Troubleshooting Chart; Product Specifications; To Remove Blade; To Replace Blade - Craftsman 944.360300 Owner's Manual

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

PROBLEM CAUSE
Excessive 1. Worn, bent or loose blade.
vibration
2. Bent engine crankshaft.
Starter rope hard 1. Engine flywheel brake is on 1. Depress control bar to
to pull when control bar is released.
2. Bent engine crankshaft.
3. Blade adapter broken.
4. Blade dragging in grass.
Loss of drive 1. Drive wheels not turning
with drive control engaged.
2. Belt not driving
Grass catcher 1. Cutting height too low.
not filling (if so 2. Lift on blade worn off.
equipped) 3. Catcher not venting air.
Hard to push 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
right for you.
CORRECTION
1. Replace blade. Tighten
blade bolt.
2. Contact an authorized
service center.
upper handle before
pulling starter rope.
2. Contact an authorized
service center.
3. Replace blade adapter.
4. Move lawn mower to cut
grass or to hard surface.
1. Adjust or replace drive
control cable.
2. Put belt on pulleys or
replace belts if broken.
1. Raise cutting height.
2. Replace blade.
3. Clean grass catcher.
1. Raise cutting height.
2. Raise rear of lawn mower
housing one (1) setting
higher.
3. Empty grass catcher.
4. Adjust handle height to
suit.
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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SERIALNUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
GASOLINE CAPACITY/ TYPE:
OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG/SH):
OIL CAPACITY:
SPARK PLUG (GAP: .030")
VALVE CLEARANCE:
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP:
BLADE BOLT TORQUE:
• 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
control chemicals which can harm rubber.
• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp
objects and other hazards that may cause
tire damage.
BLADE CARE
For best results, mower blade must be
kept sharp. 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.
• Remove blade and attaching hardware
(bolt, lock washer and hardened
washer).
1.5 QUARTS
UNLEADED REGULAR
SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)
20 OZS.
CHAMPION RJ19LM OR J19LM
INTAKE: .004 - .008
EXHAUST: .004 - .008
.0125 IN.
35-40 FT. LBS.
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

• 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. lbs.
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