Craftsman 21" MULTI-CUT 917.388732 Owner's Manual
Owner's Manual 6.0 HORSEPOWER 21" MULTI-CUT ROTARY LAWN MOWER Model No. 917.388732 ⢠Safety ⢠Assembly ⢠Operation ⢠Maintenance ⢠Espa_ol ⢠Repair Parts CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman
2 Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4 Assembly ................................................ 5 Operation ............................................. 6-9 Maintenance Schedule ........................ t O Maintenance .................................... 10-13 Product Specifications .......................... 11 Service and Adjustments ................. 13-14 Storage ............................................ 14-15 Troubleshooting .............................. 15-16 Repair Parts .......................................... 32 Parts Ordering ........................ Back Cover LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in malarial or workman- ship. If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental puq_oses, this warranty applies for only 90 days fTom 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 in the United States. This warranty applies only while this product is in use in the United States. This Warranty gives you specific legal dghts, and you may also have other rights which vary 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 and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in sedous injury Q" death. I. GENERAL OPERATION ⢠Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before starting. Be thor- oughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the machine before starting. ⢠Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times, ⢠Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine. ⢠Clear the area of obiects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade. ⢠Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. ⢠Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear. ⢠Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving backwards. ⢠Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety protective devices in place. ⢠See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and installation of accesseries. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer.
⢠Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel ddves, walks, or roads. ⢠Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the chute. ⢠Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the blade comes to complete stop before removing grass catcher. ⢠Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. ⢠Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. ⢠Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing: keep a firm hold on the handle and walk; never run. ⢠Disengage the self-propelled mecha- nism or drive clutch on mowers so equipped before starting the engine (motor). ⢠If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble. ⢠Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating mower. I1. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it. DO: ⢠Mow across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. ⢠Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc, ⢠Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles. DO NOT: ⢠Do not tdm near drnp-offs, ditches or embankments. The operator could lose footing 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 operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. ⢠Keep children out of the trimming area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult. ⢠Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area. ⢠Before and while walking backwards, look behind and down for small children. ⢠Never allow children to operate the machine. ⢠Use extra care when approaching blind comers, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision. IV. SERVICE ⢠Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive. -Use only an approved container. - Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke. - Never refuel the machine indoors. - Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater. ⢠Never run a machine inside a dosed area. ⢠Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine (motor) running. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent acciden- tal starting. ⢠Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition. ⢠Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regulady. ⢠Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before stodng. ⢠Stop and inspect the equipment if you stdke an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting. ⢠Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while the engine (motor) is running. ⢠Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when necessary. ⢠Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them. ⢠Do not change the engine governor 3 setting or overspeed the engine.
&Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means CAUTIONI!! BECOMEALERT!_! YOUR SAFETY IS iNVOLVED. A WARNING: In order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transpor'dng, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug. ,&WARNING'. Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other repro- ductive harm. ,&WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead oumpounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other repmducf_ve harm. Wash hands after handling. ,&CAUTION: Muffler and other engine parts become extremely hot dudng operation and remain hot after engine has stopped, To avoid severe burns on contact, stay away from these areas. These accessories were available when this lawn rnower was produced. They are not shipped wRh your mower, They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and service centers. Most Ses_'s stores can also order repair pads for you, when you provide the model nun'b_ _ your lawn mower. Some of these acoessedes may not apply to your lawn mower. LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE CLIPPING DEFLECTOR FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS GRASS CATCHERS FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWER MAINTENANC MUFFLERS BELTS BLADES MULCHER KITS GRASS CATCHERS FOR SIDE DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS AIR FILTERS SLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS STABILIZER GAS CANS SPARK PLUGS ENGINE OIL 4
Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mower. IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. Your now lawn mower has been as- Operator sembled at the factory with the exception conk-ol bar of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to corn- Lift plete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn ntower, 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 1. Remove loose parts included with mower. 2. Cut down two end comers of carton and lay end panel down fiat. 3. Remove all packing materials except padding between upper and lower handle and padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle. 4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and 3-Position check carton thorougly for additional handle loose parts. HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER TO UNFOLD HANDLE IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so as not to pinch or damage control cables. 1. Raise lower handle section to operating position and squeeze the bottom ends of lower handle towards each other until the pin in handle can be inserted into one of the three height adjustment holes. 2. Remove protective padding, raise upper handle section into place on lower handle and tighten both handle knobs. 3. Remove any packing matedal from around control bar. Your handles may be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to Service and Adjustments section of this manual. Mowing position Lower handle bracket pin / TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging, see =TO CON- VERT MOWER" in the Operation section of this manual.
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. These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY presence control bar Handle knob cap with dipstick Grass Muffler Mulcher door Wheel adjuster IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped (on each wheel) WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. 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 Commis- sion, The blade turns when the engine is running. Operator Presence Control Bar- must be held down to _ handle to start the engine. Release to stop the engine. Mulcher door- allows conversion to discharge or bagging operation. Pdmer- pumps additional fuel from Me carberetor to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine. Starter Handle - used for starting the engine. 6
