Sears Craftsman 917.378590 User manual

SEARS
/:RBFTZ
MODEL NUMBER 917.378590 OWNER'S MANUAL
®
oAssembly
• Operation
• Customer
Responsibilities
• Service
,,,--t _,,d,__.d ,tj d,d d d_,,,.*t d L,w,,,_
•Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
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I IIIIIIIIIIII
I

SAFETY RULES
CAUTION:ALWAYSDISCONNECTSPARKPLUGWIREANDPLACEWIREWHEREITCANNOTCONTACTSPARK
PLUGTO PREVENTACCIDENTALSTARTINGWHEN SETTINGUP,TRANSPORTING,ADJUSTING ORMAKING
REPAIRS IMPORTANT
SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCECONTROLSTO MINIMIZETHE RISK OF INJURY. YOURUNIT ISEQUIPPED WITH
SUCH CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTIONOF THE OPERATORPRESENCE CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUM-
STANCES.
TRAINING:
• Read-this operator's manual carefully.. Become familiarwith
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 without proper instructions.
•Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially
small children and pets.
•Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de-
scribed 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 not use accessory attachments that are not recommended
by the manufacturer. Use of such attachments may be
hazardous_
The blade turns when the engine is running.
PREPARATION:
•Always thoroughlycheck 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.
•Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when starting and
while using your mower.
•Dress properly. Do not operate mower when barefoot or
wearing open sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good
traction when mowing,
•Check fuel +_nkbefore startina engine. Oo not fitf _.as t_nk
Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before filling the
gas tank. Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the
engine.
•Always make wheel height adjustments before starting your
mower, Never attempt to do this while the engine is running.
•Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
OPERATION:
•Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being
cut. Do not let other interests distract you.
• Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never run while operating
your mower. Always be sure of your footing -keep a firmhold
on the handles and walk.
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep
clear of the discharge opening at alf times.
Always step the engine whenever you leave or are not using
your mowe r,orbefore crossing driveways, walks, roads, and
any gravel-covered areas.
• Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor
allow anyone near the mower while you are operating it.
•Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your mower, stop
the engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all
moving parts have stopped. Then discon nect the spa rkplug
wire and keep it away from the spark plug to prevent
accidental starting.
• Do not continue to run you rmower if you hit aforeign object.
Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any dam-
age before restarting and operating you mower.
• Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the
engine. Engine damage or personal injury may result,
•Do not operate your mower if itvibrates abnormally. Exces-
sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check forthe cause ofvibration and repair as required.
•Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are danger-
ous.
Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. Mow
across the face of slopes, never up and down or you might
lose your footing. Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
Use caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain or
when changing directions - maintain good footing.
Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates,
grass catcher or other safety devices in place.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
• Check the blaae and the engine mounting bolts often to be
sure they are tightened properly.
•Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for
proper tightness to be sure mower is insafe working condi-
tion.
Keep all safety devices in place and working.
To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves
or excessive grease and oil.
• Check grass catcher often for deterioration and wear and
replace worn bags. Use only replacement bags that are
recommended by and comply with specifications of the
manufacturer of your mower.
• Always keep a sharp blade on your mower.
• Allow engine to coot before storing in any enclosure.
• Never store mower with fuel in the tank inside a building
where fumes may reach an open flame or an ignitionsource
such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc.
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
IT MEANS - ATTENTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
2I

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase ofa Sears Lawn
Mower. It has been designed, engineered and manufac-
tured to give you the best possible dependability and
performance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized
Service Center/Department. We have competent, well-
trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair
this lawn mower.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower
properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
MODEL
NUMBER 917.378590
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATEOFPURCHASE
THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERSWtLL BE FOUND
ON A DECAL A-I-rACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING
YOUSHOULDRECORDBOTHSERIALNUMBERAND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 5.5
DISPLACEMENT: 9.0 CU.IN.
GASOLINECAPACITY 1.6 QUARTS
ANDTYPE: UNLEADEDREGULAR
OILTYPE(APFSG): SAE 30 (ABOVE32°F)
SAE 5W-30(below 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS.
SPARKPLUG: CHAMPION RJ19-LM
(GAP: .030") STD361458
VALVECLEARANCE: INTAKE: .008"
EXHAUST: .008"
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIRGAP: .0125IN.
BLADEBOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT.LBS.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
•Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower.
• Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual.
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 workmanship.
If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from
the date of purchase.
This Warranty does not cover:
• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts,
air cleaners and spark plug.
• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to maintain
the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER TO THE NEAREST
SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT INTHE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLYWHILE
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 state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
3

