Craftsman 917.372490 User manual

MODEL 917.372490 OWNER'SMANUAL
*Assembly
*Operation
*Maintenance
*Service
*Adjustments
*Repair Parts
Caution:
Readand Foffew
aJJSafety Rules
arid instructions
Before Operating
ThisEquipment

RULES
CAUTION: _L_AYSI_DiS_NN!ECT SPARK PLUG WiRE AND PLACE WiRE
WHERE IT CANNOT CONTACT S_ARK PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STAR_ ,_
TING WHEN SETTING-UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING
REPAIRSTOYOURLAWNMOWER
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
raerSons who know the safety rules to use your
wn mower.
•DO NOT tie the operator presence control bar
to the handle. Control must be free to permit
brake engagement when handles and control
are released.
•DO NOT allow children to use your lawn
mower.
•0r before each use°
Tic etc.
•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 lawn mower when barefoot or wear-
ing open sandals.
•Always wear 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. Exo
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.
• 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.
•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 transporJ'i_ng your lawn mower
inside your car or othe_J_ve_ideo
LOOKFORTHISSYMBOLTOPOINT OUT IMPOR-
,_ TANTSAFETYPRECAUTIONS.IT MEANS-- ATTEN-
TION!I! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS
INVOLVED.

CONG TU TWONSonyaurpurchaseofa PRODUCTSPECiFiCATiONS
smart Lawn Mower° h has been designed,
engineered and manufactured to give you the bes_ .......
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".
MODEL
NUMBER 917.372490
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_
HORSE POWER: 5.0
DISPLACEMENT: 12.04 cu. in.
GASOUNE CAPACITY: 1.5 quart
(Unleaded)
OIL (21 oz. Capacity}: SAE 30 or
(SAEI0W30)
SPARK PLUG (GAP _030 in.): Champion
RJ 19-LM or
Sears 77 33312
or STD 361458
VALVE CLEARANCE: intake: .008 in.
Exhaust: _008 in.
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AiR GAP: .0125 in.
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 ft.dbs.
MAmNTENANCEAGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on .fhis producL Contact your nearest Sears store for details_
CUSTOMERRESPONSIBILITIE$
• Read and observe the safety rules.
Fallow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower.
Foltow the instructions under "Maintenance" and "Storage" sections of this Owner's Manual°
TWOYEARLIMITEDWARRANTYON CRAFT. MANPOWERMOWER
For two years from the date of purchase, when this Cra_sman Lawn Mower is maintained, Jubricated and tuned-
up according to the instructions in 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 renta! 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 instruct'ons conta°ned °n 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 a_so have other rights which may vary from state
to state.
Sears_. Roebuck and Company, D/731CRoW, Sears Tower, Chicago, IL 60684

TABLEOFCONTENTS
SAFETYRULES................................................ 2
PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS............................. 3
CUSTOMERRESPONSIBIUTIES......................... 3
WARRANTY.................................................... 3
LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES........................ 5
ASSEMBLY...................................................... 6
OPERATION .............................................. 7-10
MAINTENANCE ....................................... 11-13
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................... 14-25
STORAGE ..................................................... 16
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS ...................... 17
TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................... 18
REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ............... 20-24
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .......................... 25-27
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .......... BACK COVER
INDEX
A
Accessories............................................ 5
Adjustments:
Carburetor.................................. 14
HandleHeight............................. I 5
HeightofCut................................. 8
Air Filter:.
Replacement............................... 13
Assembly:
Handle ......................................... 6
GrassCatcher............................... 6
B
Blade:
Sharpening................................. 11
Replacement............................... 11
Controls:
EngineZoneControlCable............ 9
OperatorPresenceControlBar ......7
CustomerResponsibilities..................... 3
E
Engine:
Oil Cap......................................... 7
Oil Change................................. 12
Oil Level....................................... 9
oil Type........................................9
Starting....................................... 10
Storage....................................... 16
F
Fuel:
Type............................................. 9
Storage....................................... T6
H
Handle:
Adiustment................................. |5
Assembly...................................... 6
Bracket....................................... 16
Knob ............................................ 7
L
Lubrication:
Engine........................................ |7
BrakeSpringBrackets................. 17
HandleBracketMountingPins..... 17
RearDoorHinge......................... !7
WheelAdjusters.......................... 17
M
Maintenance................................. 14-!7'
Agreement.................................... 3
Air Filter..................................... 13
BladeCare/Replacement............. ! 1
Engine........................................ 1:2
GearCase.................................. 12
GrassCatcher............................. 12
Lubrication.................................. 17
SparkPlugs................................ 13
MowingTips...................................... 10
O
Oil: Engine.......................................... 9
Storage....................................... 16
Operation:
OperatingLawnMower ...........7-10
OperatorPresenceControlBar .............7
Options:
Attachments.................................. 5
R
Repair/ReplacementParts............. 20-24
Responsibilities,Customer.................... 3
S
SafetyRules......................................... 2
Serviceand Adjustments:
Carburetor.................................. 14
Handle ....................................... 15
ServiceRecommendations.................. 17
SparkPlugs....................................... !3
Specifications.................................. '... 3
Startingthe Engine:
StarterHandle............................. 10
StoppingtheEngine........................... 10
Storage.............................................. 16
T
TroubleShootingChart....................... 18
W
Warranty............................................. 3
Wheels:
WheelAdiusters............................ 8