The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your lawn mower or perfo_ing Bey adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses. HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINE SPEED CONTROL The engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance. Speed is not adjustable. ENGINE ZONE CONTROL ⢠I, CAUTION: Federal regulations require an engine control to be installed on this lawn mower in order to minimize the dsk of blade contact injury. Do not under any circumstances attempt to defeat the function of the operator control. The blade rums when the engine Is running. ⢠Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence 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 Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit your requirements. Medium position is best for most lawns. To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your require- ments. Be sure all wheels are in the same setting. NOTE: Adjuster is propedy positioned when plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9-pesition adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever to be positioned between the plate tabs. Lower Wheels_r High Cut P._ Tab_ Raise Wheels for Low Cut Lever TO CONVERT MOWER Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging: REAR BAGGING ⢠Lift rear door of the lawn mower and place the grass catcher frame hooks onto the door pivot pins. ⢠To convert to mulching or discharging operation, remove grass catcher and close rear door. Pivot pins Rear Gras door oatche Catcher frame hook SIDE DISCHARGING ⢠Rear door must be closed. ⢠Open mulcher door and install dis- charge deflector under guard as shown ⢠Mower is now ready for discharging operation. ⢠To convert to mulching or bagging operation, discharge deflector must be removed and melcher door must be closed. SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBERWHEN CONVERTING 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 lawn mower without rear door closed or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or prepped open. 7
Discharge Mulcher door NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine fur accurate reading. To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap, then remove it to read 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 hours of operation or each season. You may need to change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions. ADD GASOLINE NOTE: Before filling fuel tank, remove and discard the debris plug that is inside the tank. ⢠Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gaso- line. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness. A.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 storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur. _, CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank filler neck. Do not ovenlll. Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame. Gasoline filler cap Engine oil (Discard debris cap BEFORE STARTING ENGINE ADD OIL Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine. Engine holds 20 oz.of oil, For type and grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this manual. 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
TO START ENGINE NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the engine, a small amount of smoke may be present during the initial use of the product and should be considered normal. 1. To start a cold engine, push primer three (3) 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. 2. 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 ⢠To stop engine, release operator presence control bar. NOTE: ta cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather over pdming 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. MOWINGTIPS ⢠Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to mduca pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of grass clippings. It may also be necessary to reduce ground speed and/or run the lawn mower over the area a second time. ⢠For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut 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. ⢠Pores in cloth 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. MULCHING MOWINGTIPS IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash, See "CLEANING" in the Maintenance section of this manual. ⢠The special mulching blade will recur the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recutting action of the blades. ⢠Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action, The best time to mow your lawn is the eady afternoon. At this time the grass has dded and the newly cut area will not be exposed to the direct sun. ⢠For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third of the grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown it will be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving dumps of mulched grass. For extremely heavy mulching, reduce your width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly. ⢠Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings, When doing a second cut, mow across or perpendicu- lar to the first cut path. ⢠Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow north to south one week then change to east to west the next week. This will help prevent matting and graining of the lawn,
MAI,,.E NCESC.EOU'.E As, oo COMPLETE EOU 'SEaV'CE Check for Loose Fasteners _ _/ Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher (If Equipped) it/ I_ _/ M Clean Lawn Mower iv/ _,/ V_ Clean Under Ddve Cover i (power-Propelled MOWers ! _/ Check drive bctt!pulleys E (Power*propelled Mowers) If ! Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade _'3 Lubdcalion Chart I Clean 6/ I'/ Baite_dRecharge EleCtric Brad MOWerS I b / it/4 E 3heck Engine Oil Level _/ N Chan_le Engine Oil 1â¬#4_ G Clean Air Filter b/ I Inspect Muffler i,/ Ni Clean or Replace Spark PJug t,/ Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge f/'z 1 - Change mo_ ofle_ when operating under a heavy bad or in high ambiee_ _atltperatur_ 2 * Sewic_ morn OQIe_ when opera,rig i_ dl'iy or du4t y co,dittos 3 - Re_ b,lades mote _en when fnowing in _ancly sod. 4. Chage 48 hours at end of seasoe 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 pededically to propedy maintain your unit. All adjustments in the Service and Adjustments section of this n',anual 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 new spark plug and clean/new air filter element assure proper air-fuel mixture and help your engine run better and last longer. ⢠Follow the maintenance schedule in this 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 grease plastic wheel bearings, viscous lubri- cants will attract dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the selfJubricating bearings. If you feel they must be lubdcated, use only a dry, powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly. 10 (_) See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section. (_) Handle bracket mounting pins (_) Spray lubricant
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS SERIAL NUMBER: DATE OF PURCHASE: SASOUNE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.6 QUARTS UNLEADED REGULAR SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F) 20 OZS. 31L TYPE (API-SF-SJ): OIL CAPACITY: SPARK PLUG(GAP: .030") CHAMPION RJ19LM OR J19LM BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS. The model and sadal numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the lawn mower housing, Record both sedal number and date of purchase in space provided above. LAWN MOWER Always observe safety roles when perfon_ ing any maintenance. TIRES ⢠Keep tires free of gasallee, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber. ⢠Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards _ may cause tire damage. BLADE CARE For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades. TO REMOVE BLADE 1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug. 2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up. 3. Use a wood block between blade and mower housing to prevent blade from turning when removing blade bolt. NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/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 hardened washer). NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check the key inside hub of blade adapter. The key must be in good condi- tion to work propedy. Replace adapter if damaged. TO REPLACE BLADE 1. Position the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned. 2. Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised lugs on the adapter. 3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (opposite sharp edge) is up toward the engine. 4. Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft. 5. 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 belt is grade 8 heat treated. Crankshaft Key_ keyway Blade shaft bolt \ washer Trailing edge Blade adapter 11
