Craftsman 917.372270 User manual

OWNER'S
MANUAL
MODELNO.
917.372270
Caution:
Readand Follow
all SafetyRules
and Instruchons
BeforeOperating
ThisEquipment
CRRFTSMRN
4.0 RESERVEPOWER
22" REARBAGGER
POWERPROPELLED
ROTARYLAWNMOWER
Assembly
Operation
Maintenance
ServiceandAdjustment
RepairParts
i i i i i illll,llll
SEARS,ROEBUCKANDCo., Chicago,IL.
i i llll 60684 U.S.A.

SAFETYRULES
CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE AND PLACE WIRE
WHERE IT CANNOT CONTACT SPARK PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STAR-
TING WHEN SETTING-UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING
REPAIRS TO YOUR MOWER_
IMPORTANT
FEDERAL REGULATIONS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE BLADE STOP CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE
RISK OF BLADE CONTACT INJURY, YOUR MOWER IS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS, DO NOT
ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES,
•BE CAREFUL-WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUN-
NING THE BLADE iS TURNING,,
•Please road your owner's manual Only allow
persons who know the safety rules to use your
mower,
" DO NOT tie the operator presencecontrol bar
to the handle° Control must be free to permit
brake engagement when handles and control
are released.
Q DO NOT aliow children to use your mower.
Check your mower over before each use.
Tighten any loose bolts, nuts, etc.
• Remove all sticks,stones, wires, cans, boards,
etc from area to be mowed. These objects can
be thrown by the blade.
• DO NOT allow children, bystanders or pets in
the area while mowing°
• Always wear shoes when mowing. DO NOT
operate mower when barefoot or wearing
open sandals,
oAlways wear safety glasses or eye shields
before starting your lawn mower and while
mowing.
" Always shutoff engine before trying to adjust
wheeiheights.
o When engine, is running, DO NOT put hands
or feet und_,_wer or m the discharge chute,
nor make _in_!_'diustments
°Stay clear ot'_scharc_e openma at all hines.
o Do not fill gas tank w'O_enengine _srunning,
when indoors or wh_ _QrLclineis hot, Allow
engine to cool for several _n'lnutesbefore flll-
ing gas tank,. Clean off aB_ spilled gasoline
before starting engine. '
°Mow only in goodlight.
_, Always stop blade When not cutting grass or
when crossing gravel drive, sidewalk, or
roadway
•DO NOT continue to run your mower if you
hit a foreign obiecL Stop the engine, discon-
nectthe spark plug wire from the spark plug,
inspect the mower for damage and make
repairs as required,
DO NOT usea damaged mower. Always have
damage repaired before mowing,
• DO NOT run your mower if it vibrates too
much, Stop engine and make repalrs,. Vibra-
tion is an indication of damage,
o Never use your mower wilhout proper guards
or deflectors in place ,_,_
• Always mow across c_sto_e or!inclined area.
DO NOT mow up or down a _lo_e._or inclined
area. ..
'_ DO NOT mow n wet grass Be ca'r'e_u of
footing when mowing m wet grass,, use _t_ ,_ges
with good tracfion_ _,'
o DO NOT run with the mower° _
o DO NOT run your mower indoors. Exhaust
gases are deadly pobon_.
'_ Always disconnect the spark plug wire from
spark plug to prevent accidental starting when
transporting or storing your mower after the
mowing season.
• DO NOT attempt to raise engine speed above
factory settings_ Engine damage or personal
injury may result.
If a grass catcher isused on your mower, check
_hecatcher often for damage or deterioration.
tt will wear through normal use. Use only a
recommended replacement catcher_
• Always stopblade to remove or install catcher.
" DO NOT slore your mower or gasoline where
fumes may reach an open flame and cause a
fire..
• DRAIN THE GASOLINE from your mower
before transporting your mower insideyour car
or other vehicle.
LOOKFORTHISSYMBOLTO POINTOUTIMPOR-
TANTSAFETYPRECAUTIONS°IT MEANS--ATTEN-
TION!H BECOMEALERTflfYOUR SAFETYIS
INVOLVED.

