Page 1
® MODEL 917.373231 OWNER'S MANUAL Conv_rt_bm_ ° AssembHy ° Operation o Customer Responsibilities ° Service ° Adjustments o Repair Parts Caution: Read and Follow all Safety Rules and Instructions Before Operating This Equipment...
SAFETY RULES REPAIRS. IMPORTANT SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY. YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS_ DO NOT ATT'EMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUM- STANCES° TRAINING: •...
Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanship. If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase,_ This Warranty does not cover: •...
Page 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY RULES ..........SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ....PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ......STORAGE ............. CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..3, 12-14 TROU B LESHOOTING ........WARRANTY ............ REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ..20-24 LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES ....REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ...... 25-30 ASSEMBLY .............
These accessories were available when this lawn mowerwas produced _They are also available at most Sears retail outlets, catalog and service centers_ Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you, when you provide the model number of your lawn mower° Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower. ENGmNE SPARK PLUG AIR FILTER...
Read these instructions and the Operator's Manual in its OPERATOR PRESENCE entirety before you attempt to assemble or operate your CONTROLBAR new lawn mower.. Your new lawn mower has been as- UPPER HANDLE sernbled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassernbled for shipping purpose&...
ASSE CATCHER FRAME TO ASSEMBLE & ATTACH GRASS CATCHER (See Figs. 3-4) Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigid part of bag on the bottom. ° Slip vinyl bindings over frame. NO'[E: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warm water for a few minutes If bag gets wet, let it dry before using.
OPERATION KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower' to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference_ ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE OPERATOR...
Page 9
OPERATION :, ,llll, l, l lll: lllll,l,,ll ,i, ill,, HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINE SPEED CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without mtdcher plate in place and door closed orwithout an approved clipping deflector or grasscatcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn...
OPERAON BEFORE STARTONG ENGItNE ENGINE OIL CAP OIL (See Fig. 10) W/DIPSTICK Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the engine° Be sure mower is level and area around oif fill is clean_ Remove engine oi! cap w/dipstick and fill to the full line on the dipstick_ •...
Page 11
OPERATIO MOWING TraPS Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the en- MAX 1/3 gine and leaving dumps of grass clipping& °...
CUSTOM ESPO IL[['IES ,i,1,,i, i1,1,, ii ..LAWN MOWER CRANK_ TRAILING EDGE Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte- SHAFT & nance. BLADE ADAPTER TIRES DETAIL BLADE HARDENED Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemi- cals which can harm rubber° ADAPTER Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage.
ESPONSU mLmTJE$ CUSTO ENGUNE LUBRICATION Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature. SAE VISCOSITY GRADES CONTAINER "20° 3o° a2° 40" 60° _0° 100° , °c .___3o0.='oo .loo _°...
SERVICE CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: Release control bar. Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place where it cannot come in contact with plug. LAWN MOWER TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT...
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS SHIPPING POSITION TO ADJUST HANDLE (See Figs. 16 Thru 18) MEDIUM LOW MEDIUM HIGH Your fawn mower handle can be raised or lowered for' your mowing comfort.. Four (4) positions are available: high, medium high, medium low and low. Handles are shipped mounted in the medium low position_ To change from medium iow to medium high position, the upper and lower handle sections will have to be...
ENGINE ENGINE SPEED TOP NO LOAD Your engine speed has been factory set,. Do not attempt to increase engine speed or it may. result in personal injury. If you believe that the engine is running too fast or IDLE SPEED too slow, take your lawn mower to an authorized service ADJUSTING...
STORAGE ENGINE Immediately prepare your lawn mower for storage at the end of the season or if the unit will not be used for 30 days FUEL SYSTEM or more. IMPORTANT: IT tS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUM LAWN MOWER DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUEL...
TROUBLESHOOTING CORRECTION CAUSE PROBLEM Cfean/replace air filter Does not start Dirty air filter Fill fuel tank Out offue{ Drain tank and refill with fresh clean fuel Stale fuel.. Drain fuel tank and carburetorand refill tank with fresh Water in fuel gasoline Connect wire to plug..
Page 20
RIEPAnR PARTS CRAFTSMAN 22" ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NUMBER 917.373231 c:>...
Page 21
REPAnR PARTS CRAFTSMAN 22" ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NUMBER 917.373231 PART DESCRIPTION PART DESCRIPTION 1133088X479 Upper Handle 41850998 Hex Head Thread Roiling Screw 3/8-16 x 1-1/8 130861 Engine Zone Control Cable 750097 Hex Washer Head Screw #10-24 x 1/2 74350424...
Page 22
REPAIR PARTS 22" CRAFTSMAN ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NUMBER 917.373231 i ,i, i i iii --'='_ i i, h,,1...
REPAIR PARTS CRAFTSMAN 22" ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NUMBER 917.373231 PART DESCRIPTION KEY PART DESCRIPTION Drive Cover Decal 137076 Control Cable Assembly 702182 48029 Control Head Kit 87866 Pan Head Tapping Screw #10-24 x 2-3/4 Hex Washer Head Screw #10-24 x 3/4...