TO SHARPEN BLADE NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen- ing blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced. Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause eventual damage to lawn mower or engine. ⢠The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a gdnding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower. ⢠To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of the straight nail exposed. 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 ⢠The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used. ⢠Check your grass catcher often for damage or detedoration. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace only with a manufac- turer approved replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower model number when ordering. ENGINE LUBRICATION Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF-SJ. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature. I__E tSAE VISCONTY GRADES NOTE: Although multi-viscesity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these muifi-viscesity oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil. Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in one year. Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each five (5) hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug securely each time you check the oil level. TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil, drain fuel tank by running engine until fuel tank is empty. 1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire whore it cannot come in contact with spark plug. 2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface, 3. Tip lawn mower on its side as shown and drain oil into a suitable container. Rock lawn mower back and forth to remove any oil trapped inside of engine. 4. Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower and on side of engine. 5. Fill engine with oil. (See =ADD OIL" in the Operation section of this manual}. 6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug, 3ontainer AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged by using a dirty air filter. Replace the air filter every 100hours of operation or every season, more often if you mow in very dusty, dirty conditions. TO CLEAN AIR FILTER 1. 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 as kerosene, are not to be used to clean cartridge. They may cause detedoratioo of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not use pressudzed air to clean or dry cartridge. 4. Install cartddge, then replace cover making sure the tabs are aligned with the slots in the back plate. Fasten screw securely. 12
Back Up Cartridge Cover tabs MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. SPARK PLUG Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or a_er every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" in Maintenance section of this manual. CLEANING IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. Clean the underside of your mower after each use. ACAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with the spark plug. ⢠Clean the underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove build-up of grass and trash. ⢠Clean engine often to keep trash from accumulating. A clogged engine runs hotter and shortens engine life. ⢠Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil,etc. ⢠We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean lawn mower unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in shortened engine life. _.CAUTION: Before performing any service 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 come in contact with plug, LAWN MOWER TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT See "TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT" in the Operation section of this manual. REAR DEFLECTOR The rear deflector, attached between the rear wheels of your mower, is provided to minimize the possibility that objects will be thrown out of the rear of the mower into the operator mewing position. If the deflector becomes damaged, it should be replaced. TO ADJUST HANDLE The handle on your lawn mower has three (3) height positions - adjust to height that suits you. ⢠Squeeze the bottom ends of lower handle towards each other until the pin in handle can be inserted into one of the three height adjustment holes, 13 __ Handl Handle pin Squeeze 3 -posit ion.----'"_ _,_, _ High Handle _ _ _ adjustment _'_F,_'_ \_ Medium bracket _\ t\ _\_ \ \ _'Low TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER 1, Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigid part of bag on the bottom, Make sure the frame handle is outside of the bag top. 2, Slip vinyl bindings over frame, NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warm water for a few minutes, If bag gets wet, let it dry before using. ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without clipping deflector or approved grass catcher in place, Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or propped open. Catcher _ _'_ - _-'_J'_ frame : _\ handle /7 _,._ Vinyl _, bindings <_S','3' _ Frame . opemng
ENGINE ENGINE SPEED Your engine speed has been factory set. Do not attempt to increase engine speed or it may result in personal injury. If you believe that the engine is running too fast or too slow, take your lawn mower to a Sears or other qualified service center for repair and adjustment. CARBURETOR Your carburetor is not adjustable. If your engine does not operate propedy due to suspected carburetor problems, take your lawn mower to a Sears or other qualified service center for repair and/or adjust- ment. IMPORTANT: Never tamper with the engine governor, which is factory set for proper engine speed. Overspeeding the engine above the factory high speed setting can be dangerous. If you think the engine-govereed high speed needs adjusting, contact a Sears or other qualified service center, which has proper equipment and axbedence to make any necessary adjustments. Immediately prepare your lawn mower for storage at the end of the season or if the unit will not be used for 30 days or more. LAWN MOWER When lawn mower is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all did, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area. 1. Clean entire lawn mower (See "CLEANING" in the Maintenance section 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 if necessary. 4. Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces; sand lightly before painting. HANDLE You can fold your lawn mower handle for storage. 1. Loosen the two (2) handle knobs on sides of the upper handle and allow handle to fold down to the rear. 2. Squeeze the bottom ends of lower handle toward each other until pins in handle clear the brackets and pivot entire handle assembly forward and allow it to rest on mower. ⢠When setting up your handle from the storage position, the lower handle will require manually locking into the mowing position. IMPORTANT: When folding the handle for storage or transportation, be sure to fold the handle as shown or you may damage the control cables. Operator presence control bar Upper handle-..-........__ ,_ Lower han_e_ 'N- / 'old _. ward,iS 7) ol!/ /,_ Fold _,7_,a ckward Mow_g position pin / 3-Position handle adjustment bracket 14
ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM iMPORTANT: It is important to prevent gum deposits from forming in essential fuel system parts such as carburetor, fuel filter, fuel hose, or tank during storage. Also, experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while 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 permanent damage may occur. ⢠Use flesh fuel next season. NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits dudng storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container. Always follow the mix ratio found on stabilizer container. Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach the carburetor. Do not drain the gas tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer. ENGINE OIL Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with clean engine oil. (See "ENGINE" in the 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 one season to another. ⢠Replace your gasoline can if your can starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your gasoline will cause problems. ⢠If possible, store your unit indoors and cover it to give protection from dust and dirt. ⢠Cover your unit with a suitable protective cover that does not retain moisture. Do not use plastic. Plastic cannot breathe, which allows condensation to form and will cause your unit to rust. IMPORTANT: Never cover mower while engone and exhaust areas are still warm. _. CAUTION:Never store the lawn mower with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure. TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Does not start 1. Dirty air filter. 2. Out of fuel. 3. Stale fuel. 4. Water in fuel. 5. Spark plug wire is disconnected. 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 refill with fresh, clean fuel. 4. Drain fuel tank and carburetor and refill tank with fresh gasoline. 5. Connect wire to plug. 6. Replace spark plug. 7. Tighten blade belt or replace blade adapter. 8. Depress control bar to handle. 9. Replace control bar. 15
