Craftsman 917.387440 User manual

Owner's Manual
ICRRFTSMRN'I
6.25 HORSEPOWER
22" SIDE DISCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.387440
• Safety
•Assembly
•Operation
•Maintenance
•Espa_ol
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Readand followall
SafetyRulesand instructions
beforeoperatingthisequipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears,condcraftsman

Warranty ............................................... 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 2
Assembly .............................................. 4
Operation .............................................. 5
Maintenance Schedule ........................ 9
Maintenance ......................................... 9
Product Specifications.......................... 10
Service and Adjustments...................... 13
Storage ................................................. 14
Troubleshooting ................................... 15
Repair Parts.......................................... 34
Parts Ordering ...................... Back Cover
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained,
lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in
the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workman-
ship.
Ifthis 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 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 specificlegal dghts, and you may also have other rights which
vary from stateto state.
SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
Safety standards require operator
presence controls to minimize the risk of
injury. Your unit is equipped with such
controls. Do not attempt to defeat the
function of the operator presence controls
under any circumstances.
TRAINING:
• Read this operator's manual carefully.
Become familiar with the controls and
know how to operate your mower
properly. Learn how to quickly stop
mower.
• Do not allow children to use your
mower. Never allow adults to use
mower withoutproper instructions.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, especially small children and
pets.
• Use mower only as the manufacturer
intended and as described in this
manual.
•Do not operate mower if it has been
dropped or damaged in any manner.
Always have damage repaired before
using your mower.
• Do notuse accessoryattachments that
are not recommended by the manufac-
turer. Use of such attachments may be
hatardous.
• The blade turns when the engine is
running.
PREPARATION:
• Always thoroughly check the area to be
mowed and clear it of all stones,sticks,
wires, bones, and other foreign objects.
These objects will be thrown by the
blade and can cause severe injury.
•Alwayswear safetyglasses or eye
shields when starting and while using
your mower.

•Dress properly. Do notoperate mower
when barefoot or wearing open
sandals, Wear only solidshoes with
good traction when mowing.
•Check fuel tank before stading engine.
Do notfUlgas tank indoors,when the
engine is runningor when the engine is
hot.Allow the engine to cool forseveral
minutesbefore fillingthe gas tank.
Clean off any spilled gasoline before
startingthe engine.
•Always make wheel height adjustments
before startingyour mower.Never
attempt todo this while the engine is
running.
•Mow only in daylightor good artificial
light.
OPERATION:
•Keep your eyes and mind on your
mower and the area being cut. Do not
let other interestsdistractyou.
•Do not mowwet orslippery grass.
Never run while operating your mower.
Always be sure of your footing -- keep
a firm hold on the handles and walk,
•Do not put handsor feet near or under
rotatingparts. Keep clear of the
dischargeopening at all times.
•Alwaysstop the engine whenever you
leave or are notusing your mower, or
before crossingdriveways, walks,
roads, and any gravel--covered areas.
•Never directdischarge of matedal
toward bystandersnor allow anyone
near the mower while you are operating
it.
•Before cleaning, inspecting, or repair-
ingyour mower, stop the engine and
make absolutely sure the blade end all
movingparts have stopped. Then
disconnectthe spark plug wire and
keep it away from the spark plugto
prevent accidental starting.
• Do not continueto run your mower if
you hit a foreign object. Follow the
procedure outlined above, then repair
any damage before restartingand
operatingyou mower.
•Do not change the governor settingsor
overspeed the engine. Engine damage
or personal injurymay result.
•Do not operate your mower if itvibrates
abnormally. Excessivevibration is an
indicationof damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration
and repair as required.
•Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust
fumes are dangerous.
•Never cut grass by pullingthe mower
towards you.Mow across the face of
slopes, never up and down or you
mightlose your footing. Do not mow
excessivelysteep slopes. Use caution
when operating the mower on uneven
terrain or when changingdirections --
maintain good footing.
• Never operate your mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcheror
other safety devices in place.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
•Check the blade and the engine
mountingboltsoften to be sure they
are tightened preperly.
•Check all bolts, nuts and screws at
frequent intervalsfor proper tightness
to be sure mower is in safe working
condition.
•Keep all safety devices in place and
working.
•To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine
free ofgrass, leaves or excessive
grease and oil.
•Check grass catcher often for deterio-
ration and wear and replace worn
bags. Use only replacement bags that
ere recommended by and comply with
specificationsof the manufacturer of
your mower.
•Always keep a sharp blade on your
mower.
•Allow engine to cool before storing in
any enclosure.
•Never storemower with fuel in the tank
inside a buildingwhere fumes may
reach an open flame or an ignition
source suchas ahot water heater,
space heater, clothes dryer, etc.
_,Look for this symbol topointout
importants_fety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS iNVOLVED.
"-CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs.
_,WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicalsknown to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects,
or other reproductiveharm.

