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Owner's Manual
6.0 HORSEPOWER21" MULTI-CUTROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.917.388732
• Safety• Assembly• Operation• Maintenance
• Espa_ol
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:Read and follow allSafety Rules and Instructionsbefore
operatingthis equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179visit our
Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman
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2Safety Rules ........................................
2-4Assembly ................................................
5Operation .............................................
6-9Maintenance Schedule ........................ t OMaintenance
.................................... 10-13
Product Specifications .......................... 11Service and
Adjustments................. 13-14Storage
............................................ 14-15Troubleshooting
.............................. 15-16Repair Parts
.......................................... 32Parts 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 inthe owner's manual, Sears
will repair free of charge any defect in malarial or
workman-ship.
If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental
puq_oses,this warrantyapplies for only 90 days fTomthe 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 instructionscontained in the owner's manual.
Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman power
mower to the nearestSears Service Center/Department in the United
States. This warranty applies onlywhile this product is in use in
the United States.
This Warranty gives you specific legal dghts, and you may also
have other rightswhichvary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, Illinois
60179
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands
and feet andthrowing objects. Failure to observe the following
safety instructionscould result insedous injury Q"death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow allinstructions on the machine
and in themanual(s) before starting. Be thor-oughly familiar with
the controls and theproper use of the machine beforestarting.
• Do not put hands or feet near or underrotating parts. Keep
clear of thedischarge opening at all times,
• Only allow responsible individuals, whoare familiar with the
instructions,tooperate the machine.
• Clear the area of obiects such as rocks,toys, wire, bones,
sticks, etc., whichcould be picked up and thrown by theblade.
• Be sure the area is clear of otherpeople before mowing. Stop
machine ifanyone enters the area.
• Do not operate the mower whenbarefoot or wearing open
sandals.Always wear substantialfoot wear.
• Do not pull mower backwards unlessabsolutely necessary. Always
lookdown and behind before and whilemoving backwards.
• Do not operate the mower withoutproper guards, plates, grass
catcher orother safety protectivedevices inplace.
• See manufacturer's instructionsforproper operation and
installationofaccesseries. Only use accessoriesapproved by the
manufacturer.
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• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravelddves, walks, or
roads.
• Stop the engine (motor) whenever youleave the equipment,
before cleaningthe mower or uncloggingthe chute.
• Shut the engine (motor) off and waituntil the blade comes to
complete stopbefore removing grass catcher.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificiallight.
• Do not operate the machine whileunder the influence of alcohol
or drugs.
• Never operate machine in wet grass.Always be sure of your
footing: keep afirm hold on the handle and walk; neverrun.
• Disengage the self-propelled mecha-nism or drive clutch on
mowers soequipped before starting the engine(motor).
• If the equipment should start to vibrateabnormally, stop the
engine (motor)and check immediately for the cause.Vibration is
generally a warning oftrouble.
• Always wear safety goggles or safetyglasses with side shields
whenoperating mower.
I1.SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slipand fall accidents
which can result insevere injury.All slopes require extracaution.
If you feel uneasy on a slope, donot mow it.DO:
• Mow across the face of slopes: neverup and down. Exercise
extreme cautionwhen changing direction on slopes.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, treelimbs, etc,
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tallgrass can hide
obstacles.
DO NOT:
• Do not tdm near drnp-offs, ditches orembankments. The operator
could losefooting or balance.
• Do not tdm excessively steep slopes.• Do not mow on wet grass.
Reduced
footing could cause slipping.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operatoris not alert to the
presence of children.Children are often attracted to themachine and
the mowing activity. Neverassume that children will remain whereyou
last saw them.
• Keep children out of the trimmingareaand under the watchful
care of anotherresponsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if childrenenter the area.
• Before and while walking backwards,look behind and down for
smallchildren.
• Never allow childrento operate themachine.
• Use extra care when approaching blindcomers, shrubs, trees, or
other objectsthat may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
• Use extra care in handling gasolineand other fuels. They are
flammableand vapors are explosive.-Use only an approved container.-
Never remove gas cap or add fuelwith the engine running.
Allowengine to cool before refueling. Donot smoke.
- Never refuel the machine indoors.- Never store the machine or
fuelcontainer inside where there is anopen flame, such as a water
heater.
• Never run a machine inside a dosedarea.
• Never make adjustments or repairs withthe engine (motor)
running. Disconnectthe spark plugwire, and keep the wireaway from
the plug to prevent acciden-tal starting.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially bladeattachment bolts, tight
and keepequipment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices.Check their proper operation
regulady.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, orother debris build-up.
Clean oil or fuelspillage. Allow machine to cool beforestodng.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if youstdke an object. Repair,
if necessary,before restarting.
• Never attempt to make wheel heightadjustments while the engine
(motor) isrunning.
• Grass catcher components are subjectto wear, damage, and
deterioration,which could expose moving parts orallow objects to be
thrown. Frequentlycheck components and replace withmanufacturer's
recommended parts,when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.Wrap the blade(s) or wear
gloves, anduse extra caution when servicing them.
• Do not change the engine governor3 setting or overspeed the
engine.
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&Lookfor this symbol to point outimportantsafety
precautions. It meansCAUTIONI!! BECOMEALERT!_! YOURSAFETY IS
iNVOLVED.
