Craftsman 917.388010 User manual

Owner's Manual
6.0 HORSEPOWER
21" REAR DISCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.388010
•Safety
•Assembly
•Operation
•Maintenance
•Espa6ol
•Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
visitourCraftsmanwebsite: www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty ............................................... 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 2
Assembly .............................................. 5
Operation .............................................. 6
Maintenance Schedule ........................ 10
Maintenance ......................................... t 0
Product Specifications.......................... 11
Sewice and Adjustments...................... 13
Storage ................................................. 15
Troubleshooting ................................... 16
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 commercialor rental purposes, this warranty
applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.
This Warranty does not cover:
• Expendable items which become worn dudng 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 returningthe Craftsman power mower to the nearest
Sears Service Center/Depadment 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 also have other rights which
vary from stateto state.
SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
IMPORTANT: This cuttingmachine is capable of amputatinghandsand feet and
throwingobjects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould resultin
seriousinjuryor death.
I.GENERAL OPERATION
•Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on the machineand in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thor-
oughly familiar with the controls and the
proper use of the machine before
starting.
•Do not put handsor feet near or under
rotatingparts. Keep clear of the
discharge opening at all times.
•Only allow responsible individuals,who
are familiar with the instructions,to
operate the machine.
•Clear the area of objects suchas rocks,
toys,wire, bones,sticks,etc., which
could be picked up and thrown bythe
blade.
•Be sure the area isclear of other
people before mowing. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
•Do not operatethe mower when
barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Always wear substantialfoot wear.
•Do not pull mower backwards unless
absolutelynecessary. Always look
down and behind before and wh le
moving backwards.
•Do not operate the mowerwith proper
guards,plates, grass catcher or other
safety protectivedevices in place.
•See manufacturer'sinstructionsfor
proper operation and installationof
accessories.Only use accessories
approved by the manufacturer.
•Stop the blade{s) when crossinggravel
drives,walks, or roads.
•Stop the engine {motor) whenever you
leave the equipment, before cleaning
the mower or uncloggingthe chute.

•Shutthe engine (motor)off and wait
untilthe blade comes to complete stop
before removinggrass catcher.
•Mow only in daylightor good artificial
light.
•Do notoperate the machine while
underthe influenceof alcohol or drugs.
•Never operate machine in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing: keep a
firm holdon the handle and walk; never
run.
•Disengage the self-propelled mecha-
nism or driveclutchon mowers so
equipped before starting the engine
(motor).
•Ifthe equipmentshould start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine (motor)
and check immediatelyfor the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.
• Alwayswear safety gogglesor safety
glasses with side shields when operat-
ing mower.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a majorfactor related toslip
and fall accidentswhichcan result in
severe injury.All slopes require extra
caution. Ifyou feel uneasy on aslope, do
not mow it.
DO:
•Mow acrossthe face of slopes:never
up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing directionon slopes.
•Remove obstaclessuchas rocks, tree
limbs,etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts,or bumps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles,
DO NOT:
•Do not trim near drop-otis, ditchesor
embankments. The operatorcould lose
footingor balance.
• Do not trim excessivelysteep slopes.
•Do notmow onwet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidentscan occur if the operator
isnotaled to the presence of children.
Childrenare often attractedto the
machine and the mowing activity.Never
assume that childrenwill remain where
you lastsaw them.
•Keepchildren out of the trimming area
and under the watchfulcare of another
responsible adult.
•Be alert and turn machine off ifchildren
enter the area.
•Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small
children.
•Never allow children to operate the
machine.
•Use extra care when approaching blind
corners,shrubs, trees, or otherobjects
that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
•Use extra care in handling gasoline
and otherfuels. They are flammable
and vapors are explosive.
- Use onlyan approved container.
-Never remove gas cap or add fuel
with the engine running.Allow
engine to cool before refueling. Do
_not smoke.
- Never refuel the machine indoors.
- Never store the machine or fue_
container inside where there is an
open flame, such as a water heater.
•Never run a machine insidea closed
area.
•Never make adjustments or repairs with
the engine (motor) running.Disconnect
the spark plugwire, and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent acciden-
tal starting.
•Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachement bolts,tight and keep
equipment in good condition.
•Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regulady.
•Keep machinefree of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up, Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
•Stop and inspectthe equipment if you
strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
•Never attempt to make wheel height
adjustr_entswhile the engine (motor) is
running.
•Grass catcher components are subject
to wear, damage, and deterioration,
which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown.Frequently
check componentsand repl,aoe with
manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.
•Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra cautionwhen servicingthem.
•Do not change the engine governor
setting or overspeed the engine.
3

