Battery; Transaxle Cooling; Transaxle Pump Fluid; V-Belts - Craftsman 917.289244 Operator's Manual

BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system
which is sufficient for normal use. However,
periodic charging of the battery with an au-
tomotive charger will extend its life.
• Keep battery and terminals clean.
• Keep battery bolts tight.
• Keep small vent holes open.
• Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour.
NOTE: The original equipment battery on
your tractor is maintenance free. Do not
attempt to open or remove caps or covers.
Adding or checking level of electrolyte is
not necessary.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals
can cause the battery to "leak" power.
1. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first
then RED battery cable and remove
battery from tractor.
2. Rinsethe battery with plain waterand dry.
3. Clean terminals and battery cable ends
with wire brush until bright.
4. Coat terminals with grease or petroleum
jelly.
5. Reinstall battery (See "REPLACING
BATTERY" in the SERVICE AND AD-
JUSTMENTS section of this manual).
TRANSAXLE COOLING
The transmission fan and cooling fins should
be kept clean to ensure proper cooling.
Do not attempt to dean fan or transmission
while engine is running or while the trans-
mission is hot. To prevent possible damage
to seals, do not use high pressure water or
steam to clean transaxle.
• Inspect cooling fan to Ensure fan blades
are intact and clean.
• Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clippings
and other materials. To prevent damage to
seals, do not use compressed air or high
pressure sprayer to clean cooling fins.
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxle was sealed at the factory and
fluid maintenance is not required for the life
of the transaxle. Should the transaxle ever
leak or require servicing, contact your nearest
Sears or other qualified service center.
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after
100 hours of operation and replace if neces-
sary. The belts are not adjustable. Replace
belts if they begin to slip from wear.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
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.
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity 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 frequently to avoid possible
engine damage from running low on oil.
Change the oil after every 50 hours of opera-
tion or at least once a year if the tractor is
not used for 50 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before starting
the engine and after each eight (8) hours of
operation. Tighten oil fill cap/dipstick se-
curely each time you check the oil level.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
Determine temperature range expected
before oil change. All oil must meet API
service classification SG-SL.
• Be sure tractor is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Catch oil in a suitable container.
1. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful
not to allow dirt to enter the engine when
changing oil.
2. Slide oil drain extension from the docking
position on the engine blower housing
and extend outward from engine.
Docking
Position
Oil Drain
ExtenS_.cap
3. To open, twist cap counter-clockwise
4. After oil is drained completely, replace
cap and twist clockwise until it stops.
5. Re-attach oil drain extension to engine
blower housing.
6. Refill enginewith oilthrough oilfill dipstick
tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. For ap-
proximate capacity see "PRODUCT SP-
ECIFICATIONS" section of this manual.
.
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 "FULl" line on dipstick. Tighten cap
onto the tube securely when finished.
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