Craftsman 917.254531 Owner's Manual page 16

BATTERY (See Fig. 12)
Your unit has a battery charging system which is sufficient
for normal use. However periodic charg,ing of the battery
wth an automotive charger will extend its life.
• Acid solution level in each battery cell should be even
with bottoms of vent wells. Add only distilled or iron free
water if necessary. Do not overfill.
iiiiii i,
RESPONSiBILiTIES
CUT AWAY VIEW CAP
WELL
CELL ACID
LEVEL
FIG. 12
° Keep battery and terminals clean.
. Keep battery bolts tight.
• Keep vent caps tight and small vent holes in caps open.
- Recharge at 6 amperes for I hour.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS -
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause
the battery to "leak" power.
, Remove terminal guard.
. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED bat-
tery cable and remove battery from tractor.
• Wash battery with solution of four tablespoons of
baking soda to one galton of water. Becarefulnottoget
the soda solution into the cells,
• Rinse the battery with plain water and dry,
• Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush
until bright.
• Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jeI¥
° Reinstall battery (See "INSTALL BATTERY" in the
Assembly section of this manual)°
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours
and replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable°
Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear,
TRANSAXLE COOLING
Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt and chaff which
can restrict cooling.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Change the oil after the first two hours of operation and
every 25 hours thereafter or at least once a year ff the
tractor is not used for 25 hours in one year°
Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine
and after each eight (8) hours of continuous use. Add SAE
30W motor oil or equalivento Tighten oil fill cap/dipstick
securely each time you check the oil level. SAE 5W-30
motor oil may be used to make starting easier in areas
where temperature is consistently 32 ° F or lower.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig° 13)
Determine temperature range expected before oil change.
All oil must meet APt service classification SG.
• Be sure vehicle is on level surface.
, Oil will drain more freely when warm.
, Catch oil in a suitable container.
" Remove oil fill dipstick_ Be careful not to allow dirt to
enter the engine when changing oil.
, Remove drain pJug.
, After oil has drained completely, replace oil drain plug
and tighten securely.
- Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour
slowly. Do not overfill For approximate capacity see
Product Specifications on page 3 of this manual.
° Use gauge on oit fill dipstick for checking levet. Be sure
dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate reading.
Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
,OIL DRAIN PLUG
FIG. 13
16