Craftsman 917.372282 User manual

NUMBER917.3722 2OWNER'SMANUAL
.Assembly
*Operation
.Maintenance
.Service
.Adiustments
*RepairParts
Caution:
Read and Follow
aimSafety Rules
and Instructions
BeforeOperating
This Equipment \
_ _,,, _ t,nn Jn [l!l............... I ! I I1.................................

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 LAWN MOWER.
:IMPORTANT
FEDERAL REGULATIONS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE BLADE STOP CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE
RISK OF BLADE CONTACT INJURY. YOUR LAWN 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 read your owner's manual. Only allow
persons who know the safety rules to use your
lawn mower. _;,,'_,
• DO NOT fie the operator presen_ €o_trbl bar
to the handle. Control must be ffeelt6 permit
brake engagement when handles ai_d control
are released. ;;
•DO NOT allow childre_iii_i_iii_;_i_' your lawn
mower. ; i
• Check your lawn mower ove_;_efore each use.
Tighten any loose bolts, nuts, etc.
•Remove all sticks,;stc_nes_ wires, cans, boards,
etc. from area to be m_ed. These objects can
be thrown by:the blad:e.
•DO NOT allow children, bystanders or pets in
the area v_hile mowing.
•Always w;ar :shoes when mowing. DO NOT
operate tawn m_wer when barefoot or wear-
ing open safidafs.
Alway s wedr safety glasses or eye shields
before starting your lawn mower and while
mowing.
°Always shut off engine before trying to adjust
wheelheights.
• When engine is running, DO NOT put hands
or feet under lawn mower or in the discharge
chute, nor make any adjustments.
°Stay clear of discharge opening at all times.
•Do not fill gas tank when engine is running,
when indoors or when engine is hot. Allow
engine to cool for several minutes before fill-
ing gas tank. Clean off any spilled gasoline
before starting engine.
•Mow only in good light.
•Always stop blade when not cutting grass or
when crossing gravel drive, sidewalk, or
roadway.
°DO NOT continue to run your lawn mower if
you hit a foreign object. Stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark
plug, inspect the lawn mower for damage and
make repairs as required.
°DO NOT use a damaged lawn mower. Always
have damage repaired before mowing.
.DO NOT run your lawn mower if it vibrates
too much. Stop engine and make repairs.
Vibration is an indication of damage.
°Never use your lawn mower without proper
guards or deflectors in place.
•Always mow across a slope or inclined area.
DO NOT mow up or down a slope or inclined
area.
•DO NOT mow in wet grass. Be careful of
footing when mowing in wet grass, use shoes
with good traction.
•DO NOT run with the lawn mower
-DO NOT run your lawn mower indoors Ex-
haust gases are deadly poison.
•Always disconnect the spark plug wire from
spark plug to prevent accidental starting when
transporting or storing your lawn mower after
the mowing season.
° DO NOT attempt to raise engine speed above
factory settings. Engine damage or personal
injury may result.
o If a grass catcher is used on your lawn mower,
check the catcher often for damage or
deterioration, it wilt wear through normal use.
Use only a recommended replacement catcher.
.Always stop blade to remove or install catcher.
°DO NOT store your lawn mower or gasoline
where fumes may reach an open flame and
cause a fire.
• DRAIN THE GASOLINE from your lawn
mower before transporting your lawn mower
inside your car or other vehicle.
i i ,,¸ ...............
LOOKFORTHISSYMBOLTO
TANTSAFETYPRECAUTIONS.
TION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!
INVOLVED.
POINT OUT IMPOR-
IT MEANS-- ATTEN-
YOUR SAFETY IS

