Engine Lubrication - Craftsman 917.28809 Operator's Manual

BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system
which is sufficient for normal use. How-
ever, periodic charging of the battery with
an automotive charger will extend its life.
• Keep battery and terminals clean.
• Keep battery bolts tight.
• Keep small vent holes open.
• Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour.
NOTE: The original equipment 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.
1. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first
then RED battery cable and remove
battery from tractor.
2. Rinse the battery with plain water and
dry.
3. Clean terminals and battery cable ends
with wire brush until bright.
4. Coat terminals with grease or petro-
leum jelly.
5. Reinstall battery (See "REPLACING
BATTERY" in the SERVICE AND AD-
JUSTMENTS section of this manual).
TRANSAXLE COOLING
Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt
and chaff which can restrict cooling.
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after
100 hours of operation and replace if neces-
sary. 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.
o_ v_scc_artl e
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils
(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in
cold weather, the oils will result in in-
creased oil consumption when used above
32°R Check your engine oil level more
frequently to avoid possible engine dam-
age from running low on oil.
Change the oil after every 50 hours of
operation or at least once a year if the
tractor is not used for 50 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before 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. Removeyellow cap from end of drain valve
and install the drain tube onto the fitting.
3. Unlock drain valve by pushing inward
slightly and turning counterclockwise.
4. To open, pull out on the drain valve.
Oil Drain Valve
Closed and
Locked _1 I Ai_k'--_ "_
P°sitien l
Yellow _,-_,' _-_f_"X "'-_
Cap _------_-_,, ¢_ L;V--_ "_ _" Drain
Tube
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 oil through oil fill dipstick
tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. For
approximate capacity see "PRODUCT
SPECI FICATIONS'section ofthis manual.
8. 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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