Craftsman 917.376658 User manual

Owner's Manual
®
ROTARY LAWN
625 Series Briggs &
Power-Propelled
22" Multi-Cut
OWER
Stratton Engine
Model No.
917.376658
• Espa5ol, p. 19
CAUTaON:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates,
Visit our Craftsman website: www,,sears.com/craftsman IL 60179 UoS.A.

Warranty .........................................................................2
Safety Rules ............................................. 2-4
Product Specifications .................................. 4
Assembly /Pre-Operation ...............................6
Operation ................................................. 7-1t
Maintenance Schedule ............................... 12
Maintenance ..................................................12-15
Service and Adjustments .................... 15-16
Storage .................................................. 16-I 7
Troubleshooting ....................................... 17-18
Repair Parts ........................................ 36-45
Sears Service ............................... Back Cover
2-YEAR FULL WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN LAWN MOWER
If this Craftsman Lawn Mower fails due to manufacturer defects in material or
workmanship within two years from the date of purchase, return it to any Sears store,
Parts & Repair Center or other Craftsman outlet for free repair (or replacement if repair
proves impossible).
Tills warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase if this Lawn Mower is
ever used for commercial or rental purposes,
This warranty does not cover:
Expendable items that 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
crackshafts and the failure to assemble, operate or maintain this Lawn Mower
according to all supplied product instructions.
This warranty applies only while this product is used in the United States.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to staten
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw-
ing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious
injury or death
`&Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions,. It means
CAUTION!H BECOME ALERT!H
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
`& WARNING: In order to prevent ac-
cidental starting when setting up, trans-
porting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot come in contact
with plug.
,&WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.
`&WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. Wash
hands after handling.
2
`& CAUTION: Muffler and other engine
parts become extremely hot during
operation and remain hot after engine has
stopped, To avoid severe burns on contact,
stay away from these areas.

1.GENERAL OPERATION
o Read,understand,andfollowall
instructionsonthemachineandinthe
manual(s)beforestarting..Bethoroughly
familiarwiththecontrolsandtheproper
useofthemachinebeforestarting.
° Donotputhandsorfeetnearorunder
rotatingparts_Keepclearofthedis-
chargeopeningatalltimes.
o Onlyallowresponsibleindividuals,who
are familiarwiththeinstructions,to oper-
atethemachine,.
o Cleartheareaof objectssuchas rocks,
toys,wire,bones,sticks,etc. which
couldbe pickedupandthrownbyblade,.
° Besuretheareaisclearofotherpeople
beforemowing.Stopmachineifanyone
entersthearea.
° Donotoperatethemowerwhenbare-
footorwearingopensandals.Always
wearsubstantialfootwear_
° Donotpullmowerbackwardsunless
absolutelynecessary.Alwayslookdown
andbehindbeforeandwhilemoving
backwards°
o Neverdirectdischargedmaterialtoward
anyone°Avoiddischargingmaterial
againstawallorobstruction.Material
mayrichochetbacktowardtheopera-
tor. Stopthebladewhencrossinggravel
surfaces.
o Donotoperatethemowerwithout
properguards,plates,grasscatcheror
othersafetyprotectivedevicesin place.
° Seemanufacturer'sinstructionsfor
properoperationandinstallationof
accessories.Onlyuseaccessoriesap-
provedbythemanufacturer_
° Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggravel
drives,walks,or roads.
° Stoptheengine(motor)wheneveryou
leavetimeequipment,beforecleaningthe
moweroruncloggingthechute.
o Shuttheengine(motor)off andwaituntil
thebladecomestocompletestopbefore
removinggrasscatcher.
• Mowonlyin daylightorgoodartificial
lighL
o Donotoperatethemachinewhileunder
theinfluenceofalcoholordrugs.
• Neveroperatemachinein wetgrass.
Alwaysbesureofyourfooting:keepa
firmholdonthehandle;walk,neverrun.
o Disengagetheself-propelledmech-
anismordriveclutchon mowersso
equippedbeforestartingtheengine.
o Iftheequipmentsllouldstartto vibrate
abnormally,stoptheengine(motor)and
checkimmediatelyforthecauserVibra-
tion isgenerallyawarningoftrouble.
o Alwayswear'safetygogglesorsafety
glasseswithsideshieldswhenoperating
mower,
!i. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slip&
fall accidentswhichcanresultin severein-
jury_Allslopesrequireextracaution,ifyou
feel uneasyona slope,do notmowit.
DO:
° Mowacrossthefaceof slopes:never
upanddown.Exerciseextremecaution
whenchangingdirectiononslopes.
•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
°Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles,
DO NOT:
,, Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments° The operator could lose
footing or balance.
° Do not trim excessively steep stopes.
°Do not mow on wet g_ass_ Reduced foot-
ing could cause slipping.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur" if the operator
is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the machine
and the mowing activity. Never assume
that children will remain where you last
saw them,
,, Keep children out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adull.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
• Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small children.
• Never allow children to operate the ma-
chine.
,, Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or olher objects
that may obscure vision°
IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
Use extreme care in handling gasoline°
Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are exptosive_
,, Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes
and other sources of ignition..
,, Use only an approved container,.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with
the engine running.. Allow engine to coot
before refueling.
,, Never refuel the machine indoors_
° Never store time machine or fuel contain-
er where there is an open flame, spark
or pilot light such as a water heater or on
other appliances.
3