_Look for this symbol to pointout
importantsafety precautions.It means
CAUTIONF!! BECOMEALERTI!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
ACAUTION: In ordertoprevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transpoding, adjustingor making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark
•plug.
_,WARNING: Engineexhaust,some of its
constituents,and certain vehicle
componentscontainor emitchemicals
knownto the State of Californiato cause
cancer and birthdefects or other
reproductiveharm.
AWARNING: Battery posts, terminalsand
related accessoriescontain lead and
lead compounds,chemicals known to the
State of California to causecancer and
birth defectsor other reprodustiveharm.
Wash handsafter handling,
These accessorieswereavailablewhenthislawnmower wasproduced.They are not
shippedwith your mower.They arealsoavailableatmostSearsretsiloutletsandservice
centers.MostSearsstorescanalsoorderrepairpartsfor you,when youprovidethe model
numberofyour lawn mower.Someoftheseaccessoriesmaynotapplyto yourlawnmower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR )
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS STABILIZER
GRASS CATCHERS _GRASS CATCHERS
FOR FOR
REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS
GAS CANS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS
BELTS BLADES BLADE AOA PTER_J WHEELS ENGINE OIL
4

Read these instructionsand this manualin
itsentiretybeforeyou attempttoassemble
or operateyour new lawn mower.
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower isshipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe
engine.
Yournew lawnmower has been as--
sembledat the factory withthe exceptionof
those parts left unaseembledfor shipping
purposes. Toensure safe and proper
operationof your lawn mower,all parts and
hardwareyou assemble must be tightened
securely. Usethe correcttoolsas neces-
sarytoensurepropertightness. Allparts
suchas nuts,washers, bolts, etc., neces-
sarytocompletethe assemblyhave been
placed in the partsbeg.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
• Remove loose pads includedwith
mower.
• Cut downtwoend comers of carton and
lay end panel downflat.
•Remove all packingmaterials except
paddingbetween upper and lower
handle and padding holdingoperator
presence controlbar to upper handle.
•Rolllawnmower out of carton andcheck
carton thoroughlyfor additionalloose
parts.
HOWTO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as net to pinch or damage control cables.
•Raise handles until lower handle
section locksinto place in mowing
position.
•Remove protective padding, raise
upper handle section into place on
lower handle and tighten both handle
knobs.
•Remove handle padding holding
operator presence controlbar to upper
handle.
• Your lawn mower handle can be
adjustedfor your mowingcomfort.
Refer to "AdjustHandle" in the Service
and Adjustments section of this manual.
Operator_
presence-- //7/
--,el
Liftup _ /_
LOnWd(_re_position
TO INSTALL ATACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as amulcbar. To convert to bagging,
see "To convert mowe¢' in the OPERATION
section of this manual.
!.

K]_OWYOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALANDSAFETY RULESBEFOREOPERATINGYOUR LAWN
MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith yourlawn mowerto familianzs yourselfwith the
locationof various controlsand a_uetments. Savethis manuelfor futurereference.
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the
product. Learn and understand their meaning.
CAUTION ENGtNE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEp HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
control
bar
zone control cable
Grass catche_._
rfilter
Engineoilcap
withdipsUck Lawn mower housing
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
Wn'HOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe Whealadjuster
engine. (oneachwheel)
MEETSCPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Searsrotarywalk-behindpowerlawn mowersconformtothe safetystandardsoftheAmerican
NationalStandardsInstituteandthe U.S. ConsumerproductSafetyCommission.The blade
turnswhenthe engine is running.
Operator PresenceControl Bar- must be Pdmer-pumpsadddiona/fuelfromthe
helddownto _handletostadthe engine, cad_retortothecylinderforusewhen
Release tostop the engins, startinga cold engine,
StarterHandle-usedforstartingthe engine.