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Loss of power Poor cut- uneven Excessive vibration 1. Rear of lawn mower housing or cutting blade dragging 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, leaves and 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. Tighten blade bolt. 2. Set all wheels at same height, 3. Clean underside of mower housing. 1. Replace blade. Tighten blade bolt. 2. Contact a Sears or other qualified service center. Starter rope hard 1. Engine flywheel brake is or topull when control bar is release_ 2. Bent engine crankshaft. 3. Blade adapter broken. 4, Blade dragging in grass. 1. Depress control bar to upper handle before pulling starter rope. 2. Contact a Sears or other qualified 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 high or wheel height is too low. 2. Rear of lawn mower housing or blade dragging in grass. 3. Grass catcher too full. 4. Handle height position not dght for you. 2. Raise rear of lawn mower housing one (1) setting higher, 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 N UMBER 917.388732 KEY PART NO. NO. 1 131696 2 166860X479 3 1611o53(479 4 132001 5 63601 6 131959 7 66426 8 74780512 9 154132 10 165754 11 176556 12 750634 13 86899X004 14 136376 15 51793 16 147286 17 165946X479 18 17600406 19 16713ZX004 20 167133X004 21 165858 Z2 168360X004 23 166875 24 751153 25 166236X479 26 166243X479 27 851856 25 152124 29 160835X007 30 19112222 31 165760 33 87877 34 167130X004 35 166785 36 160828 37 151162 DESCRIPTION KEY PART NO, NO. DESCRIPTION Conttut Bar 38 164,362 Upger Handle 39 83923 Lower Handld 40 77400 Roge Guide 41 88652 Loci<nut 1/4-20 42 165766 Handle Bott 43 165767 WireTie 44 165912 Hex Bolt 5/1 6-15 x 3/4 45 150406 Hinge Bracket 46 85453 Mule, her Door 47 63124 Engine Zone Control Cable 48 167131X004 Hex Washer Heart Screw #10-24 x 1/2 49 151161 Up-Stop Bracket 50 57143 Handle Knob 51 73990500 Haitpln Coffer 52 166878 Hinge Rod 53 851084 Support Bracket 54 850263 Screw 55 851074 Axle Arm Assembly - LF 56 175064 Axle Arm Assembly - RF 57 851514 Rear Sldrt 58 161551 Selector Spdng 67 166113 Rear" Door Assembly Kit (Incl. Springs) 68 165755 Locknut 5/16-18 70 - - - Handle Bracket Assembly (Left) Handle Bracket Assembly (Right) 71 132004 Screw 114-20 x 3/8 - - 161058 Hinge Spring - - 178939 Wheel Adjusting Bracket - Front Spacer Clip on Discharge Guard Selector Knob Axle Ann Assembly - LR Locknut 5/16-18 Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 WheelAssembly Shoulder Bott Flanged Locknut Hubcap Hinge Screw Spring (LH) BIxing (RH) Dcor Bolt Hex Heart Thread Rolling Screw 3/8-16 x 1 Danger Decal Nut Axle Arm Assembly - RR Wheal WaveWasher Hut Housing Assembly (Incl. Ref. #17, 18 & 46) Hex Heart screw 3/8-24 x 1-3/8 Grrt. B Helical Lockwasher Hardlmed Washer 21" Blade Bldde Adapter Adjustment Bolt Grass Bag Catcher Frame Engine, Brtgg$ & Stratton 12H802-2639-B1 (Bee Breakdown) Nut. Hex 1/4-20 x .020 Warning Decal (Not Shown) Owner's Manual Available accessories not included with lawn mower: - - 71 33623 Gas Can (2.5 gal.) - - 71 33500 Fuel Stabilizer - - 71 33300 BAE 30W Oil (20 oz.) NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches. 1 inch = 25.4 mm
CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODEL NUMBER 12H802-2639-BI lk REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL⢠11058 OWNER'S MANUAL I 307_ 15_ ⢠3O6 1095VALVE GASKET SET 34
CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODEL NUMBER 12H802-2639-B1 69_ 188_ 977 CARBURETOR GASKET SET 365 I 121 CARBURETOR OVERHAUL lOT '_ 708@ ._ _--_163_ 13_17_ 104_ 276© 127_ 276 J 276 35
CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODEL NUMBER 12HS02-2639-B1 921 304 305 J I 1030 EMISSIONS LABEL I 332 363 _ 455 _ L.. .... es_ 592_ 58_'_ i 689_"_ 60 456_ 597_ 36
CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODEL NUMBER 12H802-2639-BI 74 5 615 404 _ 22_ 37
CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODEL NUMBER 12H802-263 KF-Y PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 493260 Cylinder Assembly 50 497465 Manifold-Intake 2 399269 Kit-Bushing/Seat 51 272199 ⢠Gasket-intake 3 299819 ⢠Seal-Oil (Magneto Bide) 54 691650 Screw (intake Manifold 4 493279 Bump-Engine 55 691421 Hot_ing-Rewlnd Starte 5 691160 Head-Cylinder 58 692259 Rope-Starter (Cut to 7 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 Screw 1 t 691781 Tube-Breather 95 691636 Screw (Throttle Valve) 12 692232 ⢠Gasket-Crankcase 97 493267 Bhaft-Throttta 13 690912 Screw Cyl[nderHend) 104 691242 O PIn°FloatHInge 15 691680 plug-Oil Dra n 117 494670 Jet-Main(Standard 16 691451 Crankshaft 497315 Jet.Main (High _5tude) 20 399781 ⢠Seat-Oil PTO Side 121 498260 Klt.Carbureto( Overhaul 22 691092 Screw (Engne Bump 125 498170 Carburetor 23 692315 Flywheel 127 694466 O Plug-Welch 24 222698 Key-Flywheai 130 691203 Valve-Throttle 25 499429 Piston Assembly Standard) 133 398187 Float-Carburetor 499430 Platon Assembly (.010" O.S,) 134 398186 0 Vaive-NeeblelSeat 499431 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 Pdr 499426 Ring Set-Piston {.010" O.S.) 163 272653,O_ Gasket-._r Ck_anet 499427 Ring Set-Piston (.020" O.S.) 187 691050 Line-Fuai Cut to Lengt 499428 Ring Set*Piston (.030" O.S.) 188 690877 Screw Conb'ol Bracket 27 691866 Lock-Pistan Pin 190 690940 Screw Fue Tank 28 499423 Pin-Piston 202 691829 Link-Mechanical Gove0 29 499424 Rod-Connecting 209 696319 Spring-Governor 32 691664 Screw (Connecting Rod) 222 692467 Bracket-Contrbl 32A 695759 Screw (Connecting Rod) 227 690783 Control Lever-Govemol 33 262651 Valve-Exhaust 276 271716 0::[; Sealing Washer 34 262652 Valve-Intake 287 690940 Screw (DipsUck Tube) 35 691270 Spring-Valve (Intake) 360 692036 Muffler 36 691276 Spring-Valve (Exhaust) 304 695892 Housing-Blower 40 692194 Retainer-Valve 305 691105 Screw (Blower Housing 43 69t 997 Slinger-Governor/Oil 306 690450 Shtetd-Cylinder 45 690548 Tappet-Valve 367 690345 Screw (Cylinder Shield 46 691449 Camshaft 332 690662 Nut (Flywheel 46 498826 Short BloCk (Replacement 333 802574 Armature-Magneto Engine 123802-2915-81} 334 691061 S_ew (_n_e Magr 38
CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODEL NUMBER 12H882.2639-BI KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 337 802592 Spark Plug 847 692017 Assembly-DipsUck/Tube 356 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 Housing 426 690670 Screw (Air Cleaner Cover) 922 692135 Spdng-Brake 443 692523 Screw (Air Cleaner Pdmer 923 695891 Brake Base) 957 397974 Cap-Fuel Tank 445 491888 Filter-Air Cleaner Cartridge 966 496116 Base-Air Cleaner Primer 455 691219 Cup-Flywheel 968 692298 Cover-Air Cleaner 456 692299 Plete-Pawi Fdction 969 690700 Screw 459 281505 Pawl-Ratchet (Blower Housing Cover) 505 231082 Nut (Governor Control Lever) 970 691669 Screw 523 495264 D_pstlek (Air Cleaner primer Bracket) 524 692296 ⢠Seal-Dipstick Tube 972 495224 Tank-Fuel 525 495265 Tube-Dipstick 975 493640 Bowl-Float 829 691923 Grommet 976 496115 PdmeroCarburetor 562 92613 Bolt (Governor Control Lever) 977 498261 Set-Carburetor Gasket 584 692342 Cover-Breather Passage 1019 494256 Kit-Label 585 691879 ⢠Gasket-Breather Passage 1036 695111 Label-_mlssions 592 690800 Nut (Rewind Starter) 1058 274265 Owner's Manual 597 691696 Screw (Pawi Fdctlon Plate) 1059 692311 Klt-ScrewNVasher 601 95162 Clamp-Hose 1095 498526 Bet-Valve Gasket 609 497680 Starter-Rewind 1210 498144 Assembly-Pulley/Spring 613 691340 Screw Muffler) (Pulley) 615 690340 Retaner-Governor Shaft 1211 496144 Assembly-Pulley/Spdng 616 691306 Crank-Governor (Spring) 617 270344 O:_ SeaI-O Ring (intake Manifold) 621 692310 Switch-Stop ⢠Included in Engine Gasket Set, Key #358 635 66538 BooI-Sparkplug 668 493823 ⢠Spacer (Inoludes 2) O thduded in Carburetor Overhaul Kit, Key #121 670 692294 Spacer-Fuel Tank 684 690345 Screw .1: Included in Carburetor Gasket Set, Key #977 (Breather Passage Cover) 689 691855 Sprthg-t-Frlction Included in Varve Overhaul Kit, Key #1095 708 691321 O._ Seal-Throttle Shaft 741 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
For repair of major brand appliances In your own home... no matter who made it, no matter who sold 1-800-4-MY-HOME _ Ar,ytwne, day or ni_t (1-800-469.4663) (U.S.A. and Canada) www, se_,com Www,se_._a For raper of cany-in products like vacuums, lavm equipment, and ._ electronics, call for the nearest Sears Parts and Repair Center, 1-800-488-1222 Any'ine, day or r _l_ (U.S.A_ c_y) WWW.Seall_cont For the raplacernent parts, accessories and owner's manuals that you need to de-it-yourself, call Sears PartsDirectS_! 1-800-366-PART 6 a.m.- 11 p.m., 7 days a _eek (1 -B_(X366-727B) (U.S.A. orWy) vN..w,seet s.comipai.t s_ r ect To purchase or inquire about a Sears Se_ice Agreement or Sears Maintenance Agreement 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. ® Registered Trademark / TM Trademark / SM Service Mark of Sears, Roebuck and Co. ® Marca Registrada I _M Marca de Fdbric_ / su Marca de Servlclo de Sears, Roebuck and Co. MC Marque de commerce / Me Marque d_pos_e de Sears, Roebuck< and CO, 178939 02.23.01 BY Printed in U.S.A.