Theseaccessorieswere ava_01ewhen thislawn mowerwas produced. They are not
shippedwith your mower.They arealsoavailableat mostSearsretailoutletsandservice
centers.MostSoarsstorescanalsoorderrepairpartsforyou,whenyou providethemodel
numberofyourlawnmower. Someoftheseaccessodesmaynotapplytoyourlawnmower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
MULCHER KITS
GRASSCATCHERS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
STABILIZER
<J
GAS CANS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS
BELTS BLADES
AIR RLTERS
©
BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
Read these instructionsand'this manual in
itsentiretybeforeyou attempt toassemble
or operateyour newlawn mower.
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OiL OR GASOLINE inthe
engine.
Your new lawnmower has been as-
sembledat the factory withthe exceptionof
those parts left unassembled for shipping
purposes. To ensuresafe and proper
operationof your lawn mower,all partsand
hardware you assemble must be tightened
seourely. Use the correcttoolsas neces-
sary toensure propertightness.All parts
suchas nuts,washers, bolts,etc., neces-
sary to completethe assembly have been
placed in the pads bag.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
• Remove loose parts includedwith
mower.
•Cut down twoend comers of carton
and lay end panel down flat.
•Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.
•Rolllawn mower out ofcarton and
check carton thoroughlyfor additional
Io_se pads.
HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Untold handle carefullyso
as not to pinch or damage controlsables.
•Raise handles until lower handle
section locksintoplace in mowing
position.
•Remove protective padding, raise
upper handle section into place on
lower handle and tighten both handle
knobs.
4

•Remove handle padding holding
operatorpresence control bar to upper
handle.
• Your lawn mower handle can be
adjustedfor your mowing comfort.
Referto "AdjustHandle" in the Sen/ice
and Adjustmentsection ofthis manual.
Operatorpresencecontrol
bar _. ._..
Upperhandle_yLiftup/ _/_)
//
Liftup_Mowing
_ hkP_aoition
tLower
die
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READTHIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETYRULES BEFOREOPERATINGYOUR LAWN
MOWER. Comparetheillustrationswithyourlawnmowertofamiliarize yourselfwiththe
locationofvariouscontrolsand adiustments.Savethismanualforfuture reference.
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature suppliedwith the
product, Learn and understandtheir meaning.
CAUTK_N ENGINE ENGINE FAST nOW CHCKE FUEL OIL DANGER. KEEp HANDS
CR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
Operator presence control bar-
Starter handle
Handle knob
Engine oil cap with dipstick Gasoline filler cap
Primer
Mulcher door
Housing
IMPORTANT=This lawn mower is
shippedWITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE
in the engine. (oneachwheel)
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conformto the safety standards of the
American National Standards Instituteand the U.S, Consumer Product Safety Commis-
sion. The blade turns when the engine isrunning.
Operatorpresence control bar- mustbe Starter handle-usedforstartingtheengine.
helddowntothehandleto startthe engine. Mulcher Door- a!lowsconversionto
Releasetostoptheengine, dischargeorbaggingoperation.
Primer -pumps additionalfuelfrom tt,,e
carburetortothecylinderforusewhen
startinga coldengine.

