Owner's Manual;

CRAFTSMAN

5.5 HORSEPOWER

21" REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.388270

• 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

Warranty

Safety Rules

Assembly

Operation

_ '

Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance

2 Product Specifications

2 Service and Adjustments

4 Storage

6 Troubleshooting

9 Repair Parts

9 Parts Ordering

10

12

13

15

32

Back Cover

LIMITED I'WO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanship.

If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.

This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crank- shafts 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 rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

Safety standards require operator presence control to minimize the risk of injury.

Your unit is equipped with cuch controls.

do not attempt to defeat the function of the operator presence controls under any circumstances.

TRAINING:

• Read this operator's manual carefully.

Become familiar with the controls and know how to operate your mower properly.

Learn how to quickly stop mower.

• Do not allow children to use your mower.

Never allow adults to use mower without proper instructions.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially small children and pets.

• Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as described in this manual.

• Do not operate mower if it has been dropped or damaged in any manner.

Always have damage repaired before using your mower.

• Do not use accessory attachments that are not recommended by the manufacturer.

Use of such attachments may be hazardous.

• The blade turns when the engine is running.

PREPARATION:

• Always thoroughly check the area to be

mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks,

wires, bones, and other foreign objects.

These objects will be thrown by the

blade and can cause severe injury.

• Always wear safety glasses or eye

shields when starting and while using your mower.

• Dress properly.

Do not operate mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals.

Wear only solid shoes with good traction when mowing.

• Check fuel tank before starting engine.

Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the engine is running or when the engine is hot. Allow the engine to cool for several

minutes before filling the gas tank.

Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the engine.

• Always make wheel height adjustments before starting your mower.

Never attempt to do this while the engine is running.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

OPERATION:

• Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being cut. Do not let other interests distract you.

• Do not mow wet or slippery grass.

Never run while operating your mower.

Always be sure of your footing - keep a firm hold on the handles and walk.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.

Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

• Always stop the engine whenever you leave or are not using your mower, or before crossing driveways, walks, roads, and any gravel-covered areas.

• Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the mower while you are operating it.

• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repaidng your mower, stop the engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all moving parts have stopped.

Then disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away from the spark plug to prevent acciden- tal starting.

• Do not continue to run your mower if you

hit a foreign object.

Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any damage before restarting and operating your mower.

• Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the engine. Engine damage or personal injury may result.

• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnormally.

Excessive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,

safely check for the cause of vibration and repair as required.

• Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are dangerous.

• Never cut grass by pulling the mower

towards you. Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down or you might

lose your footing.

Do not mow exces- sively steep slopes.

Use caution when

operating the mower on uneven terrain or when changing directions - maintain

good footing.

• Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

• Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to be sure they are tightened properly.

• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working condition.

• Keep all safety devices in place and working.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves or excessive grease and oil.

• Check grass catcher often for detedora- tion and wear and replace worn bags.

Use only replacement bags that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your mower.

• Always keep a sharp blade on your mower.

• Allow engine to cool before stodng in any enclosure.

• Never store mower with fuel in the tank

inside a building where fumes may

reach an open flame or an ignition

source such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc.

ALook for this symbol to point out important safety precautions.

It means

CAUTION!tt

BECOME ALERT!!!

YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

_.WARNING: The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

3

order repair parts for you, when you provide the model number of your lawn mower.

available at most Sears retail outlets and

Some of these accessories may not apply service centers. Most Sears stores can also to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR HEAH DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

_

MULCHER KITS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

STABILIZSR

GAS CANS

BELTS

MUFFLERS

BLADES

©

BLADE ADAPTERS

AIR RLTERS

WHEELS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

Read these instructions and this manual in

its entirety before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mower. Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left

unassembled for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn

mower, all parts and hardware you as-

semble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with mower.

• Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel down fiat.

• Remove all packing materials except padding between upper and lower handle and padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle.

• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check

carton thoroughly for additional loose parts.

4

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN

MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE ;

IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefully so as not to pinch or damage control cables.

• Raise handles until lower handle section locks into place in mowing position.

• Remove protective padding, raise upper handle section into place on lower handles and tighten both handle knobs.

• Remove handle padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle.

• Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the Service and

Adjustment section of this manual.

Operator presence controlbar

Lift up

Lower handle

Mowing position

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher.

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN

MOWER.

Compare the illustrationswith 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 with the product, Learn and understand their meaning.

CAUTION

OR WARNING

ENGINE

ON

ENGINE

OFF

FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence controlbar

Grass catcher _

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Lawn mower housing

Wheel adjuster

(on each wheel)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American

National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The blade tums when the engine is running.

Operator presence Control Bar- must he held down to the handle to start the engine.

Release to stop the engine.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting

a cold engine.

Starter Handle - used for startingthe engine.

6

foreign objects thrown intothe eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear

safety glasses or eye shields while operating

your lawn mower or performing any adjust- ments or repairs. We recommend a wide

vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

The engine speed was set at the factory for

optimum performance.

Speed is not adjustable.

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower witli_outchppmg deflector or approved grass catehar in place. Never attempt to ope_ratethe lawn mower with the rear door removed or propped open.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

ACAUTION: Federal regulations require an engine control to be installed on this lawn mower in order to minimize the risk of blade contact injury. Do not under any circumstances

attempt to defeat the function of the operator control, The blade turns when the engine is running.

• Your lawn mower is equipped with an

operator presance 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 require-

ments. Medium position is best for most lawns.

• To change curling height, squeeze adjuster

lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your requirements. Be sure all wheels

are in the same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9-

position adjusters (if so equ_oped)allow lover

to be positioned between the plate tabs.

Lower Wheels for High Cut

Plate Tab

J

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

TO A'B'ACH GRASS CATCHER

Lever

• Liftthe rear door of the lawn mowerand

place the grass catcher frame side hooks onto the door pivot pins.

• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn

mower housing when the rear door is

lowered onto the grass catcher frame.

Pivot pins

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• Lift up on grass catcher using the frame handle.

• Remove grass catcher with clippingsfrom under lawn mower handle.

• Empty clippingsfrom beg using both frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying;

it willcause unnecessary wear.

Bag handle

/

Grass catcher frame handle

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil fig is clean.

• Remove engine oil cap and fillto the full

line on the dipstick.

• Use2Oozs.of

oil. For type and grada of oil

to use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance

sectionof this manual.

• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap each time.

• Reinstall engine oilcap and tighten.

• 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.

GAS

• Fillfuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87

octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.

Purchase fuel in quantitiesthat can be used

7 within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blanded fuels (called gasoho_or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which loads

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 fuel tank, start the engine and lot it

run until fuel lines and carburetor are empty.

Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage

Instructionsfor additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

Engine oil cap _ Gasoline filler

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primer five (5)

times before t_ng to start. Use a firm push.

This step is not usually necessary when starting an engine which has already run for

a few minutes.

• Hold operator presence controlbar down to

the handle and pull starter handle quickly.

Do not allow starter rope to snap back.

• To stop engine, release operator presence control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary

to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather

over I:_"ning 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.

MOWING TIPS

• Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and

_eaving clumps of grass d,lppings. 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 st

in the fast position.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can become tilled with dirt and dust with use and catchers will collect loss grass. To preven this, regularly hose catcher off with water and let dry before using.

• Keep top of engine around starter clear an clean of grass clippingsand chaff. This w1 help engine airflow and extend engine life

MULCHING MOWING TIPS

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep

mower housing free of bun-up grass and trash. Clean UNDERSIDE OF MOWER

HOUSING after each use. See "Cleaning" ir

MAINTENANCE section of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will recut 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 wi

biodegrade quickly to provide nutrientsfor the lawn. Always mulch with your highest

engine (b_de) speed as this wilt provide tt_ best recutting action of the blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. We

grass tends to form clumps and interferes

with the mulching action. The best time to

mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At t_ time the grass has dried and the newly cul 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 blad_

If the lawn is overgrown it will be necessar to raise the height of cut to reduce pushin(

effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of mulched grass. For extremely heavy mulching,

reduca your width of cut, mow slowiy an_

raise the rear of the lawn mower one whec adjuster setting higher than the front.