2 Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4 Assembly ................................................ 5 Operation ............................................. 6-9 Maintenance Schedule ........................ t O Maintenance .................................... 10-13 Product Specifications .......................... 11 Service and Adjustments ................. 13-14 Storage ............................................ 14-15 Troubleshooting .............................. 15-16 Repair Parts .......................................... 32 Parts Ordering ........................ Back Cover LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in malarial or workman- ship. If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental puq_oses, this warranty applies for only 90 days fTom 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 in the United States. This warranty applies only while this product is in use in the United States. This Warranty gives you specific legal dghts, and you may also have other rights which vary 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 and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in sedous injury Q" death. I. GENERAL OPERATION ⢠Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before starting. Be thor- oughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the machine before starting. ⢠Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times, ⢠Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine. ⢠Clear the area of obiects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade. ⢠Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. ⢠Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear. ⢠Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving backwards. ⢠Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety protective devices in place. ⢠See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and installation of accesseries. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer.
⢠Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel ddves, walks, or roads. ⢠Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the chute. ⢠Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the blade comes to complete stop before removing grass catcher. ⢠Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. ⢠Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. ⢠Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing: keep a firm hold on the handle and walk; never run. ⢠Disengage the self-propelled mecha- nism or drive clutch on mowers so equipped before starting the engine (motor). ⢠If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble. ⢠Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating mower. I1. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it. DO: ⢠Mow across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. ⢠Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc, ⢠Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles. DO NOT: ⢠Do not tdm near drnp-offs, ditches or embankments. The operator could lose footing 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 operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. ⢠Keep children out of the trimming area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult. ⢠Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area. ⢠Before and while walking backwards, look behind and down for small children. ⢠Never allow children to operate the machine. ⢠Use extra care when approaching blind comers, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision. IV. SERVICE ⢠Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive. -Use only an approved container. - Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke. - Never refuel the machine indoors. - Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater. ⢠Never run a machine inside a dosed area. ⢠Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine (motor) running. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent acciden- tal starting. ⢠Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition. ⢠Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regulady. ⢠Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before stodng. ⢠Stop and inspect the equipment if you stdke an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting. ⢠Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while the engine (motor) is running. ⢠Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when necessary. ⢠Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them. ⢠Do not change the engine governor 3 setting or overspeed the engine.
&Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means CAUTIONI!! BECOMEALERT!_! YOUR SAFETY IS iNVOLVED. A WARNING: In order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transpor'dng, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug. ,&WARNING'. Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other repro- ductive harm. ,&WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead oumpounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other repmducf_ve harm. Wash hands after handling. ,&CAUTION: Muffler and other engine parts become extremely hot dudng operation and remain hot after engine has stopped, To avoid severe burns on contact, stay away from these areas. These accessories were available when this lawn rnower was produced. They are not shipped wRh your mower, They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and service centers. Most Ses_'s stores can also order repair pads for you, when you provide the model nun'b_ _ your lawn mower. Some of these acoessedes may not apply to your lawn mower. LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE CLIPPING DEFLECTOR FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS GRASS CATCHERS FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWER MAINTENANC MUFFLERS BELTS BLADES MULCHER KITS GRASS CATCHERS FOR SIDE DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS AIR FILTERS SLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS STABILIZER GAS CANS SPARK PLUGS ENGINE OIL 4
Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mower. IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. Your now lawn mower has been as- Operator sembled at the factory with the exception conk-ol bar of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to corn- Lift plete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn ntower, 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 1. Remove loose parts included with mower. 2. Cut down two end comers of carton and lay end panel down fiat. 3. Remove all packing materials except padding between upper and lower handle and padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle. 4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and 3-Position check carton thorougly for additional handle loose parts. HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER TO UNFOLD HANDLE IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so as not to pinch or damage control cables. 1. Raise lower handle section to operating position and squeeze the bottom ends of lower handle towards each other until the pin in handle can be inserted into one of the three height adjustment holes. 2. Remove protective padding, raise upper handle section into place on lower handle and tighten both handle knobs. 3. Remove any packing matedal from around control bar. Your handles may be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to Service and Adjustments section of this manual. Mowing position Lower handle bracket pin / TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging, see =TO CON- VERT MOWER" in the Operation section of this manual.
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. These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY presence control bar Handle knob cap with dipstick Grass Muffler Mulcher door Wheel adjuster IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped (on each wheel) WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. 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 Commis- sion, The blade turns when the engine is running. Operator Presence Control Bar- must be held down to _ handle to start the engine. Release to stop the engine. Mulcher door- allows conversion to discharge or bagging operation. Pdmer- pumps additional fuel from Me carberetor to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine. Starter Handle - used for starting the engine. 6