The operationof any lewnmower
can resultinforeign objectsthrown
intotheeyes,whichcanresuRin
severeeye damage. Alwayswear safety
g_,ssasor eye shieldswhileoperatingyour
lawnmoweror pedormi_j anyadjustments
or repairs.We recommenda widevision
safetymaskoverspectaclesorstandard
safetyglasses.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINESPEED CONTROL
The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed isnot
adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_,CAUTION: Federal regulationsrequire
an engine controlto be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the risk
of blade contact injury.Do not under any
circumstances attemptto defeat the
functionofthe operator control.The blade
turns when the engine is running.
•Your lawnmoweris equippedwithan
operatorpresencecontrolbarwhich
requiresthe operatorto be positlaned
behindthe lawnmowerhandletostartand
operatethe lawnmower.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
•Raise wheetsforlow cutand k)werwheels
for highcut.
• Adjust cuffingheightto suityourrsquira-
rconts. Mediumpositionisbestfor most
lawns.
• To changecuttingheight,squeezeadjuster
levertowardwheel. Movewheel upor
downtosuityourrequirements.Besureall
wheels are inthesame setting.
NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned
when plate tab inserts intohole in lever.
.... Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped)
allow lever to be positioned between the
plate tabs.
Lower wheels for Plate tab
high cut_ _Lever
Raise wheels for low
cut
NOTE: Yourlawn mower hasbeen
shipped ready for mulchingoperation.To
convertto dischargingoperation,you
must install the discharge deflector
attachment includedwith your mower.
TO INSTALL DISCHARGING
DEFLECTOR
•Liftdoorupward on it'shinge untilthe
deflectorframe can be hooked overthe
door mountingbracket as shown.
•Release the door to restagainst
deflectorframe.
•To returnto mulchingoperation,
reverse the above steps and be sure
door is in closed position. MulcherDoor
Deflector _
ACAUTION: Do not operate your lawn
mower withoutmulcher door in closed
position,dischargedeflector in place, or
approved grass catcher in place.
BEFORE STARTINGENGINE
OIL
Yourlawnmower isshippedwithouto_in the
engine.
•Be suremowerisleveland area aroundoil
fillisclean.
•Removeengineoilcap and tilltothefull
lineonthe dipstick.
NOTE: Allowoil to settle downinto
engine for accurate dipstick reading.
•Engine holds 20ozs. of oil. Fortypeand
gradeof eittousa,see "ENGINE"in
Maintenancesectionofthis manual.
•Pouroilslowly.Donotoverfill
i,, _ oillevetbeforeeachuse. Addoilif
needed. Flittofull lineondipstick.
• To readproperlevai,tightenengineoilcap
eachtime.
• Reinstallengineoilcap and tighten.
Changetheoilafterevery25 hoursof
operationoreachseason. Youmayneed
tochangetheoilmere oftenunderdusty,
dirtyconditions.
ADD GASOLINE
•Fillfuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimumof
87 octane. Do notmix oil withgasoline.
Purchase fuet in quantitiesthat can be
usedwithin 30 days to assure fuel
6 freshness.

_WARNING: Experienceindicatesthat
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture whichleads to separation and
formation of acidsduringstorage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an
engine while in storage. To avoid engine
problems,the fuel system shouldbe
emptiedbefore storage of 30 days or
longer. Drainthe fuel tank, startthe .
engine and let it run untilfuel lines and
carburetorare empty. Use fresh fuel next
season. See Storage Instructionsfor
additionalinformation. Never use engine
or carburetorcleaner productsin fuel tank
or permanent damage may occur.
_I,CAUTION: Fillto bottomof ges tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oilor fuel. Do not store, spillor
use gasoline near an open flame.
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protectivecoatings onthe
engine, a small amountof smoke may be
present duringthe initialuse ofthe
productand should be considered
normal.
•To start a cold engine, pushprimer
three (3) times before tryingto 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
handlequickly. Do not allowstarter
rope to snap back.
•To stop engine, release operator
presence controlbar.
NOTE: In coolerweather it may be
necessaryto repeat pdmingsteps. In
warmer weather over priming may cause
floodingand engine will not start. If you
do flood engine, wait a few minutes
before attemptingto start and do not
repeat priming steps.
Engineoilcap Gasolinefiller
cap
MOWING TIPS
•Under certain conditions, such as very
tallgrass, it may be necessary to raise
the height of cut to reduce pushing
effort and to keep from overloadingthe
engine and leaving clumps of grass
clippings.It may also be necessary to
reduce groundspeed and/or run the
lawn mower over the area a second
time.
•For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut by overlapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.
•For batter grass bagging and most
cuttingconditions,the engine speed
should be set in the fast position.
•For side discharge lawn mowers,
cutting in acounter-clockwisedirection,
startingat the outside ofthe area to be
cut, spreads grass clippingsmore
evenly and puts less load on the
engine. To keep clippingsoff of
walkways, flower beds, etc., make the
firstcuts in a clockwisedirection.
•Pores in cloth_]rass catchers can
become filledwith dirt and dust with
use and catchers will collect less grass.
To prevent this, regularlyhose catcher
off with water and let dry before using,
•Keep top of engine around starter clear
and clean of grass clippingsand chaff.
This will help engine air flow and
extend engine life.
7

