Craftsman 917.372290 User manual

MODELNUMBER917o372290 OWNER'SMANUAL
oAssembly
oOperation
0"
Maintenance
°Service
_,Adjustments
®RepairParts
Caution:
Readand Follow
all SafetyRules
and Rnstructions
BeforeOperating
ThisEquipment

SAFETYRULES
CAUTION:ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE AND PLACEWIRE
WHERE IT CANNOT CONTACT SPARK PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STAR-
T AO U T, O
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.
oBE 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'.
oDO NOT tie the operator presence control bar
to the handle_ Control must be free to permit
brake engagement when handles and control
are released.
o DO NOT allow children to use your lawn
mower.
oCheck your lawn mower over before each use.
Tighten any loose bolts, nuts, etc.
oRemove all sticks, stones, wires, cans, boards,
etco 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°
o Always wear shoes when mowing_ DO NOT
operate lawn mower when barefoot or' wear-
ing open sandals.
o Always wear safety glasses or eye shields
before starting your lawn mower and while
mowing°
o Always shut off engine before trying to adjust
whee/heights.
o When engine is running, DO NOT put hands
or feet under lawn mower or" in the discharge
chute, nor make any adjustments.
o Stay clear of discharge opening at all times.
o 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.
o Mow only in goodlight.
° Always stop blade when not cutting grass or
when crossing gravel drive, sidewalk, or
roadway.
o DO NOT continue to run your lawn mower if
c_OU hit a foreign object. Stop the engine,
isconnect the spark plug wire from the spark
plug, inspect the lawn mower for damage and
make repairs as required.
o DO NOT use a damaged lawn mower. Always
have damage repaired before mowing.
o DO NOT run your lawn mower if it vibrates
too much. Stop engine and make repairs
Vibration is an indication of damage.
o Never' use your lawn mower without proper'
guards or deflectors in place.
o Always mow across a slope or inclined area.
DO NOT mow up or down a slope or inclined
areao
o DO NOT mow in wet grass. Be careful of
footing when mowing in wet grass, use shoes
with good traction.
o DO NOT run with the lawn mower'.
• DO NOT run your lawn mower indoors° Ex-
haust gases are deadly poison.
o Always disconnect the spark plug wire from
spark plug to prevent accidental starting when
transporting or' storing your lawn mower' after
the mowing season.
o DO NOT attempt to raise engine speed above
factory settings. Engine damage or personal
injury may result.
°If a grass catcher' is used on your lawn mower,
check the catcher often for damage or
deterioration° it will wear through normal use.
Use only a recommended replacement catcher.
o Always stop blade to remove or insta!l catcher.
o 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.
ILOOKFORTHISSYMBOLTO POINTOUT IMPOR-
,_ TANTSAFETYPRECAUTIONS.IT MEANS-- ATTEN-
TION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS
INVOLVED
i .......... ................................

CONGRATULATIONSon your purchase of a Sears Craft-
sman 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 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".
,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,i i,
MODEL
NUMBER 9t7o372290
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 PURCHASEAND KEEPIN A SAFE
PLACEFOR FUTUREREFERENCE.
PBODUCTSP[CBFICATUGNS
HORSE POWER: 4.0
DISPLACEMENT: 10.49 cu. in.
GASOLINE CAPACITY:
OIL (21 oz. Capacity):
A.Pol. Classification
SG/SF/SE
SPARK PLUG (GAP °030 in.):
VALVE CLEARANCE: Intake:
Exhaust:
I II II1' '111 I I
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP:
BLADE BOLT TORQUE:
l oO.quart ,,
unteaaecll
SAE 30 or
(SAE10W30)
Champion
RJ19-LM or
Sears 7_j 33312
or STD 361458
.008 inn
°008 in,
..0125 in.
35-40 ft.-Ibs..
MAIHT :NAHCEAGREEMEHT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details_
CLISTOMEERESPONSRBlUTIES
" Read and observe the safety rules°
oFollow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower.
° Follow the ins!ructions under "Maintenance" and "Storage" sections of this Owner's Manua...!..
OHEY[ARLIMIT[DWARBANTYOH CRA[:TSMAHPOWEBMOWEP,
For one year from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower ismaintained, lubricated and tuned-u R
accordinq to the instructions I'n the owner's manual, Sears will repair, free of charge, any defect in material
and 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 1S AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER TO THE
NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT tN 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 may vary from state
to state..
Sears, Roebuck and Company, D/731CR, Sears Tower, Chicago, IL 60684
3

TABLEOFCONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ..................... 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES 3
WARRANTY .............. 3
LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES 5
ASSEMBLY .............. 6,7
OPERATION ..... 8-11
MAINTENANCE ........... 12-14
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT 15,16
STORAGE ...................... 17
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS ........ 18
TROUBLE SHOOTING ....... 19
REPAIR PARTS-LAWN MOWER 20-24
REPAIR PARTS-ENGINE ..... 25-27
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE 28
A
Adjustments:
Carburetor ,15
Handle Height 16
Height of Cut 9
Air Filter:
Replacement 14
Assembly:
Handle 6
Grass Catcher 6,7
Accessories 5
Blade:
Replacement 12
Sharpening 12
Handle:
Adjustment t6
Assembly .6
Bracket 17
Knob 8
Lubrication:
Engine t 8
Brake Spring Brackets _ 18
Handle Bracket Mounting Pins 18
Rear Door Hinge 18
Wheel Adjusters 18
M
Repair/Replacement Parts 20-24
Responsibilities, Customer 3
Safety Rules 2
Service and Adjustments:
Carburetor' 15
Handle 16
Service Recommendation 18
Spark Plugs 14
Specifications 3
Starting the Engine:
Starter Handle_ 11
Stopping the Engine 1]
Storage 17
Controls:
Engine Zone Control Cable •10
Operator Presence Control Bar 8
Customer Responsibilities 3
Engine:
Oil Cap .8
Oil Change 13
Oil Levet 10
Oil Type 10
Starting 1t
Storage 17
F
Fuel:
Type 10
Storage 17
Maintenance:
Agreement .3
Air Filter 14
Blade Care/Replacement 12
Engine 13
Gear Case t3
Grass Catcher 13
Lubrication 18
Spark Plugs 14
Mowing Tips 11
0
Oil:
Engine 10
Storage 17
Operation:
Operating Lawn Mower' . 8-11
Operator Presence Control Bar 8
Options:
Attachments 5
T
Trouble Shooting Chart
W
Warranty
Wheels:
Wheel Adjusters
19
3
9
4

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced, They are also available at most Sears
retail outlets, catalog and service centers_ Most Sears stores can order repair parts for you, when you provide
the model number of your lawn mower,
ENGINE
SPARKPLUG MUFFLER AIR FILTER GAS(:AN ENGINEOIL STABILIZER
If lawn mower is an electric start
LAWNMOWERPERFORh'iANCE
DUSTSHIELD
REARBAG
OPTIONAL
REPLACEMENT FABRICBAG
BAGFORREAR
DISCHARGE
LAWN_OWERS
OPTIONAL
CATCHERFOR
SiDEDISCHARGE
LAWNt_OWER
LAWNMOWEBt_A_NTENANCE
BELT BLADE
LEAFCATCHER CLIPPINGDEFLECTOR
PERMANEXCATCHER
SIDEDISCHARGECATCHER
BLADEADAPTER WHEELS LAWN MOWER COVER

