To Sharpen Blade; Grass Catcher - Craftsman 917.38741 Owner's Manual

TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend
sharpening blade - but if you do, be sure
the blade is balanced.
Care should be taken to keep the blade
balanced. An unbalanced blade will
cause eventual damage to lawn mower or
engine.
• The blade can be sharpened with a file
or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt
to sharpen while on the mower.
• 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
Key.
Lockwasher
Crankshaft
keyway
Blade _
Crank
Blade
bolt
Hardened Trailing Blade adapter
washer edge
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
low on oil.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation orat 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
• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with spark plug.
• Be sure lawn mower is on level
surface.
• 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.
• Refill engine with oil. Pour slowly. Do
not over fill.
• Fill to top of slot inside of filler hole.
• Reconnect spark plug wire to spark
plug.
GRASS CATCHER
(If purchased as an accessory)
• 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
manufacturer approved replacement
catcher. Give the lawn mower model
number when ordering.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated with
API service classificationSF, SG or SH. Select
the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your
expected operating temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
Drain plug
-20' 30" 32' 4O"
TE MpE_I:_ATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
12