Craftsman 917.271654 Owner's Manual page 20

Service air cleaner more often under
dusty conditions.
1. Remove knob(s) and cover.
TO SERVICE PRE-CLEANER
2. Slide foam pre-cleaner off cartridge.
3. Wash it in liquid detergent and water.
4. Squeeze it dry in a clean cloth.
5. Saturate it in engine oil. Wrap it in
clean, absorbent cloth and squeeze to
remove excess oil.
NOTE: If very dirty or damaged, replace
pre-cleanero
6. Reinstall pre-cleaner over cartridge.
7. Reinstall cover and secure with
knob(s).
TO SERVICE CARTRIDGE
1. Remove cartridge nut.
2. Carefully remove cartridge to prevent
debris from entering carburetor.
Clean base carefully to prevent debris
from entering carburetor.
3. Clean cartridge by tapping gently on
flat surface.
NOTE: If very dirty or damaged, replace
cartridge.
4. Reinstall cartridge, nut, precleaner,
cover and secure with knob(s).
IMPORTANT: Petroleum solvents, such
as kerosene, are not to be used to clean
the cartridge. They may cause deteriora-
tion of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge.
Do not use pressurized air to clean or dry
cartridge.
Cover Knob
Nut
Foam Cartridge
Pre-Cleaner
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
stubborn dried gum fibers.
ENGINE COOLING FINS
Remove any dust, dirt or oil from engine
cooling fins to prevent engine damage
from overheating.
1. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick.
2. Remove hex bolts from blower
housing and lift housing off engine.
3. Cover oil fill opening to prevent entry
of dirt.
4. Use compressed air or stiff bristle
brush to thoroughly clean engine
cooling fins.
5. To reassemble, reverse above
procedure.
Hex _Housing
Bolts "%_._._ Bolts
Oil Fill/
Dipstick Tube Air
\Spark
Engine Cooling Fins Plug
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffler and
spark arrester (if equipped) as it could
create a fire hazard and/or damage,
SPARK PLUG(S)
Replace spark plug(s) at the beginning of
each mowing season or after every 100
hours of operation, whichever occurs first.
Spark plug type and gap setting are
shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"
section of this manual.
IN-LINE FUEL FILTER
The fuel filter should be replaced once
each season. If fuel filter becomes
clogged, obstructing fuel flow to carbure-
tor, replacement is required.
1. With engine cool, remove filter and
plug fuel line sections.
2. Place new fuel filter in position in fuel
line with arrow pointing towards
carburetor.
3. Be sure there are no fuel line leaks
and clamps are properly positioned.
4. Immediately wipe up any spilled
gasoline.
Clamp _ Clamp
Fuel Filter
CLEANING
• Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc.
of all foreign matter.
• Keep finished surfaces and wheels
free of all gasoline, oil, etc.
• Protect painted surfaces with automo-
tive 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.
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