A WARNING: In order to preventaccidental starting when setting
up,transpor'dng,adjusting or making repairs,always disconnect spark
plug wire andplace wire where it cannot contact sparkplug.
,&WARNING'. Engine exhaust, some ofits constituents, and
certain vehiclecomponents contain or emit chemicalsknown to the
State of California to causecancer and birth defects or other
repro-ductive harm.
,&WARNING: Battery posts, terminals andrelated accessories
contain lead andlead oumpounds, chemicals known to theState of
California to cause cancer andbirth defects or other
repmducf_veharm.Wash hands after handling.
,&CAUTION: Muffler and other engineparts become extremely
hot dudngoperation and remain hot after enginehas stopped, To avoid
severe burns oncontact, stay away from these areas.
These accessorieswere availablewhen this lawn rnowerwas
produced. They are notshipped wRhyour mower, They are
alsoavailableat mostSears retailoutletsand servicecenters.
MostSes_'sstorescan alsoorderrepairpads foryou,when youprovidethe
modelnun'b_ _ your lawn mower. Some of theseacoessedesmaynotapplyto
yourlawn mower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTORFOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FORREAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANC
MUFFLERS
BELTS BLADES
MULCHER KITS
GRASS CATCHERS
FORSIDE DISCHARGELAWN MOWERS
AIR FILTERS
SLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
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Read these instructions and this manualin its entiretybefore you
attempt toassemble or operate your new lawnmower.IMPORTANT: This
lawn mower isshipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe engine.Your now
lawn mower has been as- Operatorsembled at the factory with the
exception conk-olbarof those parts left unassembled forshipping
purposes. All parts such as nuts,washers, bolts, etc., necessary to
corn- Liftplete the assembly have been placed inthe parts bag. To
ensure safe and properoperation of your lawn ntower, all partsand
hardware you assemble must betightened securely. Use the correct
toolsas necessary to ensure proper tightness.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROMCARTON
1. Remove loose parts included withmower.
2. Cut down two end comers of cartonand lay end panel down
fiat.
3. Remove all packing materials exceptpadding between upper and
lowerhandle and padding holding operatorpresence control bar to
upper handle.
4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and 3-Positioncheck carton
thorougly for additional handleloose parts.
HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWNMOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully soas not to pinch or damage
control cables.1. Raise lower handle section to
operating position and squeeze thebottom ends of lower handle
towardseach other until the pin in handle canbe inserted into one
of the threeheight adjustment holes.
2. Remove protective padding, raiseupper handle section into
place onlower handle and tighten both handleknobs.
3. Remove any packing matedal fromaround control bar.
Your handles may be adjusted for yourmowing comfort. Refer to
Service andAdjustments section of this manual.
Mowingposition
Lower handle
bracket
pin
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TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready tobe used as a mulcher. To
convert tobagging or discharging, see =TO CON-VERT MOWER" in the
Operation sectionof this manual.
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KNOWYOURLAWNMOWERREAD THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES
BEFORE OPERATING YOURLAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with
your lawn mower to familiarize yourselfwith the location of various
controls and adjustments. Save this manual for futurereference.
These symbols may appear on yourlawn mower or in literature
supplied
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP
HANDSOR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
presence control bar
Handle knobcap with dipstick
Grass
Muffler
Mulcher door
WheeladjusterIMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped (on
eachwheel)WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe engine.
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety
standards of theAmerican National Standards Instituteand the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commis-sion, The blade turns when the
engine is running.
Operator Presence Control Bar- must behelddownto _ handleto
starttheengine.Release to stop theengine.Mulcher door- allows
conversion todischarge or bagging operation.
Pdmer- pumpsadditionalfuel from Mecarberetorto the cylinderfor
use whenstartinga coldengine.Starter Handle - usedfor
startingtheengine.
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Theoperationofanylawnmowercanresultinforeignobjectsthrownintotheeyes,whichcanresultinsevereeyedamage.
Alwayswearsafetyglassesoreyeshieldswhileoperatingyourlawnmowerorperfo_ingBey
adjustments or repairs.We recommend a wide vision safetymask over
spectacles or standard safetyglasses.
HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWERENGINE SPEED CONTROL
The engine speed was set at the factoryfor optimum performance.
Speed is notadjustable.ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
• I,CAUTION: Federal regulations requirean engine control to be
installed on thislawn mower in order to minimize the dskof blade
contact injury. Do not under anycircumstances attempt to defeat
thefunction of the operator control. The bladerums when the engine
Is running.• Your lawn mower is equipped with an
operator presence control bar whichrequires the operator to be
positionedbehind the lawn mower handle to startand operate the lawn
mower.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHTRaise wheels for low cut and lowerwheels
for high cut, adjust cutting heightto suityour requirements.
Mediumposition is best for most lawns.
To change cutting height, squeezeadjuster lever toward wheel.
Movewheel up or down to suit your require-ments. Be sure all wheels
are in thesame setting.
NOTE: Adjuster is propedy positionedwhen plate tab inserts into
hole in lever.Also, 9-pesition adjusters (if so equipped)allow
lever to be positioned between theplate tabs.
LowerWheels_r HighCut P._ Tab_
RaiseWheels for LowCut Lever
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready tobe used as a mulcher. To
convert tobagging or discharging:
REAR BAGGING• Lift rear door of the lawn mower and
place the grass catcher frame hooksonto the door pivot pins.