i |l .,i i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ....................... 3, 9-11
WARRANTY ................................................................... 3
ASSEMBLY ................................................................... 5
OPERATION .................................................................. 6
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ........................................ 9
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................. 12
STORAGE .................................................................... 15
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 27
REPAIR PARTS- LAWN MOWER ........................ 16-20
REPAIR PARTS- ENGINE .................................... 21-26
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................ BACK COVER
INDEX A
Accessories ..................................... 5
Adjustments:
Carburetor .............................. 14
Drive Control Cable ................ 12
Engine Speed ......................... 14
Handle Height ......................... 13
Height of Cut ............................. 7
Air Filter:
Replacement .......................... 11
Service .................................... 11
Assembly ......................................... 5
B
Blade:
Sharpening ............................. 10
Replacement .......................... 10
C
Controls:
Drive Control ............................. 6
Engine Zone Control ................. 6
Engine Speed Control .............. 6
Operator Presence
Control Bar ............................... 6
Customer Responsibilities.....3, 9-11
Air Filter .................................. 11
Blade Care/Replacement ....... 10
DriveWheels .......................... 10
Engine .................................... 11
Lubrication.............................. 11
Spark Plug .............................. 11
Cutting Levels ................................. 7
E
Engine:
Air Filter .................................. 11
Oil Change .............................. 12
Oil Level .................................. 12
Oil Type .................................. 12
Starting ..................................... 8
Stopping ................................... 8
Storage ................................... 15
F
Fuel:
Capacity .................................... 3
Storage ................................... 15
Type .......................................... 8
H
Handle Adjustment:
Assembly .................................. 5
Cutting Height ........................... 7
L
Lubrication:
Engine .................................... 11
Lawn Mower ............................. 9
M
Maintenance Agreement ................. 3
Maintenance Schedule ................... 9
Mowing Tips .................................... 8
Oil: O
Engine .................................... 11
Storage ................................... 15
Operation:
Drive Control ............................. 7
Engine Control .......................... 7
Grass Catcher ........................ 10
Mower ....................................... 7
Operator Presence
Control Bar ............................... 7
Options:
Accessories .............................. 5
R
Repair Parts:
Engine ............................... 21-26
Lawn Mower ...................... 16-20
Responsibilities, Customer ....3, 9-11
s
Safety Rules .................................... 2
Service and Adjustments .............. 12
Carburetor .............................. 14
DischargeGuard .................... 12
Drive Belt ................................ 12
Engine Speed ......................... 14
Handle .................................... 13
Spark Plug..................................... 11
Specifications.................................. 3
Speed Control:
Engine .................................... 14
Starting the Engine .......................... 8
Stopping the Engine ........................ 8
Storage .......................................... 15
T
Trouble Shooting Chart ................. 27
W
Warranty .......................................... 3
4

