Maintenance And Repair Instructions; Maintenance Schedule; Checking The Oil Level; Changing The Oil - Craftsman 316.79498 Operator's Manual

WARNING:
To prevent serious injury, never
perform maintenance or repairs with unit running.
Always service and repair a cool unit. Disconnect the
spark plug wire to ensure that the unit cannot start.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Perform these required maintenance procedures at the
frequency stated in the table. These procedures should also
be a part of any seasonal tune-up.
NOTE: Some maintenance procedures may require special tools
or skills. If you are unsure about these procedures take
your unit to a Sears or other qualified service dealer.
FREQUENCY
Before starting engine
Every 10 hours
1st change at 10 hours
2nd change at 25 hours
Every 25 hours after
10 hours on new engine
Every 25 hours
Every 25 hours

CHECKING THE OIL LEVEL

The importance of checking and maintaining the proper oil level
in the crankcase cannot be overemphasized. Check oil before
each use:
1. Stop the engine and allow oil to drain into the crankcase.
2. Place the engine on a level surface (Fig. 22).
3. Raise the rear of the unit 3.5 inches to get a proper oil level
reading.
4. Clean the area around the dipstick before removing it. Keep
dirt, grass clippings, and other debris out of the engine.
5. Remove the oil fill plug.
6. Look into the oil fill hole (use a flashlight if needed). The oil
should be just touching the innermost thread (Fig. 23).
7. If the oil level is not touching the innermost thread on the
oil fill hole, add a small amount of oil to the oil fill hole and
recheck (Fig. 23). Repeat this procedure until the oil level
reaches the innermost thread on the oil fill hole.
NOTE: Do not overfill the unit.
NOTE: Make sure the O-ring is in place on the oil fill plug when
checking and changing the oil (Fig. 24).

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

MAINTENANCE REQUIRED
Fill fuel tank with fresh fuel
Check oil
Clean and re-oil air filter
Change oil
Change oil
Clean spark arrestor and change oil
Check rocker arm to valve clearance and adjust
Check rocker arm to valve clearance and adjust
Check spark plug condition and gap
Fig. 22
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission
control devices and system may be performed by a
Sears or other qualified service dealer.
In order to assure peak performance of your engine, inspection
of the engine exhaust port may be necessary after 50 hours of
operation. If you notice lost RPM, poor performance or general
lack of acceleration, this service may be required. If you feel
your engine is in need of this inspection, refer service to a
Sears or other qualified service dealer for repair. DO NOT
attempt to perform this process yourself as engine damage
may result from contaminants involved in the cleaning process
for the port.
Max Oil Fill Line
Fig. 23

CHANGING THE OIL

WARNING:
handling unit.
For a new engine, change the oil after the first 10 hours of
operation. Change the oil while the engine is still warm. The oil
will flow freely and carry away more impurities.
1. Remove the oil fill plug.
2. Pour the oil out of the oil fill hole and into a container by
tipping the unit to a
vertical position (Fig. 25).
Allow ample time for
complete drainage.
3. Wipe up any oil residue
on the unit and clean up
any oil that may have
spilled. Dispose of the
oil according to Federal,
State and local
regulations.
4. Refill the crankcase with
3.04 fluid ounce (90 ml)
of SAE 30 SF, SG, SH oil.
NOTE: Use the bottle and
spout saved from
initial use to
12
SEE
p. 8
p. 12
p. 13
p. 12
p. 12
p. 15 & 12
p. 14
p. 14
p. 15
Oil Fill Plug
O-Ring
Oil Fill Hole
Fig. 24
Wear gloves to prevent injury when
Fig. 25