The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your lawn mower or perfo_ing Bey adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses. HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINE SPEED CONTROL The engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance. Speed is not adjustable. ENGINE ZONE CONTROL ⢠I, CAUTION: Federal regulations require an engine control to be installed on this lawn mower in order to minimize the dsk of blade contact injury. Do not under any circumstances attempt to defeat the function of the operator control. The blade rums when the engine Is running. ⢠Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence 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 Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit your requirements. Medium position is best for most lawns. To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your require- ments. Be sure all wheels are in the same setting. NOTE: Adjuster is propedy positioned when plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9-pesition adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever to be positioned between the plate tabs. Lower Wheels_r High Cut P._ Tab_ Raise Wheels for Low Cut Lever TO CONVERT MOWER Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging: REAR BAGGING ⢠Lift rear door of the lawn mower and place the grass catcher frame hooks onto the door pivot pins. ⢠To convert to mulching or discharging operation, remove grass catcher and close rear door. Pivot pins Rear Gras door oatche Catcher frame hook SIDE DISCHARGING ⢠Rear door must be closed. ⢠Open mulcher door and install dis- charge deflector under guard as shown ⢠Mower is now ready for discharging operation. ⢠To convert to mulching or bagging operation, discharge deflector must be removed and melcher door must be closed. SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBERWHEN CONVERTING 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 lawn mower without rear door closed or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or prepped open. 7
Discharge Mulcher door NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine fur accurate reading. To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap, then remove it to read 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 hours of operation or each season. You may need to change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions. ADD GASOLINE NOTE: Before filling fuel tank, remove and discard the debris plug that is inside the tank. ⢠Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gaso- line. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness. A.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 storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur. _, CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank filler neck. Do not ovenlll. Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame. Gasoline filler cap Engine oil (Discard debris cap BEFORE STARTING ENGINE ADD OIL Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine. Engine holds 20 oz.of oil, For type and grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this manual. 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
TO START ENGINE NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the engine, a small amount of smoke may be present during the initial use of the product and should be considered normal. 1. To start a cold engine, push primer three (3) 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. 2. 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 ⢠To stop engine, release operator presence control bar. NOTE: ta cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather over pdming 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. MOWINGTIPS ⢠Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to mduca pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of grass clippings. It may also be necessary to reduce ground speed and/or run the lawn mower over the area a second time. ⢠For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut 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. ⢠Pores in cloth 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. MULCHING MOWINGTIPS IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash, See "CLEANING" in the Maintenance section of this manual. ⢠The special mulching blade will recur the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recutting action of the blades. ⢠Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action, The best time to mow your lawn is the eady afternoon. At this time the grass has dded and the newly cut area will not be exposed to the direct sun. ⢠For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third of the grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown it will be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving dumps of mulched grass. For extremely heavy mulching, reduce your width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly. ⢠Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings, When doing a second cut, mow across or perpendicu- lar to the first cut path. ⢠Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow north to south one week then change to east to west the next week. This will help prevent matting and graining of the lawn,
MAI,,.E NCESC.EOU'.E As, oo COMPLETE EOU 'SEaV'CE Check for Loose Fasteners _ _/ Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher (If Equipped) it/ I_ _/ M Clean Lawn Mower iv/ _,/ V_ Clean Under Ddve Cover i (power-Propelled MOWers ! _/ Check drive bctt!pulleys E (Power*propelled Mowers) If ! Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade _'3 Lubdcalion Chart I Clean 6/ I'/ Baite_dRecharge EleCtric Brad MOWerS I b / it/4 E 3heck Engine Oil Level _/ N Chan_le Engine Oil 1â¬#4_ G Clean Air Filter b/ I Inspect Muffler i,/ Ni Clean or Replace Spark PJug t,/ Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge f/'z 1 - Change mo_ ofle_ when operating under a heavy bad or in high ambiee_ _atltperatur_ 2 * Sewic_ morn OQIe_ when opera,rig i_ dl'iy or du4t y co,dittos 3 - Re_ b,lades mote _en when fnowing in _ancly sod. 4. Chage 48 hours at end of seasoe 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 pededically to propedy maintain your unit. All adjustments in the Service and Adjustments section of this n',anual 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 new spark plug and clean/new air filter element assure proper air-fuel mixture and help your engine run better and last longer. ⢠Follow the maintenance schedule in this 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 grease plastic wheel bearings, viscous lubri- cants will attract dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the selfJubricating bearings. If you feel they must be lubdcated, use only a dry, powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly. 10 (_) See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section. (_) Handle bracket mounting pins (_) Spray lubricant
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS SERIAL NUMBER: DATE OF PURCHASE: SASOUNE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.6 QUARTS UNLEADED REGULAR SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F) 20 OZS. 31L TYPE (API-SF-SJ): OIL CAPACITY: SPARK PLUG(GAP: .030") CHAMPION RJ19LM OR J19LM BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS. The model and sadal numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the lawn mower housing, Record both sedal number and date of purchase in space provided above. LAWN MOWER Always observe safety roles when perfon_ ing any maintenance. TIRES ⢠Keep tires free of gasallee, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber. ⢠Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards _ may cause tire damage. BLADE CARE For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades. TO REMOVE BLADE 1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug. 2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up. 3. Use a wood block between blade and mower housing to prevent blade from turning when removing blade bolt. NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/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 hardened washer). NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check the key inside hub of blade adapter. The key must be in good condi- tion to work propedy. Replace adapter if damaged. TO REPLACE BLADE 1. Position the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned. 2. Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised lugs on the adapter. 3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (opposite sharp edge) is up toward the engine. 4. Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft. 5. 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 belt is grade 8 heat treated. Crankshaft Key_ keyway Blade shaft bolt \ washer Trailing edge Blade adapter 11