heoperationofanylawn mower
re.surfin foreignobjects
rown intothe eyes,whichcan
ultinsevere eyedamage.
Always wearsafety glaesesor eye shields
while operating ysur lawn moweror perform-
ingany adjustmentsor repairs. We recom-
mendswidevisionsafetymaskover
spectaclesor standardsafety glasses
HOWTO USEYOUR LAWI_IMOWER.
ENGINESPEEDCONTROL
The enginespeedwas setatthe factory for
optimumperformance. Speedisnot adjust-
able.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_,CAUTION: Federal regulationsrequire
an engine controlto be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the risk
of blade contactinjury.Do not under any
circumstancesattempt to defeat the
functionofthe operator control,The blade
turnswhen the engine is running,
• Your lawnmowerisequippedw_ an
operatorpresencecontrolbar which
requirestheoperatortobe positioned
behind the lawnmower handletostartand
operatethe lawnmower.
TO ADJUST CUTI'ING HEIGHT
•Raisewheelsforlowcut and lowerwheels
for highcut
•Adjustcuttingheighttosuityourrequire-
merits.Mediumpositionisbestformost
lawns
•To change cuttingheight,squeezeadjuster
levertowardwheel. Movewheel upor
dawn tosuityour requirements.Be sureall
wheelsare inthe samesetting
NOTE: Adjusteris property positioned
when platetab inserts intohole in lever.
Also,9-position adjusters (if so equipped)
allow lever to be positionedbetween the
plate tabs.
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mowerwas shipped reedytobe
used asa mulchor. Toconvertto bagging:
REAR BAGGING
• Liftrear door of the lawn mower and place
the grasscatcher framehooksontothe
deer pivot pins.
• To convertto mulchingoperation, remove
grass ca_her and close rear door.
Pivot pins
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
•Liftup on grass catcher using the frame
handle,
• Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower handle.
•Empty clippingsfrombag using both
frame handle and bag handle.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when
emptying; itwill cause unnecessary wear,
/
handle
catcher
frame
handle
..erWhaolsfo,.l,hCut
r
RaiseWheelsforLowCut

BEFORESTARTING ENGINE
OIL
Yourlawnmower isshippedwithoutoilinthe
engine.
•Be suremoweris leveland area aroundoil
fill isdean.
•Remove engine oilcap and filltothe full
lineonthe dipetick.
NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into
•engine for accurate dipstick reading..
•Engineholds 20ozs. of oil. Fortypeand
gradeofoiltouse,see "ENGINE"in
Maintenancesectionofthis manual.
• Pour oilslowly.Donet overfill.
•Checkoillevelbefore eachuse. Addoilif
needed. Filltofull lineondips_ck.
•To read properlevel,tightenengineoilcap
each time.
•Reinstallengineoilcap and tighten.
• Change the oil_ter every25 hoursof
operationor each season. You mayneed
tochangethe oilmore oftenunderdusty,
dirtyconditions.
ADD GASOUNE
• Fillfueltank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Purchasefuel inquantities that canhe
usedwithin30 days to assurefuel
freshness.
AWARNING: Expedenoe indicates that
alcohol blended 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 of 30 days or
longer. Drain the gas tank, start the
engine and let it run until the fuel lines
and carburetorare empty. Use fresh fuel
nextseason• See Storage Instructions for
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetorcleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may eccur.
A.CAUTION: Fillto bottomof gastank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilledoil or fuel. Do not store, spillor use
gasoline near an open flame.
TO STARTENGINE
NOTE: Due to protectivecoatingson the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present dudngthe initialuse of the
product and should be considered
normal.
•TOstarta coldengine,push primerthree
(3)times hefomtryingtostart.Useafirm
push.This step is not usuallynecessary
when stadingan engine which has already
runfora fewminutes.
•Holdoperatorpresencecontrolbar down
tothe handleandpullstarterhandle
quicldy.Do notallowstarterropetosnap
back.
• To stopengine,release operatorpresence
control bar.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be
necessary to repeat pdming steps. In
warmer weather over priming may cause
flooding and enginewill not start. If you do
flood engine, wait afew minutes before
attempting to start and do not repeat
priming steps.
Engineoil
cap
Gasolinetiller
'i
8

