Sears Craftsman 917.378590 User manual

SEARS
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MODEL NUMBER 917.378590 OWNER'S MANUAL
®
oAssembly
• Operation
• Customer
Responsibilities
• Service
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•Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
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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
II I II I I IIIII III II I I IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII I I I I I
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.