Engine Oil - Craftsman 28857 Operator's Manual

TO CLEAN BATTERYAND TERMINALS
Corrosionand dirt on the battery and termi-
nals can causethe batteryto "leak" power.
1. DisconnectBLACK battery cable first
then RED battery cable and remove
batteryfrom tractor.
2. Rinse the battery with plain water and
dry.
3. Cleanterminals and battery cable ends
with wire brush until bright.
4. Coat terminals with grease or petro-
leumjelly.
5. Reinstallbattery (See "REPLACING
BATTERY"in the SERVICE AND AD-
JUSTMENTSsection of this manual).
TRANSAXLE COOLING
The transmissionfan and coolingfins
should be kept clean to assure proper
cooling.
Do not attempt to clean fan or transmis-
sion while engine is running or while the
transmission is hot. To prevent possible
damage to seals, do not use high pressure
water or steam to clean transaxle.
• Inspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades
are intact and clean.
• Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clip-
pings and other materials. To prevent
damage to seals, do not use com-
pressed air or high pressure sprayerto
clean cooling fins.
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxle was sealed at the factory
and fluid maintenance is not required for
the life of the transaxle. Should the trans-
axle ever leak or require servicing, contact
your nearest Sears or other qualified
service center.
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear
after 100 hours of operation and replace
if necessary. The belts are not adjustable.
Replace belts if they begin to slip from
wear.
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
F -20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100
i i i i i
C -30 -2_0 -10 0 1_0 20 30 40
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
oil viscchartl 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 !ow 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. Slideoildrainextensionfromthedocking
position on the engine blower housing
and extend outward from engine.
Docking
Position
Oil Drain
Exten_.cap
3. To open, twist cap counter-clockwise
4. After oil is drained completely, replace
cap and twist clockwise until it stops.
5. Re-attach oil drain extension to engine
blower housing.
6. Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick
tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. For ap-
proximate capacity see "PRODUCT SP-
ECIFICATIONS" section of this manual.
.
Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for
checking level. For accurate reading,
tighten dipstick cap securely onto the
tube before removing dipstick. Keep oil
at "FULl" line on dipstick. Tighten cap
onto the tube securely when finished.
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