• To convert to mulching or dischargingoperation, remove grass
catcher andclose rear door.
Pivot pins Rear Grasdoor oatche
Catcher frame hook
SIDE DISCHARGING• Rear door must be closed.• Open mulcher door
and installdis-
charge deflector under guard as shown• Mower is now ready for
discharging
operation.• To convert to mulching or bagging
operation, discharge deflector must beremoved and melcher door
must beclosed.
SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBERWHENCONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER
FORMULCHING-1. Rear door closed.2. Mulcher door closed.FOR REAR
BAGGING -1. Grass catcher installed.2. Mutcher door closed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -1. Rear door closed.2. Side discharge
deflector installed._,CAUTION: Do not run your lawnmower without
rear door closed orapproved grass catcher in place.Never attempt to
operate the lawn mowerwith the rear door removed or
preppedopen.
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Discharge
Mulcherdoor
NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into enginefur accurate reading.
To read proper level,tighten engine oil cap, then remove it toread
the dipstick.3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.• Check oil
level before each use. Add
oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.• Change the oil
after every 25 hoursof
operation or each season. You mayneed to change the oil more
oftenunder dusty, dirty conditions.
ADD GASOLINE
NOTE: Before fillingfuel tank, removeand discard the debris plug
that is insidethe tank.• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean,
regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of87 octane. Do not mix oil
withgaso-line. Purchase fuel in quantities thatcan be used within
30 days to assurefuel freshness.
A.WARNING: Experience indicates thatalcohol blended fuels
(called gasohol orusing ethanol or methanol) can attractmoisture
which leads to separation andformation of acids duringstorage.
Acidicgas can damage the fuel system of anengine while in storage.
To avoid engineproblems, the fuel system should beemptied before
storage of 30 days orlonger. Drain the gas tank, start theengine
and let it run until the fuel linesand carburetor are empty. Use
fresh fuelnext season. See Storage Instructionsforadditional
information. Never use engineor carburetor cleaner products in the
fueltank or permanent damage may occur._, CAUTION: Fill to bottomof
gas tankfiller neck. Do not ovenlll. Wipe off anyspilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill oruse gasoline near an open flame.
Gasoline filler cap Engine oil(Discard debris cap
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OILYour lawnmower is shipped without oil inthe engine.
Engine holds 20 oz.of oil,For type and grade of oil to use,
see"ENGINE" in Maintenance section of thismanual.1. Be sure
lawnmower is level and area
around oil fill is clean.2, Remove engine oil cap and fill to
the
full line on the dipstick, Pour oil slowly.Do not over fill,
8
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TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatingson theengine, a small amount of
smoke may bepresent during the initialuse of theproduct and should
be considerednormal.1. To start a cold engine, push primer
three (3) times before tryingto start.Use a firm push. This step
is notusually necessary when starting anengine which has already
run for afew minutes.
2. Hold operator presence control bardown to the handle and pull
starterhandle quickly. Do not allow starterrope to snap back.
TO STOP ENGINE
• To stop engine, release operatorpresence control bar.
NOTE: ta cooler weather itmay benecessary to repeat priming
steps. Inwarmer weather over pdming may causeflooding and engine
will not start. If youdo flood engine, wait a few minutesbefore
attempting to start and do notrepeat priming steps.
MOWINGTIPS• Under certain conditions, such as very
tall grass, it may be necessary to raisethe height of cut to
mduca pushingeffort and to keep from overloading theengine and
leaving clumps of grassclippings. It may also be necessary toreduce
ground speed and/or run thelawn mower over the area a
secondtime.
• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce thewidth of cut by
overlapping previouslycut path and mow slowly.
• For better grass bagging and mostcutting conditions, the
engine speedshould be set in the fast position.
• Pores in cloth grass catchers canbecome filled with dirt and
dust withuse and catchers will collect less grass.To prevent this,
regularly hose catcheroff withwater and let dry before using.
• Keep top of engine around starter clearand clean of grass
clippings and chaff.This will help engine air flow andextend engine
life.
MULCHING MOWINGTIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance,keep mower housing free of
built-upgrass and trash, See "CLEANING" intheMaintenance section of
this manual.• The special mulching blade will recur
the grass clippingsmany times andreduce them in size so that as
they fallonto the lawn they will disperse into thegrass and not be
noticed. Also, themulched grass will biodegrade quicklyto provide
nutrientsfor the lawn.Always mulch with your highest engine(blade)
speed as this will provide thebest recuttingaction of the
blades.
• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet.Wet grass tends to form
clumps andinterferes with the mulching action, Thebest time to mow
your lawn is the eadyafternoon. At this time the grass hasdded and
the newly cut area will not beexposed to the direct sun.
• For best results, adjust the lawn mowercutting height so that
the lawn mowercuts off only the top one-third of thegrass blades.
If the lawn is overgrown itwill be necessary to raise the height
ofcut to reduce pushing effort and to keepfrom overloading the
engine andleaving dumps of mulched grass. Forextremely heavy
mulching, reduce yourwidth of cut by overlapping previouslycut path
and mow slowly.
