Craftsman 917.20402 Operator's Manual page 20

• Keep batten/and terminals clean.
. Keep battery bolts tight.
• Keep small vent holes open.
• Recharge at 6-10 amperes for ! hour.
NOTE: The original equipment battery on
your tractor is maintenance free. Do not
attempt to open or remove caps or covers.
Adding or checking level of electrolyte is
not necessary.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AN D TERMt NALS
Corrosion and dirt on the batte_and terminals
can cause the battery to "leak' power.
1. Remove terminal guard.
2. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first
then RED battery cable and remove
battery from tractor.
3. Rinse the battery with plain water and
dry.
4. Clean terminals and battery"cable ends
with wire brush until bright.
5. Coat terminals with grease or petroleum
jelly.
6. Reinstall battery (See "REPLACING
BATTERY" in the Service and Adjust-
ments section of this manual).
TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE
The transmission fan and cooling fins should
be kept clean to assure proper cooling. Do
not attempt to clean fan or transmission while
engine is running or while the transmission
ishot. Toprevent possible damage to seals.
do not use high pressure water or steam to
clean transaxle.
• Inspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades
are intact and clean.
• Inspectcoolingfinsfordirt, grass clippings
and other materials. To prevent damage to
seals, do not use compressed air or high
pressure sprayer to clean co'01ingfins.
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxle was sealed at the factory and
fluid maintenance is not required for the life
ofthe transaxle. Should the transaxle ever
leak or require servicing, contact your near-
est Sears or other qualified service center.
V-BELTS
CheckV-belts for deterioration andwear after
t O0hours 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. Selectthe
oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your
expected operating temperature,
NOTE: Although multi-viscosityoils (5W30,
10W30 etc.) improvestarting incold weather,
they will result in increased oi! consumption
when used above 32°F/0°C. 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
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. 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 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 fastener from 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.
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