COHGP,ATUIA110HSon your purchase of a Sears Crafts-
man Lawn Mower. It has been designed, engineered
and manufactured to give you the best possible
dependability and performance.
Should you experience any problem you cannoteasb
ly remedy, piease contact your nearest Sears Ser-
vice CenterlDepartment, We have competent, welb
trained technicians and the proper tools to service
or repair this unit.
Please read and retain this manual, The instructions
wilt enable you to assemble and maintain your
mower properly. Always observe the "SAFETY
RULES".
,, ,ll ,Ll,l,,
MODEL
NUMBER 917.372270
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF
PURCHASE,
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE
FOUND ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR
OF THE MOWER HOUSING
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER
AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE
PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE,
PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS
RESERVE POWER: 40
DISPLACEMENT: 9,98 cu. in.
GASOLINE CAPACITY: )O quart
_umeaaea_
OIL (2t oz.. Capacity): SAE 30W
(SAElOW 30)
SPARK PLUG (GAP 030 in): Champion
RJ19-LM or
(Seers 7133312 or
STD 36145g)
VALVE CLEARANCE: Intake: 008 in
Exhaust: ,008 in.
_h
SOLID STATE tGNITtON
AIR GAP: ,0125 in.
BLADE NUT TORQUE: 70-75 ft.-lbs.
MAINTENANCEAGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this
product, Contact your nearest Sears store for
details.
CUSTOMERRESPONSIBILITIES
•Road and observe the safety rules_
Fallow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your mower.
,, FoItow the instructbns under "Maintenance" and "Storage" sections of this Owner's Manuel
ONEYEARUMnEDWARRANTYONCRAFTSMANPOWERMOWER ........
For one year from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained, lubricated and tunedrup.
according to the instructionsin the owner's menuat, Sears wilt repair, free of charge, any defect in material
and workmanship.
If ehlsCraftsman Lawn Mower is used for commerclal or rental purposes, this warranty applies for onty 90
days from the date of purchase.
This warranty does not cover:
Expendable items which become worn during normal use, suchas rotary mower blades, btade adapters,.
botts, air cleaners and spark plug
Repairs necessary because of aperalor abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts end the failure Io
maintain the equ=pment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manua_
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 warranly gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have olher rights which may vary from stale
to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO. Department 6981731A Sears Tower, Chicago, lil. 60684
3

TABLEOFCONTENTS
SAFETY RULE............
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS. ,
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
WARRANTY ........
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INDEX ...............
MOWER ACCESSORIES
ASSEMBLY.
OPERATION
INDEX A
Adjustments:
Carburetor 13
Engine Speed 13
Handle Height 14
Height of Cut 8
Wheel Adiusters 8
Air FiJter:
Cleaning t2
Paper Cartridge 10
Rep|acement 10
Assembly:
Handie 6
Accessarles 5
Bfade:
Rep|acement 10
Sharpening 10
Controls:
Engine Coelrol ,. , 78
Operator Presence Control Bar 7
Speed Selector ,.. 78
Customer Responsibilities 3
Cuffing Levels 8
Engine:
Control 7.8
Oil Cap .7
Oil Change 11
Oil Level g
Off Type 8
Sterling , g
Storage 15
Filter, Air 12
Fuel:
Type ,8
Storage 15
2
3
3
. 3
4
4
5
6
7,8,9
MAINTENANCE 10,t 1,12
STORAGE .............. t5
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT t3,14
TROUBLE SHOOTING ._7
REPAIR PARTS-MOWER 18-2!
REPAIR PARTS.ENGINE ..... 22.23
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS .... 16
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE 24,25
6
Gasoline
Handb:
Adtustment
Assembly
Bracket
Knob ,.
Height, Culling
L
Lubrication:
Engine
FrontWheel Adjuster
Maintenance:
Agreement ,3
Air Filter .t 2
Air F'iltor Paper Cartridge '_2
Blade Care/Rep|acement t0
Engine 11
Gross Catcher 6,8
L_tbrication 16
Spark Plugs 12
Mowing Tips 9
O_l:
Cold Wealher Conditions 9
Engine 11
Storage 15
Operation:
OpBrat_ng Mower 7,&g
Speed:
Slatting the Engine .9
Stopping Your Lawn Mower 9
Operafor Presence Control 7
Options:
Attachments 5
4
P
3 Parts "_B-2t
Primer 8
t4 RepairtReplacament Parts 20
•6 Respansib_fflies, Customer 3
')4
7
8S
Safety Rules
Service and Adiustmenls:
B_ode
4 Carburetor
Cutting Level
Engine
HandIe
Service Recommenciation
Spark Plugs
16 Specifications
8 Speed Control:
Engine
Starting the Engine:
Starter Rope
Slopping the Mower
Storage
T
Table of Contents ,
Trouble Shooting Chari
Warranty
Wheels:
Wheel Adjusters
1o
t3
8
,gg
6,14
16
12
3
g
,7
t5
.4
]7
3
B

i1,, i i ,11,,11111 i i,ii
MOWER ACCESSORIES
.......................... ,11n1,_111111, i i,i i, iiii i1,, i i , ,i
These accessories were available when the mower was purchased They,ere also available at most Sears retait
ouflels, catalog and servicecenters Mast Sears storescan order repair parts for you, when you provide th_
model number of your mower,
ENGINE
SPARKPLUG MUFFLER
©
Hill I
mower is an electric start
MOWER PERFORMANCE
REARBAG
OPTIONAL
REPLACEMENT
BAG FORREAR
DISCHARGE
MOWERS
OPTIONAL
CATCHERFOR
SIDEDISCHARGE
MOWER
, ,11 i,i i_11,1
AIRFILTER
0
i
JCHARGER
iiii,
DUSTSHIELD
FABRICBAG
, H,H,, H ,,,',,"t,"
SIDEDISCHARGECATCHER
GASCAN
,i i iiiii III
ii1,,i , ,i iii1,11111,
LEAFCATCHER
_11 iii,
ENGINEOIL
2
iBATTERY
I
PERMANEXCATCHER
iii
STABILIZER
ii ii ii ii i.....................
CLIPPINGDEFLECTOR
MOWER MAINTENANCE
BELT BLADE
i
BLADEADAPTER WHEELS
,,,, ,L, ,,,,,, ,,,,
, , , ,ip i,, , i, ii
,11
MOWERCOVER
, i