• Never fill containers inside a vehicle, on
a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner,
Always place containers on the ground
away from your vehicle before filling.
° Remove gas-powered equipment from
tile truck or trailer and refuel it on the
ground° if this is not possible, then
refuel such equipment with a portabb
container, rather than from a gasoline
dispenser nozzle.
,, Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim
of the fuel tank or container' opening at
all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.
° If fuel is spilled on clothing, change
clothing immediately.
° Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas
cap and tighten securely.
V. GENERAL SERVICE
o Never run a machine inside a closed
area°
,, Never make adjustments or repairs with
the engine (motor) running. Disconnect
the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent accidental
starting.
o Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep equip-
ment in good condition_
, Never tamper with safety devices. Check
their proper operation regularly.
° Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
,' Stop and inspect the equipment if you
strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting_
° Never attempt to make wheel height
adjustments while the engine is running.
o Grass catcher components are subject
to wear, damage, and deterioration,
which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently
check components and replace with
manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary,.
o Mower blades are sharp and can cut°
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them
o Do not change the engine governor set-
ting or overspeed the engine.
o Maintain or replace safety and instruc-
tion labels, as necessary°
,_WARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an internal combustion engine and
should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or
grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark
arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). tf a spark arrester is used, it
should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of tile California
Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar lawso Federal laws apply on
federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest Sears
Parts & Repair Center (See the REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).
Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Gasoline Capacity /Type: 1o6 Quarts (Unleaded Regular)
Oil Type (APt SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)
Oil Capacity: 20 Ounces
Spark Plug (Gap: .030") Champion RJI9HX
Blade Bolt Torque: 35_40 ft. Ibs,
• The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of tile lawn mower
housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.
4

Repair Protection Agreements
Congratulations on making a smart pur-
chase, Your new Craftsman@ product is
designed and manufactured for years of
dependable operation° But like all prod-
ucts, it may require repair from time to
time. That's when having a Repair Protec-
tion Agreement can save you money and
aggravation°
Purchase a Repair Protection Agreement
now and protect yourself from unexpected
hassle and expense.
Here's what's included in the Agreement:
o Expert service by our 12,000 profe-
sional repair specialists°
o Unlimited service and no charge for
parts and labor on all covered repairs.
o Product replacement if your covered
product can't be fixed.
*Discount of 10% from regular price of
service and service-related parts not
covered by the agreement; also, 10%
off regular price of preventive mainte-
nance check°
° Fast help by phone-phone sup-
port from a Sears representative on
products requiring in-home repair, plus
convenient repair scheduling.
Once you purchase the Agreement, a
simple phone call is all that it takes for you
to schedule service. You can call anytime
day or night, or schedule a service ap-
pointment online,
Sears has over 12,000 professional repair
specialists, who have access to over 4.5
million quality parts and accessories.
That's the kind of professionalism yOU can
count on to help prolong the life of your
new purchase for years to come. Purchase
your Repair Protection Agreement today!
Some limitations and exclusions apply.
For prices and additional information
call 1-800-827-6655.
Sears Installation Service
For Sears pmfessionaf installation of home
appliances, garage door openers, water
heaters, and other major home items, in
the U.SoA. call 1-800-44V]Y-HOME@.
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced,, They are not
shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and
service centers° Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower,
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING
DEFLECTORS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
,_ STABILIZER GAS
CANS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS G SPARK PLUGS
BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL
5

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or
operate your new lawn mower.
iMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts
left unassembled for shipping purposes, To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn
mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely° Use the correct
tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness. All parts such as nuts, wasllers, bolts, etc.
necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.
TO REMOVE MOWER FROM CARTON
1o Remove loose parts includedwith mower.,
2. Cut down two end corners of carton
and lay end panel down flat.
3. Remove al! packing materials except
padding between upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.
4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and
check carton thoroughly for additional
loose parts°
HOW TO SET UP YOUR MOWER
TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER
1_ Put grass catcher frame into grass bag
with rigid part of bag on the bottom,
Make sure the frame handle is outside
of the bag top_
2o Slip vinyl bindings over frame.,
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 UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.
1o Raise handles until loweR handle sec- J-
tion locks into place in mowing position,
2. Remove protective padding, raise up-
per handle section into place on lower
handle and tighten both handle knobs,
3. Remove llandle padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.
Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted Vinyl
for your mowing comfort. Refer to "AD- bindings
JUST HANDLE" in the Service and Adjust-
ments section of this manual.
Frame
opening
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert mower to
bagging or discharging, see "TO CON-
VERT MOWER" in the Operation section
of this manual.
Handle
knob
Lower handle
6