Your lawnmowerhasbeenassembledat the fac-
tory except for' the grass catcher,.
The following parts are included -not assembled:
1 Grass Catcher' Top
1 Grass Catcher Bottom With Baffle
1 Grass Catcher Handle
1 Grass Catcher' Frame
1 Hardware Package
HOW TO S T-UP YOURLAWNMOWER
TO UNFOLDHANDLE
Remove handle padding holding operator presence
control bar to upper handle_
.Hold down operator presence control bar to up-
per handle to allow handle to move to mowing
position.
Raise handles until lower handle section locks in-
to place in mowing position (See Fig. 1).
o Raise upper handle section intoplace on lower
handle and tighten one (1) handle knob.
o Release operator presence controt bar' and
tighten remaining handle knob_
o Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your
mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the
service and Adjustment Section of this manual_
TO ASSEMBLEGRASSCATCHER
SCREWS ACTUAL SIZE
1/4-20 x 3/4" #10-24 x 5/8" t/4-20 x 5/8"
SCREW SCREW SCREW
NOTE:The grass catcher for your lawn mower is sup-
lied unassemMedo To assemble your grass catcher
Ilow steps below_
oPlace grass catcher frame into catcher top as
shown in Fig_ 2_
• Put one (1) #10-24 x 5/8 truss head screw into
hole in catcher top and catcher frame using
#10-24 locknuL DO NOT TIGHTEN (See Fig. 2).
o Put three (3) # 10-24 x 5/8 truss head screws into
the catcher frame using #10-24 iocknuts. Use a
medium phillips screwdriver to tighten screws
while holding the tocknut with an adjustable or
3/8 wrench (See Fig° 2)_
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
UPPER LIFT UP
UFT UP !?
LOWER ,NDLE
FIG. 1
TRUSS HEAD SCREWS
#10_24 x 5t8"
CLAMP
/
CATCHER TOP
#10-24 CATCHER FRAME
FIG. 2
TOP HANDLE
,'--, t/4-20 x 5/8"
k PHILLIPS HEAD
SCREW
1/4-20 LOCKNUT "-'-_(_
FIG. 3

Y
TO ASSEmblE 6RASS CATCHER ICO_TID) .............................. _ ..................................... .................................................................................................................. _o:_
• Position round end of top handle into hole at rear
of handle recess (See Fig 3), The flat end of top
handle will fit into the square pocket at front of
handle recess° Put the I/4-20 x 5/8 screw through
the handle and catcher top, and install 1!4-20
Iocknut (See Fig. 3)_
o Use a medium phillips screwdriver to tighten
screw while holding the Iocknut with an adjustable
or 7116 wrench (See Fig_ 3)°
o Position top half of catcher on the bottom half ISee
Fig 4)° Align the holes in sides of top and bot-
tom halves of catcher°
o Instal) the right front truss head 114-20 x 3/4
screw through the catcher and install one (1) 1/4
keps nut on the screw. DO NOT TIGHTEN (See
Fig_ 4)_
• Install the other seven (7) screws and keps nuts,
• Use a medium phillips screwdriver to tighten the
screws while holding the keps nut with an ad-
justable or 7116 wrench_
NOTE: Check all screws and nuts to be sure they are
tight,
TO ATTACHGRASSCATCHER
° Lift rear door,
o Hold catcher by handle and place catcher frame
onto hinge bracket (See Fig_ 5)°
° Release rear door,
o When grass catcher is removed from lawn mower,
rear door doses for safety°
CAUTION: DONOT RUNYOUR LAWN MOWER !
° NEVER ATTEMPT TO OPERATE THE LAWN
MOWER WITH THE REAR DOOR REMOVED
OR PROPPED OPEN_
1/4-20 x3f4"
CATCHER TOP TRUSS HEAD
SCREWS
CATCHER BOTTOM
START HERE 1 4 -20 KEPS NUTS
FIG. 4
HINGE BRACKET
REAR DOOR OPEN
FIG. 5

T
ENOWYOURLAWNMOW[R
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Cam-
pare the illustrations with your Lawn Mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls
and adiustmentso Save this manual For future reference,
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR---_..,.._
ENGINE ZONE
CONTROL CABLE,
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER
;TARTER HANDLE
CABLE CLIP HANDLE KNOB
CABLE CLIP
GRASS CATCHER
ENGINE OIL CAP
PSTICK
INE CAP
PRIMER
COVER
AIR FILTER
WHEEL ADJUSTER
(ON EACH WHEEL) "HOUSING
FIG. 6
MELTSCPSCSAF[TYREQUHREM[NTS
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 DRIVE CONTROL LEVER - used to engage power'-
held down to the handle to start the engine. Release propelled forward motion of lawn mower.
to stop the engine.
PRIMER - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor
to the cylinder' for use when starting a cold engine. STARTER HANDLE o,used for starting the engine.
8