• Certain types of grass and grassconditions may require that an
area bemulched a second time to completelyhide the clippings,When
doing asecond cut, mow across or perpendicu-lar to the firstcut
path.
• Change your cutting pattern from weekto week. Mow north to
south one weekthen change to east to west the nextweek. This will
help prevent mattingand graining of the lawn,
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MAI,,.E NCESC.EOU'.EAs, ooCOMPLETE EOU 'SEaV'CECheck for Loose
Fasteners _ _/Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher(If Equipped) it/ I_
_/
M Clean Lawn Mower iv/ _,/
V_ Clean Under Ddve Coveri (power-Propelled MOWers! _/Check
drive bctt!pulleys
E (Power*propelled Mowers) If! Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade
_'3
Lubdcalion ChartIClean 6/ I'/
Baite_dRechargeEleCtric Brad MOWerSI b/ it/4
E 3heck Engine Oil Level _/N Chan_leEngine Oil 1€#4_
G Clean Air Filter b/I Inspect Muffler i,/
Ni CleanorReplaceSparkPJug t,/Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge
f/'z
1 - Change mo_ ofle_ when operating under a heavy bad or in
highambiee__atltperatur_2 * Sewic_ morn OQIe_when opera,rig i_
dl'iy or du4ty co,dittos3 - Re_ b,ladesmote _en when fnowing in
_ancly sod.4. Chage 48 hoursat end of seasoe
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower doesnot cover items that have
been subjectedto operator abuse or negligence. Toreceive full value
from the warranty,operator must maintain mower asinstructed in this
manual.Some adjustments will need to be madepededically to propedy
maintain yourunit.All adjustments in the Service andAdjustments
section of this n',anualshould be checked at least once
eachseason.• Once a year, replace the spark plug,
clean or replace air filter element andcheck blade for wear. A
new sparkplug and clean/new air filter elementassure proper
air-fuel mixture and helpyour engine run better and last
longer.
• Follow the maintenance schedule inthis manual.
BEFORE EACH USE
1. Check engine oil level.2. Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI-CATION CHART").
LUBRICATION CHART
G)
Mulcher
door hinge
Rear door
hi_je
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or greaseplastic wheel bearings, viscous
lubri-cants will attract dust and dirt that willshorten the life of
the selfJubricatingbearings. If you feel they mustbelubdcated, use
only a dry, powderedgraphite type lubricant sparingly.
10
(_) See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.
(_) Handle bracket mounting pins
(_) Spray lubricant
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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
SERIAL NUMBER:
DATE OF PURCHASE:
SASOUNE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.6 QUARTSUNLEADED REGULAR
SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)20 OZS.
31LTYPE (API-SF-SJ):
OIL CAPACITY:
SPARK PLUG(GAP: .030") CHAMPION RJ19LM OR J19LMBLADE BOLT
TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.
The model and sadal numbers will be found on a decal attached to
the rear of thelawn mower housing, Record both sedal number and
date of purchase in spaceprovided above.
LAWNMOWERAlwaysobservesafetyroleswhenperfon_ingany
maintenance.TIRES• Keeptiresfreeofgasallee,oil,or insect
controlchemicalswhichcanharmrubber.•
Avoidstumps,stones,deepruts,sharp
objectsandotherhazards_ maycausetiredamage.
BLADE CAREFor bestresults,mowerblademust bekeptsharp.
Replacebentordamagedblades.TO REMOVE BLADE
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from sparkplug and place wire
where it cannotcome in contact with spark plug.
2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Makesure air filter and
carburetor are up.
3. Use a wood block between blade andmower housing to prevent
blade fromturning when removing blade bolt.
NOTE: Protect your hands with glovesand/or wrap blade with heavy
cloth.4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter-
clockwise.5. Remove blade and attaching hard-
ware (bolt. lock washer and hardenedwasher).
NOTE: Remove the blade adapter andcheck the key inside hub of
bladeadapter. The key must be in good condi-tion to work propedy.
Replace adapter ifdamaged.
TO REPLACE BLADE
1. Position the blade adapter on theengine crankshaft. Be sure
key inadapter and crankshaft keyway arealigned.
2. Position blade on the blade adapteraligning the two (2) holes
in the bladewith the raised lugs on the adapter.
3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade(opposite sharp edge) is up
towardthe engine.
4. Install the blade bolt with the lockwasher and hardened
washer intoblade adapter and crankshaft.
5. Use block of wood between blade andlawn mower housing and
tighten theblade bolt, turning clockwise.
• The recommended tightening torque is35-40 ft. Ibs.
IMPORTANT: Blade belt is grade 8 heattreated.
Crankshaft
Key_ keyway
Blade shaftbolt \
washer Trailingedge Bladeadapter
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TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen-ing blade - but if you do, be
sure theblade is balanced.Care should be taken to keep the
bladebalanced. An unbalanced blade willcause eventual damage to
lawn moweror engine.• The blade can be sharpened with a file
or on a gdnding wheel. Do not attemptto sharpen while on the
mower.
• To check blade balance, drive a nailinto a beam or wall. Leave
about oneinch of the straight nail exposed. Placecenter hole of
blade over the head ofthe nail. If blade is balanced, it
shouldremain in a horizontal position. If eitherend of the blade
moves downward,sharpen the heavy end until the bladeis
balanced.