ASSEMBLY
OPERATOff Pt_SEtVC_
i, _ ,, i i
Your lawn mower has been completely assembled
at the factory except for the grass catcher top and
the grass catcher bottom,
TOREMOVEMOWERFROMCARTON
iRemove loose parts if included with mower, (Le,
grass catcher, catcher frame, hardware pack,
elc,).
Cut down corners on one end of carton and lay
end down flat.
* Remove packing material
*Roll mower out of carton and check carton
thoroughly for loose parts.
flOW TOSET-UPYOURLAWNMOWER
10 UNFOLDHANDLE
Remove tape and paper holding aperator presence
control bar to upper handb.
. Hold down operator presence control bar to up-
per handle to albw _andb to move to mowing
position,
"Raise handles until lower handle sectionlocks im
to place in the mowing position (See Fig,, 1)_
, Raise upper handle section intoplace on lower
handle and tighten one (1) handle knob,
* Release operator presence control bar and
tighten remaining handle knob°
* Your mower handle can be adjusted For your
mowing comfort, Refer to "ADJUST HANDLE"
in the Service and Adjustment section of this
manuak
TOASSI_BLEGRASSCATCHER
NOTE:The grass catcher for your mower comes
unassembled_ To assemble follow steps below:
* Position top half of catcher on bottom half (See
Fig,21.
* Insert screw through right front hole; place 1!4"
nut on screw and-bare loose,
• Insert screw through left front hole; place 1/4"
nut on screw and leave loose,
•Tighten screws installed in Steps 2&3. Hold
locknuts with 7/16" wrench white tightening
screws,
- Installsix more screwsmovingaround catcherand
leave Iocknutslooser
• Tighten these screws as in Step 4,
NOTE_Make sure atl s_crewsare tight,
TOAITACItGRASSCATCHER
• Liftdoor°
ioldcatcherby handle and placecatcherframe
onto hingebracket(See Fig. 3)_
Releaserear door.
START HERE
FIO. 2
20 KEPS NUTS
FIG.3
• Whengrasscatcherisremovedffommower, reor
door closesfor safety°
d_ CAUTION:DO NOT RUN YOURLAWNI
MOWERWITflOU1DISCflARGEGUARUOR
...............................APPROVI:I)GRASCATCHERIN PLACE.
•NEVERATTEMPTTO OPERATETHE MOWER
WITH THE DOOR REMOVED OR PROPPED
OPEN,

............... ......OPERATi()N ..........°..............
..................................... i iip ,,ql ,, i,iii q ,,e,I............
KNOWYOURMOWER
READ THiS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETYRULESBEFOREOPERATING YOUR ROTARYMOWER.
Compare the iJlustrallons with your Rotary Mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls
and adjustments. Save thismanual for future reference_
PRESENCE CONTROL BAR
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER
-tANDLE KNOB
STARTER ROPE
ENGINE SPEED
SELECTOR LEVER
MUFFLER
PRIMER
AIR FILTER
"CABLE CLIP
_ OIL CAP WITH DIPSTICK
_-----_ GASO LIN E FILLER
FIG, 4
Lul_ll _• t I I,llll'lU, ' IIIIII i Hill II II I' II1'111_1................................
MEETSCPSCSAFETYREQUIREMENTS
Sears Rotary Walk-Behind Power Mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Stan-
dards institute and the UoSoConsumer Product Safety Commission, The blade turns when the engine is running.
iiii lUllll,i iii, ii1,11 iiii ,11 i_,,,_1 ,,i,ii, lUiiiiiiiirlll
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR - must be
held down to the handle to start lee engine. Release
to stop the engine.
ENGINE SPEEDSELECTORLEVER.located onthe
r!_ht sideof the engine whichallowsyou toselect
effher "HIGH _or "LOW" enginespeed,
PRIMER- pumpsadditionalfuelfromthe carburetor
to thecylinder far usewhere startinga cold engine.
STARTERROPE- usedfor starting the englne.
DELVECONTROL LEVERousedto engage power-
propelled forward motion of mower,

