Craftsman 917.270824 Owner's Manual page 20

- DisconnectBLACKbatterycablefirst
then RED batterycable and remove
batteryfrom tractor
o Rinsethe battery'withplainwater and
dry
o Clean terminalsand batterycable ends
with wire brushuntil bright.
o Coat terminalswith greaseor petro-
leum jelly.
Reinstallbattery (See"REPLACING
BATTERY" in the SERVICEANDAD-
JUSTMENTSsectionof this manual),
V°BELTS
CheckV-beltsfor deteriorationand wear
after 100hoursof operationand replaceif
necessary, T he beltsare not adjustable.
Replacebelts if they beginto slip from
wear.
..TRA_COOLING __
The transmissionfan and coolingfins
shouldbe kept cleanto assureproper
cooling,
Do not attemptto cleanfan or transmis-
sion while engine is runningor while the
transmissionis hot.To preventpossible
damageto seals, do not use high pres-
sure wateror steamto cleantransaxle_
o Inspectcoolingfan to be sure fan
bladesare intactand clean.
• Inspectcoolingfins for dirt, grass
clippingsand other materials. To
preventdamageto seals,do not use
compressedair or high pressure
sprayerto clean coolingfins,.
TRANSAXLE
PUMP FLUID
The transaxle was sealed at the factory
and fluid maintenance is not required for
the life of the transaxle. Should the
transaxte ever leak or require servicing,
contact your nearest authorized service
center/departmenL
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SF, SG or
SH_ Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating
temperature
J I _ VISOOSI_ G_{AD55 I
I ........ I
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°E Check your engine oil
level more frequently to avoid possible
engine damage from running low on oil
Change the oil after every 50 hours of op =
eration or at least once a year if the tractor
is not used for 50 hours in one year,
Check the crankcase oil level before start-
ing the engine and after each eight (8)
hours of operation. Tighten oil fill cap/dip-
stick securely each time you check the oil
level
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
Determine temperature range expected
before oil change. All oil must meet API
service classification SF, SG or SH
o Be sure tractor is on level surface,
° Oil will drain more freely when warm
= Catch oil in a suitable container,
o Remove oil fill cap/dipstick Be careful
not to allow dirt to enter the engine
when changing oil
= Remove drain plug.
° After oit has drained completely, re-
place oil drain plug and tighten se-
curely,
Scr_ Oil Drain Plug
Air
o,,
Dipstick ._
Refill engine with oil through oil fill dip-
stick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill
For approximate capacity see "PROD-
UCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this
manual
° Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for
checking level Be sure dipstick cap is
tightened securely for accurate reading
Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick_
CLEAN AIR SCREEN
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 stub-
born dried gum fibers.
ENGINE COOLING FINS
Remove any dust, dirt or oil from engine
cooling fins to prevent engine damage
from overheating. Air guide covers must
be removed. Remove side panels and
hood (See 'qO REMOVE HOOD AND
GRILL ASSEMBLY" in the Service and Ad-
justments section of this manual).
Clean These Areas of Dirt and Debris