GRASS CATCHER
• The grass catcher may be hosed withwater, but must be dry when
used.
• Check your grass catcher often fordamage or detedoration.
Throughnormal use it willwear. If catcher needsreplacing, replace
only with a manufac-turer approved replacement catcher.Give the
lawn mower model numberwhen ordering.
ENGINELUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil ratedwithAPI service
classificationSF-SJ.Select the oil's SAE viscosity gradeaccording
to your expected operatingtemperature.
I__E tSAE VISCONTY GRADES
NOTE: Although multi-viscesityoils(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve
starting incold weather, these muifi-viscesity oilswill result in
increased oil consumptionwhen used above 32°F. Check yourengine oil
level more frequently to avoidpossible engine damage from
runninglow on oil.Change the oil after every 25 hours ofoperation
or at least once a year if thelawn mower is not used for 25 hours
inone year.
Check the crankcase oil level beforestarting the engine and
after each five (5)hours of continuous use. Tighten oil
plugsecurely each time you check the oillevel.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower todrain oil, drain fuel tank by
runningengine until fuel tank is empty.1. Disconnect spark plug
wire from spark
plug and place wire whore it cannotcome in contact with spark
plug.
2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on aclean surface,
3. Tip lawn mower on its side as shownand drain oil into a
suitable container.Rock lawn mower back and forth toremove any oil
trapped inside ofengine.
4. Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mowerand on side of
engine.
5. Fill engine with oil. (See =ADD OIL" inthe Operation section
of this manual}.
6. Reconnect spark plug wire to sparkplug,
3ontainer
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly and maybe damaged by using a
dirty air filter.Replace the air filter every 100hours ofoperation
or every season, more often ifyou mow in very dusty, dirty
conditions.TO CLEAN AIR FILTER1. Loosen screw and tilt cover to
remove.2. Carefully remove cartridge.3. Clean by gently tapping on
a flat
surface. If very dirty, replace cartddge.ACAUTION: Petroleum
solvents, such askerosene, are not to be used to cleancartridge.
They may cause detedoratioo ofthe cartridge. Do not oil cartridge.
Do notuse pressudzed air to clean or drycartridge.4. Install
cartddge, then replace cover
making sure the tabs are aligned withthe slots in the back
plate. Fastenscrew securely.
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Back
Up
Cartridge Cover tabs
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffler as itcould create a fire
hazard and/or damage.SPARK PLUG
Replace spark plugs at the beginning ofeach mowing season or
a_er every 100hours of operation, whichever occurs first.Spark plug
type and gap setting areshown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"in
Maintenance section of this manual.
CLEANING
IMPORTANT: For best performance,keep mower housing free of
built-upgrass and trash. Clean the underside ofyour mower after
each use.ACAUTION: Disconnect spark plugwirefrom spark plug and
place wire where itcannot come in contact with the sparkplug.•
Clean the underside of your lawn
mower by scraping to remove build-upof grass and trash.
• Clean engine often to keep trash fromaccumulating. A clogged
engine runshotter and shortens engine life.
• Keep finished surfaces and wheels freeof all gasoline,
oil,etc.
• We do not recommend using a gardenhose to clean lawn mower
unless theelectrical system, muffler, air filter andcarburetor are
covered to keep waterout. Water in engine can result inshortened
engine life.
_.CAUTION: Before performing anyservice or adjustments:1.
Release control bar and stop engine.2. Make sure the blade and all
moving
parts have completely stopped.3. Disconnect spark plug wire from
spark
plug and place where it cannot comein contact with plug,
LAWN MOWERTO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHTSee "TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT"
inthe Operation section of this manual.REAR DEFLECTOR
The rear deflector, attached between therear wheels of your
mower, is provided tominimize the possibilitythat objects willbe
thrown out of the rear of the mower intothe operator mewing
position. If thedeflector becomes damaged, it should bereplaced.TO
ADJUST HANDLE
The handle on your lawn mower hasthree (3) height positions -
adjust to heightthat suitsyou.• Squeeze the bottom ends of
lower
handle towards each other until the pinin handle can be inserted
into one ofthe three height adjustment holes,
13
__ Handl
Handlepin
Squeeze
3-position.----'"_ _,_, _ HighHandle _ _ _adjustment _'_F,_'_ \_
Mediumbracket _\ t\ _\_ \ \
_'Low
TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER
1, Put grass catcher frame into grass bagwith rigidpart of bag
on the bottom,Make sure the frame handle is outsideof the bag
top.
2, Slip vinyl bindings over frame,NOTE: If vinyl bindingsare too
stiff, holdthem inwarm water for a few minutes, Ifbag gets wet, let
it dry before using.ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mowerwithout
clipping deflector or approvedgrass catcher in place, Never attempt
tooperate the lawn mower with the reardoor removed or propped
open.
Catcher _ _'_ - _-'_J'_
frame : _\handle
/7 _,._ Vinyl _,bindings
-
ENGINEENGINESPEEDYourenginespeedhasbeenfactoryset.Do not attempt
to increase engine speedor it may result in personal injury. If
youbelieve that the engine is running too fastor too slow, take
your lawn mower to aSears or other qualified service center
forrepair and adjustment.