• Certain types of grass and grass condition may require that an area be mulched a second time to completely hide the

clippings. When doing a second cut, mow across or perpendicular to the first cut pa_

• Change your cutting pattem from week to

week. Mow nerth to south one weekthen change to east to west the next weak. Thi=

will help prevent matting and graining of th lawn.

8

MAINTENANCE

,sYOO

SCHEDULE

Check for Loose Fasteners

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher a Clean Lawn Mower

_

_.,_. _._.._._

li/

_O_._,_ ''

_ Clean Under Dnve Cover

Check drive belt/pulleys

ER (Power-Propened Mowers)

Check]Sharpen/Replace Blade

Lubrication Chart

Clean Battery/Recharge

IElectdc Start Mowers/

E Check En_line Oil Level i N Chan_e En_line

Oil

G Clean Air Filter

I Inspect

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug

¥t

I1_

I/=

IV/

II/

_112

Ill 2 i,'

IV42

1 - Change mora olten when ope(aUng under a haa'/y load or in high ambient temperatures.

2 - Se_k:e mo_e o_ten "=_len _erating in didy o( d_=ty conditions.

3 - Replace black)s more olt en V/hen mow._

in sendy sol.

4 - Charge 48 hours at et_l o( season,

I_

1'#'4

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence.To receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain mower as instructed in this manual.

Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to property maintain your unit.

All adjustments in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual should be checked at least once each season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug, replace air filterelement and check blade for wear. A new spark plug and clean/new air filter

element assures proper air-fuel mixture and

helps your engine run better and last longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oillevel.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICATION

CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

Wheel adjusters

Brake spring

"_ Engine oil

(_ Rear door (_) Handle bracket hinge mountingpin

(_) SPRAY LUBRICANT

(_) SAE 30 MOTOR OIL REFER TO

ENGINE - MAINTENANCESECTION.

IMPORTANT: DG not oil or grease plastic

wheel bearings. VL_:ous lubricantswill attract

dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the self

lubricating bearings. If you feel they must be

lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite type lubricantsparingly.

9

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL NUMBER

SERIAL NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE

HORSEPOWER:

GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE:

917.388270

OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG/SH):

OIL CAPACITY:

SPARK PLUG(GAP:

VALVE CLEARANCE:

.030")

5.5

1.5 QUARTS

UNLEADED REGULAR

SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

20 OZS.

CHAMPION RJ19LM OR J19LM

INTAKE:

EXHAUST:

.004 - .008

.004 - .008

SOLID STATE IGNITION

AIR GAP:

BLADE BOLT TORQUE:

.0125 IN.

35-40 FT. LBSo

• The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the lawn mower housing.Record

both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.

TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect controlchemicals which can harm rubber.

• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp

objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage.

BLADE CARE

• Remove blade and attaching hardware

(bolt, lock washer and hardened washer).

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and

check the key inside hub of blade adapter.

The key must be in good condition to work properly. Replace adapter if damaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE

For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp.

Replace bent or damaged blades.

TO REMOVE BLADE

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug.

• Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure

air filter and carburetor are up°

• Use a wood block between blade and

mower housing to prevent blade from

turning when removing blade bolt.

• Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

• Remove blade bolt by turning counter- clockwise.

10 treated"

• Position the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft.

Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned.

• Position blade on the blade adapter

aligning the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised lugs on the adapter.

• Be sure the trailing edge of blade

(opposite sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

• Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft.

• Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the blade bolt, turning clockwise.

• The recommended tightening torque is

35-40 ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat

TO SJHARPEN BLADE

NOT_: We do not recommend sharpening 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 grinding 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.

Blade adapter

Crank shaft

Bolt Crank

Lockwasher Hardened Blade shaft washer Trailing adapter edge

GRASS CATCHER

• The grass catcher may be hosed with

water, but must be dry when used.

• Check your grass catcher often for damage or deterioration. Through normal use itwill

wear. ff catcher needs repladng, replace only with a manufacturer 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, SH or

SG. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

NOTE: Although multi--viscosity oils

(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multi--viscosity 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.

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug.

• Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface.

• Tip lawn mower on its side and drain oil into a suitable container.

