Craftsman 247.288851 Operator's Manual page 19

eNgINe MAINTeNANCe
Checking the engine Oil
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification
SF, SG, SH, or SJ. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to
the expected operating temperature. Follow the chart below.
Although multi-viscosity oils (5W20, 10W30, etc.) improve starting
in cold weather, they 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.
Colder
5W20
Oil Viscosity Chart
To check the engine oil, proceed as follows:
• Ensure that the tractor is on a level surface.
• Clean the oil fill area of any debris.
1. Remove the dipstick and wipe with a clean cloth.
2. Insert and tighten dipstick.
3. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. It should be at the
Full mark on the dipstick. See Figure 9.
Dipstick
Full
OK
Add
4. If low, add oil slowly into the engine oil fill. Do not overfill. After
adding oil, wait one minute and then recheck the oil level.
CAUTION
Do not overfill. Overfilling with oil may cause the engine to not start,
hard starting, or engine smoking. If over the FULL mark on the
dipstick, drain oil to reduce oil level to FULL mark on dipstick.
5. Replace and tighten dipstick.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Warmer
SAE30
Oil Drain
Valve
Oil Drain
Sleeve
Figure 9
Changing engine Oil
The engine oil should be changed in the first 5 hours and then every
50 hours or once a season. To change the engine oil, proceed as
follows:
1. With engine OFF but still warm, d
away from spark plug.
2. Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick from the oil fill tube. See Figure 9.
3. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right to better expose the drain
plug.
4. Clip the oil drain sleeve (packed with this manual) onto the oil drain port.
Route the opposite end of the sleeve into an appropriate oil collection
container with a capacity great enough to collect the used oil.
5. Remove the oil drain plug, The oil will begin to drain out of the engine.
6. After the oil has finished draining, replace the oil drain plug and tighten.
Be careful not to overtighten.
7. Remove the oil drain sleeve and store for later use.
8. Refill the engine with new motor oil until the oil level on the dipstick
reads FULL. Replace the oil fill cap/dipstick.
Used oil is a hazardous waste product. Dispose of used oil properly.
Do not discard with household waste. Check with your local authori-
ties or or contact 1-800-4-MY-HOME for a list of safe disposal/
recycling facilities.
Changing the Oil Filter
1. Drain the oil from the engine as described above.
2. Remove the oil filter and dispose of properly. See Figure 10.
3. Before you install the new oil filter, lightly lubricate the oil filter
gasket with fresh, clean oil.
4. Install the oil filter by hand until the gasket contacts the oil filter
adapter, then tighten the oil filter 1/2 to 3/4 turns.
5. Add oil as described above.
6. Start and run the engine. As the engine warms up, check for oil
leaks.
7. Stop the engine and check the oil level. It should be at the FULL
mark on the dipstick.
19
isconnect spark plug wire and keep it
CAUTION
Oil Filter
Figure 10