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. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.
ENGINE
SPARKPLuG MUFFLER AIR FILTER GASCAN ENGINEOIL STABILIZER
If lawn mower is an electric start
LAWNMOWERPERF!
REARBAG
OPTIONAL
REPLACEMENT
BAGFORREAR
DISCHARGE
LAWNMOWERS
OPTIONAL
CATCHERFOR
SIDEDISCHARGE
LAWNMOWER
_RMANCE
DUSTSHIELD LEAFCATCHER
SIDEDISCHARGECATCHER
BATTERY __
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
PERMANEXCATCHER
LAWNMOWERMAINTENANCE
WHEELS LAWN MOWER COVER

ASSEMBLY
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 flat.
= Cut the plastic wrapping and remove from over
Handles and lawn mower.
= Remove Catcher Frame, Fabric Bag and Oil Bot-
tle from top of lawn mower.
*Lift lawn mower off of shipping base and check
carton for loose parts.
HOWTOSET-UPYOURLAWNMgWER
TOUNFOLDHANDLE
Remove Handle Padding holding Operator
Presence Controt Bar to Upper Handle.
Raise Handles until Lower Handle section locks
into place in mowing position ISee Fig. 1}.
Raise Upper Handle section into place on Lower
Handb and tighten one i1) Handle Knob.
*Your lawn mower has been shipped with Protec-
tive Handle Pads placed between the upper and
lower sections otthe Handle° For best lawn
mower performance these Pads need to be
discarded after the Handle isplaced in the mow-
ing position.
*Once the Handle is in the mowing position,
remove the Handle Knob, Handle Bolt and Pro-
tective Pad from the side with the loose Handle
Knob. (Make sure the other side is tight to sup-
part the Upper Handle).
*Discard the Pad and reinstall the Handle Bolt and
Knob--Tighten securely.
o Loosen and remove the Handle Knob, Handle
Bolt and Protective Pad from the other side and
discard the Pad.
oReinstall the Handle Bolt and Knob-'Tighten
securely, Now your Handles should be clamped
together without the Protective Pads.
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.
TOASSEMBLE& ATI'ACHGRASSCATCHER
• PutGrass Catcher Frame into Grass Bag with stiff
part of Bag on the bottom.
•"Stip vinyl bindings over Frame ISee Fig. 2).
NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in
warm water for a few minutes, ff Bag gets wet, let
it dry before using.
OPERATOR £RESENCE
CONTROL BAR
uLIFT UP
LIFT UP /////,'
_,//t
MOWING POSITtON
DOOR
GRASS CATC FRAME
FIG. 3
- Liftthe Rear Door on the Lawn Mower Housing
and place the Grass Catcher Frame onto the form-
ed 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 islowered onto the
Grass Catcher Frame.
- CASH YoueLAWHMOW_e
__ oRA_ROVeD[
_ T.ELAWNMOWERW_HT,_[

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
ENGINE ZONE
CONTROL
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER
_TARTER HANDLE
CABLE CLIP HANDLE KNOB
;ABLE CLIP
ENGINE OIL CAP
GRASS CATCHER ---4_ _CAP
PRIMER
COVER
AIR FILTER
WHEEL ADJUSTER
(ON EACH WHEEL) HOUSING
FIG. 6
MEETSCPSCSAFETYREQUIREMEHTS
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 - used for starting the engine.

