Product Specifications; Blade Care - Craftsman 944.362420 Owner's Manual

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Gasoline Capacity / Type:
Oil Type (API-SF-SJ):
Oil Capacity:
Spark Plug (Gap: .030")
Blade Bolt Torque:
• The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the mower
housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.
LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when perform-
ing 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
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 properly. 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
1.6 Quarts (Unleaded Regular)
SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)
20 Ounces
Champion RJ19LM
35-40 ft. lbs.
(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. lbs.
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat
treated.
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 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
Key
Lockwasher
Blade
Blade
bolt
Hardened
washer Trailing edge
12
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.
BATTERY
Disconnect the battery from the engine
connector and charge battery 48 hours.
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.
TROUBLESHOOTING - See appropriate section in manual unless directed
to a Sears Service Center.
PROBLEM
Does not start
Loss of power
Crankshaft
keyway
Crank
shaft
Blade adapter
• If possible, store your unit indoors and
cover it to protect it from dust and dirt.
• Cover your unit with a suitable protec-
tive 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
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 the engine to cool
before storing in any enclosure.
CAUSE CORRECTION
1. Dirty air filter. 1. Clean/replace air filter.
2. Out of fuel. 2. Fill fuel tank.
3. Stale fuel. 3. Drain tank and refill with
4. Water in fuel. 4. Drain fuel tank and
5. Spark plug wire is 5. Connect wire to plug.
disconnected.
6. Bad spark plug. 6. Replace spark plug.
7. Loose blade or broken 7. Tighten blade bolt or
blade adapter.
8. Control bar in released 8. Depress control bar to
position.
9. Control bar defective. 9. Replace control bar.
10.Fuel valve lever (if so 10.Turn fuel valve lever
equipped) in OFF position.
11.Weak Battery 11.Charge battery.
12.Disconnected battery 12.Connect battery to engine.
connector.
1. Rear of lawn mower 1. Set to "Higher Cut"
housing or cutting blade
dragging in heavy grass.
2. Cutting too much grass. 2. Set to "Higher Cut"
3. Dirty air filter. 3. Clean/replace air filter.
4. Buildup of grass, leaves, 4. Clean underside of mower
and trash under mower.
5. Too much oil in engine. 5. Check oil level.
6. Walking speed too fast. 6. Cut at slower walking
17
fresh, clean fuel.
carburetor and refill tank
with fresh gasoline.
replace blade adapter.
handle.
to the ON position.
position.
position.
housing.
speed.