Service And Maintenance - Craftsman 12AVP2R3391 Operator's Manual

Before performing any type of maintenance/service, disengage all controls and stop the engine. Wait until all
moving parts have come to a complete stop. Allow the engine to cool. Disconnect spark plug wire and ground
it against the engine to prevent unintended starting.
General Recommendations
• Always observe safety rules on the mower and in the
manual(s) when performing any maintenance.
• The warranty on this mower does not cover items that
have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence.
To receive full value from warranty, operator must
maintain the mower as instructed here.
• Changing of engine-governed speed will void engine
warranty.
• Check that all hardware is in place & secure and tight
before each use and before off season storage.
Lubrication
BLADE CONTROL
Lubricate pivot points on the blade control at least once a
season and before storage with light oil. This control must
operate freely in both directions (Figure 34).
WHEELS
Lubricate all wheel hubs/axles at least once a season and
before storage with light oil (Figure 34).
Figure 34
Engine Maintenance
Annually check the engine mounting bolts torque: Min.
29.2 ft-lbs (39.6 N-m), Max. 41.7 ft-lbs (56.3 N-m).
Refer to the Engine Operator's Manual packed with your
mower for a detailed description of all engine-related
service specifications and storage.
If engine fails to start, runs erratic, overheats, skips
(hesitates) or idles poorly refer to the Engine Operator's
Manual.
IMPORTANT: Check engine oil level before each use. Refer
to Engine Operator's Manual.

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

WARNING
CLEAN ENGINE
• 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
overheating and ignition of accumulated debris.
Do not use water to clean engine parts. Water could
contaminate fuel system. Use a brush or dry cloth.
Mower Maintenance
DECK WASH (IF EQUIPPED)
Your mower's deck may be equipped with a 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 location on your lawn.
Ensure your garden hose can reach your mower.
Make certain the mower's discharge chute is
directed AWAY from your house, garage, parked
cars, etc.
2. Remove the fast attach deck wash nozzle from the
mower deck and thread it onto the end of your garden
hose.
3. Attach garden hose with the deck wash nozzle to the
water port on your deck's surface (Figure 35).
4. Turn the water ON.
5. Start the engine as described in the Engine Operator's
Manual.
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CAUTION
CAUTION