T
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
controt bar down tohandle to continue mowing
without self-propelling°
To keep drive control engaged when turning cor-
ners, push down on handle and lift front whee&
off ground while turning tawn mower.
_0 EMPTYGR._SSCATCHER
o To remove Grass Catcher, release Operator
Presence Contro! Bar to stop engine°
o Lift up Rear Door and remove the Grass Catcher
by the Handle lSee Fig_ 6).
Lift up Rear Door and remove the Grass Catcher
by the Handle (See Fig. 6).
• Do no_drag the Bag when emptying; itwill cause
unnecessary wear.
TO ADJUSTCUTTINGHEIGHT
*Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for
high cut.
*Wheels are set in low cut for shipping. Adiust 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).
\ \ OPERI TOR PRESENCE
\ "_COflTROL BAF \
_ ..... . _ _ CONTROL--4_
DRIVE CONTROL DISENGAGED
FIG. 7
/
\\\
FIG. 8
LOWER WHEELS " RAISE WHEELS
FOR HIGH CUqr -- -_.I"_'_ "-'P'' FOR LOW CUT
r
\
I
FIG. 9

T
BEFORESTARTINGENGINE
01L: GASOUNEF_LLERCAP
A 20 oz. bottle of Pennzoil SAE 30 Oi! is included
with your new lawn mower.
*Remove engine oil cap with dipstick (See Fig. 10)
and fiJ! 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 lOW 40 oil.
,POUR OIL SLOWLY. DO NOT OVER FILL.
® Check oil level before each use. Add oil if need-
ed. Fill to FULL line on dipstick.
® To read proper level, tighten engine oi! cap each
time.
o Replace engine oil cap with dipstick 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.
GAS:
*Fill gasoline 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 should be
emptied before storage for 30 days or longer. Drain
the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the
fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh rue)
next season. See Storage Instructions for addifiona_
information.
Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in
the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
ENGINEZONE CONTROL
CAUTaON:FEDERALREGULATIONSREQUIREAN
ENGINECONTROLTO BEINSTALLEDON THIS
LAWN MOWER tN ORDERTO M|NIMIZE THE
ElSE OF BLADECONTACTINJURY. DO NOT
UNDERANY CIRCUMSTANCESATTEMPTTO DE-FEAT. THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR
CONTROL.THEBLADETURNSWHENTHEENGINE
!S RUNNING.
Your lawn mower is equipped with an Operator
Engine Control Bar which requires the operator
to be positioned behind the lawn mower handle
to start and operate the lawn mower.

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 ha_dle quickly. Do not
o))ow s)arter rape )o snap back.
o To STOP engine_ release operator presence con_
trol bar°
NgT_: in coabr weather it may be necessary to
repeat priming steps° Jnwarmer weather over prim°
ing may cause flooding and engine will not _tart. ff
you do flood engine wait o few minutes before at-
tempting to start and DO NOT repea_ priming steps_
e 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 leaving dumps af
grass clippings.
For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of
cut and raise the rear of the lawn mower hous°
ing one I1) wheel adjuster setting higher than the
front for better discharge of grass.
When using a rear discharge lawn mower in
moist, heavy grass, dumps of cut grass may not
enter the grass catcher° Reduce ground speed
tpushing speed) and/or run the lawn mower over
the area a second tirae.
ff 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-
[oct the clippings on the next pass.
The vent holes in the baffle in back of apermanex
catcher can become filled with dirt and dust with
use and the catcher will collect less grass.
To prevent this, reguJarly hose the catcher baffle
with water and let dry before using_

