Craftsman 917.378990 Owner's Manual page 17

TROUBLESHOOTING - See appropriate section in manua[ unmess directed
to a Sears Parts
PROBLEM
& Repair Center.
CAUSE
Does not start 5.
(continued) 6.
7.
Loss of power
Poor cut -
uneven
Excessive
vibration
Starter rope
hard to pui[
Grass catcher
not filling
(if so equipped)
Hard to push
Loss of drive
or slowing of
drive speed
Spark plug wire disconnected.
Bad spark plug.
Loose blade or broken
blade adapter.
8. Control bar in released position
9. Control bar defective.
10. Fuel valve lever (if so
equipped) in OFF position.
11 .Weak battery (if equipped).
12. Disconnected battery
connector (if equipped).
1. Rear of mower housing or
blade dragging in grass.
2. Cutting too much grass.
3. Dirty air filter.
4. Buildup of grass, leaves,
and trash under mower.
5. Too much oil in engine.
6. Walking speed too fast.
1. Worn, bent or loose blade.
2. Wheel heights uneven.
3. Buildup of grass, leaves
and trash under mower.
1. Worn, bent or loose blade.
2. Bent engine crankshaft.
,
Engine flywheel brake is on
when control bar is released.
2. Bent engine crankshaft.
3. Blade adapter broken.
4. Blade dragging in grass.
1. Cutting height too low.
2. Lift on blade worn off.
3. Catcher not venting air.
1. Grass is too high or wheel
height is too low.
2. Rear of mower housing or
blade dragging in grass.
3. Grass catcher too full.
4. Handle height position not
right for you.
1. Belt wear.
2. Belt off of pulley.
3. Drive cable worn or broken.
CORRECTiON
[5. Connect wire to spark plug.
[6. Replace spark plug.
7. Tighten blade bolt or
replace blade adapter.
8. Depress control bar to handle,
9. Replace control bar.
[ 10. Turn fuel valve lever
to the ON position.
[ 11. Charge battery.
12. Connect battery to engine.
[1. Raise cutting height.
[2. Raise cutting height.
3. Clean/replace air filter.
4. Clean underside of mower
housing.
5. Check oil level.
6. Cut at slower walking speed.
11. Replace blade.Tighten bolt.
2. Set all wheels to same height.
3. Clean underside of
mower housing.
1. Replace blade. Tighten bolt.
2. Contact a Sears or other
qualified service center.
[1. Depress control bar to
upper handle before
pulling the starter rope.
2. Contact a Sears or other
qualified service center.
3. Replace blade adapter.
4. Move lawn mower to cut
grass or to hard surface.
[1. Raise cutting height.
[2. Replace blade.
[3. Clean grass catcher.
11. Raise cutting height.
[2. Raise rear of mower housing
one (1) setting higher.
3. Empty grass catcher.
4. Adjust handle height to suit.
[1. Check/replace drive belt.
[2. Check/reinstall drive belt.
3. Replace drive cable.
17