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_ 7)°
o 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-propelling.
o To keep drive control engaged when turning cor_
ners, push down on handle and Hft front wheels
off ground while turning lawn mower.
TO EMPTYGRASSCATCHER
o Lift rear door.
o Grasp catcher handle and remove from lawn
mower_
o Empty by shaking catcher with open end
downward (See Fig 8)_
TO ADJUSTCUTTINGHEIGHT
: cAuTION: DISCONNECTSPARK PLUG WiRE
FROMSPARKPLUGAND PLACEWIRE WHERE
IT CANNOTCOMEIN CONTACTWITH THESPARK
PLUG.
o Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for
high cut°
o Wheels are set in low cut for shipping_ Adjust cut-
ting height to suit your requirements° Medium
position is best for most lawns_
o 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. 9)°
LPREBASE C
\\' TO ENGAGE _\ ORIVE CONTROL
DRIVE CONTROL DISENGAGED
FIG. 7
FIG. 8
LOWER WHEELS "- -',._, RAISE WHEELS
FOR LOW CUT
FIG. 9

T
OiL: GASOLINE FILLERCAP
Remove engine oil cap with dipstick (See Fig, 10)
and fill to the FULL line on the dipstick.
o Use about one (1) pint or 0.5 liters of SAE 30
oil or equivalent SAE 10W 30 oil can also be
used_ DO NOT use SAE 10W 40 oil.
NOTE: A 20 oz. bottle of Pennzoil SAE 30 Oil is in-
cluded with your new lawn mower.
POUR OIL SLOWLY. DO NOT OVER FILL.
o The total oil capacity of your engine is 21 ozo or
0_62 liters°
° To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap each
time.
o Replace engine oil cap with dipstick and tighten.
Check oil level before each use, Add oil if need-
edo Fill to FULL line on dipstick°
The oil you use should meet:
A,P.I.. Classification SG/SFISE.
NOTE: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°
,ENGINE OIL CAP W/DIPSTICK
FIG. 10
ENGINe:ZONECONTROL
GAS:
Fill gasofine tank with fresh, clean unleaded
gasoline. DO NOT USE PREMIUM GASOLINE.
BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVERFILL TANK (SEE
FIG. 10).
WARNING: 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 shouldbe
emptied before storage for 30 days or tonger_ 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_
I
CAUTION: THEBLADETURNSWHENTHEENGINEI
IS RUNNING. I
Your' lawn mower is equipped with an operator
zone engine control which requires the operator
to be positioned behind the lawn mower' handle
to start and operate the lawn mower_
CAUTION: FEDERALREGULATIONSREQUIRETHE
ENGINE CONTROLINSTALLEDON THIS LAWN
MOWER IN ORDERTO MINIMIZE THE RISKOF
BLADECONTACTINJURY. DO NOT UNDERANY
CIRCUMSTANCESATTEMPTTODEFEATTHEFUNC-
TION OF THE OPERATORCONTROL.
10

To start a cold engine, push primer five (5) times
before trying to start. Use a firm push. This step
is not usually necessary when starting an engine
which has already run for a few minutes.
Hold operator presence control bar down to the
handle and pull starter handle quickly. Do not
allow starter rope to snap back.
o 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.
OWING TiPS
o Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass,
it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to
reduce pushing effort and to keep from
overloading the engine and _eaving clumps of
grass clippings°
o For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of
cut and raise the rear of the lawn mower hous-
ing one (1) whee_ adjuster setting higher than the
front for better discharge of grass.
o 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°
If a trail 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°
For side discharge lawn mowers, cutting in a
counter-clockwise direction, starting at the outside
of the area to be cut, spreads grass clippings more
evenly and puts less load on the engine. To keep
clippings off of walkways, flower beds, etc., make
the first cuts in a clockwise direction°
o Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled
with dirt and dust with use and catchers wilt col-
tect less grass. To prevent this, regularly hose cat-
cher off with water and let dry before using.
The vent holes in the baffle in back of a permanex
catcher can become rifled with dirt and dust with
use and the catcher will collect less grass.
To prevent this, regularly hose the catcher baffle
with water and let dry before using.
11