MOWINGTIPS
•Under certainconditions,such as very
tallgrass, itmay be necessaryto raise
the height ofCutto reduce pushing
effortand to keep fromoverloadingthe
engine and leaving clumpsof grass
clippings. It may also be necessaryto
reduce ground speed and/or runthe
lawn mowerover the area a second
time.
• Forextremely heavy cutting,reduce the
width of cut by ovedappingpreviously
cut path and mow slowly.
•For better grass bagging and most
cuttingconditions,the engine speed
shouldbe set in the fast position.
•When using arear discharge lawn
mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of
cut grass may notenterthe grass
catcher. Reduce groundspeed
(pushing speed) and/or run the lawn
mower over the area a second time.
• If a trail ofclippingsis left on the right
side ofa rear discharge mower, mow in
a clockwisedirectionwith e small
ovedap to collectthe clippingson the
next pass.
• Pores in clothgrass catchers can
become filled with dirtand dust with use
and catcherswillcollect less grass. To
prevent this,regularlyhose catcher off
withwater and let dry before using.
•Keep topof engine around starterclear
and clean of grass clippingsand chaff.
This will help engine air flow and
extend engine life,
MULCHINGMOWINGTIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep
mower housingfree of built-up grass and
trash. Clean UNDERSIDE OF MOWER
HOUSING after each use. See "Cleaning"
in MAINTENANCE section of this manual.
•The special mulchingbladewill recutthe
grassal_r,_s manytimes and reduce
theminsizesothatas theyfall ontothe
lawntheywilldisperseintothe grassand
not be noticed.ALso,themulched g_ss w_
biodegradequicklytoprovidenutrientsfor
the lawn.Alwaysmulch withyourhighest
er_ (bisde) speedas thisv_ provide
the best mcuttingactionof the blades.
• Aveidoutting your lawnwhenit iswet. Wet
grasster_s to formclumpsand interferes
withthemulching action.The besttimeto
mowyourlawnis the earlyafternoon.At
thistimethegrasshasdriedandthe newly
out areawillnctbe exposedtothedirsct
sun.
•Forbest results,adjustthe lawnmower
cuffingheight sothatthe lawnmowercuts
OffOnlythe topone-thirdofthe grass
blades.Ifthe lawnisovergrownitwill be
necessaryto raisethe heightofcutto
reducepushingeffortandtokeep from
overloadingthe engineand leaving
clumpsofmulchedgrass.Forextremely
heavymulching, reduceyourwidthofcut,
mow slowlyand raisethe rearofthe lawn
mowerone wheel adjustersettinghigher
than thefront.
•Certaintypesofgrassand grasscondi_ons
mayrequirethatan area be mulcheda
asonnd timetocomplatelyhidethe
crtppthgs.Whan deingasecxxdcut,mow
acrossorpeqoendioulartothetiratcutpath.
•Changeyourcuttingpettemfromweekto
week.Mownorthtosouthoeeweek _an
changetoeastto westthe nextweek.This
will _ preventmaffingand grainingof
the lawn.
1/3
9

MA,NTENANCESC.EDULE
°.TEe ....
E ,,OE
Check for Loose Fasteners _it#
C_ea_lnsdect Grass Catcher
(If Equipped) I_/IJ If
MClean Lawn MOWer t/
Clean Under Ddve Cover
(Power*Prope{led MoWers) I##
Check drive belt/pulleys
RE (Power-propelled Mowem) bS
Ch ecWSII a rper,fReplace Blade _ =
Lubrication Chart _ II_
Clean Battery/Rechar e
Elect dc Start Mowe_;_ _I/4
ECheck Engine Oil Level _;
NChange_ngineOil 11_12
G Clean Air FJlte_ _2
I,lspectMuffler
N Clean or Replace spark Plug I_ I
ERel_aceAirFilterPaderCadridge _1= I
1 . Change mote often when opefatlr, g under a Peary _ot in high ambient lempsmtutes.
2. Ser,_ce ntot_ Olten _opera#rig in dldy or d_ conditior_
3. Replace bta_ er_te oflen when e_wklg in undy IOJl
4. Charge 48 hOure al end of ssm_on.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warrantyonthislawnmower doesnot
coveritemsthathavebeensul_jectedto
operatorabuseornegl_r:ce.To receivefull
valuefromthewana_, operatormust
maintain moweras instructedinthis manual.
Somaadjustmentswillneedto be made
periodicallytoproperlymaintainyourunit.
Alladjustmentsinthe Serviceand
Adjustmentssectionofthismanualshouldbe
checked at leastonceeach season.
• Once ayes, rep!acethesparkplug,
replaceair filterelementand checkblade
for wea'. A newsparkplugand claarVnew
air filterelementassuresproperair-fuel
mixtureand helpsyourenginerunbetter
and lastlonger.
•Followthe maintenancescheduleinthis
manual.
BEFORE EACH USE
•Check engineoillevel.
• Checkforloosefasteners.
LUBRICATION CHART
Wheel
3rake spdng
bracket
gine oil
)Handle bracket
hinge mounting pin
_) SPRAYLUBRICANT
(_) SAE30 MOTOROIL. REFERTO
ENGINE -MAINTENANCE SECTION.
LUBRICATION IMPORTANT; Do not oil or grease plastic
Keep unitwelllubricated(See"LUBRICATION wheel bearings. Viscous lubricantswill
CHART"). attract dustand dirt that willshorten the
life ofthe self lubricating bearings. Ifyou
feel they must be lubricated,use only a
dry, powderedgraphite type lubricant
sparingly.
10

