Sears Craftsman 917.380481 User manual

SEARS
I: OFTSMnN
MODEL NUMBER 917.380481 OWNER'S MANUAL
• Assembly
• Operation
• Customer
Responsibilities
• Service
• Adjustments
• Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment

SAFETY RULES
CAUTION: ALWAYSDISCONNECTSPARKPLUGWIREAND PLACEWIREWHERE ITCANNOTCONTACT SPARK
PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETTING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING
REPA,RS. IMPORTANT
SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCECONTROLSTO MINIMIZETHERISK OFINJURY. YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH
SUCH CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUM-
STANCES,
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 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 thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear itof
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 tank before starting engine. Do not fitl gas tank
indoors,when the engine isrunning or when the engine is hot.
Allow the engine to coot 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 firm hold
on the handles and walk.
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep
clear of the discharge opening at all times.
Always stop the blade whenever you leave or are not using
you rmower, or before 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 disconnect the spark plug
wire and keep it away from the spark plug to prevent
accidental starting.
Do not continue to run your mower 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 checkfor the 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 blade 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 in safe working condF
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 cool 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 ignition source
such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc.
II
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. [
IT MEANS - ATTENTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. I

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears
Craftsman Lawn Mower. It has been designed, engineered
and manufactured to give you the best possible de-
pendability and performance.
Should you experience any problems you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Service Cen-
tedDepartment, Sears has competent, well trained tech-
nicians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit,
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 917.380481
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF
PURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE
FOUND ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR
OF THE LAWN MOWER HOUSING.
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER
AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE
PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 5.0
DISPLACEMENT: 11.5 cu. in.
GASOLINE CAPACITY: 1.5 quart
(Unleaded)
OIL (20 oz. Capacity): SAE 30 (Above 32°F
5W30 (Below 32°F)
SPARK PLUG (GAP .030 in.): Champion
RJ19LM or
Sears 7_/133312
or STD 361458
or STD 360950
VALVE CLEARANCE: Intake: .008 in.
Exhaust: .008 in.
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 in.
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 ft.-Ibs.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
=Road 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.
LMMITED 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 tS 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 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

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES .................................................... 2
PRODUCT SPECiFiCATiONS .............................. 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILIT_ES ............... 3, 9-11
WARRANTY .......................................................... 3
LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES .......................... 5
ASSEMBLY ........................................................... 5
OPERATION .......................................................... 6
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ................................ ._
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ...... ;.. ............... t 2
STORAG E ........................................................... 13
TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................... 1
REPAJR PARTS oLAWN MOWER ................ 14o!5
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ............................ 18-18
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ........ BACK COVEF_
INDEX
A
Accessodea ............................................ 5
Adjustments:
Carburetor .................................. 12
Engine Speed ............................. 12
Handle Height ............................ 12
Height of Cut ................................ 7
Air Filter:
Replacement .............................. 11
Assembly:
Handle .......................................... 5
B
Blade:
Sharpening ................................. t 0
Replacement .............................. 10
C
Controls:
Operator Presence Control Bar..6
Engine Zone Control ................... 6
Engine Speed Centre! ................. 6
Customer Responsibilities ....... 3, 9=1t
Air Filter ...................................... 11
Blade Care/Replacement .......... 10
Engine ........................................ 11
Grass Catcher ............................ 10
Lubrication ................................... 9
Spark Plug .................................. 11
E
Engine:
Oil Change ................................. 11
Oil Lavel ....................................... 7
Oil Type ....................................... 7
Starting ......................................... 7
Storage ....................................... 13
F
FaehType. ............................................. 7
Storage ....................................... 13
H
HandJe:
Adjustment ................................. !2
Assembly ..................................... 5
L
Lubrication:
Engine .......................................... 9
Handle Bracket Mounting Pin _,.9
Discharge Guard Hinge Pin ........ 9
Wheet Adjuster ............................ 9
Brake Spring Bracket .................. 9
M
Maintsnancs Agreement .................... 3
Maintenance Schedule ....................... g
Mowing Tips ........................................ 8
O
Oil: Engine .......................................... 9
Stor age ....................................... 13
Operation:
Operating Lawn Mower ............... 7
Control Bar ................................... 6
Speed Control .............................. 8
Operator Presence ControJ Bar ......... 6
Options:
Attachments ................................. 5
P
Repa!r Parts
Lawn Mower .......................... 14-t 5
Engine ................................... t6-18
R
Responsibilities, Customer .°..., 3, go1"_
S
Safety Rules ........................................ 2
Service and Adjustments:
Carburetor .................................. 12
Discharge Guard ....................... 12
Engine Speed ............................ 12
Handle ........................................ 12
Rear Deflector ............................ 12
Spark Plug ......................................... 1
Specifications ..................................... 3
Starting the Engine:
Speed Control .............................. 8
Stopping the Engine ........................... 8
Storage .............................................. t3
T
Trouble Shooting Chart ................... 19
W
Warranty .............................................. 3
Wheels:
Wheel Adjusters .......................... 6
4

LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES
These accessor es were available when this lawn mower 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 nutuber of you r lawn
mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.
ENGINE
SPARK PLUG MUFFLER
©AIR FILTER
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
GAS CAN ENGmNE OIL STABiLiZER
BELT BLADE BLADE WHEELS
ADAPTER LAWN MOWER COVER
ASSEMBLY
Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety
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. All parts such as nuts, washers,
bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been
placed in the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper
operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you
assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct
tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
, Remove loose parts included with mower.
,Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel
down flat.
o Remove all packing materials except padding between
upper and lower handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.
o Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton
thorougly for additional loose parts.
NOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)
IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
UPPER HANDLE
LIFT UP
MOWING POSmON
5
LOWER HANDLE
FIG, 1
• Raise handles until lower handle section locks into
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
Service and Adjustment section of this manual,

OPERATION
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THiS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the
illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this
manual for future reference.
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE
" STARTER HANDLE
HANDLE KNOB
ENGINE OIL CAP
WiTH DiPSTiCK
/WHEEL ADJUSTER
(ON EACH WHEEL)
DISCHARGE GUARD
AiR FILTER HOUSfNG
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards institute
and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, The blade turns when the engine is running.
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR - must be held
down to the handle to start the engine. Re{ease to stop the
engine.
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL - located on the side of the
engine which allows you to select either fast (_) or slow
(_) engine speed,
PRIMER - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the
cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.
STARTER HANDLE -used for starting the engine.
6

OPERATION
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED (See Fig. 2)
The engine speed is controlled by a lever located on the
side ofthe engine. Fast (_) position is for starting engine,
normal cutting and better grass bagging. Slow (,a_)
position is for light cutting, trimming and fuel economy.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
|awn mower in order to minimize the
risk of blade contact injury. Do not un-
der any circumstances attempt to de-
feat the function of the operator control.
The bJade turns when the engine is
running.
Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator pres-
ence control bar which requires the operator to be
positioned behind the lawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 3)
Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut.
• Wheels are set in low cut for shipping. Adjust cutting
height to suit your requirements. Medium position is
best for 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.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OHL (See Fig. 4)
Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the engine.
Be sure mower is level and area around oil fill is clean.
Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fill to the full line
on the dipstick.
Use20ozs. of oil. Fortypeandgradeofoiltouse, see
"ENGINE" in Customer Responsibilities section of this
manual
oPour oil slowly. Do not over fill.
o 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.
o 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
changethe oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions.
GAS (See Fig. 4)
• Fill gasoline tank with fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline.
DO NOT USE PREMIUM GASOLINE. BE CAREFUL
NOT TO OVER FILL TANK.
ENGINE SPEED
CONTROL LEVER
FiG. 2
LOWER WHEELS RAISE WHEELS
FOR HIGH CUT FOR LOW CUT
FIG. 3
GASOLINE
ENGINE OiL CAP
W/D(PSTICK
FiG. 4
WARNING: Experience 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 stor-
age of 30 days or longer. Drain the fuel tank, start the
engine and let it run until fuel lines and carburetor are
empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instruc-
tions for additional information, Never use engine or
carburetor cleaner products in fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur,
7

