Craftsman 917.370870 Owner's Manual page 16

Back plate
Cartridge
Slot
Cover
Cover tab
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it
couldcreate a fire hazard and/or damage.
SPARK PLUG
Replace spark plug at the beginningof
each mowing season or after every 100
hoursof operation, whichever occurs
first. Spark plug type and gap setting
are shown in the "PRODUCT SPECIFIC-
ATIONS" section of this manual.
CLEANING
IMPORTANT: For best performance,
keep mower housing free of built-grass
and trash. Clean the underside of your
mower after each use.
_kCAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire
from spark plug and place wire where it
cannot come in contact with plug.
• Clean the underside of your lawn mower
by scraping to remove build-up of grass
and trash.
• Clean engine often to keep trash from
accumulating. A clogged engine runs
hotter and shortens engine life.
• Keep finished surfaces and wheels free
of all gasoline, oil, etc.
• We do not recommend using a garden
hose to clean lawn mower unless the
electrical system, muffler, air filter and
carburetor are covered to keep water
out. Water in engine can result in short-
ened engine life.
WATER WASHOUT FEATURE
Your lawn mower is equipped with a fitting
that allows quick and easy cleaningof
the underside of the housing. To use this
feature, proceed as follows:
1. Move lawn mower to an area of cut
grass or another hard surface.
NOTE: Water, grass and other debris will
drain from beneath the mower housing
during the washout process.
2. Remove grass catcher and discharge
chute assembly from lawn mower.
3. Close mulcher door (if equipped).
4. Connect a garden hose to the fitting
where shown.
IMPORTANT: Be sure the garden hose is
not routed under the lawn mower housing
or entangled in the wheels.
5. Turn on water supply and check for
leaks at the fitting.
If no leaks are present, start engine (as
described in the Operation section of this
manual) and let engine run until the under-
side of the lawn mower is clean.
_, WARNING: Do not engage the drive
system during the washout process.
6. Shut off the engine.
7. Shut off water supply and remove hose
from fitting.
CAUTION: Do not remove hose from
fitting while engine is running. Water in
engine can result in shortened engine life.
8. Start engine (as described in the Op-
eration section of this manual) and let
engine run for a full minute to remove
excess water from mower.
J
Fitting
CLEAN UNDER DRIVE COVER
Clean under drive cover at least twice a
season. Scrape undersideof coverwith
puttyknife or similar tool to remove any
build-upof trash or grass on undersideof
drive cover.
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