Sears Craftsman 917.250262 Owner's Manual page 18

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
CLEAN AIR SCREEN (See Fig. 19)
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. 19)
Remove any dust, dirt or oil from engine cooling fins to
prevent engine damage from overheating_ Engine blower
housing must be removed. Remove side panels and hood
(See "TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL.ASSEMBLY" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this rnanual).
COOLING FINS
(BOTH SIDES)
AIR SCREEN
\
\
FIG. 19
AIR FILTER
(See Fig. 20)
Your engine wilt not run properly using a dirty air filter.
Ctean the foam pre-cleaner element after every 25 hours of
operation or every season_ Service paper cartridge every
100 hours or every season, whichever occurs firsL
Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions,
o Remove wing nut and cover,,
o Remove seal and cartridge plate_
TO SERVICE PRE-CLEANER
= Slide foam pre-cleaner off cartridge,
° Wash it in liquid detergent and water.
o Squeeze it dry in a clean cloth,
o Saturate it in engine oil, Wrap it in clean, absorbent
cloth and squeeze to remove excess oil
TO SERVICE CARTRIDGE
= Gently tap the flat side of the paper cartridge to dis-
lodge dirt,. Do not wash the paper cartridge or use
pressurized air, as this will damage the cartridge.
Replace a dirty, bent, or damaged cartridge.
• Reinstall the pre-cleaner (cleaned and oiled) over the
paper cartridge.
Reassemble air cleaner, cartridge plate, and seal
° Install the air cleaner cover and wing nut, Tighten wing
nut 1/2 turnto 1 full turn after nut contacts cover. Do not
overtighten.
FIG. 20
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if
equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage.
SPARK PLUGS
Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing
season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever
comes first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in
"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual.
ENGINE OIL FILTER
Replace the engine oil filter every season or every other oil
change if the tractor is used more than 100 hours in one
year,
IN-LINE FUEL FILTER (See Fig. 21)
The fuel filter should be replaced once each season. If fuel
filter becomes clogged, obstructing fuel flow to carburetor,
replacement is required,
o With engine cool, remove filter and plug fuel line
sections.
° Place new fuel filter in position in fuel line with arrow
pointing towards carburetor.
° Be sure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are
properly positioned.
o Immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline.
FIG. 21
18
CLEANING
° Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign
matter.
° Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline,
oil, etc.
o Protect painted surfaces with automotive type wax,
We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean your
tractor unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and
carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine
can result in a shortened engine life_