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
SERIAL NUMBER
DATEOF PURCHASE
3ASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS
UNLEADED REGULAR
Z)ILTYPE (API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)
DILCAPACITY: 20 OZS.
SPARK PLUG(GAP: .030") CHAMPION RJ19LM OR J19LM
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .004 -.008
EXHAUST: .004 - .008
3OLID STATE iGNITION
_,IRGAP: .0125 iN.
BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.
'The model and serial numberswillbe found on a decal attached to the rear of the
lawn mower housing.Recordbeth serial number and date of pumhasa in space
provided above.
LAWNMOWER TO REPLACE BLADE
Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhen performing •Positionthe blade adapter on the .
any maintenance.
TIRES
• Keeptiresfree ofgaso_ne,oil,orinsect
controlchemicalswhichcan harm nd_ber "
• Avoidstumps,stonss,deepruts,sharp
objectsand otherhazardsthatmaycause
tiredamage.
BLADE CARE
Forbest results, mower blade must be
kept sharp. Replace bentor damaged
blades.
TO REMOVE BLADE
•Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with spark plug.
•Turn lawn mower on its side. Make
sure air tilter and carburetorare up.
•Use a wood block between blade and
mower housing1oprevent blade from
tuming when removing blade bolt.
•Protect your hands with gloves and/or
wrap blade with heavy cloth.
•Remove blade belt by turning counter-
clockwise.
•Remove blade and attaching hardware
(bolt, lock washer and hardened
washer).
NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and
check the key inside hub of blade adapter.
The key must be in goodconditionto work
properly. Replace adapter if damaged. 11
engine crankshaft. Be sure key in
adapter and Crankshaft keyway are
aligned.
Positionblade on the blade adapter
aligningthe two (2) holes in the blade
with the raised lugs on the adapter.
•Be sure the trailingedge of blade
(opposite sharp edge) is up toward the
engine.
•Installthe blade bolt withthe lock
washer and hardened washer into
blade adapter and crankshaft.
•Use blockof wood between blade and
lawn mower housing and tightenthe
blade belt, turningclockwise.
•The recommended tighteningtorque is
35-40 ft. Ibs.
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat
treated., .

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 anail
intoa beam or wall. Leave about one
inch of the straight nailexposed. Place
center hole of blade over the head of
the nail. If blade is balanced, it should
remain in a horizontal position. Ifeither
end of the blade moves downward,
sharpen the heavy end untilthe blade
is balanced. Crankshaft
Blade_ BI:;_
washer Trailing adapter
edge
GRASS CATCHER
• The grass catcher maybe hosedwith
water,but mustbe dry when used.
• Check yourgrass catcher often fordamage
ordeterioration.Throu_ normaluseit will
wear.If catcherneedsreplacing,replace
onlywitha manufacturerapproved
replacementcatcher. Give thelawn mower
modelnumberwhenolzlering.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated
withAPI serviceclassificationSF, SH or
SG, Select the oil'sSAE viscositygrade
according to your expected operating
temperature.
NOTE: Although multi--viscosityoils
(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improvestartingin
coldweather, these multi--viscosity oils
will resultin increased oil consumption
when used above 32"F. Check your
engine oil level more frequently to avoid
possibleengine damage from running
low on oil
Change the oilafter every 25 hoursof
operation or at least onceayear if the
lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in
one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before
startingthe engine and after each five (5)
hoursof continuoususe. "lightenoil plug
securely each time you check the oil level.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
NOTE: Beforatippinglawn mower to
drainoil, drain fuel tank by running
engine untilfuel tank isempty.
• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact withspark plug.
• Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a
clean surface.
•Tip lawnmower on itsside and drain oil
intoasuitable 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 o! engine.
•Fillengine withoil. Fill only to the
"FULL" lineon the dipstick. DO NOT
OVER FILL.
• Replace engine oil cap.
•Reconnect spark plug wire to spark
plug.
Contain__
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run prepedy and may
be damaged by using a dirty air filter.
Replace the airfilter every year, more
oftenifyou mow in very dusty,dirty
conditions.Do not wash airfilter.
TO CHANGEAIR FILTER
•Remove the airfilter cover by turning
counterclockwiseto the stop and pull
away from collar.
•Remove filter from insideof cover.
12

