Maintenance - Craftsman 917.28918 Operator's Manual

BATTERY
"Your tractor has a battery charging system
which is sufficient for normal use, However,
periodic charging of the battery with an au-
tomotive charger will extend its life.
• Keep batten/and terminals clean°
- Keep battery bolts tight.
- Keep small vent holes open.
° Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour.
NOTE: The original battery on your tractor is
maintenance free. Do not attempt to open or
remove caps or covers° Adding or checking
level of electrolyte is not necessary.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals
can cause the battery to "leak" power.
Io Disconnect BLACK battery cable firstthen
RED battery cable and remove battery
from tractor.
2, Rinse the batterywith plain water and dry,
3. Clean terminals and battery cable ends
with wire brush until bright.
4, Coat terminals with grease or petroleum
jelly,
5o Reinstall battery (See "REPLACING
BATTERY" in the SERVICE AND AD-
JUSTMENTS section of this manual).
TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE
The transaxle was sealed at the factory and
fluid maintenance is not required for the life
of the transaxle. Should the transaxle ever
leak or require servicing, contact your nearest
authorized service center/department.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with
API service classification SG-SL Select the
oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your
expected operating temperature,
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
• i
TEMPERA3'URE R/_I,_GEANT|CIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHA{_GF_
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30,
10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather,
they wilt result in increased oil consumption
when used above 32°E Check your engine
oil level more frequently to avoid possible
engine damage from running low on oil.
Change the oil after every 50 hours of opera-
tion or at least once a year if the tractor is
not used for 50 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level befo re 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
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. Removeyellowcapfromend ofdrainvalve
and install the drain tube onto the fitting.
Oil Drain Valve
Closed _
and _..J_tz'%"- J[. ""
Locked J _2'/f_ J
Position ___-._Z_
'4/-" '3/ -' Drain
Yellow Cap _ 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,
7. Refill engine with oilthrough oil filldipstick
tube. Pour slowly_ Do not overfill. For
approximate capacity see "PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIO NS"section ofthis manual.
8. Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for
checking level. For accurate reading,
insert dipstick into the tube and push
down firmly into place before removing.
Keep oi! up to, but not over, the "FULI_
line on dipstick. Push dipstick down firmly
into the tube when finishe&
ENGINE OIL FILTER
Replace the engine oil filter every season or
every other oil change if the tractor is used
more than 100 hours in one year°
2O