MULCHING MOWINGTIPS
IMPORTANT: Forbeatperformance,keep
mowerhousingfree ofbuiltupgrassand
trash. See "Cleaning" in MAINTENANCE
sectionof thismanual
•The special mulchingbladewillrecutthe
grassclippingsmanytimesandreduce
theminsizesothatastheyfall ontothe
lawn theywilldisperseintothegrassand
notbe noticed Also the mulchedgrass
willbiodegrade quicklyto providenutrients
forthe lawn Alwaysmulchwithyour
highestengine(blade)speedas this will
providethe bestrecuttingactionofthe
blades
• • Avoid cuttingyour lawnwhenitiswet Wet
grasstendsto formdumps andinterferes
withthe mulching action,Thebest time to
mow your lawnis the earlyeffemcon. At
thistime the grasshesdried and the newiy
cutareawillnatbe expesedtothedirect
SUFI
•Forbestresultsadjestthelawe mower
cuttingheightsothatthelawn mowercuts
offonlythetop onethirdofthe grass
blades Itthe lawnisovergrownitwill be
neceesaryto raisetheheightof cutto
reducepushingeffortand tokeepfrom
overloadingthe engineand leaving
clumpsof mulchedgrass Forextremely
heaWmulchingreduceyourwid_ of cut
byovedepp_gprev_ cutpathand
mow slowly.
• Certaintypeeof grassand g_ condi
tions may requirethatan areabe mulched
asecondtimetocompletelyhidethe
clippingsWhandeing a secondcut mow
acrossorperpendiculartothetimtcutpa_
• Changeyour cuttingpattemfrom weekto
week Mownor_ tosouthoneweekthen
changetoeasttowestthenextweek This
will help preventmattingand grainingof
the lawn.
8

FILL IN DATES /___. _ _._ '7._ _ca
Check for LOOSe Fasteners i/
Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher
(If Equipped) I_ li/
M clean Lawn Mower _(i/
I'_W Clean Under Drive Cover_Power-Propelled Mowers) I_
Check ddve beWpulleys
I E (Power-PrOpelled Mowers) It/
IH Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade _=
Lubrication Chart _ll/
Clean Battery/Redear(
IElectdc Start MOWerS' _ V/4
ECheCk Engine Oil Level
N Change Engine 011 ik_'la_
G CleanAirFilter I_ 2
| InspectMuffler qp/
NCleanorReplaceSpark Plug
E Replace Air Filter Poper Cadridge t/2
1.change mote oq_n when operl_ng under ihuW _or in high ambient temperatures
2 - Ser_ce _oneh _ _g kld&_ ot duely _ondltlon=
3 R_ Idades r_re often when _I_ undy =_L
4 - Cha_e 48 hc_,s at and of H,_0n
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warrantyonthislawnmowerdoasnot
coveritemsthat havebeen subjectedto
operatorabuseor negligence,Toreceivefull
valuefromthewarranty,operatormust
maintainmowerasinstructedinthismanual.
Someadjustmentswillneedto be made
periodicallytopropertymaintainyourunit.
AlladjustmentsintheServiceandAdjust-
ments,sec_onofthis manualshouldbe
checkedat leastonceeachseason.
• Onceayear, replacethe sparkplug,clean
or replaceairfiiterelementand check
bladeforwear. A newspad(plugand
clean,hewairfilterolement assuresproper
air-fuelmixtureand helpsyourenginerun
betterandlastlonger.
• FollowHie maintenanceschedulein this
manual.
BEFORE EACH USE
• Chackengineoillevel
• Checkforleose faster_rs,
LUBRICATION
Keepunitwelllubricated(See"LUBRICATION
CHART').
LUBRICATION CHART
_)Wheel adjuster _)Mulcherdoor
c_l
spdng
bracket
(_Handls bracket
• , mountingpin
_)Spray lubdcante
€Refer toMAINTINANCE"ENGINE"
SECTION.
IMPORTANT: Do notoilor greaseplastic
wheslbearings Viscouslubricantswill attract
dustand dirtthatwillshortsnthe lifeofthe
self_ng bearings.Ifyoufeelthey must
be lubricated,use onlya dry,powdered
graphitetypelubricantsparingly.
9

