Transaxle Cooling; Transaxle Pump Fluid; V-Belts; Engine Lubrication - Craftsman 917.276021 Owner's Manual

Adding or checking level of electrolyte is
not necessary.
TO CLEAN BATTERYANDTERMINALS
Corrosionand dirt on the battery and
terminals can causethe battery to "leak"
power.
1. Removeterminal guard.
2. DisconnectBLACKbattery cable first
then RED battery cable and remove
battery from tractor.
3. Rinse the battery with plain water and
dry.
4. Cleanterminals and battery cable ends
with wire brushuntil bright.
5. Coat terminalswith grease or petro-
leumjelly.
6. Reinstallbattery (See "REPLACING
BATTERY"in the SERVICEAND AD-
JUSTMENTSsection of this manual).
TRANSAXLE COOLING
The transmissionfan and coolingfins
should be kept clean to assure proper
cooling.
Do not attemptto clean fan or transmis-
sion while engine is runningor while the
transmissionis hot.Topreventpossible
damageto seals, do not use high pressure
water or steam to clean transaxb.
• Inspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades
are intact and clean.
• Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clip-
pings and other materials. To prevent
damage to seals, do not use com-
pressed air or high pressure sprayer to
clean cooling fins.
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxle was sealed at the factory
and fluid maintenance is not required for
the life of the transaxb. Should the trans-
axle ever leak or require servicing, contact
a Sears or other qualified service center.
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.
LUBRmCATmON
Only use high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SF-SJ. Se-
lect the oil's SAE viscosity grade accord-
ing to your expected operating tempera-
ture.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
F -20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100
c -1o _; -,; ; ,; _o 1o 4o
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
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.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
Determine temperature range expected
before oil change. All oil must meet API
service classification SF-SJ.
• Be sure tractor is on level surface.
Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Catch oil in a suitable container.
1. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful
not to allow dirt to enter the engine
when changing oil.
2. Remove yellow cap from end of drain
valve and install the drain tube onto the
fitting.
Oil Drain Valve
Yellow
Drain Tube 1/- ",,L ' '
Closed and
Locked
Position
3. Unlock drain valve by pushing upward
slightly and turning counterclockwise.
4. To open, pull down on the drain valve.
5. After oil has drained completely, close
and lock the drain valve by pushing
upward and turning clockwise until the
pin is in the locked position as shown.
6. Remove the drain tube and replace the
cap onto the end of the drain valve.
7. 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.
8. Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for
checking level. Insert dipstick into
the tube and rest the oil fill cap on the
tube. Do not thread the cap onto the
tube when taking reading. Keep oil
at "FULE' line on dipstick. Tighten cap
onto the tube securely when finished.
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