CARBURETOR
Yourcarburetor is not adjustable. If yourengine does not operate
propedy due tosuspected carburetor problems, take yourlawn mower to
a Sears or other qualifiedservice center for repair and/or
adjust-ment.IMPORTANT: Never tamper withtheengine governor,which is
factory set forproper engine speed. Overspeeding theengine above
the factory high speedsetting can be dangerous. If you think
theengine-govereed high speed needsadjusting, contact a Sears or
otherqualified service center, which has properequipment and
axbedence to make anynecessary adjustments.
Immediately prepare your lawn mower forstorage at the end of the
season or if theunit will not be used for 30 days or more.
LAWN MOWERWhen lawn mower is to be stored for aperiod of time,
clean it thoroughly, removeall did, grease, leaves, etc. Store in
aclean, dry area.1. Clean entire lawn mower (See
"CLEANING" in the Maintenancesection of this manual).
2. Lubdcate as shown in the Mainte-nance section of this
manual.
3. Be sure that all nuts, bolts, screws,and pins are securely
fastened.Inspect moving parts for damage,breakage and wear. Replace
ifnecessary.
4. Touch up all rusted or chipped paintsurfaces; sand lightly
before painting.
HANDLE
You can fold your lawn mower handle forstorage.1. Loosen the two
(2) handle knobs on
sides of the upper handle and allowhandle to fold down to the
rear.
2. Squeeze the bottom ends of lowerhandle toward each other
until pins inhandle clear the brackets and pivotentire handle
assembly forward andallow it to rest on mower.
• When setting up your handle from thestorage position, the
lower handle willrequire manually locking into themowing
position.
IMPORTANT: When folding the handlefor storage or transportation,
be sure tofold the handle as shown or you maydamage the
controlcables.
Operatorpresencecontrolbar
Upperhandle-..-........__,_
Lowerhan_e_
'N- /
'old _.ward,iS7)ol!/
/,_ Fold
_,7_,a ckwardMow_g
position
pin
/3-Positionhandleadjustmentbracket
14
-
ENGINEFUEL SYSTEM
iMPORTANT: It is important to preventgum deposits from forming
in essentialfuel system parts such as carburetor, fuelfilter, fuel
hose, or tank during storage.Also, experience indicates that
alcoholblended fuels (called gasohol or usingethanol or methanol)
can attract moisturewhich leads to separation and formationof acids
during storage. Acidic gas candamage the fuel system of an
enginewhile in storage.1. Drain the fuel tank.2. Start the engine
and let it run until the
fuel lines and carburetor are empty,• Never use engine or
carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanentdamage may occur.
• Use flesh fuel next season.NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an
acceptablealternative in minimizing the formation offuel gum
deposits dudng storage. Addstabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank
orstorage container. Always follow the mixratio found on stabilizer
container. Runengine at least 10 minutes after addingstabilizer to
allow the stabilizer to reachthe carburetor.Do not drain the gas
tankand carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
ENGINE OIL
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replacewith clean engine oil.
(See "ENGINE" inthe Maintenance section of this
manual),CYLINDER
1. Remove spark plug.2. Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil
through
spark plug hole into cylinder.3. Pull starter handle slowly a
few times
to distribute oil.4. Replace with new spark plug.
OTHER
• Do not store gasoline from oneseason to another.
• Replace your gasoline can if yourcan starts to rust. Rust
and/or dirt inyour gasoline will cause problems.
• If possible, store your unit indoorsand cover it to give
protectionfromdustand dirt.
• Cover your unit with a suitableprotective cover that does not
retainmoisture. Do not use plastic. Plasticcannot breathe, which
allowscondensation to form and will causeyour unit to rust.
IMPORTANT: Never cover mower whileengone and exhaust areas are
stillwarm.
_. CAUTION:Never store the lawnmower with gasoline in the tank
insidea buildingwhere fumes may reach anopen flame or spark. Allow
the engineto cool before storing in any enclosure.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHARTPROBLEM CAUSE
Does not start 1. Dirty air filter.2. Out of fuel.3. Stale
fuel.
4. Water in fuel.
5. Spark plug wire isdisconnected.
6. Bed spark plug.7. Loose blade or broken
blade adapter.8. Control bar in released
position.9. Control bar defective.
CORRECTION
1. Clean/replace air filter.2. Fill fuel tank.3. Drain tank and
refillwith
fresh, clean fuel.4. Drain fuel tank and
carburetor and refill tankwith fresh gasoline.
5. Connect wire to plug.
6. Replace spark plug.7. Tighten blade belt or
replace blade adapter.8. Depress control bar to
handle.9. Replace control bar.
15
-
TROUBLESHOOTING CHARTPROBLEM CAUSE
Loss of power
Poor cut-uneven
Excessivevibration
1. Rear of lawn mower
housing or cutting bladedragging in heavy grass.
2. Cutting too much grass,
3. Dirty air filter.4. Buildup of grass, leaves,
and trash under mower.5. Too much oil in engine.6. Walking speed
too fast.
1. Worn, bent or loose blade.
2. Wheel heights uneven.
3. Buildup of grass, leavesand trash under mower.
1. Worn. bent or loose blade.
2. Bent engine crankshaft.
CORRECTION
1. Set to "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.
1. Replace blade. Tightenblade bolt.
2. Set all wheels at sameheight,
3. Clean underside ofmower housing.
1. Replace blade. Tightenblade bolt.
2. Contact a Sears or otherqualified service center.
Starter rope hard 1. Engine flywheel brake is ortopull when
control bar is release_
2. Bent engine crankshaft.
3. Blade adapter broken.4, Blade dragging in grass.
1. Depress control bar toupper handle beforepulling starter
rope.