Once a year you should replace the spark plug,
air filter' and check blade for wear. Anew spark
plug and air filter assures proper air-fuel mixture
andhelps your engine run better and last longer'.
You should check all fasteners and be sure they
are tight°
Follow the Service Recommendation Schedule on
page 18.
BL_D£/B_D£ADAPT_RCARE
CRANKSHAFT
LOCKWASHER
____BLA D E ADAPTER--_'_
Your lawn mower will work better' with a sharp
blade.
j....................CAUTION:msc0 ma
ITCANNOTCOMEINCONTACTWITHTHESPARK
PLUG
TO REMOVE BLADE:
o Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air' filter
and carburetor are up,
Use block of wood between blade and lawn
mower housing to prevent blade from turning
when removing the blade bolt.
o Protect your hands with gloves and!or wrap
blade with heavy cloth,
o Remove blade bolt by turning counter-clockwise.
Use a 9t16" box or open-end wrench.
o Remove blade and attaching hardware (bolt,
iockwasher and hardened washer) (See Fig. 11).
NOTE: Remove the blade adapter, spacer andcheck
the key inside hub of blade adapter'. The key must
be in good condition to work properly. Replace
adapter if damaged.
TO REPLACE BLADE:
NOTE:When replacing the blade adapter, be sure
the spacer is in place inside the hub of the blade
adapter, otherwise the blade will be out of location
and affect the cutting height (See Fig. 11).
o Position the blade adapter on the engine
crankshaft° Be sure key in adapter and key way
in crankshaft are aligned.
o Position blade on to the blade adapter aligning
the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised lugs
on the adapter.
NOTE:Be sure the word TOP (stamped on the blade)
is toward the engine (See Fig. 11).
FIG. 11
Install the blade bolt with the Iockwasher and
hardened washer into blade adapter and
crankshaft (See Fig. 11).
o Use block of wood between blade and lawn
mower housing and tighten the blade bolt, turn-
ing clockwise.
o The recommended tightening torque is 35-40 ft.
ibs.
Torque wrenches are available at most Sears
stores and through the catalog.
CAUTION:ALOOSEBLADECANB[DANGEROUS
AND_AY MAKETHEiNGINEHARDTOSTART.
Use only a Sears authorized replacement blade to
get the best cutting results.
NOTI::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 lawn mower'.
o Care should be taken to keep the blade balanc-
ed. An unbalanced blade will cause excessive
vibration when running and eventual damage to
lawn mower or engine.
o To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam
or wall. Leave about one inch of the straight nail
exposed. Place center hole of blade over the head
of the nail. If blade isbalanced, it should remain
in a horizontal position. If either end of the blade
moves downward, blade is not balanced.
Sharpen the heavy end until the blade is
balanced.
12

o Tokeepyourdrivesystemworkingproperly,the
gearcaseandarea aroundthedriveshouldbe
keptcleanandfreeoftrashbuld-up Cleanunder
thedrive covertwice a season.
o Thegear caseisfilled with _ubricantto thepro-
per levelat thefactory. Theonly timethelubri-
cantneedsattentionisifservicehasbeenperform-
ed on the gear case_
if _ubricant is required, use only Texaco Starplex
Premium 1 Grease, Part No. 750355. Do Not
substitute_
DRIVE WHEELS
NOTE: Check front drive wheels each time before you
mow to be sure they move freely.
The wheels not turning freely means trash, brass, cut-
tings, etc. are in the drive wheel area and must be
cleaned to free drive wheels°
if necessary to clean the drive wheels, check both
front wheels°
o Remove hubcaps, hairpin cotters and washers.
Remove wheels from wheet adjusters.
• Remove any trash or grass cuttings from inside
the dust cover, pinion and/or drive wheel gear
teeth.
" Put wheels back in place.
o If after cleaning, the drive wheels do not turn free-
ty, contact your nearest Sears Service Center.
GRASSCATCHEt
Check your grass catcher often for damage or
deterioration° Through normat use it will wear° If cat-
cher needs replacing, replace only with a manufac-
turer approved replacement catcher from Sears.
Give the lawn mower modet number when ordering_
NOTE: The catcher may be hosed with water, but must
be dry when used.
C_ONT AtI'q.E R
FIG. 12
TO CHANGEOIL
CAUTION: DISCONNECTSPAREPLUGWIREFROM
SPAREPLUGAND PLACEWIREWHEREIT CANNOT
COt'_EIN CONTACTWITH SPARI(PLUG.
o Remove engine oil cap with dipstick; lay aside on
a clean surface. Warm oil drains better.
o Tip lawn mower on its side as shown in Fig. 12
and drain oil into suitable container. Rock lawn
mower back and forth to remove any oil trapped
inside of engine.
o Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower and on
side of engine.
o Fill engine with oil, fill only to the "FULL" line on
the dipstick. DO NOT overfil.
NOTE: Use SAE 30 or 10W 30 oil which meets:
A.P°I_ Classification SG/SF/SE.
o Replace engine oil cap°
• Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.
13