CONGRATULATIONSon your purchase of a Sears Crafts-
man Lawn Mower° It has been designed, engineered
and manufactured to _ive you the best possible
dependability and perTormance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot easi-
ly remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Ser-
vice Center!Department. We have competent, well-
trained technicians and the proper tools to service
or repair this unit°
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 917.372282
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF
PURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE
FOUND ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR
OF THE LAWN MOWER HOUSING.
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER
AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE
PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
PEODUCTSPECIFICATIONS
HORSE POWER: 4.0
DISPLACEMENT: 10.49 cu. in.
GASOLINE CAPACITY: 1.5 quarts
(Unleaded)
OIL (20 oz. Capacity): SAE 30 or
(SAE10W30)
SPARK PLUG (GAP .030 in.): Champion
RJ 19_LM or
Sears _ 33312
or STD 361458
or STD 360950
VALVE CLEARANCE: Intake: .008 in.
Exhaust: .008 in°
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 in.
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 ft.-Ibs.
MAINTENANCEAGEEEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
CUSTOMEERESPONSIBILITIES
•Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower.
•Follow the instructions under "Maintenance" and "Storage" sections of this Owner's Manual.
ONEYEARLIMITEDWAERANTYONCRAFTSMANPOWEROWEP,
For one year from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower ismaintained, lubricated and tuned-up.
accordinq to the instructionsm the owner's manual, Sears will repair, free of charge, any defect in material
and workmanship.
ff 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 itemswhich 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 legat rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state
to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Company, D/731CR-W, Sears Tower, Chicago, tL 60684

TABLEOFCONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ....................... 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ............. 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES .3
WARRANTY .......................... 3
LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES ........... 5
ASSEMBLY ........................... 6
OPERATION ..................... 7,8,9, !0
MAINTENANCE ................. 11,12,13
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT ......... 14&15
STORAGE ............................ 16
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS .......... t7
REPAIR PARTS.LAWN MOWER ........ 18-21
REPAIR PARTS-ENGINE .............. 22.25
TROUBLE SHOOTING .................. 26
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ...... Back Cover
A
Adjustments:
Carburetor ................. 14
Engine Speed ............. 15
Handle Height .............. 15
Height oF Cut ................ 9
Air Filter:
Replacement .............. 12
Assembry:
Handle .................. 6
Accessories .................. 5
B
Blade:
Replacement ............... 11
Sharpening ................ 11
Controls:
Drive Control .............. 7,8
Engine Zone Control ......... 7,8
Engine Speed Control ....... 7,8
Operator Presence Control Bar .. 7
Customer Responsibilities ........ 3
Cuffing Levels ............... 9
Handle:
Adjustment ................. 15
Assembly ................... 6
Height, Cutting .............. 9
Lubrication:
Brake Spring Bracket ......... 17
Engine .................... 17
Handle Bracket Pin .......... t7
Rear Door Hinge ............ 17
Wheel Adjuster ............. 17
M
Maintenance:
Agreement .................. 3
Air Filter .................. 12
Blade Care/Repiacement ..... 11
Engine ................... 12
Grass Catcher ............. 12
Lubrication ................ 17
Spark Plug ................ t3
Mowing Tips ................ 10
Safety Rules .................. 2
Service and Adjustments:
Carburetor ................. 14
Engine Speed .............. 15
Drive Belt ................. 14
Handle ................... 15
Rear Deflector .............. 15
Service Recommendation ....... 17
Spark Plug .................. 13
Specifications ................. 3
Speed Control:
Engine ................... 7,8
Starting the Engine:
Starter Handle .............. 10
Storage ..................... 16
T
Trouble Shooting Chart ......... 26
W
Warranty .................... 3
Wheels:
Wheel Adjusters ........... 7,17
Engine:
Oil Change ................ 12
Oi! Levet .................. 9
Oil Type .................. 9
Starting ................... 10
Storage ................... 16
0
Oil:
Engine .................... 9
Storage .................. ] 6
Operation:
Operating Lawn Mower .... 7-10
Operator Presence Control ..... 7
Options:
Attachments ................ 5
Fuel:
Capacity ................... 3
Type .................... 9
Storage ................... "I6
Parts .................... ! 8-25
Engine ................. 22-25
Lawn Mower ............ 18-21
Primer ................... 7,10

