Troubleshooting - Craftsman 917.376051 Owner's Manual

ENGINE
FUEL SYSTEM
IMPORTANT: It is important to prevent
gum deposits from forming in essential fuel
system parts such as carburetor, fuel filter,
fuel hose, or tank during storage. Alcohol
blended fuels (called gasohol or using
ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture
wllich leads to separation and formation
of acids during storage_ Acidic gas can
damage the fuel system of an engine while
in storage.
. Empty the fuel tank by starting the em
gine and letting it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty.
. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
• Use fresh fuel next season,
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable al-
ternative in minimizing the formation of fuel
gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer
to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container.
Always follow the mix ratio found on stabilizer
container° Run engine at least 10 minutes
after adding stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to
reach the carburetor. Do not empty the gas
tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
NOTE: FRESH START
TM
fuel cap and
cartridge system automatically drips con-
centrated fuel preserver into your fuel tank
and is an acceptable alternative to adding
fuel stabilizer.
ENGINE OIL
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace
with clean engine oil. (See "ENGINE" in
the Maintenance section of this manual)_
CYLINDER
1. Remove spark plug.
2, Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through
spark plug hole into cylinder,
3. Pull starter handle slowly a few times
to distribute oil.
4. Replace with new spark plug,
OTHER
• Do not store gasoline from one season
to another°
° Replace your gasoline can if your can
starts to rust. Rust and/or did in your
gasoline wil! cause problems.
• If possible, store your unit indoors and
cover it to protect it from dust and dirt.
- Cover your unit with a suitable protec-
tive cover that does not retain moisture.
Do not use plastic. Plastic cannot
breathe, which allows condensation to
form and will cause your unit to rust,
IMPORTANT: Never cover mower while
engine and exhaust areas are still warm.
_CAUTION" Never store the lawn mower
with gasoline in the tank inside a building
where fumes may reach an open flame
or spark° Allow the engine to cool before
storing in any enclosure.
TROUBLESHOOTING - See appropriate section in manual unless directed
to a Sears Parts & Repair Center.
PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION
1. Dirty air filter.
2. Out of fuel.
3_ Stale fuel.
4_ Water in fuel.
5. Spark plug wire is
disconnected.
6o Bad spark plug.
7. Loose blade or broken
blade adapter.
Does not start
& Control bar in released
position,
9. Control bar defective.
10. Fuel valve lever (if so
equipped) in OFF position.
11_ Weak battery (if equipped).
I2, Disconnected battery
connector (if equipped).
2.
3.
4o
5.
6.
7.
Clean/replace air filter.
Fill fuel tank,
Empty fuel tank and refill tank
with fresh, clean gasoline.
Empty fuel tank and refill tank
with fresh, clean gasoline.
Connect wire to plug.
Replace spark plug.
Tighten blade bolt or
replace blade adapter.
8o Depress control bar to
handle,
9. Replace control bar.
1 &Turn fuel valve lever
to the ON position.
11, Charge battery_
12_ Connect battery to engine.
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