Craftsman 917.252711 Owner's Manual page 19

CUSTO RESPONSnBmLmES
TRANSAXLE COOLING
The fan and cooling fins of transmission should be kept
clean to assure proper cooling.
Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission while engine is
running or while the transmission is hoL
tnspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades are intact and
clean.
Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clippings and other
materials. To prevent damage to seals, do not use
compressed air or high pressure sprayer to clean
cooling fins.
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxle was sealed at the factory and fluid mainte-
nance is not required for the life of the transaxle. Should the
transaxle ever leak or require servicing, contact your near-
est authorized service center/department.
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 S F or SG. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
_F "20 ° 0o 30 ° 32° 40 ° 60 ° 80 ° 100 °
°c -3o o -20° -loo o° lo° _o o 30° 40°
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE_
FIG. 15
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°R Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid
possible engine damage from running low on oil.
Change the oi! 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.
Checkthe crankcase oil level before starting 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 (See Figs. 15 and 16)
Determine temperature range expected before oil chang_
All oil must meet API service classification SF or SG.
o Be sure tractor is on leve! surface.
o Oi! will drain more freely when warm.
o Catch oil in a suitable container.
- Remove oil fil! cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow di;t
to enter the engine when changing oil.
o Remove drain plug.
After oil has drained completely, replace oil drain plu 9
and tighten securely.
Refill engine with oil through oil fil! dipstick tube. Pour
slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see
"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this
manual.
Use gauge on oit fill cap/dipstick for checking level. B(_
sure dipstick is in all the way for accurate readin(_
Keep oit at "FULL" line on dipstick.
OIL FILL
CAP/DIPSTICK
O_L ORA_N
FIG, 16
CLEAN AiR SCREEN (See Fig, 18)
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.
AiR FILTER (See Fig. 17)
Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter.
Clean the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of opera
tion or every season. Service paper cartridge every 100
hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs firsL
Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions.
Remove wing nut and cover.
• Remove seal and cartridge plate.
19