Your engine will not run properly and may be
damaged by using a dirty air filter'.
Replace the air filter every year, more often if you
mow in very dusty, dirty conditions. Do not wash air
fiher_
TO CHANGE AIR FILTER
oRemove the air filter cover by turning counter_
clockwise to the stop and pull away from collar
(See Fig. 13).
o Remove filter from inside of cover (See Fig. 13)_
oClean the inside of the cover and the collar to
remove any dirt accumutation_
_, Insert new filter into cover.
° Put air filter cover' and filter into collar aligning
the tab with the slot.
Push in on cover and turn clockwise to tighten (See
Fig° 13).
SPARKPLUG
Change your spark plug each year to make your
engine start easier and run better_ Set spark plug
gap at .030 inch.
(LEANnNG
CAUTION:=SCO.NEaSPA,K W ,EJ
iTCANNOTCOrn COmAaW THSPAR
......................................
COUNTER-CLOCKWISE
TO REMOVE
TURN CLOCKWESE
TO TIGHTEN
FIG. 13
oTurn lawn mower on its side with carburetor up,
Clean the underside of your lawn mower by
scraping to remove build-up of grass and trash.
NOTE: We recommend that you clean the underside
of your' lawn mower after each use.
Clean your' lawn mower and engine often to keep
trash from accumulating around engine. A clogg-
ed engine runs hotter and shortens engine life.
NOTE: We DO NOT recommend using a garden hose
to clean lawn mower unless the electrical system, muf-
fler, air filter, and carburetor are covered to keep
water out. Water in engine can result in shortening
engine life.
14

!iI!RVI AI)IIISTIIIIilIT
TOIB_OVE/R[PLACEDRIVEBELT
!SPARRPLUG.PLACEW_IEWHEREIT CANi'JOT
COMEIN CONTACTwife SPAIR PLUG.
o Remove drive cover. Remove belt by pushing
down on gear case pulley (See Fig_ 14).
Turn lawn mower on its side with carburetor and
fuel cap up.
o Loosen hex head screw and move belt snubber
away from pulley (See Fig. 14)o
o Remove belt from engine pulley on crankshaft and
carefully slip beh off over blade_
o 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 dears belt by approx. 1/32 inch
when installed°
Always use factory approved belt to assure fit
and tong life_
TOADJUSTDRIVECONTROLCABLE
A drive control cable that needs adjustment will keep
your lawn mower from self-propellng properly and
can also cause gear case components to wear out
sooner°
o Remove drive cover.
Loosen cable clamp screw "A" and nuts "B" and
llCll _
o Hold down operator presence control bar to han-
dle and engage drive controt0
o Move shifter arm to drive position while rotating
front wheels to be sure jaw clutch is engaged. Pull
threaded sleeve with pliers (See Fig. 15)0Do Not
pull on control cable.
o Tighten nut "C" until sleeve is snug.
o Tighten screw "A" and nut "B".
o Push lawn mower back and forth to be sure gear
case is engaged°
o Replace drive cover.
o Release operator presence control bar.
CARBURETOR
Your carburetor has a non-adjustable fixed main jet
for mixture control. If your engine does not operate
properly due to suspected carburetor problems, take
your lawn mower to an authorized Sears Service
Center for repair and adjustment.
×iL,HEX H_AD SCREW
i
=,,=ox,==_ )
PRESS I---'i_
//
f
ROTATE
FIG. 14
,JAM NUT -B'"
DRIVE
POSITION
ARM
FIG. 15
ENGINESPEED
Your engine speed has been factory set. Do not at-
tempt to increase engine speed or it may result in per-
sonal injury. If you believe that engine isrunning too
fast or too slow, take your lawn mower to an
authorized Sears Service Center for repair and
adjustment.
REARDEFLECTOR
The rear deflector, attached between the rear wheels
of your lawn mower, is provided to minimize the
possibility that objects wil be thrown out the rear
of the lawn mower into the operator's mowing
positiom
if the rear deflector becomes damaged, it should be
replaced.
15

