Craftsman 944.361163 Owner's Manual page 12

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30,
10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather,
these multi-viscosity oils will result in in-
creased oil consumption when used above
32°F. Check your engine oil level more fre-
quently to avoid possible engine damage
from running low on oil.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or at least once a year if the unit
is not used for 25 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before
starting the engine and after each fi ve (5)
hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug
securely each time you check the oil level.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
NOTE: Before tipping trimmer to drain oil,
empty fuel tank by running engine until
fuel tank is empty.
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with plug.
2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a
clean surface.
3. Tip trimmer on its side as shown and
drain oil into a suitable container. Rock
trimmer back and forth to remove any
oil trapped inside of engine.
Container
4. Wipe off any spilled oil from trimmer or
side of engine.
5. Fill engine with oil (See "ADD OIL" in
the Operation section of this manual).
6. Replace engine oil cap.
7. Reconnect spark plug wire to plug.
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly and may
be damaged by using a dirty air fi lter.
Replace the air fi lter cartridge every 100
hours of op er a tion or every season, which-
ev er occurs fi rst. Service air cleaner more
often under dusty conditions.
TO CLEAN AIR FILTER
1. Loosen screw and tilt cover to re move.
2. Carefully remove cartridge.
3. Clean by gently tapping on a fl at sur-
face. If very dirty, replace car tridge.
CAUTION: Pe tro leum solvents, such as
ker o sene, are not to be used to clean car-
tridge. They ma y cause de te ri o ra tion of the
cartridge. Do not oil car tridge. Do not use
pres sur ized air to clean or dry car tridge.
4. Install cartridge, then replace cover mak-
ing sure the tabs are aligned with the slots
in the back plate. Fasten screw securely.
Lip Back plate
Cartridge
Cover
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffl er as it
could create a fi re hazard and/or damage.
SPARK PLUG
Replace spark plug at the beginning of
each mowing season or after every 100
hours of operation, whichever occurs
fi rst. Spark plug type and gap setting
are shown in the "PROD UCT SPEC I FI C-
A TIONS" section of this manual.
CLEANING
IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep
trimmer free of built-up grass and trash. Clean
the underside of your trimmer after each use.
CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire
from spark plug and place wire where it
cannot come in contact with plug.
• Turn trimmer on its side. Make sure air
fi lter and carburetor are up. Clean the
underside of your trimmer by scraping to
remove build-up of grass and trash.
• Clean engine often to keep trash from
accumulating. A clogged engine runs
hotter and shortens engine life.
• Keep fi nished surfaces and wheels free
of all gasoline, oil, etc.
• We do not recommend using a garden
hose to clean trimmer unless the elec tri cal
system, muffl er, air fi lter and carburetor
are covered to keep water out. Water in
engine can result in shortened engine life.
12
Slot
Cover
tab
SERVICE NOTES
17