OPERATION
HOWTO USEYOURMOWER
ENGINESPEEDSELECTOR
The engine speed iscontrolled by alever (red knob)
located on the rightside of the en_line. HIGH" posi_
tion isForstarting engine, normal cutting and better
grass bagging° "LOW" position is for light cutting,
trimming, and fuel economy (See Fig, 5)o
DRIVECONTROL
" Self-propelling is controlled by holding the
operator presence control bar down to the han-
dle and pushing the drive control lever forward
until it clicks;then release the lever (See Fig. 6),
• Forward motion will stop when the operator
presence control bar isreleased° To stop forward
motion without stopping the engine, release the
operator presence control bar slightly until the
drive control disengages° Hold operator presence
control bar down tohandle to continue mowing
without self-propelling.
• To keep drive control engaged when turningcor-
hers, push down on handle and llft front wheels
off ground while turning mower.
TO EMPTYGRASSCATCHER
•Lift Door.
•Grasp catcher handle and remove Frommower,
oEmpty by shaking catcher with open end
downward (See Fig. 7).
TOADJUSTCUFFINGHEIGHT
* Raise wheels Forlow cut and lower wheels for
high cuL
oWheels are setinlow cut for shipping. Adjust cut-
ting height to suit your requirements, Medium
position is best for most lawns.
* To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever
toward wheel Move wheel up or down to suit
your requirements. Be sure all wheets are in the
same setting (See Fig. B).
BEFORESTARTINGENGINE
OIL:
• Removeenglne oil cap with dipstick or all fill plug.
Fill to "FUI_L" line on dipstick or to top o_slot
down in filbr hote_ Use about 1 pint or 1/2 liter
of Sears 30W all or equivalent. SAE 10W 30 oil
can also be used(See Fig, 4)° DO NOT use SAE
10W 40 oil. The total oil capacity of_
your engine is 21 oz. or 0,62 liters. Fill only to
"FULL" llne on dipstick or to lop of slot down in
oil filler hole. DO NOT over filtoThe first fil!on a
FIG. 5
FIG. 6
,i,, ,11,11,1IILI I,
FIG. 7
newengineusesabout I pint,Checkoil leveland
add oil as needed to bring to proper level,
Pour oi! slowly, DO NOT over fill,
GAS:
•Fill gasoline tank with Fresh, clean unleaded
gasoline. DO NOT USE PREMIUM GASOLINE.
BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVER FILL TANK (SEE
F G.4).

........................................ ii iiiii ii i_1
OPERATION
i ii I ,,111,1,1111111 I i,, iiii ,,, ,11, i,ii1,1 I
BEFORESTARTINGENGINE (COt,IT'D)
WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blend-
ed fuels (called gasohol or usingethanol or methanol)
can attract moisture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage._ Acidic gas can
damage thefuel systemof an engine while in storage
Toavoid _ngine problems, the ruet systemshouldbe
emptied before storage for 30 clays or longer. Drain
the gas tank, start the engine and let _trun until the
fuel )ines and carburetor ore empty. Use fresh fuel
next season. See Storage instructionsfor additlonal
_nformatlon. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products inthe fuel tank or permanent damage may
occur,,
TO STARTENGINE
, To start a cold engine, push primer five (5) times
before trying to start. Use afirm push. Thisstep
isnot usually necessary when starting an engine
which has already run for a few minutes_
* Push engine speed selector lever forward to
"HIGH" position,
iold operator presence control bar down to the
handle and pun 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 aver prim-
_ngmay cause flooding and engine will not start, if
you do flood engine wait a Few minutes before at-
tempting to start and DO NOT repeat priming steps.
MOWINGTiPS
Under certain conditions, such asvery tal_ grass,
it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to
reduce pushing effort and to keep from
overloading the engine and leaving clumps of
grass clippings,
LOWER WHEELS _"'_ RAISE WHEELS
FOR HIGHCUT FOR LOW CUT
FIG. 8
• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of
cut and raise the roar of the mower housing one
(1) wheel adjustor settinghigher than the front for
bettor discharge of grass_
• When using a rear bagging mower in moist,
heavy grass, dumps of cut grass may not enter
the grass catcher. Reduce ground speed (pushing
speed) and/or run the mower over the area a se-
cond time,
• For better grass bagging and mast cutting con.,
difions, the engine speed should'be set in the
"HIGH" (fast) position,
• If a trail of grass clippings isleft on the right side
of a rear bagging mower, mow _na dockwlse
direction with a small overlap to collect the cllp-
pings on the next pass°
•For side discharge mowers, cutting in o counter-
clockwise direction, starting at the outside of the
area to be cut, spreadsgrass clippings more even*
ly and puts less load on the engine To keep clip..
pings off of walkways, flower beds, etc., make
the first cuts in a clockwise dlrecfiom
• Pores in cloth gross catchers can become filled
with dirt and dust with useand co,hers will col!.
loci tessgrass. To prevent this,regularly hose cat-
cher off with water and let dry before using,