. These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are also available at most Sears
retail outlets, catalog and service centers. Moss Sears stores can 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
ecd_
SPAREPLUG MUFFLER Ale FILTER GASCAN ENGINEOiL STABILIZER
if ]awn mower is an electric start
LAWNMOWERPERFORMANCE
REARBAG
OPTIONAL
REPLACEMENT
BAGFORREAR
DISCHARGE
LAWNMOWERS
OPTIONAL
CATCHERFOR
SIDEDISCHARGE
LAWNMOWER
DUSTSHIELD
FABRICBAG
SIDE DISCHARGECATCHER
• .. .. _
PERMAHEXCATCHER
LAWN_OWERMAINTENANCE
BELT BLADE BLADEADAPTER
5
WHEELS
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
LAWN MOWER COVER
,I

ASSEMBLY
..... ___ !lUl II'll ............................ ,.___ '
Your lawn mower has been assembled at the fac-
tory except for the Grass Catcher Bag and the Grass
Catcher Frame.
TOREMOVELAWNMOWERFROMCARTON
• Cut down the corners of the carton and lay ends
and sides down fiat.
o Remove packing material.
•Lift lawn mower off of shipping base and check
carton thorougly for loose parts.
HOWTOSET-UPYOURLAWNMOWER
TO UNFOLDHANDLE
0Raise handles until lower handle section locks into
place in mowing position (SeeFig. 1).
Raise upper handle section into place on lower
handle, remove protective padding and tighten
both handle knobs.
•Remove handle padding holding operator pres-
ence control bar to upper handle.
- Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your
mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the
Service and Adjustment sectionof this manual.
TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER
o Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with stiff
part of bag on the bottom.
® Slip vinyl bindings over frame (See Fig. 2).
NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in
warm water for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let
it dry before using.
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
*Lift the rear door on the lawn mower housing and
place the grass catcher frame onto the formed up
tabs on the rear door hinge bracket (See Fig. 3).
The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower
housing when the rear door is Jowered onto the
grass catcher frame.
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
UPPER
LIFT UP
MOWING POSITION
CATCHER FRAME
\
FRAME OPENING
FI6. 2
iIq u' '1I"'l'lq I
HINGE BRACKET _/ __*_---REAR DOOR
FORME._¢D UP TABS
GRASS
FIO. 3
CAUTION: DO NOT RUN YOURLAWN mOWER
WITHOUTCLIPPINGDEFLECTORORAPPROVED
ORASSCATCHERIN PLACE.NEVERATTEMPTTO
OPERATETHE LAWNmOWER WITH THE REAR
DOOR REMOVEDOR PROPPEDOPEN.
6

OPERATION
KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Com-
pare the illustrations with your Lawn Mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls
and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL E CONTROL
STARTER ROPE
HANDLE KNOB
CABLE CLIP
GRASS CATCHER GfNE OiL CAP
WITH DIPSTICK
ENGINE SPEED
CONTROL LEVER
PRIMER
GASOLINE FILL CAP
AIR FILTER DRIVE COVER
WHEEL ADJUSTER
(ON EACH WHEEL) HOUSING
FIG. 4
MEETSCPSCSAFETYREQUIREMENTS
Sears Rotary Walk-Behind Power Lawn Mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National
Standards Institute and the U,S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade turns when the engine
is running.
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR- must be
held down to the handle to start the engine. Release
to :top the engine.
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER- located on the
right side of the engine which allows you to select
either "HIGH" or "LOW" engine speed.
PRIMER - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor
to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine
STARTER ROPE - used for starting the engine.
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER- used to engage power
propelled forward motion lawn mower.