f
GENERALRECOMMENDATION
o 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
andheIps your engine run better and last longer.
+ You should check al! fasteners and be sure they
are tight.
• Follow the Service Recommendation Schedule on
page 18.
LAWHMOWER
BLAD[/BLAD[ ADAPT+:RCARE
Your lawn mower will work better with a sharp
blade.
TH HESPARKI
TO REMOVE BLADE:
® Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air fi!fer
and carburetor are up.
+ Use black of woad between blade and lawn
mower housing to prevent blade from turning
when removing the blade bolt.
+ Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap
blade with heavy cloth,
+ Remove blade bolt by turning counterclockwise.
Use a 9/16" box or open-end wrench°
+ Remove blade and attaching hardware (bolt,
Iockwasher and hardened washer) (See Fig. 11).
NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check the key
inside hub of blade adapter. The key must be in good
condition ta work properly° Replace adapter if
damaged.
TO REPLACE BLADE:
+ Position the btade adapter on the engine
crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter and key way
in crankshaft are aligned,
+ Position blade on ta the blade adapter aJigning
the two {21 holes in the blade with the raised tugs
on the adapter+
NOTE: Be sure the word TOP (stamped on the bladel
is toward the engine (See Fig. ] ]!°
® Install the blade boh with the tockwasher and
hardened washer into blade adapter and
crankshaft (See F+9. 11).
® Use block of wood between blade and lawn
mower housing and tighten the btade bah, turn-
ing clockwise°
CRANKSHAFT &
BLADE ,ADAPTER __+[-_// [--_-
DETAIL ASHER
_BLADE ADAPTER
BLADE BOLT/_(
CRANKSHAFT
tl
LOCKWASHER
F|G. 1]
+ The recommended tightening torque is 35-40 ft,
+bs.
+ Torque wrenches are avai[abJe at most Sears
stores and through the cataJog°
_A LOOS[BLAP[ (AH B[ DAHG[ROU__I
..............
Use only a Sears authorized replacement blade ta
get the best cutting results,
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. Da nat attempt ta sharpen wh+te
on the town mower.
+ Care should be taken to keep the blade balanc+
edo An unbalanced blade will cause excessive
vibration when running and eventual damage ta
lawn mower or engine.
+ To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam
or watto Leave about one inch of the straight no+!
exposed. Place center hole of blade aver the head
of the nail. ff btade is balanced, it should remain
in a harizanta! position. If either end of the blade
moves downward, blade is not balanced°
Sharpen the heavy end until the blade is
balanced.

Tokeepyourdrivesystemworkingproperly,th÷
gearcaseandarea aroundthe driveshouldbe
keptcleanandfreeoftrashbui_doup.Cleanunder
the drive cover twice a season°
The gear case is filled with bbricant to the proo
per level at the factory° The only _ime the _ubrio
cant needs ettention is if service has been perForm-
ed on _he gea_ case°
tf bbricant is required, use only Texaco Sterptex
Premium 1 Grease, Part No° 750355. Do Not
substitute.
INER
DRIVEWHEELS
Checkfront drive wheels each time before you maw
to be sure they move freely. The wheels not turning
freely means trash, brass, cuttings, etco ere in the
drive wheel area and must be cleaned to free drive
wheels.
If necessary _o clean the drive wheels, check both
front wheets.
*Remove hubcaps, hairpin cotters and washers.
*Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.
*Remove any trash or grass cuttings from inside
the dust cover, pinion and/or drive wheel gear
teeth.
® Put wheel_ back in piece.
*If after denning, the drive wheels do not turn free-
ty, contact your nearest Seers Service Center.
_6EASSCATCHER
®
The catcher may be hosed with water, but must
be dry when used.
Check your grass catcher often for damege or
deterioration. Through normal use it wil! wear.
If catcher needs replacing, replace only with a
manufacturer approved replacement catcher from
Sears. Give the lawn mower model number when
ordering.
FIG° 12
® Remove engine oil cap with dipstick; lay aside on
e clean surface.
® Tip lawn mower on its side as shown in Fig. 12
and drain oi! into suitable container. Rock|own
mower back and forth to remove any oil trapped
inside of engine.
*Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower and on
side of engine.
'_ Fill engine with SAE 30 or 10W 30 oil. Fill only
to the "FULL" line on the dipstick° DO NOT
overfill.
e Replace engine nil cap.
o Reconnect spark ptug wire to spark plug.
12

AiRFILTER
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
filter.
TO CHANGE AIR FILTER
*Remove the air filter cover by turning counter-
clockwise to the stop and puHaway from collar
(See Fig. 13).
* Remove filter from inside of cover (See Fig. 13).
*Clean the inside of the cover and the collar to
remove any dirt accumulation.
o tnsert 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.
CLEANING
We recommend that you clean the underside of your
lawn mower after each use.
CAUTION: DISCONNECTSPARK PLUG WIRE
d_ FROM SPARKPLUG AND PLACEWIRE WHERE
IT CANNOT COME IN CONTACTWITH SPARK
PLUG.
COUNTER-CLOCKWISE
TO REMOVE
TURN CLOCKWISE
TO TIGHTEN
FiG. 13
• Turn 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.
• Clean your lawn mower and engine often to keep
trash from accumulating around engine. A clogg-
ed engine runs hotter and shortens engine life.
® We DO NOT recommend using a garden hose
to clean lawn mower unless the electrical system,
muffler, air filter, and carburetor are covered to
keep water out. Water in engine can result in
shortening engine life.
13

