To Clean Battery And Terminals; Transaxle Maintenance; Transaxle Pump Fluid; Engine Lubrication - Craftsman 917.20408 Operator's Manual

TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS

Corrosion and dirt on the battery and termi-
nals 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
is hot. To prevent 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.
• 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 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 SJ-SN. Select the
oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your
expected operating temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
5W-30
-20 0 30
F
C -20
-30 -10
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
SAE 30
32 40 60 80
0 10
20 30
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30,
10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather,
they will result in increased oil 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 SJ-SN.
• 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
Cover
Fastener
4. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful
not to allow dirt to enter the engine when
changing oil.
5. Remove yellow cap from end of drain valve
and install the drain tube onto the fitting.
Closed
and
Locked
Position
100
40
Yellow Cap
23
Tabs
Oil Drain Valve
Slots
Drain
Tube