · Assembly · Operation · Customer Responsibilities · Service · Adjustments · Repair Parts Caution: Read and Follow all Safety Rules and Instructions Before Operating This Equipment 144815 03/21/94 Printed in U.S.A. SAFETY RULES PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETFING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECTSPARK PLUGWIRE ANDPLACEWlRE WHERE IT CANNOT CONTACT SPARK REPA, RS IMPORTANT & SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS SUCH CONTROLS. DO NOT A'I-rEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION STANCES, TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY. YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUM- TRAINING: Read this operator's manual carefully. Become familiar with the controls and know how to operate your mower properly. Learn-how to quickly stop mower. Always stop the blade whenever you leave or are not using your mower, or before crossing ddveways, walks, roads, and any gravel-covered areas. Never direct discharge of matadal toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the mower while you are operating it. Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your mower, stop the engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Then disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting. Do not allowchildren to use yourmower. Never allowadults to use mower withoutproperinstructions. Keep the area of operationclear of all persons,especially small childrenand pets. Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as described in this manual. Do notoperate mower ifit has been droppedor damagedin any manner. Always have damage repaired beforeusing your mower. Do notuse accessory attachments that are notrecommended by the manufacturer. Use of such attachments may be hazardous. Be aware that the blade turns when the engine is running. · Do not continue to run your mower it you hit a foreign object. Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any damage before restarting and operating you mower. Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the engine. Engine damage or personal injury may result. Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnormally. Excessive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine, safely check for the cause of vibration and repair as required. Do not run the engine indoors. ous. Exhaust fumes are danger- · PREPARATION: · Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects. These objects will be thrown by the blade and can cause severe injury. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when starting and while using your mower. Dress propedy. Do not operate mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good traction when mowing. · Check fuel tank before starting engine. Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the engine is running orwhen the engine is hot. Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before filling the gas tank. Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the engine. · Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down or you might lose your footing. Do not mow excessively steep slopes. Use caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain or when changing directions - maintain good footing. Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety devices in place. MAINTENANCE . AND STORAGE: Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to be sure they are tightened properly. Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working condition. Keep all safety devices in place and working. To reduce firs hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves or excessive grease and oil. Check grass catcher often for deterioration and wear and replace worn bags. Use only replacement bags that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your mower. Always keep a sharp blade on your mower. Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure. Never store mower with fuel in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or an ignition source such as a hotwater heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc. Alwaysmake wheel heightadjustments before startingyour mower. Never attemptto dothiswhilethe engineisrunning. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. OPERATION: Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being cut. Do not let other interests distract you. Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never run while operating your mower. Always be sure of your footing - keep a firm hold on the handles and walk. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times. IT MEANS ATi'ENTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!t YOUR SAFETY INVOLVED. LOOK FOR- THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY ISPRECAUTIONS. 2 CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Lawn Mower. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance. Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center/Department. We have competent, welltrained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this lawn mower. Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES". MODEL NUMBER SERIAL NUMBER DATEOFPURCHASE THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE LAWN MOWER HOUSING YOUSHOULDRECORDBOTHSERIALNUMBERAND DATE OFPURCHASEANDKEEPINASAFEPLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS HORSEPOWER: DISPLACEMENT: GASOLINE CAPACITY AND TYPE: OIL TYPE (API-SG): OIL CAPACITY: ;PARK PLUG: GAP: .030") VALVE CLEARANCE: SOLID STATE IGNITION A[R GAP: BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 5.5 12.6 cu. in. 1.25 quart UNLEADED REGULAR J_-f_i, SAE 30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) 20 oz. CHAMPION STD361458 INTAKE: EXHAUST: RJ19LM 917.373981 .008" .008" .0125 in. 35-40 FT. LBS. MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details. CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES · · Read and observe the safety rules. Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower. Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual. LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanship. If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase. This Warranty does not cover: · · Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug. Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual. WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER TO THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE THIS PRODUCT IS IN USE IN THE UNITED STATES. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY RULES ............................................. ............... 2 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 12-14 WARRANTY ................................................................... 3 ASSEMBLY .................................................................... 6 OPERATION .................................................................. 8 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE .............. ,....................... 12 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................. 15 STORAGE .................................................................... 17 TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 27 REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ........................ 18-22 REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ..................................... 23-25 PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................ BACK COVER INDEX A Accessories.......................................... 5 Adjustments: Carburetor................................... 16 Engine Speed .............................. 16 Handle Height.............................. 16 Height of Cut ................................. 9 Air Filter: Replacement ............................... 14 Service ........................................ 14 Assembly.............................................. 6 E Engine: Air Filter....................................... 14 Oil Change .................................. 14 Oil Level ...................................... 14 Oil Type ....................................... 14 Starting........................................ 10 Stopping...................................... 10 Storage........................................ 17 Operation: Drive Control ................................. 9 Engine Control ............................... 9 Grass Catcher ............................. 10 Mower ........................................... 9 Operator Presence Control Bar .....9 Options: Accessories ................................... 5 R F Fuel: Capacity ........................................ 3 Storage........................................ 17 Type ............................................ 10 Repair Parts: Engine.................................... 23-25 Lawn Mower........................... 18-22 Responsibilities, Customer........ 3, 12-14 B Blade: Sharpening .................................. 13 Replacement ............................... 13 S L Lubrication: Engine......................................... 14 Lawn Mower ................................ 12 Safety Rules ......................................... 2 Service and Adjustments .................... 15 Carburetor ................................... 16 Engine Speed .............................. 16 Handle ......................................... 16 Spark Plug .......................................... 14 Specifications ....................................... 3 Speed Control: Engine ......................................... 10 Starting the Engine............................. 10 Stopping the Engine ........................... 10 Storage ............................................... 17 C Controls: DriveControl ................................. 9 Engine Zone Control ..................... 9 Engine Speed Control ................... 9 Operator Presence ControlBar..... 8 CustomerResponsibilities ......... 3, 12-14 Air Filter.............. :........................ 14 Blade Care/Replacement............ 13 Driv_e Wheels ............................... 13 Engine ......................................... 14 Lubrication ................................... 14 Spark Plug................................... 14 CuttingLevels....................................... 9 M MaintenanceAgreement ...................... 3 Maintenance Schedule ....................... 12 Mowing Tips ....................................... 11 O Oil: Engine .........................................10 Storage ........................................ 17 T Troubleshooting Chart........................ 27 W Warranty ............................................... 3 4 LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and service centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you, when you provide the model number of your lawn mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower. ENGINE SPARK PLUG MUFFLER AIR FILTER GAS CAN ENGINE OIL STABILIZER ® If lawn mower is an electric start CHARGER BA'n'ERY LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE DUST SHIELD CLIPPING DEFLECTOR REAR BAG OPTIONAL FABRIC BAG SIDE DISCHARGECATCHER REPLACEMENT BAG FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS: OPTIONAL CATCHER FOR SIDE DISCHARGE LAWN MOWER LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE 5 ASSEMBLY Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mower. Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. ...