V-Belts; Transaxle Cooling; Check Transaxle Oil Level; Engine Lubrication - Craftsman 917.255981 Owner's Manual

....... i,,unu,l,u,,,u u' , i Ul i,,n,,,,i,
CUSTOMER RESPONSBBmL ES
................. in i, inlll i ii u nl,,,,n,,nn,,
= Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED bat-
tery cable and remove battery from tractor.
o Wash battery with solution of four tablespoons of
baking sodato one gallon of water, Be careful netto get
the soda solution into the cells.
o Rinse the battery with plain water and dry
o Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush
until bright.
= Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jel{y.
° Reinstall battery (See "INSTALL BATTERY" in the
Assembly section of this manual).
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterio ration 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.
TRANSAXLE COOLING
Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt and chaff which
can restrict cooling,,
CHECK TRANSAXLE OIL LEVEL
(See Fig. 17)
• Block up rear axle securely or use a tractor jack
= Remove left rear wheel by removing hub bolts.
Remove filler plug from transaxle, Oil level must be
even with plug threads, if necessary, fill with SAE 30
motor oil, API-SG,, Replace filler plug,,
= Reassemble wheel to hub°
o For approximate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFI-
CATIONS" on page 3 of this manual,
0
O
O
TRANSAXLE
FILLER PLUG
FIG, 17
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with APt service
classification SG. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating temperature,
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
J
_'F" -20 _ 0 _ 30 ° 32 _ 40" 60 _ 80 _ 100 _
°c -3'oo -2_o .1_,o _,o 1'oo 2oo 3oo 40°
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OJL CHANGE
FIG. 18
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30, etc.)
improves starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils
will result in increased oil consumption when used above
32=Co Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid
possible engine damage from running low on oil
Change the oil after the first two hours of operation and
every 50 hours thereafter 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 continuous use.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig.. 18 and 19)
Determine temperature range expected before oil change_
All oil must meet API service classification SG
° Be sure tractor is on level surface,
o Oil will drain more freely when warm.
o Catch oil in a suitable container
,, Remove oil fiII cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt
to enter the engine when changing oil
o Remove drain plug,
= 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 overfiIL For approximate capacity see
"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this
manual,,
Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. Be
sure dipstick is in all the way for accurate reading°
Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick.,
OIL DRAIN PLUG
ENGINE OIL
FILLER CAPIDIPSTICK
FIG. 19
17