To Sharpen Blade; Grass Catcher - Craftsman 917.38721 Owner's Manual

° The recommended tightening torque is
35-40 ft. Ibs..
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8
heat treated..
NOTE: We do not recommend sharp-
ening blade- butifyoudo, be sure the
blade is balanced.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
Care should be taken to keep the blade
balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause
eventual damage to lawn mower or
engine.
o The blade can be sharpened with a file
or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt
to sharpen while on the mower.
o To check blade balance, drive a nail into
a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of
the straight nail exposed. Place center
hole of blade over the head of the nail
If blade is balanced, it should remain in
a horizontal position. If either end of the
blade moves downward, sharpen the
heavy end until the blade is balanced.
Blade Crankshaft
keyway
Key
Blade
Crank-
shaft
bolt
Lock Trai Blade
washer' edge adapter
Hardened
washer
GRASS CATCHER
(If purchased as an accesssory)
o The grass catcher may be hosed with
water, but must be dry when used,
= Check your grass catcher often for
damage or deterioration. Through
normal use it will wear. If catcher needs
replacing, replace only with a manufac-
turer approved replacement catcher.
Give the lawn mower model number
when ordering.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated with
API service classification SF, SG or SH.
Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according
to your expected operating temperature.
SAE VIScosrPI" GRADES
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30,
10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather,
these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased
oil consumption when used above 32°F.
Check your engine oil level more frequently to
avoid possible engine damage from running
lowon oil.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or at least once a year if the lawn
mower is not used for 25 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before starting
the engine and after each five (5) hours of
continuous use. Tighten oil plug securely each
time you check the oil level
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
o Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug
and place wire where it cannot come in
contact with spark plug..
o Be sure lawn mower is on level surface.
o Oil will drain more freely when warm.
= Catch oil in a suitable container
= Remove bottom oil drain plug.
• After oil has drained completely, replace oil
drain plug and tighten securely.
o Refill engine with oil. Pourslowiy. Do not
over fill.
• FlUto top of slot inside of filler hole
• Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.
Drain plug
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly and may be
damaged by using a dirty air filter. Clean the
element after every 25 hours of operation,
more often if mower is used in very dusty, dirty
conditions.
TO CLEAN AIR FILTER ELEMENT
o Remove the air filter by tuming counter-
clockwise to the stop and pull away from
collar.
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