V-Belts; Engine Lubrication/To Change Engine Oil; Engine Oil Filter; Air Filter - Craftsman 917.273638 Owner's Manual

NOTE:The original equipmentbattery on
your tractor is maintenancefree.Do not
attemptto open or removecaps or covers.
Adding or checking level of electrolyte is
not necessary.
TO CLEAN BATTERYANDTERMINALS
Corrosionand dirt on the battery and
terminals can causethe battery to "leak"
power.
1. Removeterminal guard.
2. DisconnectBLACKbattery cable first
then RED battery cable and remove
battery from tractor.
3. Rinse the battery with plain water and
dry.
4. Cleanterminals and battery cable ends
with wire brushuntil bright.
5. Coat terminalswith grease or petro-
leumjelly.
6. Reinstallbattery (See "REPLACING
BATTERY"in the SERVICEAND AD-
JUSTMENTSsection of this manual).
TRANSAXLE COOLING
Keeptransaxlefree from build-upof dirt
and chaff which can restrictcooling.
Checkthe crankcase oil level beforestart-
ing the engine and after each eight (8)
hours of operation. Tightenoil fill cap/
dipsticksecurely eachtime you check the
oil level.
TO CHANGEENGINEOIL
Determinetemperaturerange expected
beforeoil change. All oil mustmeet API
service classificationSG-SL
Be sure tractor is on levelsurface.
Oil will drain more freely when warm.
Catchoil in a suitable container.
1. Removeoil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful
not to allow dirt to enter the engine
when changing oil.
2. Removeyellow cap from end of drain
valveand install the drain tube onto the
fitting. Oil Drain Valve
Drain
Tube
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear
after 100 hours of operation and replace
if necessary. The belts are not adjustable.
Replace belts if they begin to slip from
wear.
LUBRmCATmON
Only use high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SG-SL
Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating
temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
F
c -1o -2o -lo _ _'o _o _o 40
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
oi|vi_ chart1 e
NOTE: Although multi-viscosky oils
(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in
cold weather, they will result in increased
oil consumption when used above 32°R
Check your engine oil level more frequent-
ly to avoid possible engine damage from
running low on oil.
Change the oil after every 50 hours of op-
eration or at least once a year if the tractor
is not used for 50 hours in one year.
3. Unlock drain valve by pushing inward
slightly and turning counterclockwise.
4. To open, pull out on the drain valve.
5. After oil has drained completely, close
and lock the drain valve by pushing
inward and turning clockwise until the
pin is in the locked position as shown.
6. Remove the drain tube and replace the
cap onto the end of the drain valve.
7. Refill engine with oil through oil fill dip-
stick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill.
For approximate capacity see "PROD-
UCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this
manual.
8. Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for
checking level. For accurate reading,
tighten dipstick cap securely onto the
tube before removing dipstick. Keep oil
at "FULF' line on dipstick. Tighten cap
onto the tube securely when finished.
ENGmNE OraL FmLTER
Replace the engine oil filter every season
or every other oil change if the tractor is
used more than 100 hours in one year.
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly using a
dirty air filter. Replace pre-cleaner after
every 25 hours of operation or every
season. Service paper cartridge every
100 hours of operation or every season,
18whichever occurs first.