Rock lawn mower back and forth to remove any oil trapped inside of engine.

• Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower and on side of engine.

• Fill engine with oil. Fill only to the "FULL" line on the dipstick.

DO NOT OVER

FILL.

• Replace engine oil cap.

• Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

Container

AIR FILTER

Your engine will not run properly and may

be damaged by using a dirty air filter.

Replace the air filter every year, more

often if you mow in very dusty, dirty

conditions. Do not wash air filter.

TO CHANGE AIR FILTER

• Remove the air filter cover by turning counterclockwise to the stop and pull away from collar.

• Remove filter from inside of cover.

11

• Cleanthe

inside of the cover and the

collar to remove any dirt accumutation.

• Insert new filter into cover.

• Put air filter cover and filter into collar aligning the tab with the slot.

• Push in on cover and turn clockwise to tighten.

Clip Tum counter-remove

Slot to tighten

Air filter cover

MUFFLER

Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it could create afire hazard and/or damage.

SPARK PLUG

Change your spark plug each year to make your engine start easier and run better. Set spark plug gap at .030 inch.

CLEANING

IMPORTANT: For best performance, k_ mower housing free of built---up grass s trash. Clean.underside

of mower housin after each use.

_h, CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with the spark plug.

• Turn lawn mower on its side. Make st

air filter and carburetor are up. Clean

underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove build--up of gras and trash.

• Clean engine often to keep trash fren.

accumulating.

A clogged engine runs hotter and shortens engine life.

• Keep finished surfaces and wheels fr, of all gasoJine, oil, etc.

• we DO NOT recommend using a garden hose to clean lawn mower

unless the electrical system, muffler, filter and carburetor are covered to k_

water out. Water in engine can result

shortened engine life,

_,CAUTION: Before performing any

service or adjustments:

• Release control bar and stop engine.

• Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark

plug and place where it cannot come in contact with plug.

LAWN MOWER

TO ADJUST cu'n'ING HEIGHT

See "TO ADJUST CUI-rlNG HEIGHT" in the Operation section of this manual.

REAR DEFLECTOR

The rear deflector, attached between the

rear wheels of your lawn mower, is provided to minimize the possibility that objects will be thrown out the rear of the lawn mower into the operator's mowing position.

If the rear deflector becomes damaged, it should be replaced.

TO ADJUST HANDLE

The handle can be mounted in a high o low position. The mounting holes in th_ bottom of lower handle are off center fo raising or lowering the handle.

• Remove upper handle and all parts attached to lower handle.

• Remove hairpin cotters from lower handle bracket mounting pin.

• Squeeze lower handle in to remove it from mounting pins.

• Turn lower handle over to raise or Io_ handle.

• Squeeze lower handle in and positior holes onto mounting pins on handle bracket.

• Reassemble upper handle and all pa removed from lower handle.

,,-";__:

Lower handle

Rotate

12

ENGINE

CARBURETOR

Your carburetor has a non-adjustable fixed main jet for mixture control. If your engine does not operate property due to suspected carburetor problems, take your lawn mower to

an authorized service canter for repair or adjustment.

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-gove_ed high speed

needs adjusting, contact your nearest

AUTHORIZED service canter, which has proper equipment and e_erienca to make

any necessary adjustments. -

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 runningtoo fast or too slow, take your lawn mower to an authorized

service canter for repair and adjustment.

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 dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a dean, dry area.

• Clean entire lawn mower (See "CLEANING"

in the Maintenance section of this manual).

• Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance section of this manual.

• Be sure that all nuts, bolts, screws, and pins

are securely fastened. Inspect moving

parts for damage, breakage and wear.

Replace if necessary.

• Touch up all rusted or chipped paint

surfaces; sand lightlybefore painting.

HANDLE

You can fold your lawn mower handle for storage.

• Squeeze the bottom ends of the lower handle toward each other until the lower

handle clears the handle bracket, then

move handle forward.

• Loosen upper handle mounting bolts

enough to allow upper handle to be folded back.

IMPORTANT: When folding the handle for

storage or transportation, be sure to fold

handle as shown or you may damage the control cables.

• When setting up your handle from the storage position, the lower handle will automatically lock into the mowing position.

