Fuel System; Engine Oil; Cylinder - Craftsman 917.370714 Owner's Manual

1. Loosen the two (2) handle knobs on
sides of the upper handle and allow
handle to fold down to the rear.
2. Remove the two (2) handle knobs and
carriage bolts on sides of the lower
handle and pivot entire handle as-
sembly forward and allow it to rest on
mower.
3. Reinstall knobs and carriage bolts to
lower handle or handle brackets for
safe keeping.
• When setting up your handle from the
storage position, the lower handle will
require manually locking into the mow-
ing position.
IMPORTANT: When folding the handle
for storage or transportation, be sure to
fold the handle as shown or you may dam-
age the control cables.
Operator MOWING
POSITION
control bar
Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an
engine while in storage.
• Empty the fuel tank by starting the en-
gine and letting it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty.
• Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
• Use fresh fuel next season.
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable
alternative in minimizing the formation
of fuel gum deposits during storage.
Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or
storage container. Always follow the mix
ratio found on stabilizer container. Run
engine at least 10 minutes after adding
stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach
the carburetor. Do not empty the gas tank
and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
FOLD
FORWARD ",.
FOR '.
STO RAG E
ENGINE OIL
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace
with clean engine oil. (See "ENGINE" in
the Maintenance section of this manual).
Handle
knob
Lower handle
Handle
b racket
Knob
ENGINE
FUEL SYSTEM
IMPORTANT: It is important to prevent
gum deposits from forming in essential
fuel system parts such as carburetor, fuel
filter, fuel hose or tank during storage.
CYLINDER
1. Remove spark plug.
2. Pour one ounce of oil through spark
plug hole into cylinder.
3. Pull starter handle slowly a few times
to distribute oil.
4. Replace with new spark plug.
OTHER
• Do not store gasoline from one season
to another.
• Replace your gasoline can if your can
starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your
gasoline will cause problems.
• If possible, store your unit indoors and
cover it to protect it from dust and dirt.
• Cover your unit with a suitable protec-
tive cover that does not retain moisture.
Do not use plastic. Plastic cannot
breathe, which allows condensation to
form and will cause your unit to rust.
IMPORTANT: Never cover mower while
engine and exhaust areas are still warm.
_CAUTION: Never store the lawn
mower with gasoline in the tank inside a
building where fumes may reach an open
flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool
before storing in any enclosure.
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