Muffler; Spark Plug(S); Cleaning; Deck Washout Port - Craftsman 917.20408 Operator's Manual

MUFFLER

Inspect and replace corroded muffler and
spark arrester (if equipped) as it could create
a fire hazard and/or damage.

SPARK PLUG(S)

Replace spark plug(s) at the beginning of each
mowing season or after every 100 hours of
operation, whichever occurs first. Spark plug
type and gap setting are shown in "PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual.

CLEANING

• Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc.
of all foreign matter.
• Clean debris from steering plate. Debris
can restrict clutch/brake pedal shaft move-
ment, causing belt slip and loss of drive.
CAUTION: Avoid all pinch points and
movable parts
Clutch/brake pedal
Clean
top side
Steering
Plate
Steering System, Dash, Fender
and Mower Not Shown
• Keep finished surfaces and wheels free
of all gasoline, oil, etc.
• Protect painted surfaces with automotive
type wax.
Except for the washout port (if equipped),
we do not recommend using a garden hose
or pressure washer to clean the outside of
your tractor unless the engine and transmis-
sion are covered to keep water out. Water
in engine or transmission will shorten the
useful life of your tractor. Use compressed
air or a leaf blower to remove grass, leaves
and trash from outside tractor and mower.

DECK WASHOUT PORT

Your tractor's deck is equipped with a
washout port on its surface as part of its
deck wash system. It should be utilized af-
ter each use.
1. Drive the tractor to a level, clear spot
on your lawn, near enough to a water
spigot for your garden hose to reach.
IMPORTANT: Make certain the tractor's
discharge chute is directed AWAY from your
house, garage, parked cars, etc. Remove
bagger chute or mulch cover if attached.
2. Make sure the attachment clutch control
is in the "DISENGAGED" position, set
the parking brake, and stop the engine.
3. Thread the nozzle adapter (packaged
with your tractor's Operator's Manual)
onto the end of your garden hose.
4. Pull back the lock collar of the nozzle
adapter and push the adapter onto the
deck washout port at the left end of the
mower deck. Release the lock collar to
lock the adapter on the nozzle.
Nozzle
Adapter
IMPORTANT: Tug hose ensuring connec-
tion is secure.
5. Turn the water on.
6. While sitting in the operator's position
on the tractor, re-start the engine and
place the throttle lever in the Fast "
position.
IMPORTANT: Recheck the area making
certain the area is clear.
7. Move the tractor's attachment clutch
control to the "ENGAGED" position.
Remain in the operator's position
with the cutting deck engaged until the
deck is cleaned.
8. Move the tractor's attachment clutch
control to the "DISENGAGED" posi-
tion. Turn the ignition key to the STOP
position to turn the tractor's engine off.
Turn the water off.
9. Pull back the lock collar of the nozzle
adapter to disconnect the adapter from
the nozzle washout port.
10. Move the tractor to a dry area, prefer-
ably a concrete or paved area. Place
the attachment clutch control in the
"ENGAGED" position to remove excess
water and to help dry before putting the
tractor away.
WARNING:
fitting could expose you or others to thrown
objects from contact with the blade.
• Replace broken or missing washout fitting
immediately, prior to using mower again.
• Plug any holes in mower with bolts and
locknuts.
25
Hose
Washout Port
A broken or missing washout
"