Engine Lubrication; Transaxle Cooling/Pump Fluid; Clean Air Screen; Engine Cooling Fins - Craftsman 917.250520 Owner's Manual

CUSTOMER
TRANSAXLE COOLING
RESPONSIBILITi
The fan and cooling fins of transmission should be kept
clean to assure proper cooling,
Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission while engine is
running or while the transmission is hot. To prevent
possible damage to seals, no not use high pressure water
or steam to clean transaxle.
- Inspect cooling fan to be sure 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.
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxle was sealed at the factory and fluid mainte-
nance is not required for the life of the transaxle. Should
the transaxle ever leak or require servicing, contact your
nearest authorized service center/department.
V-BELTS
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.
ENGINE
* Remove drain plug.
, After oil has drained completely, replace oil drain plug
and tighten securely.
° Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour
slowly, Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see
"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this
manual,
, Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. Be
sure dipstick is in all the way for accurate reading.
Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick.
OIL DRAIN PLUG
ENGINE OIL
FILLER CAP/DIPSTICK
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service
classification SF or SG. Select the oi!'s SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating temperature.
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30, etc.)
improves starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils
will result in increased oi! consumption when used above
32°C. Checkyourengine oil level more frequently to avoid
possible engine damage from running low on oil.
Change the oil after the first two hours of operation and
every 50 hours thereafter 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 continuous use.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig, 17)
Determine temperature range expected before oil change.
All oil must meet API service classification SF or SG,
o Be sure tractor is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Catch oil in a suitable container.
, Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful not to altow dirt
to enter the engine when changing oil.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
_20° 30° 60_
-30 _ -20 _ -I 0 ° 0_ 20 _ 30 °
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
FIG. 17
CLEAN AIR SCREEN (See Fig. 18)
Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent
engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush
or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum
fibers.
ENGINE COOLING FINS (See Fig. 18)
Remove any dust, dirt or oi! from engine cooling fins to
prevent engine damage from overheating. Engine blower
housing must be removed. Remove side panels and hood
(Bee"TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this manual.)
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COOLING FINS
(BOTH SIDES)
FIG. 18
19