•Clean the inside of the cover and the
collar to remove any dirt accumulation.
•Insert new filler 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.
Collar Turn
counter--
clockwise to
remove
A_rfiltercover totighten
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corrodedmuffleras it
could create afire hazard and/or damage.
SPARK PLUG
Change your spark plugeach year to
make your engine start easier and run
better. Set spark pluggap at .030 inch.
CLEANING
IMPORTANT: For bestperformance, keep
mower housingfree of built--up grass
and trash. Clean underside of mower
housingaRer each use.
_I,CAUTION: Disconnect spark plugwire
from spark plug and place wire where it
cannot come in contact with the spark
plug.
•Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure
air filter and carburetor are up. Clean
the underside ofyour lawn mower by
scraping to remove build--up of grass
and trash.
•Clean engine often to keep trash from
accumulating.A clogged engine runs
hotterend shortens engine life.
• Keep finished surfaces and wheels free
of all gasoline, oil, etc,
•We DO NOT recommend usinga
garden hose to clean lawn mower
unless the electricalsystem, muffler, air
filter and carburetorare covered to
keep water out. Water in engine can
resultin shortened engine life.
ACAUTION: Before performingany
serviceOradjustments:
•Release controlbar and stop engine.
•Make sure the blade and all moving
partshave completelystopped.
•Disconnectspark plugwire from spark
plugand place where it ce,nnot come in
contactwith plug.
LAWN MOWER
TO ADJUST CUI"FING HEIGHT
See "TOADJUST CU'I-rlNG HEIGHT" in
the Operationsectionol this manual.
REAR DEFLECTOR
The rear deflector,attached between the
rear wheels ofyour lawn mower,is
providedto minimizethe pOSaibUllythat
objectswillbe thrownout the rear ofthe
lawn mower intothe operator'smowing
position.
Ifthe rear deflectorbecomes damaged, it
should be replaced.
TO ADJUST HANDLE
The handle can be mounted in a highor
low position, The mounting holesin the
bottomof lowerhandle are off center for
raisingor Iowedngthe handle.
•Remove upper handle and all parts
attached to lower handle.
•Remove hairpincotters from lower
handle bracket mountingpin,
•Squeeze lower handle in to remove it
from mountingpins.
•Turn _owerhandle over to raise or lower
handle.
•Squeeze lower handle in and position
holes onto mounting pins on handle
bracket.
•Reassemble upper handle and all pads
removed from lower handle.
13

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER
•Put grass catcher frame into grass bag
with rigidpart of bag on the bottom,
Make sure the frame handle is outside
ofthe bag top.
•Slip vinylbindings over frame.
NOTE: Ifvinyl bindingsare too stiff,hold
them inwarm water fora few minutes, If
bag gets wet, let it dry before using.
_CAUTION: Do not runyour lawn mower
withoutclipping deflector or approved
grass catcher in place, Never attemptto
operate the lawn mower with the rear
door removed or propped open.
Catcher
frame ""
Frame
ENGINE
CARBURETOR
Yourcarburetorhasa non*adjustabiefixed
mainjet formixturecontrol.Ifyourengice
doesnotoperateproperlyduetosuspected
carburetorproblems,takeyourlawnmowerto
an authorizedsen,icecenterfor repairor
adjustment,
IMPORTANT: Never tamper with the
engine governor,which isfactory set for
proper engine speed, Overspeeding the
engine above the factory high speed
setting can be dangerous, if you think the
engine-governed high speed needs
adjusting, contact your nearest authorized
servicecenter, which has proper
equipment and experience to make any
necessary adjustments,
ENGINESPEED
Yourenginespeedhasbeenfactory set. Do
not attempttoincreaseenginespeedor it
mayresultinpersonalinjury,ifyoubelieve
thattheengineisnJnningtoofastortooslow,
takeyour lawn mowerto an authorized
servicecenter forrepairand adjustment,
14

