Craftsman 247.288851 Operator's Manual page 21

Electrode
.030 (.76 mm) gap
Muffler
WARNINg
Temperature of muffler and nearby engine areas may exceed 150˚ F
(65˚C). Avoid contact with these areas.
• Inspect muffler periodically, and replace if necessary. Replace-
ment parts for the muffler must be the same and installed in the
same position as the original parts.
Clean engine
• Daily or before every use, clean grass, chaff or accumulated
debris from engine. Keep linkage, spring, and controls clean.
• Keep area around and behind muffler free of any combustible debris.
• Keeping engine clean allows air movement around engine.
• Engine parts should be kept clean to reduce the risk of overheat-
ing and ignition of accumulated debris.
CAUTION
Do not use water to clean engine parts. Water could contaminate fuel
system. Use a brush or dry cloth.
Carburetor Adjustment
• The carburetor on this engine is not adjustable.
LUbRICATION
WARNINg
Before lubricating, repairing, or inspecting, always disengage PTO
(Blade Engage Lever), move shift lever into neutral position, set
parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended
starting.
pivot points & Linkage
Lubricate all the pivot points on the drive system, parking brake and lift
linkage at least once a season with light oil.
Rear Wheels
The rear wheels should be removed from the axles once a season.
Lubricate the axles and the rims well with an all-purpose grease before
re-installing them.
Front Axles
Each end of the tractor's front pivot bar may be equipped with a grease
fitting. Lubricate with a grease gun after every 25 hours of tractor operation.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Porcelain
Figure 13
battery
The battery is sealed and is maintenance-free. Acid levels cannot be
checked.
• Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean and free of
corrosive build-up.
• After cleaning the battery and terminals, apply a light coat of
petroleum jelly or grease to both terminals.
• Always keep the rubber boot positioned over the positive terminal
to prevent shorting.
IMPORTANT: If removing the battery for any reason, disconnect the
NEGATIVE (Black) wire from its terminal first, followed by the POSI-
TIVE (Red) wire. When re-installing the battery, always connect the
POSITIVE (Red) wire to its terminal first, followed by the NEGATIVE
(Black) wire. Be certain that the wires are connected to the correct
terminals; reversing them could change the polarity and result in
damage to your engine's alternating system.
Cleaning battery
Clean the battery by removing it from the tractor and washing with
a baking soda and water solution. If necessary, scrape the battery
terminals with a wire brush to remove deposits. Coat terminals and
exposed wiring with grease or petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion.
battery Failures
Some common causes for battery failure are:
• Incorrect initial activation
• Overcharging
• Freezing
• Undercharging
• Corroded connections
These failures are NOT covered by your tractor's warranty.
CLeANINg THe eNgINe AND DeCk
Any fuel or oil spilled on the machine should be wiped off promptly. Do
NOT allow debris to accumulate around the cooling fins of the engine
or on any other part of the machine.
IMPORTANT: The use of a pressure washer to clean your tractor is
NOT recommended. It may cause damage to electrical components,
spindles, pulleys, bearings or the engine.
Deck Wash System
Your tractor's deck is equipped with a water port on its surface as part
of its deck wash system.
Use the deck wash to rinse grass clippings from the deck's underside
and prevent the buildup of corrosive chemicals. Complete the following
steps AFTER EACH MOWING:
1. Drive the tractor to a level, clear spot on your lawn, near enough
for your garden hose to reach.
Make certain the tractor's discharge chute is directed AWAY from your
house, garage, parked cars, etc.
2. Disengage the PTO (Blade Engage), set the parking brake and
stop the engine.
21
CAUTION