Lower handle

Handle bracket

Control Bar

Fold

For Storage

Lower Handle

ENGINE

FUEL SYSTEM

IMPORTANT: It is importantto prevent gum deposits from forming in essential fuel system

parts such as carburetor, fuel filter,fuel hose, or tank during storage.

Also, esperienca 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.

• Drain the fuel tank.

• 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 fresh fuel next season.

NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable aitemative in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container.

Always follow the mix ratio found on s_ilizer 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.

Squeeze to fold

Mowing

) Position

:old

Backward n cotter

13

ENGINE OIL

Drain oil (with engine warm) and,re...place

dean engine oil. (See ENGINE in the

Maintenance section of this manual).

CYLINDER

• Remove spark plug.

Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through spark plug hote into cylinder.

• Pull starter handle slowly a few times to distribute oil.

• 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 w111 cause problems.

• If possible, store your unit indoors and cover if 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 nJst.

IMPORTANT: Never cover mower while engine 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 _e engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

14

FROUBLESHOOTING

CHART

PROBLEM

Does n_start

CAUSE

• _airfi_

• Out of fcel.

• Stale fuel.

• Water in fuel.

Loss of power

Poor cutuneven

Excessive vibration

Starter rope hard to pull

Grass catcher not filling (if so equipped)

Hard to push

CORRECTION

• Clean/rsplace air filter.

• Fill fuel tank. freshcleanfuel.

• Spark plug wire is disconnected.

• Bed spark plug.

• Loose blade or broken blade adapter.

• Control bar in released pos'_ion.

• Control bar defective.

• Rear of lawn mower housing or cutting blade dragging in heavy grass.

• Cutting too much grass.

: Dirty air filter.

Buildup of grass, leaves, and trash under mower.

• Too much oil in engine.

• Walking speed too fast.

• Worn, bent or loose blade.

• Wheel heights uneven.

• Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower.

•Wom, bent or loose blade.

• Bent engine crankshaft.

• Engine flywheel brake is on when control bar is released.

• Bent engine crankshaft.

• Blade adapter broken.

• Blade dragging in grass.

• Cutting height too low.

• Lift on blade wom off.

• Catcher not venting air.

• Grass istoo high or wheel height is too low.

• Rear of lawn mower housing or blade dragging in grass.

• Grass catcher too full.

• Handle height position not

rightfor you.

• 15 withfreshgasoline.

• Connect wire to plug.

• Replace spark plug.

• 13ghten blade bolt or

replace blade adapter.

• Depress control barto handle.

• Replace control bar.

• Set to "Higher Cut" position.

• Set to "Higher Cut" position.

• Clean/replace air filter.

• Clean underside housing.

• Check oil level.

• Cut at slower walking speed.

• Replace blade. 13ghten blade belt.

• Set all wheels at same height

• Clean underside of mower housing.

• Replace blade. T_jhten blade belt.

• Contact an authorized

service center.

• Depress control bar to upper handle before pullingstarter rope.

• Contact an authorized service center.

• Replace blade adapter.

• Move lawn mower to cut grass or to hard surface

• to start engine.

• Raise cutting height.

• Replace blade.

• Clean grass catcher.

• Raise cutting height.

• Raise rear of lawn mower housing one (1) setting higher.

: Empty grass catcher.

Adjust handle height to suit.

For in-home major brand repair service:

Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

1-800-4-MY-Home

s" (1-800-469-4663)

Para pedir servicio de reparacibn a domicilio

1-800-676-5811

In Canada for all your service and parts needs call

Au Canada pour tout le service ou les pibces

1-800-885-4455

For the repair or replacement parts you need:

Call 6 am-11pm CST, 7 days a week

PartsDirect sM

1-800-366-PART (1-800-366-7278)

Para ordenar piezas con entrega a domicilio

1-800-659-7084

For the location of a Sears Parts and Repair Center in your area:

Call 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week

1-800-488-1222

For information on purchasing a Sears Maintenance Agreq ment or to inquire about an existing Agreement:

Call 9 am-5 pro, Monday - Saturday

1-800-827-6655

166363 03.01.99

VB Printed in U.S., _