GENERALRECOMMENDATION
Once a year you should replace the spark plug,
air filter, and check blade for wear, A new spark
plug and air filter assures proper air-fuel mixture
andhelps your engine run better and last longer,
You should check alt fasterners and be sure they
are tight°
Fottow the Service Recommendation Schedub on
page "[6..
gLADE/BLADEFLANGECARE
Your mower will work better with a sharp bJade,
ICAUTION:DISCONNECTSPARKPLUGWINEI
FROMSPARKPLUGANDPLACEWIREWHEREI
IT CANNOTCOMEIN CONTACTWITH THEI
......... SPARK,PLUG. I
TO REMOVE BLADE:
•Turn mower' on its side. Make sure air filter and
carburetor are upo
', Use block of wood between blade and mower
housing to prevent blade from turning when nut
isremoved. Protect your hands with gloves and/or
wrap blade with heavy ctoth_
oRemove nut by turning counter-clockwise, Use a
15/16" box or open-end wrench,
NOTE:Check tab in blade flange after removing. If
tab isdamaged, replace it. It mus! be in good con-
dition for the blade to work properly° We recom-
mend that anew blade nut be used each time blade
is removed.
TO REPLACE BLADE:
*Put blade flange on engine crankshaft with tab
in slot (See Fig 9),
o Fit blade on crankshaft in the blade flange. Be
surethe word "TOP (stamped on blade) istoward
engine,
° Place flat washer, two (2) formed washers and
nut on crankshaft (See Fig, 9).
o Use block of wood to holdblade and tighten nut
clockwise, The recommended torque is70-75 ft.-
lbs. Torque wrenches are avalable at most Sears
stores and through the catalog°
t_lJk AUTION:AlOOSEBLA'O'E'_N'BEDANGEROUSi
ANDE_Y MAKETHEENGINEHARDTOSTART
UseonlyaSearsauthorized replacementblade to
get the best cutting resufts_
NOTE:We do not recommend sharpening blade, but
if you do, be sure the blade is balanced,
TO SHARPEN BLADE:
° The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a
grinding wheel, Do not attempt to sharpen while
on the mower°
° Care should be taken to keep the blade balanc-
ed_ An unbalanced blade will cause excessive
vibration when running and eventual damage to
mower or engine.
" To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam
or wall Leave about one inchof the straight hall
exposed° Place center hole of blade aver the head
of the nai!. IFblade isbalanced, it should remain
in a horizontal position, Ifeither end of the blade
moves downward, blade is not balanced,
Sharpen the heavy end until the Made is
balanced.
10

LJL I I II I ' I I I I III ,
MAINTENANCE
,IIH, I................................................ ii1,111 iii i,iiii IHI iiii i,,11,11 ii I I
DELVEWHEELS
...................... 1,1,1111,11
NOTE:Checkfront drive wheels each timebefore you
mow to be sure lhey move freely,
The wheels not turning freely means trash, grass, cut.
tings, etc_ are in the drive wheel area and must be
cleaned to free drive wheels_
If necessary to clean the dr_ve wheels, check both
front wheels,
*Remove hub caps, hairpin cotters and washers.
•Remove wheels From wheel adiusters.
o Remove any trash or grass cuttings from inside
the dust cover, pinion andlor drive wheel gear
teeth.
Put wheels back in place.
If after cleaning, the drive wheels do not turn free-
_y, contact your nearest Sears Service Center
,n
FJG.10
ENGINE
TO CHANGEOIL
I_ CAUrmN:OtSCONNECTSPA_ PLUGWIRE
FROMSPAREPLUGAND PLACEWIRE WHERE
IT CANNOTCOMEIH CONTACTWITH SPARK
PLUG.
*Remove engine oi} cop with dipstick; lay aside on
a clean surface Warm oil drains better_
o Tip mower on its side as shown in Fig 10 and
drain off into suitab|e container. Rackmower back
and forth to remove any all trapped inside of
engine.
*W_pe off any spilled oil on mower and on s?de
of engine.
i ill engine with oil, fi}l only to the "FULL" line on
the dipstick° DO NOT over fill.
Replace engine oil cap.
Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug
I!

.................................. ii ...........................
MAINTENANCE
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly and may be
damaged by using a dirty air filter.
Replace the air filler every year, more often if you
mow invery dusty, dirty conditions. Do not wash air
filter_ =
To Change Air Filler:
,, Remove the air filter cover by turning counler.,
clockwise to the stop and putl away from collar
(See Fig. 1I).
Remove filler from insideof cover (See Fig. 11),
Clean the inside of the cover and the collar to
remove any dirt accumulatlon_
• Insert new filler into cover_
• Put air filter cover and filter into collar aligning
lhe tab with the slot.
• Pushinon cover and turnclockwise to tighten (See
Fig. 11).
SPARKPLUG
Change your spark plug each year to make your
engine start easier and run better, Set spark plug
gap at 030 inch.
CLEANING cAuTioN:DlSCONMECrSPARKPLUGwIREi
,_ FROMSPARKPLUGANDPLACEWIREWHEREI
tT CANNOTCOMEIN CONTACTWITH SPARK|
PLUG. I
•Turn mower on its slde with carburetor up.
• Clean the underside of your mower by scraping
to remove bufld_up of grass and trash.
FIG. 11
• Cleanyour mowerand engineoftentokeepbuld-
up oftrashfrom accumulatingaroundengine.A
clogged engine runshotter and shortensengine
life_
NOTE:We DO NOT recommend usinga garden hose
to clean mower unlessthe electrical system, muffler,
air filler and carburetor are covered to keep water
out. Water in engine can result in shortening engine
life.
NOTE:We recommendthatyou cleantheunderside
of your mower aftereach use.
12

