Transaxle Maintenance; Engine Oil Filter - Craftsman 917.98643 Operator's Manual

TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE
The transaxle was sealed at the factory and
fluid maintenance is not required for the life
of the transaxle. Should the transaxle ever
leak or require servicing, contact your near-
est Sears or other qualified service center.
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after
100 hours of operation and replace if neces-
sary. 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 SG-SL. Select the oil's
SAE viscosity grade according to your expected
operating temperature.
__SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
F -20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100
c -_o -2; -1; ; ,'o _o 30 4o
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
Change the oil after every 50 hours of operation
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 operation.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OiL
Determine temperature range expected
before oil change. All oil must meet API
service classification SG-SL.
Ensure tractor is on level surface.
Oil will drain more freely when warm.
Catch oil in a suitable container.
LOWER DASH COVER REMOVAL
1. Raise hood.
2. Remove fastenerfrom lower dash cover.
CAUTION: Remove lower dash cover care-
fully to ensure cover tabs are not broken.
3. Slide lower dash cover up to release
cover tabs from tapered slots in lower
dash and remove.
Lower Dash
4.
Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful
not to allow dirt to enter the engine when
changing oil.
5. Remove yetlow capfrom end of drainvalve
and install the drain tube onto the fitting.
6. Unlock drain valve by pushing inward
and turning counterclockwise.
7. To open, putt out on the drain valve.
Oil Drain Valve
Closed /) ,I;_
and _-_ _____°
Yellow
Cap v
8. 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.
9. Removethe drain tube and replacethe cap
onto to the bottom fitting of the drain valve.
10. Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick
tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. For
approximate capacity see "PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIONS"section of this manual.
11.Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for
checking level. Insert dipstick into the
tube and rest the oil fill cap on the tube.
Do not thread the cap onto the tube when
taking reading. Keep oil at "FULL' line
on dipstick. Tighten cap onto the tube
securely when finished.
ENGINE OiL FILTER
Replace the engine oil filter every season or
every other oil change if the tractor is used
more than 100 hours in one year.
NOTE: If needed, remove lower dash covers
using steps from "Lower dash cover removal"
section of this manual.
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