Craftsman 247.88976 series Operator's Manual page 29

Changing Engine Oil
NOTE: Change the engine oil after the first 5 hours of operation and once a season
or every 50 hours thereafter.
1. Drain fuel from tank by running engine until the fuel tank is empty. Be sure
fuel fill cap is secure.
2. Place suitable oil collection container under oil drain plug.
3. Remove oil drain plug and washer (if equipped). See 54.
4. Tip unit to drain oil into the container. Used oil must be disposed of at a
proper collection center.
Used oil is a hazardous waste product. Dispose of used oil properly. Do not
discard with household waste. Check with your local authorities or Sears
Service Center for safe disposal/recycling facilities.
5. Reinstall the drain plug and washer (if equipped) and tighten it securely.
6. Refill with the recommended oil and check the oil level. See Recommended
Oil Usage chart.
NOTE: 208cc and 243cc engines use 600 ml (approx. 20 oz.).
NOTE: 277cc, 357 and 420cc engines use 1100 ml (approx. 37.2 oz).
-40º -20º
-30º -20º -10º 0º
DO NOT use nondetergent oil or 2-stroke engine oil. It could shorten the
engine's service life.
7. Reinstall the oil filler cap/dipstick securely.
Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible after
handling used oil.
Washer
(if equipped)
Oil Drain
Plug
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
CAUTION
Synthetic
0W-30
5W-30
0º 20º 40º
CAUTION
CAUTION
Figure 54
Checking Spark Plug
DO NOT check for spark with spark plug removed. DO NOT crank engine with
spark plug removed.
If the engine has been running, the muffler will be very hot. Be careful not
to touch the muffler.
NOTE: Check the spark plug once a season or every 25 hours of operation. Change
the spark plug once a season or every 100 hours. To ensure proper engine operation,
the spark plug must be properly gapped and free of deposits.
1. Remove the spark plug boot and use a spark plug wrench to remove the
plug. See Figure 55.
2. Visually inspect the spark plug. Discard the spark plug if there is apparent
wear, or if the insulator is cracked or chipped. Clean the spark plug with a
wire brush if it is to be reused.
3. Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge. Correct as necessary by bending
side electrode. See Figure 56. The gap should be set to .02-.03 inches (0.60-
0.80 mm).
4. Check that the spark plug washer is in good condition and thread the spark
plug in by hand to prevent cross-threading.
5. After the spark plug is seated, tighten with a spark plug wrench to compress
the washer.
NOTE: When installing a new spark plug, tighten 1⁄2-turn after the spark plug
seats to compress the washer. When reinstalling a used spark plug, tighten 1⁄8- to
1⁄4-turn after the spark plug seats to compress the washer.
The spark plug must be tightened securely. A loose spark plug can become
very hot and can damage the engine.
Spark
Plug
29
WARNING
WARNING
CAUTION
Spark Plug Boot
Figure 55