Craftsman C459-36426 Operator's Manual page 14

Always stop engine, disconnect spark plug wire, and ground against engine
before performing any type of maintenance on your machine.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.
• The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been
subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from
warranty, operator must maintain the equipment as
instructed here.
• Changing of engine-governed speed will void engine warranty.
• All adjustments should be checked at least once each season.
• Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these are tight.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
A list of key engine maintenance jobs required for good performance by the mower
is given below. Follow the accompanying engine manual for a detailed list and
instructions.
• Maintain oil level as instructed in engine manual.
• Service air cleaner and carbon canister filter every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely dusty conditions. Poor
engine performance and flooding usually indicates that the air cleaner
should be serviced. To service the air cleaner and carbon canister filter, refer
to the engine manual.
• Clean spark plug and reset the gap once a season. Spark plug replacement is
recommended at the start of each mowing season. Check engine manual for
correct plug type and gap specifications.
• Clean engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the top of the engine
clean to permit proper air circulation. Remove all grass, dirt, and combustible
debris from muffler area.
• Engines stored between 30 and 90 days need to be treated with a gasoline
stabilizer such as
STA-BIL®
in fuel system or on essential carburetor parts.
Do not use water to clean engine parts. Water could contaminate fuel
system. Use a brush or dry cloth.
LUBRICATION
1. Lubricate pivot points on the blade and drive controls at least once a season
with light oil. These controls must operate freely in both directions. See
Figure 17.
2. Lubricate the front wheels and casters at least once a season with light oil (or
motor oil). If wheels are removed for any reason, lubricate the axle bolt and
inner surface of the wheel with light oil.
3. The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed at the factory and does not
require lubrication.
4. Follow the accompanying engine manual for lubrication schedule and
instruction for engine lubrication.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
WARNING
to prevent deterioration and gum from forming
CAUTION
Belt Care
NOTE: Several components must be removed in order to change the mower's
self-propulsion drive belt. See an authorized Sears Service Center to have your belt
replaced.
Deck Wash
Your mower's deck is equipped with a water port on its surface as part of its deck
wash system.
Use the deck wash to rinse grass clippings from the deck's underside and prevent
the buildup of corrosive chemicals. Complete the following steps AFTER EACH
MOWING:
1. Push the mower to a level, clear spot on your lawn, near enough for your
garden hose to reach. Remove the grass bag if attached.
Make certain the mower's discharge chute is directed AWAY from your
house, garage, parked cars, etc.
2. Thread the hose coupler (packaged with your mower's Operator's Manual)
onto the end of your garden hose.
3. Attach the hose coupler to the water port on your deck's surface. See Figure 18.
4. Turn the water on.
5. Start the engine as described in the Operation section.
6. Run the engine for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the underside of the
cutting deck to thoroughly rinse.
7. Release blade control to stop the engine and blade.
8. Turn the water off and detach the hose coupler from the water port on your
deck's surface.
After cleaning your deck, restart the mower. Keep the engine and blade running
for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the underside of the cutting deck to
thoroughly dry.
14
Figure 17
CAUTION