2. Contact a Sears or otherqualified service center.
3. Replace blade adapter.4. Move lawn mower to cut
grass or to hard surface.
Grass catcher 1. Cutting height too low. 1. Raise cutting
height.notfllllng (Ifso 2. Lift on blade worn off. 2. Replace
blade.equipped) 3. Catcher not venting air. 3. Clean grass
catcher.
Hardtopush 1. Raise cutting height.1. Grass is too highor
wheelheight is too low.
2. Rear of lawn mowerhousing or blade draggingin grass.
3. Grass catcher too full.4. Handle height position not
dght for you.
2. Raise rear of lawn mowerhousing one (1) settinghigher,
3. Empty grass catcher.4. Adjust handle height to
suit.
16
-
67
68
CRAFTSMAN ROTARY LAWN MOWER-- MODEL NUMBER917.388732
_44_ 7°
23
-
CRAFTSMAN ROTARY LAWN MOWER-- MODEL NUMBER 917.388732
KEY PARTNO. NO.
1 1316962 166860X4793 1611o53(4794 1320015 636016 1319597 664268
747805129 15413210 16575411 17655612 75063413 86899X00414 13637615
5179316 14728617 165946X47918 1760040619 16713ZX00420 167133X00421
165858Z2 168360X00423 16687524 75115325 166236X47926 166243X47927
85185625 15212429 160835X00730 1911222231 16576033 8787734
167130X00435 16678536 16082837 151162
DESCRIPTION
KEY PART
NO, NO. DESCRIPTION
Conttut Bar 38 164,362Upger Handle 39 83923Lower Handld 40
77400Roge Guide 41 88652Loci
-
CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODELNUMBER12H802-2639-BI
lk REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLSTO INSTALL. SEE REPAIRINSTRUCTION
MANUAL•
11058 OWNER'S MANUAL I
307_
15_
• 3O6
1095VALVEGASKET SET
34
-
CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODELNUMBER12H802-2639-B1
69_
188_
977 CARBURETORGASKET SET 365
I121 CARBURETOR OVERHAUL lOT
'_ 708@ ._
_--_163_
13_17_ 104_
276© 127_
276
J 276
35
-
CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODELNUMBER12HS02-2639-B1
921
304
305
JI 1030 EMISSIONS LABEL I
332
363 _ 455 _
L.. ....
es_
592_ 58_'_
i
689_"_ 60
456_
597_
36
-
CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODELNUMBER12H802-2639-BI
74 5
615
404 _ 22_
37
-
CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODELNUMBER12H802-263
KF-Y PART KEY PARTNO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION
1 493260 Cylinder Assembly 50 497465 Manifold-Intake2 399269
Kit-Bushing/Seat 51 272199 • Gasket-intake3 299819 • Seal-Oil
(Magneto Bide) 54 691650 Screw (intake Manifold4 493279 Bump-Engine
55 691421 Hot_ing-Rewlnd Starte5 691160 Head-Cylinder 58 692259
Rope-Starter (Cut to7 692249 -+ Gasket-Cyfinder Head Required
Length)8 695250 Breather Assembly 60 291434 Grip-Starter Rope
272481 -+ Gasket-Breather 65 690759 Screw (Rewind Starter)90
691125 Screw (Breather Assembly) 81 691740 Lock-Muffler Screw1 t
691781 Tube-Breather 95 691636 Screw (Throttle Valve)12 692232 •
Gasket-Crankcase 97 493267 Bhaft-Throttta13 690912 Screw
Cyl[nderHend) 104 691242 O PIn°FloatHInge15 691680 plug-Oil Dra n
117 494670 Jet-Main(Standard16 691451 Crankshaft 497315 Jet.Main
(High _5tude)20 399781 • Seat-Oil PTO Side 121 498260
Klt.Carbureto( Overhaul22 691092 Screw (Engne Bump 125 498170
Carburetor23 692315 Flywheel 127 694466 O Plug-Welch24 222698
Key-Flywheai 130 691203 Valve-Throttle25 499429 Piston Assembly
Standard) 133 398187 Float-Carburetor
499430 Platon Assembly (.010" O.S,) 134 398186 0
Vaive-NeeblelSeat499431 Piston Assembly (.020" O.S.) 137 693981
0:[: Gasket-Fidat Bow[499432 Piston Assembly (.030" O.S.) 146
690979 Key-Timing
26 499425 Ring Set-Piston (Standard) 159 691753 Bracket-Air
Cleaner Pdr499426 Ring Set-Piston {.010" O.S.) 163 272653,O_
Gasket-._r Ck_anet499427 Ring Set-Piston (.020" O.S.) 187 691050
Line-Fuai Cut to Lengt499428 Ring Set*Piston (.030" O.S.) 188
690877 Screw Conb'ol Bracket
27 691866 Lock-Pistan Pin 190 690940 Screw Fue Tank28 499423
Pin-Piston 202 691829 Link-Mechanical Gove029 499424 Rod-Connecting