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL NUMBER 917.387440
SERIAL NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS
UNLEADED REGULAR
OILTYPE (API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS.
SPARK PLUG(GAP: .030") CHAMPION RJt9LM OR J19LM
FALVECLEARANCE: INTAKE: .004 - .008
EXHAUST: .004 - .008
SOLID STATE IGNITION
IRGAP: .0125 IN.
ILADE BOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.
The model and sedal numberswill be found ona decal attached tothe rear ofthe
lawn mower housing,Recordboth serial number end date of purchasein space
provided above.
LAWN MOWlER
Alwaysobsewe safetyruleswhen performing
any maintenance.
TIRES
• Keep tires freeofgasoline, oil, orinsect
controlchemicalswhichcanharm_r.
•Avoid stumps,stones,deepruts,sharp
objectsand otherhazardsthatmaycause
tiredamage.
BLADECARE
For best results, mowerblade must be
kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged
blades,
TO REMOVE BLADE
• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where itcannot
come in contact with spark plug.
•Turn lawn mower on its side. Make
sure air filter and carburetorare up.
•Use a wood block between blade and
mower housing to prevent blade from
turningwhen removing blade bolt.
•Protect your handswith g!oves and!or
wrap blade with heavy cloth.
•Remove blade bolt by turning counter-
clockwise.
•Remove blade and attachinghardware
(bot, ock washer and hardened
washer).
NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and
check the key inside hubof blade
adapter. The key must be in good
condition to work properly. Replace
adapter if damaged.
TO REPLACE BLADE
•Positionthe blade adapter on the
engine crankshaft. Be sure key in
adapter and crankshaft keyway are
aligned.
• Position blade on the blade adapter
aligning the two (2) holes in the blade
with the raised lugs on the adapter.
• Be sure the trailing edge of blade
(opposite sharp edge) is up toward the
engine.
•Install the blade belt with the lock
washer and hardened washer into
blad_ adapter and crankshaft.
•Use blockof wood between blade and
lawn mower housingand tightenthe
blade belt, turningclockwise; -
•The recommendedtighteningtorque is
35-40 ft. Ibs.
IMPORTANT: Bladeboltisgrade 8 heat
treated. :i
10

TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend
sharpening blade - but if you do, be sure
the blade is balanced.
Care should be taken to keep the blade
balanced. An unbalanced blade will
cause eventual damage to lawn mower or
engine.
• The blade can be sharpened with a file
or on a grindingwheel. Do not attempt
to sharpen while on the mower.
•To check blade balance, drive a nail
intoabeam or wall. Leave about one
inchof the straightnail exposed. Place
center holeof blade over the head of
the nail. If blade isbalanced, it should
remain in a horizontalposition. If either
end of the blade moves downward,
sharpen the heavy end untilthe blade
is balanced. Blade
Key..
Lockwasher
Crankshaft
keyway
Crank
Blade
boil Hardened Tr_ling Blade adapter
washer edge
GRASS CATCHER
(if purchasedas an accessory)
•The grass catcher may be ho6ed with
water, but must be dry when used,
• Check your grass catcher often for
damage or detedoration. Through
normal useit willwear. If catcher
needs replacing, replace only with a
manufacturer approved replacement
catcher. Give the lawn mower model
number when ordering.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use onlyhighqualitydetergentoilratedwith
API servicedsssiticationSF,SGorSH. Select
'= the oil's SAE viscositygradeaccordingto your
expectedopora_ngtemperature.
I'___" 11
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils
(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in
coldweather, these multi-viscosityoils
will result in increased oil consumption
when used above 32°F. Check your
engine oil level more frequently to avoid
possible engine damage from running
low on oil.
Changethe oilafterevery25 hoursof
operationoratleastoncea year ifthe lawn
mowerisnotusedfor 25 hoursinoneyear.
Check thecrankcase oillevelbefore stading
the engineandafter each five(5) hours of
continuoususe. T_jhtenoil plug securely
each time you check the oil level.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OiL
NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to
drain oil, drain fuel tank by running
engine until fuel tank is empty.
• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with spark plug.
• Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a
clean surface.
• Tip lawn mower on its side as shown
and drain oil into asuitable container.
Rock lawn 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.
•Fillengine with oil. Fillonly to the
"FULL" line on the dipstick. DO NOT
OVER FILL.
•Replace engine oil cap.
•Reconnect spark plugwire to spark
plug.
Container'

AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properlyand may
be damaged by using a dirty air filter.
Replace the airfilter every year, more
often ifyou mow in very dusty,dirty
conditions. Do notwash air filter.
TO CHANGE AIR FILTER
•Remove the air filter by turningcounter-
clockwiseto the stop and pull away
from collar.
•Remove filter from inside of cover.
• Clean the inside ofthe cover and the
collar to remove any dirtaccumulation.
•Insert newfilter intocover.
•Put air filter cover and filter intocollar
aligningthe tab with the slot.
•Push in on cover and turn clockwiseto
tighten.
Turn
counter-
clockwise
to
remove
Slot Turn
Air filter Tab clockwise
Air titter cover to tighten
MUFFLER
Inspectand replacecorrodedmufflerasit
couldcreateafirshazardand/ordamage.
SPARK PLUG
Changeyoursparkplugeachyearto make
yourenginestarteasierand runbetter.Set
sparkplug gap at .030inch.
CLEANING
IMPORTANT: Forbestperformance,kiip
mower housingfree ofbuiit-gras_andtrash.
Clean theundersideofyourmowerafter
each use.
_,CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire
from spark plugand place wire where it
cannot come in contactwith the spark
plug.
•Turnlawnmoweronitsside.Makesureair
filterandcarburetorareup. Cleanthe
undersideofyourlawnmowerby scraping
toremovebuild-upofgrassandtrash.
• Cleanengineoftentokeep trashfrom
accumulaltng.A cloggedengineruns
hotterand shorter_enginelife.
• Keep ltnlahedsudaceeand whealsfreeof
all gasoline, oil,etc.
• We do not recommend using a garden
hose to clean lawn mower unlessthe
electricalsystem,muffler,airfilter and
carburetorare coveredto keepwater out.
Water in enginecan resultin shortened
engine life.
12

ACAUTION: Before performingany
service and adjustments:
• Release control bar and stop engine.
•Make sure the blade andall moving
parts have completelystopped.
•Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place where itcannot come in
contactwith plug.
LAWN MOWER
TO ADJUST CUTrlNG HEIGHT
See "TO ADJUST CUFFING HEIGHT" in
the Operation section of this manual•
DISCHARGE GUARD
The dischargeguard, attached to the
dischargeopening of your lawn mower, is
providedto preventthe possibilityof
injuryresulting from objects being thrown
outof the dischargeopening intothe
operator mowing position. Ifthe discharge
guard becomes damaged, it should be
replaced,
REAR DEFLECTOR
The rear deflector,attached between the
rear wheels of your mower, is providedto
minimizethe possibilitythat objects will
be thrownoutof the rear of the mower
intothe operator mowing position. If the
deflectorbecomes damaged, it should be
replaced.
TO ADJUST HANDLE
The handle can be mounted in ahigh or
low position. The mounting holes in the
bottom of lower handle are off center for
raising or lowering the handle.
•Remove upper handle and all parts
attached to lower handle.
•Remove hairpincotters from lower
handle bracket mounting pin.
• Squeeze lower handle in to remove it
from mounting pins.
•Turn lower handleever to raise or
lower handle.
•Squeeze lower handle in and position
holes onto mounting pins on handle
bracket.
• Reassemble upper handle and all
parts removed from lower handle.
Mowing ,-, Mowing ";
postition_.:
pos,tion _.! ""?
I i
Lowposition Highposition
it '" " Lower
Rotate _handle
ENGINE
ENGINE SPEED
Your engine speed has been factoryset.
Do not attempt to increase engine speed
or it may resultin personalinjury. If you
believe that engine is runningtoofast or
tooslow,take your mowerto an autho-
rized service center for repair and
adjustment.
CARBURETOR
Your carburetorhas a non-adjustable
fixed main jet for mixture controL Ifyour
engine does not operate propedy due to
suspected carburetor problems, take your
lawn mower to an authorized service
center for repair and/oradjustment.
IMPORTANT: Never tamper withthe
engine governor,which isfactoryset for
the proper engine speed. Overspeeding
the engine above the factoryhigh speed
scan be dangerous. If you thinkthe
engine-governed high speed needs
adjusting, contactyour nearest authorized
service center, which has proper equip-
ment and experience to make any
necessary adjustments.
13