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING
YOUR LAWN MOWER, Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize
yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments, Save this manual for
future reference,
Tliese Symbols may appear on your lawn mower Or in literature supplied witCh-the-
product. Learn and understand their meaning.
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE
OR WARNING ON OFF FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY
Drive
control
bar Operator presence control bar
Handle knob
Starter
handle Engine oil cap with dipstick
Grass
catcher
Gasoline filler cap
Primer
IVluffler
3ark
plug
Air \
Mulcher door
Housing
Drive cover
Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)
IMPORTANT." This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine,
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
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 Com-
mission, 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 stop the engine,
Primer- pumps additional fuel frorn the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold engine. 7
Starter handle - used for starting engine°
Mulcher door - allows conversion to
discharging or bagging operation
Drive control bar - used to engage
power-propelled forward motion of mower.

Theoperationofany
sA_r_G_sEslawnmowercanresult
inforeignobjectsthrown
intotheeyes,whichcan
resultinsevereeyedam-
age,Alwayswearsafetyglassesoreye
shieldswhileoperatingyourlawnmower
orperforminganyadjustmentsorrepairs.
Werecommendastandardsafetyglasses
orwidevisionsafetymaskwornover
spectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_,CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the
risk of blade contact injury. Do not under
any circumstances attempt to defeat the
function of the operator control. Tile blade
turns when the engine is running,
oYour lawn mower is equipped with an
operator presence control bar which
requires the operator to be positioned
behind tile lawn mower handle to start
and operate the lawn mower.
TO OPERATE DRIVE SYSTEM
o To start forward motion, lift drive con-
trol bar up to handle.
° To stop forward motion, release drive
control bar,
IMPORTANT: Always keep drive control
fully engaged against handle when in use.
Operator
presence
control bar
DRIVE CONTROL ENGAGED
DRIVE CONTROL DISENGAGED
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit
your requirements, Medium position is
best for most lawns.
• To change cutting height, squeeze ad-
juster lever toward wheel. Move wheel
up or down to suit your requirements. Be
sure all wheels are in the same setting,,
NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned
when plate tab inserts into hole in lever,,
Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped)
allow lever to be positioned between the
plate tabs.
LEVER BACKWARD
TO LOWER MOWER Plate tab
LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER Lever
8

TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mutcher, To convert to bagging
or discharging:
REAR BAGGING
o Open rear door and remove mulcher
plug. Store mulcher plug in a safe
place,
° You can now install the grass catcher or
optional clipping deflector'.
o To convert to mulching or discharging
operation, install mulcher plug into rear
discharge opening of mower,
Discharge deflector
I
I
Mulcher plug
SIDE DISCHARGING
o Mulcher plug must be installed into rear
discharge opening of mower°
• Open mulcher door and install dis-
charge deflector under door as shown.
o Mower is now ready for discharging
operation.
o To convert to mulching or bagging
operation, discharge deflector must be
removed and mulcher door closed.,
\/
SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN
CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER
FOR MULCHING -
1, Rear mulcher plug installed,.
2. Mulcher door closed°
FOR REAR BAGGING -
1. Rear mulclter plug removed,,
2. Grass catcher installed,
3_ Mulcher door closed,,
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
1, Rear mulcher plug installed.,
2, Discharge deflector installed.
&CAUTION: Do not run your lawn
mower without mulcher plug or approved
grass catcher in place. Never attempt to
operate the lawn mower with the rear door
removed or propped open.
Open rnulcher door
9

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
!. Lift up on grass catcher using the
frame handle.
2. Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower handle.
3o Empty clippings from bag.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when empty-
ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.
'1_,/ _X. Grass
rk,A----._ catcher
'l "" _._'/handle
•_,\__-_+\.4:_
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. For type and grade of oil to
use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance
section of this manual°
CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with
oil, or it will smoke heavily from the muffler
on startupo
1o Be sure lawnmower is level,,
2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.
3,, You receive a container of oil with the
uniL Slowly pour the entire container
down the oil fill spout into the engine.
NOTE: Initial oil fill requires only 18 oz.
due to residual oil in engine from the
manufacturers 100% quality testing. When
changing oi! you may need 20 oz.
4, Insert and tighten dipstick.
IMPORTANT:
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil
if needed° Fill to full line on dipstick°
o Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season° You may
need to change the oil more often
under dusty, dirty conditions See "TO
CHANGE ENGINE OIL" in the Mainte_
nance section of this manual
Engine
oif cap
Gasoline
filler cap
Primer
ADD GASOLINE
° Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck.
Do not overlie Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be
used within 30 days to assure fuel fresh-
nesso
,_ CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
,_ CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels
(called gasohol or using ethanol or metha-
nol) 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 of 30
days or longer_ Empty 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,
10