Craftsman 917.254531 Owner's Manual page 17

AIR FILTER FOAM PRE-CLEANER (See Fig,
14)
Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged by
using a dirty air filter_ Clean the foam pro-cleaner element
after every 25 hours of operation, more often if used in very
dusty, dirty conditions.
• Remove knob and cover.
• Remove cartridge nut and replace cartridge.
, Reassemble and tighten securely,
NOTE: Do not a_empt to clean or oil the paper cartridge.
Replace paper cartridge once a year or after every 100
hours of operation, more often if used in very dusty, dirty
condition&
• Wash foam pre-cleaner in liquid detergent and water.
• Wrap foam pro-cleaner in c_oth and squeeze dry_
• Lightly coat foam pre-cleaner with clean engine oil.
Squeeze in towel to remove excess oil. Do not satu-
rate_
o Install foam pro-cleaner over paper cartridge.
• Reassemble cover and secure with knobs.
COVER
KNOB
= CARTRIDGE
COVER _NUT
_"'_PAPER
FOAM _ _ CARTRIDGE
FRE-CLE ANERI'- _ _
__R CLEANER BASE
FIG. 14
AIR SCREEN (See Fig, 15)
The engine air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to
prevent engine damage from overheating. Clean with a
wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn
dried gum fibers.
ENGINE COOLING FINS (See Fig. 15)
Remove any dust, dirt or oil from engine cooling fins to
prevent engine damage from overheating_
• Remove oil fill dipstick and cover opening to prevent
entry of dirt.
o Remove screws from blower housing and lift housing
off engine.
. Remove the screws securing the starter housing and
lift housing off engine.
o Use compressed air or stiff bristle brush to thoroughly
ctean engine cooling fins,
. To reassemble, reverse above procedure°
SCREWS
BLOWER HOUSING
STARTER
HOUSING
17
OIL FILL
DIPSTICK
1
SPARK
ENGINE
COOLINGFINS
PLUG
FIG. 15
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if
equipped) as it coutd create a fire hazard and/or damage.
SPARK PLUGS
Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing
season or after every t00 hours of use, whichever comes
first, Spark plug type and gap setting is shown in "PROD-
UCT SPECIFICATIONS on page 3 of this manual.
IN-LINE FUEL FILTER
(See Fig, 16)
Fuel filter should be replaced once each season. If fuel filter
becomes clogged, obstructing fuel flow to carburetor, re-
placement is required.
• With engine cool, remove filter and plug fuel line
sections.
° Place new fuel filter in position in fuel line.
• Be sure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are
properly positioned.
• Immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline°
'-_ FUEL
FILTER
FIG. 16
CLEANING
• Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc_ of all foreign
matter.
o Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline,
oil, etc,
" Protect painted surfaces with automotive type wax.
We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean youl
unit unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and
carburetor are covered to keep water out Water in engine
can result in a shortened engine life.