LAWN MOWER RIES
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These accessories were available when thislawnmower was produced. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets
and service centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you, when you provide the model number of your lawn
mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.
ENGINE
SPARK PLUG MUFFLER AIR FILTER GAS CAN ENGINE OIL STABILIZER
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE ...... •......... •I• iiii ii ii i IIHI,I Illll
MULCHER KIT
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE i
BELT BLADE WHEELS
.......... EMBLY
=llIHH I HJ==| Hm|HH I lll l IH II I I
Read these instructions and this :manual in its entirety _PPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn
mower. 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 opera-
tion 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, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete
the assembly have been placed in the partsbag.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
•Remove loose parts includedw!thmower.
•Cut down two end corners of carton and laYend panel
down flat. .....
•Remove all packing materials except padding between
upper and lower handle and padding holding opera*or
presence control bar to upper handle.
•Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thor-
oughly for additional loose parts. •
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
LAWN MOWER
COVER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)
IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.
UPPER HANDLE
LIFT UP
MOWING POSITION
LOWER HANDLE
FIG. 1
Raise handles until lower handle section locks inte
place in mowing position.
Raise upper handle section into place on lower handle,
remove protective padding and tighten both handle
knobs.
•Remove handle padding holding operator presence
control bar to upper handle.
•Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your
mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the
5Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

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KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFEr/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.
ZONE CONTROL CABLE
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER
STARTER HANDLE
HANDLE KNOB
GASOLINE RLL CAP,
ENGINE SPEED
CONTROL LEVER
,ENGINE OIL CAP WITH DIPSTICK
DRIVE COVER
: i¸
DISCHARGEGUARD
H
WHEEL ADJUSTER .... HOUSING
(ON EACH WHEEL)
FIG. 2
I II IIII mllllllil I I fl fl{fllfl
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behindpowerlawnmowers conform to the safety standards ofthe American National Standards Institute
and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade turns when the engine is running.
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL -must be held down
to the handle to start the engine. Release to stop the
engine.
STARTER HANDLE - usedfor starting the engine.
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER -used to engage power-pro-
pel!ed forward motion of lawn mower. ....
PRIMER - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the
cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER -locatedon the side
of the engine which allows you to select either fast (_)or
slow (_) engine speed ..........
6

m,,HIHIIlll IIIllll III
ATION
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED (See Fig. 3)
The engine speed iscontrolledbya lever locatedon the
side ofthe engine. Fast (_Bi)positionisfor startingengine,
normal cutting and better grass bagging. _Slow (-_m_)
positionis for light cuttingltr!mmingand fuel economy.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
lawn mower in order to minimize the
risk of blade contact injury. Do not
under any circumstances attempt to
defeat the function oftheoperator con-
trol. The blade turns when the engine is
running.
IIIIIIIUIIIII II iiiiiiiii iiiii i ii i/ i i i iiiiiiii i II
• Your lawn mower isequipped with an operator pres-
ence control bar which requires the operator to be
positioned behind the lawnmower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower.
DRIVE CONTROL (See Fig. 4)
° Self-propelling is controlledby holding the operator
presence control bar down to the handle and pushing
the drive control lever forward until it clicks; then
release the lever.
•Forward motionwilistop when the operatorpresence
controlbar isreleased. To stopforward motionwithout
stopping engine,releasetheoperatorpresencecontrol
bar slightly untl the :drive control disengages. Hold
operator presence controlbar downto handle tocon-
tinue mowing withoutself-propelling, ':
•To keep drive controlengaged when turningcomers,
push down on handle and liftfront wheels off ground
whileturning lawn mower.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 5)
•Raise wheels for lowcutand lowerwheelsfor highcut.
•Wheels are set in lowcutfor shipping. Adjust cutting
height to suit your requirements. Medium position is
bestfor most lawns.
To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever to-
ward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your
requirements. Be sure all wheels are in the same
setting.
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER
lIVER
FIG. 3
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
CONTROL
TO ENGAGE DRIVE CONTROL
DRIVE CONTROL DISENGAGED
FIG. 4
LOWER WHEELS RAISE WHEELS
FOR HIGH CUT FOR LOW CUT
FIG. 5
7