OPERATION
TO START ENGINE
o To start a cold engine, push primer five (5) times before
trying to start. Use a firm push. This step is not usually
necessary when starting an engine which has already
run for a few minutes.
•Move engine speed control lever to fast (,t_) position.
®Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle
and pull starter handle quickly. DO NOT allow starter
rope to snap back.
• To STOP engine, release operator presence control
bar.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat
priming steps, tn warmer weather over priming may cause
flooding and engine will not start. If you de flood engine
wait a few minutes before attempting to start and DO NOT
repeat priming steps.
MOWING TiPS
•Under certain conditions, such as very tatl grass, it may
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 of cut
and raise the rear of the lawn mower housing one (1)
wheel adjuster setting h(gher than the front for better
discharge of grass.
-For better grass bagging and most cutting conditions,
the engine speed should be set inthe fast (_) position.
• For side discharge lawn mowers, cutting in a counter-
clockwise direction, starting at the outside of the area
to be cut, spreads grass clippings more evenly and
puts less load on the engine. To keep clippings off of
walkways, flower beds, etc., make the first cuts in a
clockwise direction,
• Pores incloth grass catchers can 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 air flow
and extend engine life.
8

CUSTOM RESPONSIBILITIES
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
FILL IN DATES
AS YOU COMPLETE
REGULAR SERVICE
Check for Loose Fasteners i##
Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher
0f Equipped)
Clean Lawn Mower
Inspect/Clean Drive Wheels
(Self-Propelled Mowers) _#'
Sharpen/Replace Mower Blade
Lubrication Chart
Clean Battery/Recharge
!Electric Start Mowers)
Check Engine Oil Level if
Change Engine Oil
Clean Air Filter
Inspect Muffler
Replace Spark Plug
Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge
v'
v' v'
i/ v'
v'
v'
v'
1##'3
v' v'
v' V',]
_##1,2
V'2
v' v'
v'2
SERVICE DATES
t - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures.
2 - Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions.
3 - Replace b{_des more often when mowing 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 fult value from the warranty, operator must maintain
mower as instructed in this manual.
LUBRICATION CHART
(_) WHEEL
ADJUSTER
Some adjustments wilt 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 filter element and check blade for wear. 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.
(_)BRAKE
SPRING
BRACKET
BEFORE EACH USE
o Check engine oil level.
,, Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRiCATiON
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICATION CHART").
(_) ENGINE OIL
(_) HANDLE BRACKET _ DISCHARGE
MOUNTING PiN -- GUARD
HINGE PIN
(_) SPRAY LUBRICANT
(_) REFER TO CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES "ENGmNE"
SECTION.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT OIL OR GREASE PLASTmC WHEEL
BEARINGS. VISCOUS LUBRICANTS WILL ATTRACT
DUST AND DIRT THAT WILL SHORTEN THE LIFE OF
THE SELF-LUBRICATING BEARINGS. IF YOU FEE[.
THEY MUST BE LUBRICATED, USE ONLY A DRY,
POWERED GRAPHITE TYPE LUBRICANT SPARINGLY.
9

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
LAWN MOWER.
Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte-
nance.
TIRES
•Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control 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. 5)
,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/orwrap blade with
heavy cloth.
Remove blade bott byturning 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. 5)
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 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.
•Installthe 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: BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 8 HEATTREATED.
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade -but if
you do, be sure the blade is balanced.
BLADE
BLADE CRAN_
ADAPTER KEYWAY
"CRANK-
SHAFT
HARDENED
WASHER TRAILING
LOCK WASHER EDGE BLADE ADAPTER
FIG. 5
TQ SHARPEN BLADE
Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An
unbalanced blade will cause eventual damage to lawn
mower or engine.
* The b_adecan be sharpened with afile or on a grinding
wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower_
o To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or
wal!. 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.
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