Page 24
REPAnR PARTS 22" CRAFTSMAN POWER PROPELLED LAWN MOWER - - MODEL NO. 917.373231 GEAR CASE ASSEMBLY PART NUMBER 702511 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 17490416 57079 Washer, Hardened Screw, Tapping 1/4-20 x 1-1/4 131484 Yoke, CEutch 137055 Bracket, Adjusting Shifter 137053...
Page 25
REPAIR PARTS 22" ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NUMBER 917.373231 BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE, MODEL NO. 126802 TYPE NO. 3215-01 REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL.._4_ _...
Page 26
REPAIR PARTS 22" ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NUMBER 917.373231 BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE, MODEL NO. 126802 TYPE NO. 3215-01 188A 670A iiiii iiiiii G 634 116_...
Page 27
REPAnR PARTS 22" ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NUMBER 917.373231 BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE, MODEL NO. '126802 TYPE NO. 32'15-01 ......16o8 _332 _971A 69A O _529 971 _...
Page 28
REPAgR PARTS 22" ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NUMBER 917.373231 BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE, MODEL NO. 126802 TYPE NO. 3215-01 1019 358 GASKET SET _116 7_ _ 634 G 977 CARBURETOR GASKET 121 CARBURETOR OVERHAUL KIT! 617 ....
Page 29
REPA6R PARTS 22" ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NUMBER 917.373231 BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE, MODEL NO. 126802 TYPE NO. 3215-01 PART KEY PART DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 494062 Cylinder Assembly 492830 Gear, Cam 399269 Bushing, Cylinder 493737 Oil Slinger Gear and Bracket 299819 * Seal, Oil 272199...
Page 30
REPAIR PARTS 22" ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NUMBER 917.373231 BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE, MODEL NO. 126802 TYPE NO. 3215-01 KEY PART KEY PART DESCRIPTION NOo NO. NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 490547 Muffler, Exhaust 396847 Switch, Stop 493293 625 492717 Housing, Blower Tube, Fuel intake 94744 Screw, Seres, Hex Head...
Page 32
® 5.0 HORSEPOWER 22" REAR DISCHARGE MANUAL 3 in ONE Convertible POWER PROPELLED ROTARY LAWN MOWER Each lawn mower has its own model number. Each en- gine has its own model number,. The model number for your lawn mower will be found on a MODEL NO.
Page 33
® MODEL 917.373231 OWNER'S MANUAL Conv_rt_bm_ ° AssembHy ° Operation o Customer Responsibilities ° Service ° Adjustments o Repair Parts Caution: Read and Follow all Safety Rules and Instructions Before Operating This Equipment...
Page 34
SAFETY RULES REPAIRS. IMPORTANT SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY. YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS_ DO NOT ATT'EMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUM- STANCES° TRAINING: •...
Page 35
Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanship. If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase,_ This Warranty does not cover: •...
TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY RULES ..........SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ....PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ......STORAGE ............. CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..3, 12-14 TROU B LESHOOTING ........WARRANTY ............ REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ..20-24 LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES ....REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ...... 25-30 ASSEMBLY .............
Page 37
These accessories were available when this lawn mowerwas produced _They are also available at most Sears retail outlets, catalog and service centers_ Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you, when you provide the model number of your lawn mower° Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower. ENGmNE SPARK PLUG AIR FILTER...
Page 38
Read these instructions and the Operator's Manual in its OPERATOR PRESENCE entirety before you attempt to assemble or operate your CONTROLBAR new lawn mower.. Your new lawn mower has been as- UPPER HANDLE sernbled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassernbled for shipping purpose&...
Page 39
ASSE CATCHER FRAME TO ASSEMBLE & ATTACH GRASS CATCHER (See Figs. 3-4) Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigid part of bag on the bottom. ° Slip vinyl bindings over frame. NO'[E: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warm water for a few minutes If bag gets wet, let it dry before using.
Page 40
OPERATION KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower' to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference_ ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE OPERATOR...
Page 41
OPERATION :, ,llll, l, l lll: lllll,l,,ll ,i, ill,, HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINE SPEED CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without mtdcher plate in place and door closed orwithout an approved clipping deflector or grasscatcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn...
Page 42
OPERAON BEFORE STARTONG ENGItNE ENGINE OIL CAP OIL (See Fig. 10) W/DIPSTICK Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the engine° Be sure mower is level and area around oif fill is clean_ Remove engine oi! cap w/dipstick and fill to the full line on the dipstick_ •...
Page 43
OPERATIO MOWING TraPS Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the en- MAX 1/3 gine and leaving dumps of grass clipping& °...
Page 45
CUSTOM ESPO IL[['IES ,i,1,,i, i1,1,, ii ..LAWN MOWER CRANK_ TRAILING EDGE Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte- SHAFT & nance. BLADE ADAPTER TIRES DETAIL BLADE HARDENED Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemi- cals which can harm rubber° ADAPTER Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage.