llilVl(l Ii A IIIT T
TO ADJUSTHANDLE
Your lawn mower handle can be raised or lowered
for your mowing comfort. Figs. 16A, 16B, 17A and
17B show the four (4) positions that are avaiJable:
High, medium high, medium low and low. Handles
are shipped mounted in the medium low position (See
Fig. 16A)
To change from medium low to medium high posi-
tion, the upper and lower handle sections will
have to be turned over (See Fig. 16B).
o Remove the controls and operator presence con-
trol bar from the upper handle.
Remove the starter rope guide from the lower
handle.
o Remove hairpin cotters.
Disconnect the lower handle from the handle
brackets (See Fig.. 18).
Turn the handle over and reassemble the hairpin
cotters that have been removed (See Fig. 18).
o Reassemble the starter rope guide.
• Reassemble the controls and the operator
presence control bar to the upper handle.
CAUTION: THEOPERATORPRESENCECONTROL
BAR tYIUSTPIVOT FREELYTO PERMIT BLADE
BRAREENGAGEMENTWHEN CONTROLBARIS
RELEASED. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THE
FASTENERSHOLDING THE CONTROLSTO THE
UPPERHANDLE.
o To change from medium tow to high position on-
ly the upper handle section will have to be turn-
ed over (See Fig. 17A).
o To change from medium low to low position, on-
ly the lower handle section will have to be turn-
ed over (See Fig. !7B).
SHIPPING POSIT{ON
MEDIUM LOW
FIG. 16A
MEDIUM
HIGH
FIG. 16B
HIGH
FIG. 17A FIG. 17B
LOWER HANDLE
HAIRPIN COTTER
HANDLE BRACKET
FIG. 18
16

Your lawn mower and engine should be prepared
for off-season storage as follows:
LAWN MOWER
" Clean underside of tawn mower housing. (See
"Cleaning" in maintenance section of manuaL)
Inspect and replace/sharpen blade, if required
(See "Blade/Blade Adapter Care" in
maintenance section of manual).
., Hose grass catcher off with water and let dry
before storing.
Lubricate as shown in Service Recommendation
chart on page !8 of manual.
HANDLE
o
o
II_PORTANT:
You can fold your lawn mower handle for storage
as shown in Fig 19.
To fold, squeeze the bottom ends of the lower
handle toward each other until the lower handle
clears the handle bracket, then move handle for-
ward (See Fig. 20).
WHEN FOLDING THE HANDLE FOR
STORAGE OR TRANSPORTATION,
BE SURE TO FOLD THE HANDLE AS
SHOWN IN FIG. 19. IF YOU FOLD
THE UPPER HANDLE SECTION THE
WRONG WAY, YOU MAY DAMAGE
THE CONTROL CABLES.
ENGINE
o
o
empty.
t_POMANT:
Change oil (See "To Change Oil" in maintenance
section of manual).
Drain Fuel and Run Engine until fuel system is
IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT
GUM DEPOSITS FROM FORMING
IN ESSENTIAL FUEL SYSTEM PARTS
SUCH AS THE CARBURETOR, FUEL
FILTER, FUEL HOSE, OR TANK DUR-
ING STORAGE. ALSO, EXPER-
IENCE INDICATES THAT ALCOHOL
BLENDED FUELS (CALLED GASO-
HOL OR USING ETHANOL OR
METHANOL) CAN ATTRACT MOIS-
TURE WHICH LEADS TO SEPARA-
TION AND FORMATION OF ACIDS
DURING STORAGE° ACIDIC GAS
CAN DAMAGE THE FUEL SYSTEM
OF AN ENGINE WHILE 1N
STORAGE.
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
UPPER
FOLD FORWARD
FOR STORAGE
MOWING POS_TION
LOWER H, NOLE
FIG. 19
&_ "" LOWER HANDLE
\ "',. ///
"_, HANDLE BRACKET
\
,F.,:L.
'_'_tHAIRPIN COTTER
FIG. 20
OTHER
oDo not store gasoline from one season to another°
o Replace your gasoline can if your can starts to
rust. Rust and/or dirt in your gasoline can cause
problems.
,_ Do not store your lawn mower under any plastic
cover. Plastic cannot breathe which allows con-
densation to form and can cause your lawn
mower to rust°
o When setting up your handle from the storage
position, the lower handle will automatically lock
into the mowing positiom
17