ANDADJUSTMENT
TO REMOV_REPLACEDRIVEBELT
_ ^ CAUTION:DISCONNECTSPARKPLUGWIREFROMI
I _ SPARKPLUG. PLACEWIRE WHEREiT CANNOT
•Remove drive cover. Remove belt by pushing
down on gear case putley (See Fig. 14).
, Turn lawn mower on its side with carburetor and
fuel cop up.
• Loosen hex head screw and move belt snubber
away from pulley (See Fig, 14).
Remove betelfrom engine pulley on crankshaft and
carefully slip belt off over blade.
CAUTION: Sharp edges of blade can cut belt.
Install new belt reversing above steps.
Move belt snubber back in place and tighten hex
head screw.
NOT[: Belt snubber clears belt by approx. 1/32 inch
when installed.
- Always use factory approved belt to assure fit
and long life,
TO &DJUSTDRBVECONTROLCABLE
A drive contrd cable that needs adiustment will keep
your awn mower from self-prope ling properly and
can also cause gear case components to wear out
sooner_
Remove drive cover.
Loosen cable clamp screw "A" and nuts "B" and
IICI' "
Hold down operator presence control bar to ham
die and engage drive control.
Move shifter arm to drive position while rotating
front wheels to be sure aw clutch is engaged. Pull
threaded seeve with piers (See Fig. 15). Do NOt
pull on contro! cable.
• Tighten nut "C" until sleeve is snug.
® Tighten screw "A" and nut "B".
• Push lawn mower back and forth to be sure gear
case is engaged.
• Replace drive cover.
• 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.
/HE× HEAD SCREW
_- BELT SNUBBER
J
APPROX 1
PRESS /
i
I
FiG. 14
SCREW "A"
©
CLUTCH
SPRING
ARM
IERS
SLEEVE
_ABL_ CLAMP
l[-IIt l
"ADJUSTING RO'TATE
BRACKET I I
FIG. t5
EHGIN[ SPEED
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 the engine is runn-
ing 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 will be thrown out the rear
of the lawn mower into the operator's mowing
position.
if the rear deflector becomes damaged, it should be
replaced.
14

SERVICEANDADIUSTMENT
TOADJUSTHANDLE
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 available:
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).
Remove the controls and operator presence con-
trol bar from the upper handle.
Remove the starter rope guide from the lower
handle.
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).
Reassemble the starter rope guide.
Reassemble the controls and the operator
presence control bar to the upper handle.
CAUTION: THEOPERATORPRESENCECONTROL
BAR MUST PIVOT FREELYTO PERMIT BLADE
BRAKEENGAGEMENTWHEN CONTROLBARIS
RELEASED. DO NOT OVERTIGffTEN THE
FASTENERSHOLDING THE CONTROLSTO THE
UPPERHANDLE.
To change from medium low to high position on-
ly the upper handle section will have to be turn-
ed over (See Fig. 17A)°
To change from medium low to low position, on-
ly the lower handle section will have to be turn-
ed over (See Fig. 17B).
i
SHIPPING POSITION
MEDIUM LOW MEDIUM
HIGH
III1[ I
FIG. ]GA FiG. 16B
FIG, ] 7A FIG. 17B
LOWER HANDLE
\
t
HAIRPIN COTTER
HANDLE BRACKET
FIG. 18
15

Yourlawn mowerandengineshouldbe prepared
for off-seasonstorageasfollows:
LAWNMOWER
*Clean underside of lawn 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 18 of manual.
HANDLE
_' You can fold your lawn mower handle for storage
as shown in Fig. 19.
o 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).
IMPORTANT: WHEN FOLDINGTHE 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.
ENGMNE
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
UPPER
FOLDFORWARD
FOR STORAGE
/FOLD BACKWARD
)WING POSITION
LOWER H/ NDLE
FIG° 19
.\ LOWER HANDLE
HANDLE BRACKET
HAIRPIN COTTER
o
empty.
iMPORTANT:
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-
HaL 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 IN
STORAGE°
FIG. 20
OTHER
°Do not store gasoline from one season to another.
• 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.
When setting up your handle from the storage
position, thebwer handle will automatically lock
into the mowing position.
16