T
HOWTOUSEYOURLAWNMOWER
ENGINESPEEDCONTROL
The engine speed is controlled by a lever (red knob)
located on the right side of the engine. "HIGH" posi-
tion is for starting engine, normal cutting and better
grass bagging. "LOW" position is for light cutting,
trimming and furl economy (See Fig. 5).
ENGINEZONE CONTROL
CAUTION: FEDERALREGULATIONSREQLIIREAN
ENGtNECOHTROLTO 8E INSTALLEDON THIS
LAWN MOWER IN ORDERTO MBHIMiZE THE
RtSE OF gLADE COHTACTJNJLtR¥_ DO NOT
UNDERANY GRCgMSTANCESATTEMPTTO DE-
F_,_T THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR
CONTROL,THEBL_OETLtRHSWHENTHEENGINE
!$ RUNNING.
Your Lawn Mower is equipped with an Operator
Engine Control Bar which requires the operator
to be positioned behind the Lawn Mower Han-
dle to start and operate the lawn mower.
I)RIVE CONTROL
• 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 is released. 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 to Handle to continue
mowing without self-propdling.
o To keep Drive Control engaged when turning cor-
ners, push down on Handle and lift Front Wheels
off ground while turning lawn mower.
NOT_: When your lawn mower is new, the Drive
Wheels may rotate without the Drive Control engag-
ed when the Wheals are lifted off the ground. This
is normal and should stop after the first few hours
of operation.
TO EMPTYGRASSCATCHER
PRIMER
CONTROL
DRIVE CONTROL DtSENGAGED
Ft$. 6
/
'L
Ft6.7
To remove Grass Catcher, release Operator
Presence Control Bar to stop engine.
, Lift up Rear Door and remove the Grass Catcher
by the Handle (See Fig. 7).
*Do not drag the Bag when emptying; it wiJf cause
unnecessary wear.

OPERATION
-' ___ ....... _z_::_ __ '!l I I iI lllll, iI iiiii ii ll,lrlll,,ll, i i'i ii,, ..............
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT ........ _ _ +
° Raise Wheels for low cut and lower Wheels for
high cut+
+ Wheels are set in low 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 Wheels are in the
same setting (See Fig. 8).
BEFORESTARTINGENGINE
/
OIL:
A 20 oz. bottle of Pennzoil SAE 30 Oil is included
with your new lawn mower.
Remove Engine Oil Cap (See Fig. 9) and fill to
the FULL line on the dipstick+
+ Use 20 ozs. of SAE 30 oil+ SAE 10W 30 oil can
also be used.
DO NOT use SAE 10W 40 oil.
° POUR OiL SLOWLY. DO NOT OVERFILL.
Check oi! level before each use. Add oil if need-
ed. Fill to FULL +ine on dipstick.
+ To read proper level, tighten Engine Oit Cap each
time.
* Reinstall Engine Oil Cap and tighten.
After the first two (2) hours of mowing, change
the oil, and every 25 hours thereafter. You may
need to change the oil more often under dusty,
dirty conditions+
FIG. 8
GASOLINE FILLER CAP
ENGINE OIL CAP W/DIPSTICK
FIG. 9
GAS:
+, Fill gasoline tank with fresh, clean unleaded
gasoline. DO NOT USE PREMIUM GASOLINE.
BECAREFULNOTTOOVERFILLTANK(SEE
FiG. 9).
WABNIN6: Experience indicates that alcohol blend-
ed 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 for 30 days or longer. Drain
the gas tank, start the engine and Jet 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+

T
TO STARTENGINE
Push Primer two (2) or three (3) times. Wait about
two (2) seconds between each push. In coid
weather (50°F/t O°C or below) push five (5)times.
NOTE: Do not use primer to restart a warm engine
after a short shutdown.
*Push Engine Speed Control Lever forward to
HIGH position°
*Hold Operator Presence Control Bar down to the
Handle and pull Starter Handle quickly. DO NOT
allow Starter Rope to snap back.
*To STOP engine, release Operator Presence Con-
trol Bar.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to
repeat priming steps. In warmer weather over prim-
ing may 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 as very tail 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.
*For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of
cut and raise the rear of the lawn mower hous-
ing one (1) wheel adjuster setting higher than the
front for better discharge of grass.
,For better grass bagging and most cutting con-
ditions, the engine speed should be set in the
"HIGH" (FAST) position.
*When using a rear discharge lawn mower in
moist, heavy grass, clumps of cut grass may not
enter the grass catcher° Reduce ground speed
(pushing speed) and/or run the lawn mower over
the area a second time.
o Ifatrail of grass clippings is left on the right side
of a rear discharge lawn mower, mow in a
clockwise direction with a small overlap to col-
lect the clippings on the next pass.
*Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled
with dirt and dust with use and catchers will col-
lect less grass. To prevent this, regularly hose cat-
cher off with water and let dry before using.
*Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean
of grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine
air flow and extend engine life.
10