SERVICERECORD SCHEDULE SERVICEDATES
Fill in dates as you complete regular ................. _'i .............
service First Every Every Every
2 10 25 50
Hours Hours Hours Hours
Blades Sharpened
Blades Replaced
Engine Oil Change _
Engine Oil Check
Air Cleaner
Spark Plug Replaced ..........
Lubricate Lawn Mower
Cleaning
Grass Catcher (if applicable)
Muffler'
Every
Use
.................... :....................................
/,_ -CHECK
LLI£RI(IIIONCIAR
O SAE 30 MOTOR OIL OW
(1 30)
SPRAY LUBRICANT
BRAKE SPRING BRACKET
ENGINE OIL
HANDLE BRACKET
MOUNTING PIN ©
REAR DOOR HINGE WHEEL ADJUSTER
18

PROBLEM
DOESNOT
START
LOSSOF
POWER
POORCUT-
UNEVEN
TOO_UCH
VIBRATION
' .i i....,i_. .iI ,.=
STARTERROPE
HARDTOPULL
CATCHERNOT
FILLINGCOMPLETELY
HARDTO PUSH
CAUSE
1, Dirty air filter.
2 Out of gasoline_
3. Stale gasoline,
4, Spark plug wire is disconnected
from the spark plug
5, Bad spark p?ug_
6 Water in gasollne_
7. Loose b_ade or broken blade
adapter.
8. Operator presence control bar in re-
leased position,
9. Operator presence control bar defec-
tive,
1_ Rear of lawn mower houslng/biade
dragging in heavy grass_
2, Cutting too much grass_
3, Dirty air filter
4_ Build-up of grass, leaves, and
trash under lawn mower housing,_
5_ Walking speed too fast_
6_ Too much oil in engine_
1 Worn, bent or loose blade,
2, Whee? heights uneven,
3,, Low engine speed_
4o Build-up of grass, leaves and trash
under lawn mower housing
1_, Worn or bent blade,,
2, Loose blade.,
3_ Bent engine crankshaft
1, Flywheel brake is on when operator
presence control bar is released_
2, Bent engine crankshaft.
3Blade adapter sheared
4_ Blade dragging in grass,
1., Cutting height too low,.
2. Lift on blade worn off°
3 Catcher bag dirty, poor air
venting
4 Low engine speed,
1, High grass or cutting height too Iow_
2, Rear of lawn mower housing/blade
dragging in heavy grass°
3, Grass catcher too full.,
4_ Handle height position not right for you_
CORRECTION
1. Replace air filter
2Fill gasofine tank,
3, Drain gas tank and refill with fresh
gasoline,
4, Connect wire to spark plug_
5o Replace spark plug,
6o Drain tank and refill with fresh, dean
gasoline,,
7, Tighten blade bolt and/or replace
blade adapter.
8, Depress operator presence control bar
9, Replace operator presence control bar
r
1_, Raise rear of lawn mower housing one (1)
setting higher than front°
2 Set in HIGHER CUT position,
3., Clean or replace air filter,,
4 Disconnect spark plug wire and
dean underside of fawn mower housing,
Cut at slower walking speed_
Check engine oil level
I, Replace blade Tighten blade bolt_
2o Set all wheels at same height_
3 Set engine speed control in
H?GH position,
4, Disconnect spark plug wire & clean
underside of lawn mower housing_
1,, Replace blade.
2. Tighten blade boll
3, Contact Sears Service Department
1. Depress operator presence control
bar to upper handie before pulling
on starter rope,
2Contact Sears Service Department°
3_ Replace blade adapter.
4_ Get over low grass andtor hard surface
to start engine,
1,, Raise cutting height.
2r Replace blade°
3, Cteanfreplace catcher bag°
(If optional grass catcher is being
used),
4, Set engine speed control in
HIGH position_
, Raise cutting height°
,Raise rear of lawn mower housing one (1)
setting higher than front.
3, Empty grass catcher_
4, Adjust handle height to suit,
19

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