Craftsman 247.374900 Operator's Manual page 17

Check Engine Oil
Check oil level before each operation. Be sure oil level is maintained.
1. Check the oil with the engine stopped and level.
2. Remove the oil fill dipstick and wipe it clean.
3. Insert and tighten dipstick. Remove it to check the oil level.
4. If the oil level is near or below the lower limit mark on the dipstick, remove
the oil filler cap/dipstick, and fill with the recommended oil to the upper
limit mark. Do not overfill.
5. Reinstall the oil fill dipstick.
Change Engine Oil
Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive. Fire or
explosion can cause severe burns or death.
Change engine oil after the first five hours of operation, and every fifty hours or
once a season thereafter.
When you drain the oil from the top oil fill tube, the fuel tank must be
empty or fuel can leak out and result in a fire or explosion. To empty the
fuel tank, run the engine until it stops from lack of fuel.
1. With engine off but still warm, disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it
away from the spark plug.
2. Place a suitable container next to the engine to catch the used oil.
3. Remove the oil fill dipstick and drain the oil into the container by tipping the
engine toward the oil filler neck. See Figure 18.
Used oil is a hazardous waste product. Dispose of used oil properly. Do not
discard with household waste. Check with your local authorities or Sears
Service Center for safe disposal/recycling facilities.
4. With the engine in a level position, fill to the upper limit mark on the dipstick
with the recommended oil.
Running the engine with a low oil level can cause engine damage.
5. Reinstall the oil fill dipstick securely.
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 overheating and
ignition of accumulated debris.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
WARNING
WARNING
CAUTION
CAUTION
Air Filter
Do not use water to clean engine parts. Water could contaminate fuel
system. Use a brush or dry cloth.
LUBRICATION
Blade Control
Lubricate pivot points on the blade and drive control at least once a season with
light oil. These controls must operate freely in both directions. See Figure 19.
Belt Care
NOTE: Several components must be removed in order to change the mower's
self-propulsion drive belt. See an authorized Sears Service Center to have your belt
replaced.
17
Oil Fill/ Dipstick
Figure 18
Figure 19
CAUTION