Immediatelyprepareyourlawn mowerfor
storageatthe endoftheseasonorifthe unit
willnotbe ueedfor30 daysor more.
LAWN MOWER
Whenlawnmower isto be storedfor a pedod
oftime,cleanitthoroughly,removealldirt,
grease,leaves,etc.Storeina clean,dryarea.
•Cleanentirelawn mower(See CLEAN-
ING"intheMaintenancesectionofthis
manual).
•Lubricateas shownin the Maintenance
sectionof thismanual.
•Besurethatall nuts,belts,screws,andpins
are securelyfastened.Inspect moving
partsfordamage, breakageandwear.
Replaceif necessary.
• Touch up allrusted or chipped paint
surfaces;sand lightly before painting.
HANDLE
YOUcan fold your lawn mower handle for
storage.
•Squeeze the bottomends of the lower
handletoward each other until the
lower handle clears the handle bracket,
then move handle forward.
• Loosen upper handle mounting bolts
enough to allow upper handle to be
folded back.
IMPORTANT: When foldingthe handle
for storage ortransportationg,be sure to
fold the handleas shown or you may
damage the controlcables.
•When setting upyour handle from the
storage position,the lower handle will
automatically lock intothe mowing
position. Lowerhandle
Squeeze to Handle
fold bracket
Operator Presence
Control Bar
Upper
Handle
Fold Forward
For Storage Fold
Backward
Mowing
Position
Lower
Handle
ENGINE
FUEL SYSTEM
IMPORTANT: It is importantto prevent
gum depositsfrom formingin essential
fuel system parts such as carburetor,fuel
filter,fuel hose, or tank duringstorage,
Also, experience indicates that alcohol
blended fuels (called gasohol or using
ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture
which leads to separation and formation
of acids duringstorage. Acidicgas can
damage the fuel system of an engine
while in storage.
• Drain the fuel tank.
•Start the engine and let it run untilthe
fuel lines and carburetor are empty.
• Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
productsin the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
•Use fresh fuel nextseason.
NOTE: Fuel stabilizeris an acceptable
alternative in minimizingthe formation of
fuel gum depositsduring storage, Add
stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or
storage container. Always followthe mix
ratio found on stabilizercontainer. Run
engine at least 10 minutesafter adding
stabilizer to allow the stabilizerto reach
the carburetor. Do not drainthe gas tank
and carburetor if usingfuel stabilizer.
Hairpin cotter
15

ENGINEOIL
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace
withclean engine oil. (See "ENGINE" in
the Maintenance section of this manual).
CYLINDER
• Remove spark plug.
•Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through
spark plug hole into cylinder.
•Pull starter handle slowly a few timesto
distributeoil,
• • Replace with new spark plug.
OTHER
•Do notstore gasolinefrom one season
to another.
•Replace your gasolinecan if your can
startsto rust. Rust and/or dirt in your
gasoline willcause problems.
• If possible,storeyour unitindoors and
cover it to give protection from dustand
dirt.
•Cover your unit with a suitable protec-
tive cover that does not retain moisture.
Do not use plastic. Plastic cannot
breathe which allowscondensationto
form and will cause your unit to rust.
IMPORTANT: Never cover mowerwhile
engine and exhaust areas are stillwarm.
A,CAUTION: Never store the lawnmower
with gasoline in the tank insidea building
where fumes may reach an open flame or
spark. Allowthe engineto cool before
storing in any enclosure.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
PROBLEM CAUSE
Does not start 1. Dirty air filter.
2. Outof fuel.
3. Stale fuel.
4. Water in fuel.
5. Spark plugwire is
disconnected.
6. Bad spark plug.
7. Loose blade or broken blade
adapter.
8. Control bar in released
position.
9. Controlbar defective,
Loss of power 1. Rear of lawn mower housing
or cutting blade dragging •
in heavy grass.
2. Cuttingtoo much grass.
3. Dirty air filter.
4. Buildupof grass, leaves,
end trash under mower.
5. Too much oil in engine.
6. Walking speed too fast.
CORRECTION
1. Clean/replace air filter.
2. Fill fuel tank.
3. Drain tank and refill with
fresh clean fuel.
4. Drain fuel tank and
carburetor and refill tank
with fresh gasoline.
5. Connect wire to plug.
6, Replace spark plug.
7, Tighten blade bolt or
replace blade adapter.
8, Depress control bar to
handle.
9, Replace control bar.
1, Setto =Higher Cut"
position.
2. Set to "Higher Cut"
position.
3. Clean/replace air filter.
4. Clean underside of mower
housing.
5. Check oil level.
6. Cut at slower walking
speed.
16

