Exploded View; Before Starting Engine; To Stop/Start Engine; Add Oil/Gasoline - Craftsman 917.378200 Owner's Manual

42
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
1. Lift up on grass catcher using the
frame han dle.
2. Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower han dle.
3. Empty clippings from bag using both
frame handle and bag handle.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when empty-
ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.
catcher
Bag
handle

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. For type and grade of oil to
use, see "EN GINE" in the Maintenance
section of this manual.
CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with
oil, or it will smoke heavily from the muffler
on startup.
1. Be sure lawnmower is level.
2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.
3. You receive a container of oil with the
unit. Slowly pour the entire container
down the oil fill spout into the engine.
NOTE: Initial oil fill requires only 13.5
oz. due to residual oil in engine from the
manufacturers 100% quality testing. When
changing oil you may need 15.5 oz.
4. Insert and tighten dipstick.
IMPORTANT:
• Check oil level before each use. Add
oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler
neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean,
regular unleaded gasoline with a mini-
mum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with
gasoline. Purchase fuel in quan ti ties
that can be used within 30 days to as-
sure fuel freshness.
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels
(called gasohol or using ethanol or meth-
anol) can attract moisture which leads to
separation and for ma tion of acids during
storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel
system of an engine while in storage. To
avoid engine problems, the fuel system
should be emptied before stor age of 30
days or longer. Empty the gas tank, start
the engine and let it run until the fuel lines
Grass
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
next season. See Storage In struc tions for
frame
handle
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
Engine
oil cap
TO STOP ENGINE
• To stop engine, release operator pres-
ence con trol bar.
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present during the initial use of the prod-
uct and should be considered normal.
NOTE: Your engine is equipped with an
automatic choke system. No priming or
choking is required before starting.
• To start engine, hold operator presence
control bar down to the han dle and
pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow
starter rope to snap back.
11
Gasoline filler
cap