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL (See Fig. 6)
Your lawn mower isshipped withoutoil inthe engine.
Be sure mower islevel and area around oilfill isclean.
oRemove engine oil cap w/dipstickand fillto the full line
on the dipstick.
• Use 20 ozs. of oi!. Fortypeandgradeofoiltouse, see
"ENGINE" in Customer Responsibilities section ofthis
manual.
• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill
to full line on dipstick.
• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap each time.
• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
= After the first two (2) hours of mowing, change the oil,
and every 25 hours thereafter. You may need to
change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions.
GAS (See Fig, 6)
• Fillgasolinetank withfresh, clean, unleadedgasoline.
DO NOT USE PREMIUM GASOLINE. BE CAREFUL
NOT TO OVER FILL TANK.
WARNING: Experience ndicates that alcohol blended
fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can
attractmoisturewhichleadsto separationand formation of
acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel
system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system shouldbe emptiedbefore stor-
age of 30 days or longer. Drain thefuel tank, start the
engine and let it run until fuel linesand carburetor are
empty. Use fresh fuel nextseason. See Storage Instruc-
tions for additional information. Never use engine or
carburetor cleaner products in fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
TO START ENGINE
To start a cold engine, push primer three (3) times
before tryingtostart. Use-.afirm push. Thisstep is not
usually necessary when startingan engine whichhas
already run for a few minutes.
Push engine speed controllever to fast (_) position.
Holdoperatorpresencecontrolbar downtothehandle
and pul!starter handle quickly. DO NOT allowstarter
rope tosnap back.
To STOP engine, release operator presence control
bar.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat
priming steps. Inwarmer weather over priming may cause
flooding and engine will not start. If you do flood engine,
wait a few minutes before attempting to start and DO NOT
repeat priming steps.
GASOLINE RLLER CAP ENGINE OIL CAP
W/DIPSTICK
FIG, 6
MOWING TIPS
•Undercertain conditions,suchas verytatt grass, itmay
be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce
pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine
and leaving clumps of grass clippings.
•For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width ofcut by
overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.
•For better grass bagging and most cutting conditions,
the engine speed should be set in the fast (_) position,
•For side discharge !awn mowers, cutting in a counter-
clockwise direction, starting at the outside of the area
to be cut, spreads grass clippings more evenly and
puts Iess load on the engine. To keep clippings off of
walkways, flower beds, etc., make the first cuts in a
clockwise direction.
•Pores incloth grass catcherscan become filled with dirt
and dust with use and catchers will collect less grass.
To prevent this, regularly hose catcher off with water
and let dry before using.
•Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of
grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine airflow
and extend engine life.
8

iiiiilun,,,,,,,,iii BILITIES
I ilnlllll i iiiii ii ill iiiiiii iii iii iii i lJll iiiiii
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE _ _ _ ___,,_o_ __ _O_
F,L,,NOATES
AS YOU COMPLETE
REGULAR SERVICE ............ E,,,,,,,,DATES
Check for,,Lo0se Fasteners b_'.... If
Clean/inspect Grass Catch'er(if Equipp.ed ) .. .. _ !_ if ....... tf ....
Clean Lawn Mower tk/ I_
Inspect!Clean 'D'rive"Wheels
(Self-Propelled Mowers) V'
RSharPen/aep.!ace.Mower Blade _S
Lubrication Chart V' If ......
.........Ci'ean BatterylRecharge'
(EIe.ct.r.!cStart Mowers) If t_4
E..Check Engine Oil Level :........ Ill/ ""
NChange Engine Oil .. tf I/1.2
GClean.....Air Filter V'2
I lnspec.t Muff!er ..... .V'.
NReplace spa.rk. P!ug ....... t/'
!E Replace Air Filter Paper,,Cartridge ........................................ I/'2 .. '....
1 - Change mere often when operating under a heavy load er in high ambient temperatures.
2 - Service more often when operatfng _n dirty or dusty conditions,
3 - Replace blades more often when mowfng in sandy soil.
4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that
have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To
receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain
mower as instructed in this manual.
Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to
properly maintain your unit.
All adjustments in the Service and Adjustments section of
this manual should be checked at least once each season.
• Once a year, replace the spark plug, clean or replace
air fiiterelement and checkblade forwear. A newspark
plug and clean/new air filter element assures proper
air-fuel mixture and helps your engine run better and
last longer.
• Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual.
BEFORE EACH USE
• Check engine oil level.
• Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICATION CHART!').
9
LUBRICATION CHART
(_) WHEEL
ADJUSTER !_ DISCHARGE
GUARD
HINGE PIN
/
(_ HANDLE BRACKET
MOUNTING PIN ENGINE OIL
(_) SPRAY LUBRICANT
(_ REFER TO CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES "ENGINE"
SECTION,
IMPORTANT: DO NOT OIL OR GREASE PLASTIC WHEEL
BEARINGS. VISCOUS LUBRICANTS WILL ATTRACT
DUST AND DIRT THAT WtLL SHORTEN THE LIFE OF
THE SELF-LUBRICATING BEARINGS. IF YOU FEEL
THEY MUST BE LUBRICATED, USE ONLY A DRY,
POWERED GRAPHITE TYPE LUBRICANT SPARINGLY.