Immediately prepareyour lawnmower for
storageatthe encloftheseasonor iftheunit
willnet be usedfor30 daysor more.
LAWN MOWER
When lawnmower_to be storedfora period
oftime,dean itthoroughly,rernovealldirt,
grease,leaves,etc. Storeina clean,dry
area.
•Cleanentirelawnmower(See "CLEAN-
ING"inthe Maintenancesectionofthis
manual).
•Lubricateas showninthe Maintenance
sectionofthismanual.
•Be surethatallnuts,bolts,screws,and
pineare securelyfastened. Inspect
movingpadsfordamage, breakageend
wear. Replaceifnecessary.
•Touchupall rustedorshipped paint
surfaces;sandlightlybeforepainting.
HANDLE
Youcanfoldyourlawn mowerhandlefor
storage.
•Squeezethe bottomendsofthelower
handletowardeach otheruntilthe lower
handledears the handlebracket,then
move handleforward.
•Loosenupperhandlemountingbolts
enoughtoallowupperhandleto be folded
back.
IMPORTANT: "Whenfoldingthe handlefor
storage ortransportation,he suretofoldthe
handleasshownor you maydamage the
controlcables.
•When settingupyour handlefromthe
storage position, the lowerhandlewill
automaticallylock into the mow_g
pr_ition. Lowerhandle
remove
/
Mounting
cotter pin
Operatorpresencecontrolbar
Upperhandle _ _ S_/_'_)
,y Fo,d
.... Mowing
position
Lower handle
ENGINE
FUELSYSTEM
IMPORTANT: Itisimportanttopreventgum
depositsfrom forminginessentialfuelsystem
padssuchascarburetor,fuelfilter,fuelhose,
ortankduringstorage.Also,experience
indicatesthatalcoholblendedfuels (called
gesoholor usingethanolor methanol)san
attractmoisturewhichleadsto separation
and formationofacidsdunng storage.Acidic
gascan damage the fuelsystemof an
engine while in storage.
•Drainthefueltank.
•Starttheengineand letitrununtilthefuel
lines andcarburetorareempty,
•Neveruseengineor carburetorcleaner
productsinthe fueltankorpermanent
damage may occur.
•Usefreshfuelnextseason.
NOTE: Fuelstabilizerisan asceptabie
alternativein minimizingthe formationof fuel
gum depositsduring storage. Add stabilizer
to gasolinein fueltank or storagecontainer.
Atwaysfollowthe mixratiofoundonstabilizer
container,Runengineat le.est10 minutes
afterac_ing stabilizerto allowthestabilizerto
reachthe'carburetor.Donotdrainthegas
tankand sarburetorif usingfuel stabilizer.
ENGINEOIL
Drainoil(withenginewarm)and replacewith
cleanengineoil. (See"ENGINE" inthe
Maintenancesectionof this manual).
CYUNDER
• Remove sparkplug.
•Pouroneounce (29 ml)of ellthrough
sparkplughole intocylinder.
• Pullstarterhandleslowlyafew timesto
distnbuteoil.
•Re_asew_hnewsparkp_g.
14

411
OIHER
•Donotstoregasolinefrom oneseasonto
another.
• Rapla_eyourgasolinecan ifyourcan
startsto rust. Rustand/ordirtinyour
gasolinewillcause problems.
•Ifpess=ble,storeyourunitindoorsand
coverittogiveprot_ fromdustanddirL
•Coveryourunitwitha suitableprot_
coverthatdoesnet retainmolsture.Donot
useplastic.Plasticcannotbrea_e whR:h
allowscondensationtoform andwillcause
yourunittorust.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
PROBLEM CAUSE
Doesnot start 1. Dirtyairfilter.
2. Outoffuel
3. Stalefuel.
Lossofpower
Poorcut - uneven
IMPORTANT: Never cover mower while
engine and exhaust areas are stillwarm.
_CAUTION: Never storethe lawn
mower with gasoline in the tank inside a
buildingwhere fumes may reach an open
flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool
before storing in any enclosure.
4. Waterinfuel.
5. Sparkplug wire ls
dLseonnected.
6. Bad spark plug.
7. Loose blade or broken blade
adapter.
8. Control bar in released
positJon.
9. Controlbardefective.
1. Rearof lawnmowerhousing
or cuttingbladedragging
inheavy grass.
2. Cuttingtoomuchgrass.
3. Dirtyairfilter.
4. Buildupof grass,leaves,
and trashundermower.
5. Toomuchoilinengine.
6. Walldngspeedtoofast.
1. Worn,bentor looseblade.
2. Wheelheights uneven.
3. Buildupof grass,leaves
andtrashundermower.
CORRECTION
1. ClearVmplaceairfilter.
2. Fillfueltank.
3. Drain tankand refillwith
freshdean fuel.
4, Drain fuel tank and
carburetorand refilltank
with fresh gasoline.
5. Connectwiretoplug.
6. Replacespark plug.
17. Tighten blade boltor
replaceblade adapter.
3. Depresscontrolbar to
handle.
_. Replacecontrolbar.
f. Setto "HigherCut"
position.
2. Setto=HigherCut"
position.
3. Clean/replaceairfiiten
4. Clean undersideof mower
housing.
5. Check oillevel
_.' Cut at slowerwalking
speed.
1. Replaceblade.]3ghtan
blade bolt.
2. Setallwheelsat same
height
;3. Clean undersideof
mowerhousing.
15

