Craftsman C459-36201 Operator's Manual page 17

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
WarninG
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.
WarninG
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 17.
CaUtiOn
Used oil is a hazardous waste product. Dispose of used oil properly.
Do not discard with household waste. Check with your local authori-
ties 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.
CaUtiOn
Running the engine with a low oil level can cause engine damage.
5. Reinstall the oil fill dipstick securely.
Clean engine
• Daily or before every use, clean grass, chaff or accumulated
debris from engine. Keep linkage, spring, and controls clean.
Keep area around and behind muffler free of any combustible
debris.
• Keeping engine clean allows air movement around engine.
• Engine parts should be kept clean to reduce the risk of overheat-
ing and ignition of accumulated debris.
CaUtiOn
Do not use water to clean engine parts. Water could contaminate fuel
system. Use a brush or dry cloth.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Air Filter
lUbriCatiOn
blade Control
Lubricate pivot points on the blade control at least once a season with
light oil. This control must operate freely in both directions. See Figure
18.
17
Oil Fill/ Dipstick
Figure 17
Figure 18