i,i iii i i ill,ll ,IIHII, ,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, , ...................................
lUTIES
Ill ii I IIIIII II iii I I I ii iiiiii iii
LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte-
nance.
TIRES
• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insectcontrot chemi-
cals which can harm rubber.
• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and
other hazards that may cause tire damage.
BLADE CARE
For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp. Re-
place bent or damaged blades.
TO REMOVE BLADE (See Fig. 7)
•::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 filter and
carburetor are up.
•Use a wood block between blade and mower housing
to prevent blade from turning when removing blade
bolt.
• ' Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with
heavy cloth.
• Remove blade bolt by turning counter-clockwise. Use
a 9/16' box or open-end wrench.
• 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 good
condition to work properly. Replace adapter if damaged.
TO REPLACE BLADE (See Fig. 7)
• Position the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft.
Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway are
aligned.
• Position blade on the blade adapter aligning thetwo (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 bolt with the Iockwasher and hardened
washer into blade adapter and crankshaft.
• Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower
housing and tighten the blade bolt, turning clockwise.
°The recommended tightening torque is 35-40 ft. Ibs.
IMPORTANT: BLADEBOLT 1SGRADE 8 HEATTREATED.
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but if
you do, be sure the blade is balanced.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An
unbalanced blade will cause eventual damage to lawn
mower or engine.
• The bladecan be sharpened with afile or on agdnding
wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen whileonthe mower.
• To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or
:walt. Leave about one inch of the straight nail ex-
posed. Place center hole of blade over the head of the
nail. If blade is balanced, it should remain in a
horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves
downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is
balanced.
BLADE
\
BLADE
ADAPTER
KEY
CRANK-
KEYWAY
"CRANK-
:SHAFT
TRAILING
LOCI( WASHER EDGE BLADE ADAPTER
FIG. 7
DRIVE WHEELS
Check front drive wheels each time before you mow to be
sure they move freely.
The wheels not turning freely means trash, grass cuttings,
etc. are in the drive wheel area and must be cleaned tofree
drive wheels.
If necessary to clean the ddve wheels, check both front
wheels.
• Remove hubcaps, hairpin cotters and washers.
• Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.
• Remove any trash or grass cuttings from inside the
dust cover, pinionand!or drive wheel gear teeth.
• Put wheels back in place.
•If after cleaning, the drive wheels do not turn freely,
contact your nearest authorized service center.
GEAR CASE
• To keep your drive system working properly, the gear
case and area around the drive should be kept clean
and free of trash build-up. Clean under the drive cover
twice a season.
• The gearcase isfilled with lubricantto the proper level
at the factory. The only time the lubricant needs
attention isif service has been performed on the gear
CaSe.
•If lubricantisrequired, useonly Texaco Starplex Pre-
mium 1 Grease, Part No. 750369. Do not substitute.
GRASS CATCHER
(If purchased as an accessory)
•The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must
be dry when used.
• Check your grass catcher often for damage or deterio-
ration. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher
needs replacing, replace only with a manufacturer
approved replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower
model number when ordering.
10