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION
Excessive 1. Replaceblade.33ghten
vibration bladebolL
2. Contactan authorized
servicecenter.
Starter rope hard 1.
topull
2,
3.
4.
1. Worn,bentorlooseblade.
2. Bentenginecrankshaft.
1. Engineflywheel brake ison
when controlbar isreleased
2. Bent engine crankshaft.
3. Blade adapter broken.
4. Blade dragging in grass.
1, Cutting heighttoo low.
2. Lift on bladewom off.
3. Catcher not venting air.
1. Grassistoohighor wheel
heightistoo low.
2. Rearof lawnmower
housingor bladedragging
in grass.
3. Grasscatchertoofull.
4. Handleheightpositionnot
rightfor you.
Depresscontrolbarto
upperbandfebefore
pullingstarterrope.
Contactan authorized
servicecenter.
Replacebladeadapter.
Movelawnmowertocut
grassortohardsurface
Graea catcher 1. Raisecuttingheight.
notfllling('d'so 2. Replace blade.
equipped) 3. Cleangrass catcher.
Hardto push 1. Raisecuttingheight.
2. Raise rear of lawnmower
housingone (1) setting
higher.
3. Emptygra_ catcher.
4. Adjusthandle heightto
suit.
16

SERVICE NOTES

3
ROTARY LAWN MOWER -MODEL NO.917.387440
38
44
66

ROTARY LAWN MOWER -MODEL NO. 917.387440
KEY
NO.
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
10
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
2O
21
22
23
24
25
26
28
29
3O
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
4O
PART KEY PART
NO DESCRIPTION NO. NO DESCRIPTION
869O2
165452X479
157081X479
15,36,38
636O1
131959
850733X004
750097
168552
6O42O
51793
136376
88348
STD512505
165175X479
14OS40
87584x004
170346X479
170345X479
751592
700168X479
700166X479 9
700325X6O7
146630
73O331X004
701037
152124
154132
147286
151589
750913X004
61651
142748
62335
151138
145935X004
ControlBar 41 150348
UpperHandle 42 57143
LowerHan_e 43 83923
RopeGuide 44 150182
LOCknet1/4-20 45 74760612
HandleBolt 47 149741
Up-Stop Bracket 48 85463
HexThread RollingScrew #10-24 x3/4 49 STDS41425
EngineZone CoetretCable 51 150406
WireTie 55 170348
HairpinCofter
HandleKnpp 57 851514
Flet Washer 3/8 58 152202
Hex Head Self Tapping Screw 1/4-20 x 1/2 59 851074
SuppprtRod 6O 85O263
Rear Deflector 61 851084
Deflector Bracket 64 ......
Handle BracketAssembly (Left)
Haad_eBracket Assembly (Right) 66 151440
Lockr_ut3/8-16 67 15336ox479
Suppol Bracket (Left) 6_ 153282x479
Supped Bracket(Right) 69 74180410
Wheel Adjuster Bracket 70 751399
Spacer 71 752118
SeleCtorSpadg 72 61537
Seleetor Knob -- 161058
TorsionSpring
Housing BracketAssembly
HingeRod
DischargeGuaKI
Axle ArmAssembly (Rear)
SphegWasher (Rear)
Shoulder Bolt 3/8-16
BeltevilleWasher
Wheel &Tire Assembly(Rear)
Axle Ann Assembly
Wheel &Tire Assembly (Front)
WaveWasher
Locknut 3/8-16
HubCap
Hex Head Bolt 3/8-16 x 3/4
Screw 5/16-18 x 3/4
Danger Oecat
LOCknut 1/4-20
Hex Head Thread RollingScrew 3/8-16 x 1
LawnMower Housing
(Incl, Ref, #20.47, 48, 53. 54)
BladeAdapter
22"Blade
Washer
Helical Hardened Lockwasher 3/8
Hex Head Machine Screw 3/8-24 x 1/4 Grd, 8
Engine -(See Breakdown) Craftsman
Model 143.006200
Hubcap
Bracket Support Handte (Right)
Bracket Supped Handle (Left)
Screw
Bracket
CfippingDeflector
Washez
WarningDecal
--171615 Owner's Manual (English/Spanish)
Available accessories notincfadad with lawn mower:
71 33072 Grass Catcher
71 33623 Gas Can (2.5 gaL)
71 33500 Fuel Stabilizer
7j 33000 SAS 3OW Oil (20 oz.)
71 33316 MowerCover

CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODEL NUMBER 143.006200
90O
4OO 135
130
416
O--370K
182 216 lg
238
36