............. SERVICEANDADJUSTMENTS I i,
,i, , i i ii ,11111,...........................
TO REMOVE/REPLACEDRIVE BELT
J....._lb CAUTION:DISCONNECTSPARI(PLUG WIREI
FROMSPAREPLUG.,PLACEWIREWHEREIT CAN-
iNOTCOMEIN CONTACTWITHSPARKPLUG_
i Remove drive cover, Remove belt by pushing
down on gear case pulley (See Fig. 12),
Turn mower on its side with carburetor and fuel
cap up
°Loosen hex head screw and move bell snubber
away from pulley (See Fig- 12)o
i emove belt from engine pulley on crankshaft and
carefully slip belt off over btade,
Caution: Sharp edges of blade can cut bell
Install new belt reversing above steps.
Move belt snubber back in place and tighten hex
head screw,
NOTE: Belt snubber clears belt by apprex_ 1132 inch
when installed.
• Always useonly factory approved belt to assure
fit and long life,
TO ADJUSTDRIVECONTROLCABLE
Adrive control cable that needs adjustment wlll keep
your mower from self-propelling properly and can
also causegear casecomponentsto wear out sooner.
-Remove drive cover_
•Loosen cable clamp screw'A" and nuts"B" and
IICfl _
iie down operator presence control bar to han-
dle and engage drive control,
Move shifter arm to drive position while rotating
front wheels to be surejaw clutch isengaged° Pull
threaded sleevewith pliers (See Fig, 13). Do not
pull on control cable,
Tighten nut "C" until sleeve iS snug.
Tighten screw "A" and nut "B",
Pushmower back and forth to be sure gear case
is engaged°
•Replace drive cover.
• Untie operator presence cantrot bar
CARBURETOR
Your carburetor has a non-adjustable fixed main jet
for mixture control, If your engine does not operate
properly due to suspectedcarburetor problems, take
your mower to on authorized Sears Service Center
for repair and ad)ustment.
r .,,.,.k
PRESS--"r _,_
ii1,1,1,
FIG. 12
],_3_ SCREW :'A' "%, IC_'_IAOJUS G. RO e_TE
FiG. 13
ENGINESPEED
Your engine speed has been factory set, Do not at-
temptto increase engine speed or it may resultin per-
sonal injury. If youbelieve that the engine isrunn-
ing too fast or too slow, lake your mower to an
authorized Sears Service Center for repair and
adjustmenL
REARDEFLECTOR
The rear deflector, attached between the rear wheels
of your mower, isprovided to minimize the possibilty
that objects will bethrown out the rear of the mower
into the operator mowing position,
If the rear deflector becomes damaged, it should be
replaced,
13

Your mower handle can be raised or lowered for
your mowing comfort. (Fig. 14A, 14B, 15A and 15B)
showthe Four(4) positions that are ovalJable: High,
medium high, medium low and Iow. Handles are
shipped mounted in the medium low position (See
Fig. 14A)
• Ta change from medwumlow tomedium high pasb
tion, the upper and lower handle sections will
have to be turned over (See Fig.. 14B).
• Remove the controls and operator presence con-
trol bar from the upper handie.L
•Remove the starter rope guide from the handle
trim plate and two (2}self-tapping screws that
hold the trim plate to the handie_
• Disconnect the lower handle from the handle
brackets (See Fig. 16)_
• Turn the handle over and reassemble all of the
parts that have been removed (See Fig, 16)_
• Reassemble the handle trim plate and the starter
rope guide.
•Reassemble the controls and the operator
presence control bar to the upper handle°
FIG,14A FIG.I4B
CAUTION.,THEOPERATORPRESENCECONTROL
BARMUSTPIVOTFREELYTOPERMffBLADE
BRAKEENGAGEMENTWHENCONTROLBARIS
RELEASED.DO NOT OVERTIGHTENTHE
FASTENERSHOLDINGTHECONTROLSTOTHE
, UPPERHANDLE.
•To change from medium low to high position, only
the upper handle section will have to be lurned
over (See Fig_ 15A)_
= To change from medium tow to low position, on-
ly the lower handle section will have to be turn_
ed over (See Fig. 15B),
NOTE:Handle height positions, as shown infig, 14A
thru fig, 15B, are approximate and are measured
from t_e ground to the top of the handle with the
wheels set in the mid-cut position.
FIG. 1SA FIG. tSB
r
FIG.16
14

