Maintenance - Craftsman 486.245041 Operator's Manual

CUSTOMER RESPONSIB_LIT_ES
Read and follow the maintenance schedule and the maintenance procedures listed in this section.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE _,.J
Fil! in dates as you _
complete regular service. ,o_ Service Dates
Check for loose fasteners X
Check cover X
Check tire pressure X
che_keng!ne_!1!eve! X
Lubricate X
Clean ! lXl IX
Maintain engine per instructions below and in engine manual.
BEFORE EACH USE
CHECK FOR LOOSE FASTENERS
, Make a thorough visual check of the Vac System
for any bolts and nuts which may have loosened.
Retighten any loose bolts and nuts.
CHECK COVER
Check the cover, especially the front boot and the
rear flap for wear. Replace cover if worn or damaged.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
, Check tire pressure regularly. Recommended tire
pressure is 12-14 Lbs.
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
, Check oil level before each use. Maintain engine oil
as instructed in the separate engine manual.
LUBRiCATiON
, At the beginning of each season, lubricate the latch,
latch pivot bolt, and the axle where the hitch tongue
pivots, with a light machine oil.
, At least once a season, grease or oil the wheel
bearings. Use automotive wheel bearing type grease
or 20 weight oil.
WARNING: Always stop engine and
disconnect spark plug wire before cleaning,
lubricating or before performing any repairs
or maintenance.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service
classification SF or SG. Select the oil's SAE viscosity
grade according to your expected operating temperature.
SAE 30 grade oi! is recommended for warm weather use.
For cold weather use refer to the engine manufacturer's
Operating and Maintenance Manual.
Check o{I mevel before each use. Maintain engine oil
as instructed in the separate engine manual.
Service air cmeaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely
dusty conditions. Poor engine performance and
flooding usually indicates that the air cleaner should
be serviced. To service the air cleaner, refer to the
separate engine manual.
The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset
once a season. Spark plug replacement at the start
of each season is recommended. Check the engine
manual for correct plug type and gap specifications.
CLEANmNG
, Make sure the cart and top are cleaned after each
use. Grass clippings and leaves left in the cart will
mildew and cause damage if not cleaned out.
Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush.
Keep the cooling fins on the engine housing dean
to permit proper air circulation which is essential to
engine performance and life. Be sure to remove all
dirt and debris from muffler area.
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