Page 46
ESPONSU mLmTJE$ CUSTO ENGUNE LUBRICATION Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature. SAE VISCOSITY GRADES CONTAINER "20° 3o° a2° 40" 60° _0° 100° , °c .___3o0.='oo .loo _°...
Page 47
SERVICE CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: Release control bar. Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place where it cannot come in contact with plug. LAWN MOWER TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT...
Page 48
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS SHIPPING POSITION TO ADJUST HANDLE (See Figs. 16 Thru 18) MEDIUM LOW MEDIUM HIGH Your fawn mower handle can be raised or lowered for' your mowing comfort.. Four (4) positions are available: high, medium high, medium low and low. Handles are shipped mounted in the medium low position_ To change from medium iow to medium high position, the upper and lower handle sections will have to be...
Page 49
ENGINE ENGINE SPEED TOP NO LOAD Your engine speed has been factory set,. Do not attempt to increase engine speed or it may. result in personal injury. If you believe that the engine is running too fast or IDLE SPEED too slow, take your lawn mower to an authorized service ADJUSTING...
Page 50
STORAGE ENGINE Immediately prepare your lawn mower for storage at the end of the season or if the unit will not be used for 30 days FUEL SYSTEM or more. IMPORTANT: IT tS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUM LAWN MOWER DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUEL...
Page 51
TROUBLESHOOTING CORRECTION CAUSE PROBLEM Cfean/replace air filter Does not start Dirty air filter Fill fuel tank Out offue{ Drain tank and refill with fresh clean fuel Stale fuel.. Drain fuel tank and carburetorand refill tank with fresh Water in fuel gasoline Connect wire to plug..
Page 52
RIEPAnR PARTS CRAFTSMAN 22" ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NUMBER 917.373231 c:>...
Page 53
REPAnR PARTS CRAFTSMAN 22" ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NUMBER 917.373231 PART DESCRIPTION PART DESCRIPTION 1133088X479 Upper Handle 41850998 Hex Head Thread Roiling Screw 3/8-16 x 1-1/8 130861 Engine Zone Control Cable 750097 Hex Washer Head Screw #10-24 x 1/2 74350424...
Page 54
REPAIR PARTS 22" CRAFTSMAN ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NUMBER 917.373231 i ,i, i i iii --'='_ i i, h,,1...
Page 55
REPAIR PARTS CRAFTSMAN 22" ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NUMBER 917.373231 PART DESCRIPTION KEY PART DESCRIPTION Drive Cover Decal 137076 Control Cable Assembly 702182 48029 Control Head Kit 87866 Pan Head Tapping Screw #10-24 x 2-3/4 Hex Washer Head Screw #10-24 x 3/4...
Page 56
REPAnR PARTS 22" CRAFTSMAN POWER PROPELLED LAWN MOWER - - MODEL NO. 917.373231 GEAR CASE ASSEMBLY PART NUMBER 702511 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 17490416 57079 Washer, Hardened Screw, Tapping 1/4-20 x 1-1/4 131484 Yoke, CEutch 137055 Bracket, Adjusting Shifter 137053...
Page 57
REPAIR PARTS 22" ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NUMBER 917.373231 BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE, MODEL NO. 126802 TYPE NO. 3215-01 REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL.._4_ _...
Page 58
REPAIR PARTS 22" ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NUMBER 917.373231 BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE, MODEL NO. 126802 TYPE NO. 3215-01 188A 670A iiiii iiiiii G 634 116_...
Page 59
REPAnR PARTS 22" ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NUMBER 917.373231 BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE, MODEL NO. '126802 TYPE NO. 32'15-01 ......16o8 _332 _971A 69A O _529 971 _...
Page 60
REPAgR PARTS 22" ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NUMBER 917.373231 BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE, MODEL NO. 126802 TYPE NO. 3215-01 1019 358 GASKET SET _116 7_ _ 634 G 977 CARBURETOR GASKET 121 CARBURETOR OVERHAUL KIT! 617 ....
Page 61
REPA6R PARTS 22" ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NUMBER 917.373231 BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE, MODEL NO. 126802 TYPE NO. 3215-01 PART KEY PART DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 494062 Cylinder Assembly 492830 Gear, Cam 399269 Bushing, Cylinder 493737 Oil Slinger Gear and Bracket 299819 * Seal, Oil 272199...
Page 62
REPAIR PARTS 22" ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NUMBER 917.373231 BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE, MODEL NO. 126802 TYPE NO. 3215-01 KEY PART KEY PART DESCRIPTION NOo NO. NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 490547 Muffler, Exhaust 396847 Switch, Stop 493293 625 492717 Housing, Blower Tube, Fuel intake 94744 Screw, Seres, Hex Head...
Page 64
® 5.0 HORSEPOWER 22" REAR DISCHARGE MANUAL 3 in ONE Convertible POWER PROPELLED ROTARY LAWN MOWER Each lawn mower has its own model number. Each en- gine has its own model number,. The model number for your lawn mower will be found on a MODEL NO.