Transaxle Cooling; Transaxle Pump Fluid; V-Belts; Engine Lubrication/To Change Engine Oil - Craftsman 917.273622 Owner's Manual

NOTE:The original equipmentbattery on
your tractoris maintenancefree.Do not
attemptto open or removecaps or covers.
Adding or checking levelof electrolyte is
not necessary.
TO CLEAN BATTERYAND TERMINALS
Corrosionand dirt on the battery and
terminals can causethe battery to "leak"
power.
1. Removeterminal guard.
2. DisconnectBLACKbattery cable first
then RED battery cable and remove
battery from tractor.
3. Rinse the battery with plain water and
dry.
4. Cleanterminals and battery cable ends
with wire brushuntil bright.
5. Coat terminalswith grease or petro-
leumjelly.
6. Reinstallbattery (See "REPLACING
BATTERY"" in the SERVICEAND AD-
JUSTMENTSsection of this manual).
TRANSAXLE COOUNG
The transmissionfan and coolingfins
should be keptclean to assureproper
cooling.
Do not attemptto clean fan or transmis-
sion while engine is runningor while the
transmissionis hot.Topreventpossible
damageto seals, do not use high pressure
water or steam to clean transaxle.
Inspectcoolingfan to be sure fan blades
are intact and clean.
Inspectcoolingfins for dirt, grassclip-
pings and other materials. To prevent
damageto seals, do not use com-
pressed air or high pressuresprayerto
clean cooling fins.
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxb was sealed at the factory
andfluid maintenanceis not requiredfor
the life of the transaxle. Shouldthe trans-
axleever leakor requireservicing, contact
a sears or other qualifiedservice center.
V-BELTS
CheckV-beltsfor deteriorationand wear
after 100 hours of operationand replace
if necessary. T he belts are not adjustable.
Replacebelts if they beginto slip from
wear.
LUBRmCATmON
Only use high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SG-SL. Se-
lect the oil's SAE viscosity grade according
to your expected operating temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES 1
F -20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100
C -40 -20 -10 0 1'0 20 30 40
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
oil vi_cchartl e
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils
(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in
cold weather, they will result in increased
oil consumption when used above 32°R
Check your engine oil level more frequent-
ly to avoid possible engine damage from
running low on oil.
Change the oil after every 50 hours of op-
eration or at least once a year if the tractor
is not used for 50 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before start-
ing 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
Determine temperature range expected
before oil change. All oil must meet API
service classification SG-SL
Be sure tractor is on level surface.
Oil will drain more freely when warm.
Catch oil in a suitable container.
1. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful
not to allow dirt to enter the engine
when changing oil.
2. Remove yellow cap from end of drain
valve and instal[ the drain tube onto the
fitting.
011 Drain Valve
Cbsed and
Locked
Yellow Drain
Tube
3. Unlock drain valve by pushing inward
slightly and turning counterclockwise.
4. To open, pull out on the drain valve.
5. After oil has drained completely, close
and lock the drain valve by pushing
inward and turning clockwise until the
pin is in the locked position as shown.
6. Remove the drain tube and replace the
cap onto the end of the drain valve.
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