........................ STORAGE .......
,11111111
Your mower and engine should be prepared for off-
season storage as follows:
MOWER
• Clean underside of mower housing. (See "Clean-
ing" in maintenance section of manuaL)
,Inspect and replace/sharpen blade, if required
(See "Blade/Blade Flange Core" inmaintenance
section of manual)_
•Flose grass catcher off with water and let dry
before storing,
• Lubricate as shown in Service Recommendation
chart on page 16 of manual.
HANDLE
• You can Fold your mower handIe for storage as
shown in Fig° t7o
• To fold, squeeze the bottom ends of the lower
handle toward each other until Ihe lower handle
clears the handle bracket, then move handle for-
ward (See Fig. 18).
IMPORTANT:WHEN FOLDING THE HANDLE FOR
STORAGE OR TRANSPORTATION,
BE SURE TO FOLD THE HANDLE AS
SHOWN IN FIG, t70 IF YOU FOLD
THE UPPER HANDLE SECTION THE
WRONG WAY, YOU MAY DAMAGE
THE CONTROL CABLES_
ENGINE
* Changeoil (See"To ChangeOil" inmaintenance
sectionof manual)
o Drain Fueland Run Engine untilfuel systemis
empty°
IMPORTANT:IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT
GUM DEPOSITS FROM FORMING
IN ESSENTIALFUELSYSTEMPARTS
SUCHAS THECARBURETOR,FUEL
FILTER,FUELHOSEtORTANK DUR.
ING STORAGE.ALSO, 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.
OTHER
e
o
0S7 /
r,.//)2</]
FIG. 17
ILOWER
HANDLE
ING PIN
FIGo18
Do notstoregasolinefrom one seasonto another
Replace your gasoline can if your can startsto
rust°Rustandlor dirt inyour gasoline can cause
_Droblems.
o natstoreyour mower under any plasliccover.
Plasticcannotbreathewhich allows condensallon
to form and can cause your mower to rusL
When settingup your handle from the storage
position, thelower handlewilt automaticallylock
rote the mowing position.

_.dL,,i,--II1' '1 .......... III I!"li',h'_,_,l"l"'"lHl' :':_
SERVICERECOMMENDATIONS
SCHEDULE
!11 i1,111_1,1iiii ,,,,, ,i:................. ;,;,, --
SERVICEDAIE_
i iii, i
iiii ,rl
SERVICERECORD
Fill in dalei al you complete regular
service First Every Every Every Every
2 10 25 50 Use
Hours Hour_ Hour_ Hours
t/' v"
v"
Blade_sSharpened
Blades Replaced
Engine Oil Change
Engine O_1 Check
Air Cleaner Replaced
Spark Plug Repfaced
Lubrlcale Mower
Cfeoning
Grass Calcher (if applicable)
Muffler
Belt & Pulley
_' -CHECK
BRICATIONCHART
SAE 30W MOTOR OIL
(lOW 30)
SPRAY LUBRICANT
m
BRAKE SPRING BRACKET
(_ HANDLE BRACKET MOUNTING _ENGINEOIL
WHEEL ADJUSTER
_"_ REAR DOOR HINGE
16

i , i_, ii , LJl _ ,l±_l, 1,1,, , iii, ....................... ,................. ,,,_ __1 i
TROUBLESHOOTINGPOINTS
iii i, i II ii, i,, i I I I ,, iiiiiiiiiiii i,ii i,i iiiiii, i1,1, 71,
PROBLEM
Doesnaf
Start
Pewer
Poort_-
Uneven
iiiiiiii iiiin iiiii
Toomuch
V]bratlon
SlerterRope
Heldto PeI!
CatcherNot
Filling Completely
HARDTO PUSH
CAUSE
, Dirt), Air Filter.
.. Ou) oFgasoline
3. Stale Gaioltne.
4Spark plug wire isdisconnected
from tEe sparkplug
_. Bad spark plug.
•Water in gasolineo
7o Looseblade or broken b_ade
flange,
8, Operator PresenceControl Bar in re-
'eased position
9. Operator PresenceControl Bar defec_
five
1,, Rear of mower housing/biotin
dragging in heavy grass.
Cuttingtoo muchgrass,
" Dirty air fi|ter
41 Build-upof gross, leaves, and
trashunder mower houstng
5. Walhieg speed Ioo fast.
6., Toomuch ol_In engine,
), Worn, bentor loose blade.
2_ Wheet heightsuneven°
3. Lowengine speed.
4_ Build-upof gross,leaves and )rose
under mower hausingr
1, Warn or bentblade.
2r LOOSe b_adn
3, Benlengine crankshaft,
,L LLi , L J t, ,L ,
I Flywheel brake ison when Operalor
PresenceControl Bar isreleased_
2_ Bentengine crankshaft,
3, Blade flange sheared
4. Blade dragging tn grass.
ICu)ling height too low.
Lifton blade ',,yarnoff,
3. Catcherbag dtrly, poor air
venting,
4_ Low engine speed,
1. High Grass or culflngheighttoo low,
2o Rear of mower houstngtblade
dragging in heavy grass,
3, Grasscatchertoo Full
4, Handle height positionnot right for you.
17
CORRECTION
I. ReplaceAir Filter
Fil|gasoline tank,
3, Droln gas tank and refiff wile flesh
gasoline,
_Cannoctwire la spark piugo
,Replace spark plug.
Drain tankand refll| with fresh,dean
gasoline
7- Tighten blade nut and/or replace
blade flange-
8, DepressOperator PresenceControl Bar
•Replace Operator PresenceCentre] Bar
I. Raise rear of mower housing one (t)
setting higher lean front,
2. Set in "Higher Cut" position.
3, C|ean or replace air fi{lar.
4, Oiscannedsparkplug wire and
clean underside of mower housing,
5, Cut at slower walking speed,
6_ Checkengine eli level,
1. Replace blade Tighten blade nut,
,Set eli wheels at same height,
3. Sel engine speed selector on
"HIGH" or "FAST"
4_ Disconnectspark plug wire & clean
undersideof mower housing
.Replaceblade.
,"rigElenblade nut,
3, ContactSears Service Department,
H
1, DepressOperator PresenceContra_
Bar to upper handle before pulling
on slorter rope.
2, ContactSears Service Department
3_ Replace blade flange,
4.,Get over low grassondlor hard surface
to start engine.
I° Raise culling helghL
.Replace blade
., Clean/replace catcherbag,
if optional grass catcheris being
used •
4. Set engine speed selectoron
"HIGH" or "FAST"
1. Raisecuffingheight,
2, Raiserear of mower housing one (1)
settinghigher than front,
.Empty grasscatcher
,Adjust handle height to suit-

