Craftsman 247.378970 Operator's Manual page 16

Engine Maintenance
Refer to the Engine Operator's Manual packed with your mower for a detailed
description of all engine-related service specifications.
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 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
Cleaning Deck
Clean underside of the mower deck once a season to prevent build-up of grass
clippings or other debris. Follow steps below for this job.
1. Allow the engine to run until it is out of fuel. Do not attempt to pour fuel
from the engine. Disconnect spark plug wire. Refer to Engine Operator's
Manual.
2. Tip mower so that it rests on the housing, keeping the muffler side down.
Hold mower firmly.
Never tip the mower more than 90º in any direction and do not leave the
mower tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain into the upper part of
the engine causing a starting problem.
3. Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a suitable tool. Do not spray
with water.
IMPORTANT: Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit.
These may cause damage to bearings, or the engine. The use of water will
result in shortened life and reduce serviceability.
4. Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground.
Blade Care
When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect
your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade.
Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign
object. Replace when necessary. Follow the steps below for blade service.
1. Allow the engine to run until it is out of fuel. Do not attempt to pour fuel
from the engine. Disconnect spark plug wire. Refer to Engine Operator's
Manual.
2. Turn mower on its side making sure that the air filter and the carburetor are
facing up.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
CAUTION
WARNING
WARNING
Blade Bell Support
3. Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which hold the blade and the
blade adapter to the engine crankshaft. See Figure 16.
4. Remove blade and adapter from the crankshaft.
An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high
speeds. It may cause damage to mower and could break causing personal
injury.
5. Remove blade from the adapter for testing balance. Balance the blade on a
round shaft screwdriver to check. Remove metal from the heavy side until
it balances evenly. When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle of
grind. Grind each cutting edge equally to keep the blade balanced.
6. Lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter
with light oil. Slide the blade adapter onto the engine crankshaft. Place the
blade on the adapter such that the side of the blade marked "Grass Side"
(or with part number) faces the ground when the mower is in the operating
position. Make sure that the blade is aligned and seated on the blade adapter
flanges. See Figure 16 inset.
7. Place blade bell support on the blade. Align notches on the blade bell
support with small holes in blade.
8. Replace hex bolt and tighten hex bolt to torque:
450 in-lb (min.), 600 in-lb (max.).
To ensure safe operation of your mower, periodically check the blade bolt for correct
torque.
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.
16
Blade
Adapter
Blade
Bolt
Figure 16
WARNING