Craftsman 316.79191 Operator's Manual page 11

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 an elevated, level surface with the cutting
head shield hanging off the surface to get an accurate oil level
reading (Fig. 22).
3. Keep dirt, grass clippings and other debris out of the engine.
Clean the area around the dipstick before removing it.
4. Remove the oil fill plug.
5. Look into the oil fill hole, use a flashlight if needed. The oil
should be just touching the innermost thread (Fig. 23).
6. 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
Max Oil Fill Line
Fig. 23
checking and changing the oil (Fig. 24).
WARNING:
Wear gloves to prevent injury when
handling unit.
CHANGING THE OIL
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. Unplug spark plug boot to
prevent accidental starting.
2. Remove the oil fill plug.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 measure the
correct amount of oil. The top of the label on the bottle
measures approximately 3.04 ounces (90 ml) (Fig. 26). Check
the level; See Checking the Oil Level. If the level is low, add a
small amount of oil and recheck. Do not overfill (Fig. 26).
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
Fig. 22
Oil Fill Plug
O-Ring
Oil Fill Hole
Fig. 24
Fig. 25
6. Replace the oil fill plug.
7. Reconnect the spark plug boot.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury, always
turn the unit off and allow it to cool before you clean or
service it.
Cleaning the Air Filter
Clean and re-oil the air filter every 10 hours of operation. It is an
important item to maintain. Failure to maintain your air filter properly can
result in poor performance or can cause permanent damage to your
Air Filter Cover
Air Filter
engine.
1. Open the air filter cover. Push the
tab on the under side of the cover
inward. Then pull the air filter cover
out and up. (Fig. 27).
2. Remove the air filter (Fig. 30).
3. Wash the filter in detergent and
water (Fig. 28). Rinse the filter
thoroughly and allow it to dry.
4. Apply enough clean SAE 30 motor
oil to lightly coat the filter (Fig. 29).
5. Squeeze the filter to spread and
remove excess oil (Fig. 30).
6. Replace the filter (Fig. 27).
NOTE: If the unit is operated without
the air filter, you will
VOID the warranty.
7. Reinstall the air filter cover.
Position the slots on the top
of the air filter cover onto the
tabs at the top of the back
Fill Level
Fig. 26
Tab
Fig. 27
Fig. 28
Fig. 29
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