TROUBLESHOOTINGCHART
PROBLEM CAUSE
Poorcut-uneven
CORRECTION
1. Replace blade. Tighten
blade bolt.
2. Set all wheels at same
height
3, Clean underside of
mower housing.
Excessive 1, Replace blade, Tighten
vibration blade bolt.
2. Contact an authorized
service center,
Starter rope hard
topull
1. Worn. bent or loose blade.
2. Wheel heights uneven.
3. Buildupof grass, leaves
and trash under mower.
1. Worn. bent'or loose blade.
2. Bent engine crankshaft.
1. Engine flywheel brake is on
when controlbar is released
2. Bent engine crankshaft.
3. Blade adapter broken.
4. Blade dragging in grass.
1. Cutting height too low.
2. Lift on blade worn off.
3. Catcher not venting air.
1. Grass is too high or wheel
height is too low.
2. Rear of lawn mower
housing or blade dragging
in grass.
3. Grass catchertoo full.
4. Handle height position not
right for you.
Grass catcher
notrifling (ifso
equipped)
Hard to push
1. Depress control bar to
upper handle before
pulling starter rope.
2. Contact an authorized
service center.
3. Replace blade adapter.
4. Move lawn mower to cut
grass or to hard surface
to start engine
1. Raise cutting height.
2. Replace blade.
3. Clean grass catcher.
t. Raise cutting height.
2. Raise rear of lawn mower
housingone (1) setting
higher.
3. Empty grass catcher.
4. Adjust handle height to
suit.
17

CRAFTSMAN ROTARY LAWN MOWER -- MODEL NO. 917.388010
34
37
_27 22-
lg
37
2O
33
37 36
4O

KEY PART
NO. NO.
1 869O2
2169709)(479
3169708X479
4132001
5 63601
6131959
7 66426
11 156577
12 750097
13 850733XCO4
14 136376
15 51793
17 165946X479
18 17600406
19 167132X004
20 167133X9O4
21 165858
2"2 168360X004
23 166875
24 751153
25 166111X479
26 166112X479
27 851856
29 160835X9O7
30 19112222
32 169421X004
CRAFTSMAN ROTARY LAWN M_WER - -MODEL NO. 917o388010
DESCRIPTION
Control Bar
Upper Handle
Lower Handle
RopeGuide
Locknut 1/4-20
Handle Bolt
WireTie
Engine Zone Control Cabte
Hex Washer Head Screw #10-24 x 1/2
Up-Stop Bracket
HandleKnob
Hairpin Cotter
SupPort Bracket
Screw
Axle Arm Assembly - LF
Axle Arm Assembly - RF
Rear Skirt
Selector Spring Front
Rear Door Assembly Kit (Incl. Spdngs)
Locknut 5/16-18
Handle Bracket Assembly (Left)
Handle Bracket Assembly (Right)
Screw 1/4-20 x 3/8
Wheel Adjusting Bracket * Front
Spacer
Selector Spdng Rear
KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION
33
34
36
37
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
48
52
53
54
55
56
57
67
68
70
87877 Selector Knob
165762X9O4 Axle Arm Assembly - LR
160828 Shoulder Bolt 3/16-18
151157 Wheel Assembly
83923 Flanged Locknut
77400 Hubcap
88652 Hinge Screw
165766 Spring (LH)
165767 Spring (RH)
165912 Door Bolt
150406 Hex Head Thread Rolling Screw 3f8-16 x 1
85463 Danger Decal
165761X004 Axle Ann Assembly - RR
16683'2 Housing Assembly (Incl. ReL #17, 18 & 46)
851084 Hex Head Screw 3/5-24 x 1-3/8 Grd. 8
850263 Helical Lookwashor
851074 Hardened Washer
165833 21" Blade
851514 Blade Adapter
166113 Grass Sag
165755 Catcher Frame
...... Engine - (See Breakdown) Craftsman 143.006206
161058 Warning Decal (Not Shown)
175109 Owner's Manual

CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODEL NUMBER 143.0_2_
4OO 135
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