Fit! _ndates as you compbte regdGr
Service
L_lode Checked
Blade replaced {Sharpened)
Engin_ Off Change
Engine Oil Check
Air CbQner
Spark Plvg Replaced
Lubricate Lawn Mower
Cleaning
Grass Catcher (if applicable}
Muffler
_E#UL[
First
2
Hours
Every
10
Harts
Every
Use
J
/t
Every
25
Haurs
J
J
J
v" - cHEcK
LUBRICATIONCHART
SAE 30 MOTOR OIL (lOW 30)
SPRAY LUBRICANT
SERVt¢EDATES
BRAKE SPRING BRACKET
ENGINE OIL
HANDLE BRACKET
MOUNTING PIN
REAR DOOR HINGE WHEEL ADJUSTER
17

T TS
PROBLEM
DOESHOT
START
LOSSOF
POWER
POOR(UT-
UREV[[_
TOO MUCH
VIBRATION
STARTERROPE
HARD TO PULL
_AT(H_RROT
FILL!NGCOMPLETELY
HARD TO PUSH
CAUSE
I. Dirty air filter.
2. Out of gasoline.
3. Stale gasoline.
4. Spark plug wire is disconnected
from the spark plug.
5. Bad spark plug.
6. Water in gasoline°
7. Loose blade or broken blade
adapter,
8. Operator presence control bar in re-
leased position.
9. Operator presence control bar defec-
tive.
t. 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, end
trash under !awe mower housing.
5. Walking speed too fast,
6. Too much eli in engine.
1. Worn, bent or loose blade,.
2. Wheet heights uneven.
3. Low engine speed.
4. Build-up of gross, leaves and trash
under town mower housing.
1. Worn or bent biadeo
2, Loose blade.
3. Bent engine crankshaft,
1_ Flywheel brake is on when operator
presence controf bar is released.
2. Bent engine crankshafl.
3_ Blade adapter sheared.
4, Biade dragging in grass.
1. Cutting height too tow,
2. Lift on blade worn off.
3. Catcher bag dirty, poor air
venting,
4. Low engine speed.
1. High grass or cutting height too low
2. Rear of !awe mower housing/blade
dragging in heavy grass.
3. Grass catcher too full,
4_ Hondie height position not r_ght for you.
CORRECTION
1, Replace air filter
2. Fitt gasoline tank.
3. Drai.n gas tank and refill with fresh
gasoline.
4. Connect wire to spark plug,
5, Replace spark plug.
6. Drain tank and refill with fresh, clean
gasoline.
7. Tighten blade bolt and/or replace
blade adapter.
8. Depress operator presence control bar
9. Replace operator presence control bar
1. Raise rear of lawn mower housing one (t)
setting higher than front.
2. Set in H_GHER CUT position.
3. Cleon or replace air fiher.
4. Disconnect spark plug wire and
dean underside of lawn mower houslng,
5_ Cut at sJower walking speed.
6. Check engine oil level.
1. Replace blade, T_ghten blade bah.
2o Set all wheels at same height,
3. Set engine speed centre! in
HIGH position.
4_ Disconnect spark plug wire & clean
underside of lawn mower housing.
i Replace blade.
2. Tighten blade bolt.
3. Contact Sears Service Department.
1 Depress operator presence control
bar to upper handle before pulting
on starter rope.
2. Contact Sears Service DepartmenL
3. Replace blade adapter.
4. Get over Jaw gross and/or hard surface
tostart engine.
1, Raise cutting height.
2, Reptace blade.
3. Clean/replace catcher bag_
(ff optionat grass catcher is being
used).
4, Set engine speed control in
HiGH position.
]. Raise cutting height.
2. Raise rear of lawn mower housing one (1}
setting higher than front.
3_ Empty grass catcher_
4o Adiust handle height to suit.
_8

N©TES
]9

CRAFTSMAN 22" ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NUMBER 917.372490 REPAIR PARTS
P_
O
/