Craftsman 247.77003 Operator's Manual page 16

Air Filter
A dirty air filter will restrict air flow to the carburetor and cause poor engine
performance. Inspect the filter each time the engine is operated. You will need to
clean the filter more frequently if you operate the engine in very dusty areas.
Clean the air filter every 25 hours of operation or once a season. Replace the air filter
annually.
Never start or run the engine with the air filter assembly or the air filter
removed.
NOTE: Do not use pressurized air or solvents to clean the filter. Pressurized air can
damage the filter and solvents will dissolve the filter.
1. Press the two tabs that hold the cover and tilt plastic housing cover on side of
engine down. See Figure 21.
2. Remove air filter from plastic housing cover.
3. To loosen debris, gently tap the filter on a hard surface. If the filter is
excessively dirty, replace with a new filter.
4. Insert cover's tabs into slots in bottom of base.
5. Tilt cover up into place and secure with fastener.
Check Engine Oil
Check oil level before each operation. Be sure oil level is maintained.
1. Check the oil with the engine stopped and level.
2. Remove the oil fill dipstick and wipe it clean.
3. Insert and tighten dipstick. Remove it to check the oil level.
4. If the oil level is near or below the lower limit mark on the dipstick, remove
the oil filler cap/dipstick, and fill with the recommended oil to the upper
limit mark. Do not overfill.
5. Reinstall the oil fill dipstick.
Change Engine Oil
Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive. Fire or
explosion can cause severe burns or death.
Change engine oil after the first five hours of operation, and every fifty hours or
once a season thereafter.
When you drain the oil from the top oil fill tube, the fuel tank must be
empty or fuel can leak out and result in a fire or explosion. To empty the
fuel tank, run the engine until it stops from lack of fuel.
1. With engine off but still warm, disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it
away from the spark plug.
2. Place a suitable container next to the engine to catch the used oil.
3. Remove the oil fill dipstick and drain the oil into the container by tipping the
engine toward the oil filler neck. See Figure 22.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
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.
4. With the engine in a level position, fill to the upper limit mark on the dipstick
with the recommended oil.
Running the engine with a low oil level can cause engine damage.
5. Reinstall the oil fill dipstick securely.
16
Figure 21
Oil Fill/ Dipstick
Muffler
Figure 22
CAUTION
CAUTION
Air filter