Transaxle Cooling; Transaxle Pump Fluid; V-Belts; Engine Lubrication - Craftsman 917.272760 Owner's Manual

Adding or checkinglevelof electrolyteis
not necessary.
TO CLEAN BATTERYANDTERMINALS
Corrosionand dirt on the battery and
terminals can causethe batteryto "leak"
power.
1. DisconnectBLACKbattery cable first
then RED battery cable and remove
battery from 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 Serviceand Adjust-
ments sectionof this manual).
TRANSAXLE COOLING
The transmissionfan and coolingfins
should be kept clean to assure proper
cooling.
Do not attemptto clean fan or transmis-
sion while engine is runningor whilethe
transmissionis hot.To preventpossible
damageto seals, do not use high pressure
water or steam to clean transaxle.
• Inspectcoolingfan to be sure fan blades
are intact and clean.
• Inspectcoolingfins for dirt, grass clip-
pings and other materials. To prevent
damageto seals, do not use com-
pressedair or high pressuresprayerto
clean coolingfins.
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
a 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 SF-SJ.
Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating
temperature.
SAE ViSCOSiTY GRAOES
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils
(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in
cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will
result in increased oil consumption when
used above 32°E Check your engine oil
level more frequently to avoid possible
engine damage from running low 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 SF-SJ.
• 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. Remove yellow cap from end of drain
valve and install the drain tube onto
the fitting.
Oil Drain Valve
Drain Tube
/
3. Unlock drain valve by pushing inward
slightly and turning counterclockwise.
4. To open, pull out on the drain valve.
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 to the end of the drain valve.
7. Refill engine with oil through oil fill dip-
stick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill.
For approximate capacity see "PROD-
UCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this
manual.
8. Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for
checking level. Be sure dipstick cap is
tightened securely for accurate read-
ing. Keep oil at "FULl" line on dipstick.
20