To Sharpen Blade/Grass Catcher; Drive Wheels; Gear Case; Engine Lubrication - Craftsman 917.377582 Owner's Manual

MPORTANT:Bladeboltis grade8 heat
teated.
ro SHARPEN BLADE
_IOTE: We do not recommend sharpening
)lade - but if you do, be sure the blade is
_alanced.
3are should be taken to keep the blade
_alanced. An unbalanced blade will cause
=.ventual damage to lawn mower or
.=ngine.
, 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 Crank shaft
adapter
If necessary to clean the drive wheels,
check both front wheels.
• Remove hubcaps, hairpin cotters and
washers.
• Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.
• Remove any trash or grass cuttings from
inside the dust cover, pinion and/or drive
wheel gear teeth.
• Put wheels back in place.
• If after cleaning, the drive wheels do not
turn freely, contact your nearest
authorized service center.
GEAR CASE
• To keep your drive system working
properly, the gear case and area around
the drive should be kept clean and free
of trash build--up. Clean under the drive
cover twice a season.
• The gear case is filled with lubricant to
the proper level at the factory. The only
time the lubricant needs attention is if
service has been performed on the gear
case.
• If lubricant is required, use only Texaco
Starplex Premium 1 Grease, Part No.
750369. Do not substitute.
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 it will
wear.If catcher needs replacing, replace
only with a manufacturer_approved
replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower
model number when ordering.
DRIVE WHEELS
Check front drive wheels each time before
you mow to be sure they move freely.
The wheels not turning freely means trash,
grass cuttings, etc. are in the drive wheel
area and must be cleaned to free drive
wheels.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SF, SH or
SG. Select the oirs SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating
temperature.
SAE VISCOSrrY 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 opera-
tion 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.
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