CRAFTSMAN 22" ROTARY LAWN MOWER 917.372270
REPAIR PARTS
\

CRAFTSMAN 22" ROTARY LAWN MOWER 917.372270
Ref.
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1!
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
PART
No.
,,J i J
750081
700054
86874
84089
85768
85827
700148
63688
34372A
63601
58714
51793
85424
85436
85529
85825
87594
88669
54583
88308
81283
88644
87596
41945
69180
87760
87145
51959
87569
87626
88653
88667
86914
86915
Part Name
Upper Handle
Lower Handle
Zone Control
Bail Control
Hex Thread Rolling Screw 10-24
x 3t4
Cable Clip
Handle Pad
Handle Knob
Bracket rope Guide (See Engine
Parts List) (Source !43|
Locknut 1/4-20
Handle Bolt 5t16-18 x !314
Hairpin Cotter
Trim Plate
Hex Washer Head Machine Screw
114-20 x t1/2
Nylon Bushing
Tapping Screw 10-24 x 1
Side Baffle
Discharge Baffle
Self Tapping Screw 1/4-20 x 112
Pop Rivet 1/8 x 318
Self Tapping Screw 10-24 x 3/8
Back Plate
Rear Baffle
Threaded Screw 10_24 xI/2
Lacknut 10-24
Rear Door (Use 48137 Doer &
Hinge Kit)
Spr_ng
E-Ring
Hinge Rod
Hinge Bracket {Use 48137 Door &
Htnge Kit}
Sealing Strip
Rear Skirt
Handle Bracket Assembly (Left)
Handle Bracket Assembly (Right)
Ref.
No.
35
36
37
38
39
4O
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
56
67
68
69
7O
Part
No.
HHI
55187
63124
_JOffT6
7EOO-T5
84920
86929
77865
87887
62335
84921
87727
52160
55015
77400
66238
74400
87587
69334
51433
54867
69385
87712
48108
85463
68205
83629
87677
85543
85446
83813
70385
81276
87272
85425
88652
750036
750039
REPAIR PARTS
Part Name
Thread Cutting Screw 5116-18 x
314
Locknut 5/16-18
Wheel Adjusting Bracket (Left) _Tt
Wheel Adjusting Bracket (Right) _;
Spacer •
Selector Spring
Selector Knob
Axle Arm Assembly
Spring Washer
Shoulder Bolt
Wheel & Tire Assembly 9 x2
Washer
Retainer Cllp
Hubcap
Carriage Bolt 5t16-18 x 518
Locknot 318-16
Front Baffle
Blade 22"
Locknut
BellviUe Washer
Washer
Blade Flange
Mower Housing gnc. Ref_ 17. 22.
25 & 511
Danger Decal
Hex Head Screw 5/16-18 x 7!8
Belt Snubber
Hi Pro Key #HP-5O5
Engine Pulley
Cable Assembly
Hex Head Machine Screw 10-32
x 9132
Cable Clip
Hex Head Tapping Screw 10-24 x
t12
Instruction Decal
Trim Plate Decal
Hinge Screw
Engine Assembly 143.394232
(See Pages 22-241
Owners Manuat

CRAFTSMAN 22" ROTARY LAWN MOWER 917.372270
REPAIR PARTS
1,o
O
23
22
39
_0