209 696319 Spring-Governor32 691664 Screw (Connecting Rod) 222
692467 Bracket-Contrbl32A 695759 Screw (Connecting Rod) 227 690783
Control Lever-Govemol33 262651 Valve-Exhaust 276 271716 0::[;
Sealing Washer34 262652 Valve-Intake 287 690940 Screw (DipsUck
Tube)35 691270 Spring-Valve (Intake) 360 692036 Muffler36 691276
Spring-Valve (Exhaust) 304 695892 Housing-Blower40 692194
Retainer-Valve 305 691105 Screw (Blower Housing43 69t 997
Slinger-Governor/Oil 306 690450 Shtetd-Cylinder45 690548
Tappet-Valve 367 690345 Screw (Cylinder Shield46 691449 Camshaft
332 690662 Nut (Flywheel46 498826 Short BloCk (Replacement 333
802574 Armature-Magneto
Engine 123802-2915-81} 334 691061 S_ew (_n_e Magr
38
-
CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODELNUMBER12H882.2639-BI
KEY PART KEY PARTNO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION
337 802592 Spark Plug 847 692017 Assembly-DipsUck/Tube356 692390
Wlre-Sto }p 861 493880 TermlnaI-Sparkplu_358 497316 Engine Gasket
Set 669 691155 Seat-Valve (Inta ke_363 19069 Flywheel Puller 870
690380 Seat-Valve (Exhaust)365 692524 Screw (Carburetor) 871 262001
Bushing-Guide (Exhaust)383 89838 Wrench-Ssparrk Plug 63709
Bushing-Guide (Intake)464 690272 Washer (Governor Crank) 921 497233
Cover-Slower Housing426 690670 Screw (Air Cleaner Cover) 922 692135
Spdng-Brake443 692523 Screw (Air Cleaner Pdmer 923 695891 Brake
Base) 957 397974 Cap-Fuel Tank445 491888 Filter-Air Cleaner
Cartridge 966 496116 Base-Air Cleaner Primer455 691219 Cup-Flywheel
968 692298 Cover-Air Cleaner456 692299 Plete-Pawi Fdction 969
690700 Screw
459 281505 Pawl-Ratchet (Blower Housing Cover)505 231082 Nut
(Governor Control Lever) 970 691669 Screw523 495264 D_pstlek (Air
Cleaner primer Bracket)524 692296 • Seal-Dipstick Tube 972 495224
Tank-Fuel525 495265 Tube-Dipstick 975 493640 Bowl-Float829 691923
Grommet 976 496115 PdmeroCarburetor562 92613 Bolt (Governor Control
Lever) 977 498261 Set-Carburetor Gasket584 692342 Cover-Breather
Passage 1019 494256 Kit-Label585 691879 • Gasket-Breather Passage
1036 695111 Label-_mlssions592 690800 Nut (Rewind Starter) 1058
274265 Owner's Manual597 691696 Screw (Pawi Fdctlon Plate) 1059
692311 Klt-ScrewNVasher601 95162 Clamp-Hose 1095 498526 Bet-Valve
Gasket609 497680 Starter-Rewind 1210 498144
Assembly-Pulley/Spring613 691340 Screw Muffler) (Pulley)615 690340
Retaner-Governor Shaft 1211 496144 Assembly-Pulley/Spdng616 691306
Crank-Governor (Spring)617 270344 O:_ SeaI-O Ring (intake
Manifold)621 692310 Switch-Stop • Included in Engine Gasket Set,
Key #358635 66538 BooI-Sparkplug668 493823 • Spacer (Inoludes 2) O
thduded in Carburetor Overhaul Kit, Key #121670 692294 Spacer-Fuel
Tank684 690345 Screw .1: Included in Carburetor Gasket Set, Key
#977
(Breather Passage Cover)689 691855 Sprthg-t-Frlction + Included
in Varve Overhaul Kit, Key #1095708 691321 O._ Seal-Throttle
Shaft741 691830 Gear-Timing NOTE: All component dimensions given in
U.S.842 691031 • SeaI-O Ring (Dipstick Tube) Inches. 1 Inch = 25.4
mm
39
-
Forrepairofmajor brand appliancesInyour own
home...nomatterwhomade it,no matterwhosold
1-800-4-MY-HOME _ Ar,ytwne,dayorni_t
(1-800-469.4663) (U.S.A.and Canada)
www, se_,com Www,se_._a
For raperof cany-inproductslikevacuums,lavmequipment,and._
electronics,callforthe nearestSears Partsand RepairCenter,
1-800-488-1222 Any'ine,dayorr_l_ (U.S.A_c_y)WWW.Seall_cont
Forthe
raplacernentparts,accessoriesandowner'smanualsthatyouneedtode-it-yourself,callSearsPartsDirectS_!
1-800-366-PART 6 a.m.- 11 p.m., 7 daysa _eek(1-B_(X366-727B)
(U.S.A.orWy)
vN..w,seets.comipai.ts_rect
To purchase orinquireabouta SearsSe_ice AgreementorSears
MaintenanceAgreement
1-800-827-6655 (u.S.A) 1.600-361-6665 (Canada)
7 a.m. - 5 p.m.,CST, M_'_.- Sat 9 a.m. - 8 pJ_n.EST, M - F,4
p.m.S_t.
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