TO SHARPEN BLADE NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen- ing blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced. Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause eventual damage to lawn mower or engine. ⢠The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a gdnding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower. ⢠To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of the straight nail exposed. 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 ⢠The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used. ⢠Check your grass catcher often for damage or detedoration. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace only with a manufac- turer approved replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower model number when ordering. ENGINE LUBRICATION Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF-SJ. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature. I__E tSAE VISCONTY GRADES NOTE: Although multi-viscesity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these muifi-viscesity oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil. Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in one year. Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each five (5) hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug securely each time you check the oil level. TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil, drain fuel tank by running engine until fuel tank is empty. 1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire whore it cannot come in contact with spark plug. 2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface, 3. Tip lawn mower on its side as shown and drain oil into a suitable container. Rock lawn mower back and forth to remove any oil trapped inside of engine. 4. Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower and on side of engine. 5. Fill engine with oil. (See =ADD OIL" in the Operation section of this manual}. 6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug, 3ontainer AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged by using a dirty air filter. Replace the air filter every 100hours of operation or every season, more often if you mow in very dusty, dirty conditions. TO CLEAN AIR FILTER 1. 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 as kerosene, are not to be used to clean cartridge. They may cause detedoratioo of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not use pressudzed air to clean or dry cartridge. 4. Install cartddge, then replace cover making sure the tabs are aligned with the slots in the back plate. Fasten screw securely. 12
Back Up Cartridge Cover tabs MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. SPARK PLUG Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or a_er every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" in Maintenance section of this manual. CLEANING IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. Clean the underside of your mower after each use. ACAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with the spark plug. ⢠Clean the underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove build-up of grass and trash. ⢠Clean engine often to keep trash from accumulating. A clogged engine runs hotter and shortens engine life. ⢠Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil,etc. ⢠We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean lawn mower unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in shortened engine life. _.CAUTION: Before performing any service 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 come in contact with plug, LAWN MOWER TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT See "TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT" in the Operation section of this manual. REAR DEFLECTOR The rear deflector, attached between the rear wheels of your mower, is provided to minimize the possibility that objects will be thrown out of the rear of the mower into the operator mewing position. If the deflector becomes damaged, it should be replaced. TO ADJUST HANDLE The handle on your lawn mower has three (3) height positions - adjust to height that suits you. ⢠Squeeze the bottom ends of lower handle towards each other until the pin in handle can be inserted into one of the three height adjustment holes, 13 __ Handl Handle pin Squeeze 3 -posit ion.----'"_ _,_, _ High Handle _ _ _ adjustment _'_F,_'_ \_ Medium bracket _\ t\ _\_ \ \ _'Low TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER 1, Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigid part of bag on the bottom, Make sure the frame handle is outside of the bag top. 2, Slip vinyl bindings over frame, NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warm water for a few minutes, If bag gets wet, let it dry before using. ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without clipping deflector or approved grass catcher in place, Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or propped open. Catcher _ _'_ - _-'_J'_ frame : _\ handle /7 _,._ Vinyl _, bindings <_S','3' _ Frame . opemng
ENGINE ENGINE SPEED Your engine speed has been factory set. Do not attempt to increase engine speed or it may result in personal injury. If you believe that the engine is running too fast or too slow, take your lawn mower to a Sears or other qualified service center for repair and adjustment. CARBURETOR Your carburetor is not adjustable. If your engine does not operate propedy due to suspected carburetor problems, take your lawn mower to a Sears or other qualified service center for repair and/or adjust- ment. IMPORTANT: Never tamper with the engine governor, which is factory set for proper engine speed. Overspeeding the engine above the factory high speed setting can be dangerous. If you think the engine-govereed high speed needs adjusting, contact a Sears or other qualified service center, which has proper equipment and axbedence to make any necessary adjustments. Immediately prepare your lawn mower for storage at the end of the season or if the unit will not be used for 30 days or more. LAWN MOWER When lawn mower is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all did, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area. 1. Clean entire lawn mower (See "CLEANING" in the Maintenance section 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 if necessary. 4. Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces; sand lightly before painting. HANDLE You can fold your lawn mower handle for storage. 1. Loosen the two (2) handle knobs on sides of the upper handle and allow handle to fold down to the rear. 2. Squeeze the bottom ends of lower handle toward each other until pins in handle clear the brackets and pivot entire handle assembly forward and allow it to rest on mower. ⢠When setting up your handle from the storage position, the lower handle will require manually locking into the mowing position. IMPORTANT: When folding the handle for storage or transportation, be sure to fold the handle as shown or you may damage the control cables. Operator presence control bar Upper handle-..-........__ ,_ Lower han_e_ 'N- / 'old _. ward,iS 7) ol!/ /,_ Fold _,7_,a ckward Mow_g position pin / 3-Position handle adjustment bracket 14
ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM iMPORTANT: It is important to prevent gum deposits from forming in essential fuel system parts such as carburetor, fuel filter, fuel hose, or tank during storage. Also, experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while 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 permanent damage may occur. ⢠Use flesh fuel next season. NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits dudng storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container. Always follow the mix ratio found on stabilizer container. Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach the carburetor. Do not drain the gas tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer. ENGINE OIL Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with clean engine oil. (See "ENGINE" in the 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 one season to another. ⢠Replace your gasoline can if your can starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your gasoline will cause problems. ⢠If possible, store your unit indoors and cover it to give protection from dust and dirt. ⢠Cover your unit with a suitable protective cover that does not retain moisture. Do not use plastic. Plastic cannot breathe, which allows condensation to form and will cause your unit to rust. IMPORTANT: Never cover mower while engone and exhaust areas are still warm. _. CAUTION:Never store the lawn mower with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure. TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Does not start 1. Dirty air filter. 2. Out of fuel. 3. Stale fuel. 4. Water in fuel. 5. Spark plug wire is disconnected. 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 refill with fresh, clean fuel. 4. Drain fuel tank and carburetor and refill tank with fresh gasoline. 5. Connect wire to plug. 6. Replace spark plug. 7. Tighten blade belt or replace blade adapter. 8. Depress control bar to handle. 9. Replace control bar. 15
