V-Belts; Transaxle Cooling; Engine Lubrication; Clean Air Screen - Craftsman ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER AUTOMATIC LAWN TRACTOR 944.602951 Owner's Manual

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corresion and dirtonthe batteryand terminalscan cause the
battery to "leak" power.
• Disconnect BLACK batterycable first then RED battery
cable and remove battery from tractor.
• Rinse the battery with plain water and dry,
• Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush
until bright.
• Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly.
• Reinstall battery (See "CONNECT BAI-IERY" in the
Assembly section of this manual).
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours of
operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not
adjustable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear.
TRANSAXLE COOLING
The transmission fan and cooling fins should be kept clean
to assure proper cooling.
Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission while engine is
runningorwhile the transmission is hot.To prevent possible
damage to seals, do not use high pressure water or steam
to clean transaxle.
• Inspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades are intact and
clean.
• Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clippings and other
materials. To prevent damage to seals, do not use
compressed air or highpressure sprayer toclean cooling
fins.
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxle was sealed at the factory and fluid mainte-
nance is not required forthe life of the transaxle. Should the
transexle ever leakor require servicing,contact your nearest
authodzed service center/department.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service
classification SF-SJ. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
-20 0 30 60 80
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
FIG. i5
Change the oil after every 50 hours of operation or at least
once a year ifthe tractor isnot used for 50 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and
after each eight (8) hours of operation. Tighten oil fill cap/
dipstick securely each time you check the oil level.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Figs. 15 and 16)
Determine temperature range expected before oil change.
All oil must meet API service classification SF-SJ.
• Be sure tractor is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Catch oil in a suitable container.
• Remove oil fill cep/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt
to enter the engine when changing oil.
• Remove yellowcap frem bottomfitting of drain valveand
install the drain tube onto the fitting.
OIL DRAIN VALVE
CLOSED
AND
POSITION
CAP
TUBE
FIG. 16
• Unlock drain valve by pushing inward and tuming coun-
terclockwise.
• To open, pull out on the drain valve.
• Affer oilhas drained completely, close and Iockthe drain
valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise untilthe
pin is in the locked position as shown.
• Remove the drain tube and replace the cap onto to the
bottom fitting of the drain valve.
• Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour
slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see
"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" sectionof this manual.
• Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level.
Insert dipstick intothe tube and rest the oilfill cap on the
tube. Do not thread the cap onto the tube when taking
reading. Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick. Tighten
cap onto the tube securely when finished.
CLEAN AIR SCREEN
Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent
engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or
compressed airto remove dirtand stubbemdried gum fibers.
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