Page 1
917.377960 • Safety • Assembly • Operation • Maintenance • Espa_ol • Repair Parts CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman...
Page 2
Back Cover LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating _nd maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in matedal or workmanship.
• Checkfuel tank beforestartingengine. Do • Never cut grass by pulling the mower nottillgas tank indoors,when _ engine is towards you. Mow across the face of runningorwhen the engineis hot. Allowthe slopes, never up and down or you might lose your footing. Do not mow excessively engineto coolfor several minutesbefore steep slopes.
Page 4
These accessorieswere availablewhen this lawnmowerwas produced.They are not shipped with your mower. They are alsoava,able at most Sears retailoutletsand service centers. Most Sears storescan alsoorder repairpartsfor you, when you providethe model numberof your lawnmower. Some ofthese accessoriesmay notapplyto your lawn mower. LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE CUPPING DEFLECTOR FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS...
Page 5
TO INSTALL AI-I'ACHMENTS • Your handles may be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to Service and Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be Adjustments section of this manual. used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging; See OPERATION section Operator presence of this manual.
Page 6
q_lOW YOUR LAWN MOWER :lEAD THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN VlOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the ocation of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. I-hese symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the product.
Theoperation of anylawnmower c an result i n TO OPERATE DRIVE SYSTEM foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can • With engine running, select ground result in severe eye damage. Always wear speed by moving speed control lever to safety glasses or eye shields while operating desired position.
SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without rear mulcher plug or approved grass WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the MOWER lawn mower with the rear door removed or propped o pen. FOR MULCHING - •...
octane.(Useof leaded gasoline will Make the second cut to the desired height. increase carbon andleadoxidedeposits For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the andreduce valvelife). Donotmixoilwith width of cut. gasoline.Purchase f uel in quantities that Pores in cloth grass catchers can become tilled with dirt and dust with use and the can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS MODEL NUMBER 917.377960 SERIAL NUMBER DATE OF PURCHASE HORSEPOWER: 6.75 GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS UNLEADED REGULAR OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°1=) OIL CAPACITY: 27 OZS. SPARK PLUG(GAP: .030") CHAMPION RJ19LM or J19LM VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .004 - .008...
Page 12
TO SHARPEN BLADE • If you remove the drive pinions, wipe clean with dry cloth. Reassemble dry. NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening Do not lubricate. Do not use oil or blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is grease.
Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each five (5) hours of Air filter cover continuous use. "Rghten oil plug securely each l_me you check the oil level. Coverknob TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil, drain fuel tank by running engine until fuel tank Hinge is empty.
CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY Handle pin SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: Release controlbar. Med. 3-position Make sure the blade and allmoving Handle partshave completelystopped. adjustment Disconnect spark plugwire from bracket spark plugand place where itcannot come in contactwithplug. LAWN MOWER TO ADJUST CUTRNG HEIGHT ENGINE See "TO ADJUST CU'I-rlNG HEIGHT"...
Immedrately prepare your lawn mower for ENGINE storage at the end of the season or if the unit FUEL SYSTEM will not be used for 30 days or more. IMPORTANT: It is important to prevent gum LAWN MOWER deposits from forming in essential fuel system When lawn mower is to be storad for a period pads such as carburetor, fuel filter, fuel hose, of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt,...
IMPORTANT: Nevercovermower w h_ CAUTION: Neverstorethe lawn mower .=ngine a nde_aust areasarestillwarm. with gasolinein the tankinsidea building where fumesmayreachanopen flameor spark. Allowthe engineto coolbefore storingin any enclosure. tROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Viii not start J1. Clean/replace air tilter. Dirty air filter. Out of fuel.
Page 17
TROUBLESH( OTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Grass catcher Cuffing height too low. 1. Raise cutting height. not filling Lift on blade worn off. Replace blade. (If so equipped) Catcher not venting air. 3. Clean grass catcher, Low engine speed. 4. Set engine speed control in fast position.
Page 24
CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODEL NUMBER 143.996710 PART DESCRIPTION 640020A Carburetor (l_cl. 187B & 239 of Engine Parts List) 632539 Throttle Shaft & Lever Assembly 632593 Dust Seal 632541 Throttle Shutter 650506 Throttle Shutter Screw 632773 Venturi Float Bowl 632675A 632544...
Page 25
CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODEL NUMBER 143.996710 PART DESCRIPTION ---- 590702 Recoil Starter 590599A Spdog Pin (Incl. 4) 59O6O0 Washer 590696 Retainer 590601 Washer 590697 Brake Spring 590698 Starter Dog 590699 Dog Spring 590700 Pulley & Rewind Spring Ass'y. 5907O3 Starter Housing Ass'y.
Page 26
For in-home major brand repair service: Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1-800-4-MY-Home sM (1-800-469-4663) Para pedir servicio de reparaci6n a domicilio 1-800-676-5811 In Canada for all your service and parts needs call Au Canada pour tout le service ou les pibces 1-800-665-4455 For the repair or replacement parts you need:...