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Loss of power Poor cut- uneven Excessive vibration 1. Rear of lawn mower housing or cutting blade dragging 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, leaves and 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. Tighten blade bolt. 2. Set all wheels at same height, 3. Clean underside of mower housing. 1. Replace blade. Tighten blade bolt. 2. Contact a Sears or other qualified service center. Starter rope hard 1. Engine flywheel brake is or topull when control bar is release_ 2. Bent engine crankshaft. 3. Blade adapter broken. 4, Blade dragging in grass. 1. Depress control bar to upper handle before pulling starter rope. 2. Contact a Sears or other qualified 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 high or wheel height is too low. 2. Rear of lawn mower housing or blade dragging in grass. 3. Grass catcher too full. 4. Handle height position not dght for you. 2. Raise rear of lawn mower housing one (1) setting higher, 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 N UMBER 917.388732 KEY PART NO. NO. 1 131696 2 166860X479 3 1611o53(479 4 132001 5 63601 6 131959 7 66426 8 74780512 9 154132 10 165754 11 176556 12 750634 13 86899X004 14 136376 15 51793 16 147286 17 165946X479 18 17600406 19 16713ZX004 20 167133X004 21 165858 Z2 168360X004 23 166875 24 751153 25 166236X479 26 166243X479 27 851856 25 152124 29 160835X007 30 19112222 31 165760 33 87877 34 167130X004 35 166785 36 160828 37 151162 DESCRIPTION KEY PART NO, NO. DESCRIPTION Conttut Bar 38 164,362 Upger Handle 39 83923 Lower Handld 40 77400 Roge Guide 41 88652 Loci<nut 1/4-20 42 165766 Handle Bott 43 165767 WireTie 44 165912 Hex Bolt 5/1 6-15 x 3/4 45 150406 Hinge Bracket 46 85453 Mule, her Door 47 63124 Engine Zone Control Cable 48 167131X004 Hex Washer Heart Screw #10-24 x 1/2 49 151161 Up-Stop Bracket 50 57143 Handle Knob 51 73990500 Haitpln Coffer 52 166878 Hinge Rod 53 851084 Support Bracket 54 850263 Screw 55 851074 Axle Arm Assembly - LF 56 175064 Axle Arm Assembly - RF 57 851514 Rear Sldrt 58 161551 Selector Spdng 67 166113 Rear" Door Assembly Kit (Incl. Springs) 68 165755 Locknut 5/16-18 70 - - - Handle Bracket Assembly (Left) Handle Bracket Assembly (Right) 71 132004 Screw 114-20 x 3/8 - - 161058 Hinge Spring - - 178939 Wheel Adjusting Bracket - Front Spacer Clip on Discharge Guard Selector Knob Axle Ann Assembly - LR Locknut 5/16-18 Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 WheelAssembly Shoulder Bott Flanged Locknut Hubcap Hinge Screw Spring (LH) BIxing (RH) Dcor Bolt Hex Heart Thread Rolling Screw 3/8-16 x 1 Danger Decal Nut Axle Arm Assembly - RR Wheal WaveWasher Hut Housing Assembly (Incl. Ref. #17, 18 & 46) Hex Heart screw 3/8-24 x 1-3/8 Grrt. B Helical Lockwasher Hardlmed Washer 21" Blade Bldde Adapter Adjustment Bolt Grass Bag Catcher Frame Engine, Brtgg$ & Stratton 12H802-2639-B1 (Bee Breakdown) Nut. Hex 1/4-20 x .020 Warning Decal (Not Shown) Owner's Manual Available accessories not included with lawn mower: - - 71 33623 Gas Can (2.5 gal.) - - 71 33500 Fuel Stabilizer - - 71 33300 BAE 30W Oil (20 oz.) NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches. 1 inch = 25.4 mm
CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODEL NUMBER 12H802-2639-BI lk REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL⢠11058 OWNER'S MANUAL I 307_ 15_ ⢠3O6 1095VALVE GASKET SET 34
CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODEL NUMBER 12H802-2639-B1 69_ 188_ 977 CARBURETOR GASKET SET 365 I 121 CARBURETOR OVERHAUL lOT '_ 708@ ._ _--_163_ 13_17_ 104_ 276© 127_ 276 J 276 35
CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODEL NUMBER 12HS02-2639-B1 921 304 305 J I 1030 EMISSIONS LABEL I 332 363 _ 455 _ L.. .... es_ 592_ 58_'_ i 689_"_ 60 456_ 597_ 36
CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODEL NUMBER 12H802-2639-BI 74 5 615 404 _ 22_ 37
CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODEL NUMBER 12H802-263 KF-Y PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 493260 Cylinder Assembly 50 497465 Manifold-Intake 2 399269 Kit-Bushing/Seat 51 272199 ⢠Gasket-intake 3 299819 ⢠Seal-Oil (Magneto Bide) 54 691650 Screw (intake Manifold 4 493279 Bump-Engine 55 691421 Hot_ing-Rewlnd Starte 5 691160 Head-Cylinder 58 692259 Rope-Starter (Cut to 7 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 Screw 1 t 691781 Tube-Breather 95 691636 Screw (Throttle Valve) 12 692232 ⢠Gasket-Crankcase 97 493267 Bhaft-Throttta 13 690912 Screw Cyl[nderHend) 104 691242 O PIn°FloatHInge 15 691680 plug-Oil Dra n 117 494670 Jet-Main(Standard 16 691451 Crankshaft 497315 Jet.Main (High _5tude) 20 399781 ⢠Seat-Oil PTO Side 121 498260 Klt.Carbureto( Overhaul 22 691092 Screw (Engne Bump 125 498170 Carburetor 23 692315 Flywheel 127 694466 O Plug-Welch 24 222698 Key-Flywheai 130 691203 Valve-Throttle 25 499429 Piston Assembly Standard) 133 398187 Float-Carburetor 499430 Platon Assembly (.010" O.S,) 134 398186 0 Vaive-NeeblelSeat 499431 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 Pdr 499426 Ring Set-Piston {.010" O.S.) 163 272653,O_ Gasket-._r Ck_anet 499427 Ring Set-Piston (.020" O.S.) 187 691050 Line-Fuai Cut to Lengt 499428 Ring Set*Piston (.030" O.S.) 188 690877 Screw Conb'ol Bracket 27 691866 Lock-Pistan Pin 190 690940 Screw Fue Tank 28 499423 Pin-Piston 202 691829 Link-Mechanical Gove0 29 499424 Rod-Connecting 209 696319 Spring-Governor 32 691664 Screw (Connecting Rod) 222 692467 Bracket-Contrbl 32A 695759 Screw (Connecting Rod) 227 690783 Control Lever-Govemol 33 262651 Valve-Exhaust 276 271716 0::[; Sealing Washer 34 262652 Valve-Intake 287 690940 Screw (DipsUck Tube) 35 691270 Spring-Valve (Intake) 360 692036 Muffler 36 691276 Spring-Valve (Exhaust) 304 695892 Housing-Blower 40 692194 Retainer-Valve 305 691105 Screw (Blower Housing 43 69t 997 Slinger-Governor/Oil 306 690450 Shtetd-Cylinder 45 690548 Tappet-Valve 367 690345 Screw (Cylinder Shield 46 691449 Camshaft 332 690662 Nut (Flywheel 46 498826 Short BloCk (Replacement 333 802574 Armature-Magneto Engine 123802-2915-81} 334 691061 S_ew (_n_e Magr 38
CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODEL NUMBER 12H882.2639-BI KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 337 802592 Spark Plug 847 692017 Assembly-DipsUck/Tube 356 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 Housing 426 690670 Screw (Air Cleaner Cover) 922 692135 Spdng-Brake 443 692523 Screw (Air Cleaner Pdmer 923 695891 Brake Base) 957 397974 Cap-Fuel Tank 445 491888 Filter-Air Cleaner Cartridge 966 496116 Base-Air Cleaner Primer 455 691219 Cup-Flywheel 968 692298 Cover-Air Cleaner 456 692299 Plete-Pawi Fdction 969 690700 Screw 459 281505 Pawl-Ratchet (Blower Housing Cover) 505 231082 Nut (Governor Control Lever) 970 691669 Screw 523 495264 D_pstlek (Air Cleaner primer Bracket) 524 692296 ⢠Seal-Dipstick Tube 972 495224 Tank-Fuel 525 495265 Tube-Dipstick 975 493640 Bowl-Float 829 691923 Grommet 976 496115 PdmeroCarburetor 562 92613 Bolt (Governor Control Lever) 977 498261 Set-Carburetor Gasket 584 692342 Cover-Breather Passage 1019 494256 Kit-Label 585 691879 ⢠Gasket-Breather Passage 1036 695111 Label-_mlssions 592 690800 Nut (Rewind Starter) 1058 274265 Owner's Manual 597 691696 Screw (Pawi Fdctlon Plate) 1059 692311 Klt-ScrewNVasher 601 95162 Clamp-Hose 1095 498526 Bet-Valve Gasket 609 497680 Starter-Rewind 1210 498144 Assembly-Pulley/Spring 613 691340 Screw Muffler) (Pulley) 615 690340 Retaner-Governor Shaft 1211 496144 Assembly-Pulley/Spdng 616 691306 Crank-Governor (Spring) 617 270344 O:_ SeaI-O Ring (intake Manifold) 621 692310 Switch-Stop ⢠Included in Engine Gasket Set, Key #358 635 66538 BooI-Sparkplug 668 493823 ⢠Spacer (Inoludes 2) O thduded in Carburetor Overhaul Kit, Key #121 670 692294 Spacer-Fuel Tank 684 690345 Screw .1: Included in Carburetor Gasket Set, Key #977 (Breather Passage Cover) 689 691855 Sprthg-t-Frlction Included in Varve Overhaul Kit, Key #1095 708 691321 O._ Seal-Throttle Shaft 741 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
For repair of major brand appliances In your own home... no matter who made it, no matter who sold 1-800-4-MY-HOME _ Ar,ytwne, day or ni_t (1-800-469.4663) (U.S.A. and Canada) www, se_,com Www,se_._a For raper of cany-in products like vacuums, lavm equipment, and ._ electronics, call for the nearest Sears Parts and Repair Center, 1-800-488-1222 Any'ine, day or r _l_ (U.S.A_ c_y) WWW.Seall_cont For the raplacernent parts, accessories and owner's manuals that you need to de-it-yourself, call Sears PartsDirectS_! 1-800-366-PART 6 a.m.- 11 p.m., 7 days a _eek (1 -B_(X366-727B) (U.S.A. orWy) vN..w,seet s.comipai.t s_ r ect To purchase or inquire about a Sears Se_ice Agreement or Sears Maintenance Agreement 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. ® Registered Trademark / TM Trademark / SM Service Mark of Sears, Roebuck and Co. ® Marca Registrada I _M Marca de Fdbric_ / su Marca de Servlclo de Sears, Roebuck and Co. MC Marque de commerce / Me Marque d_pos_e de Sears, Roebuck< and CO, 178939 02.23.01 BY Printed in U.S.A.