Check Transaxle Oil Level; V-Belts; Engine Lubrication; To Change Engine Oil - Craftsman 917.276071 Owner's Manual

TO CLEAN BATTERYAND TERMINALS
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 brush until bright.
5. Coat terminalswith grease or petro-
leumjelly.
6. Reinstallbattery (See "REPLACING
BATTERY"in the SERVICEAND AD-
JUSTMENTSsection of this manual).
TRANSAXLE COOLING
Keeptransaxlefree from build-up of dirt
andchaff which can restrictcooling.
CHECKTRANSAXLE OIL LEVEL
1. Block up rear axle securely.
2. Removeleft rear wheel by removing
hub bolts.
3. Removefiller plug from transaxle. Oil
level must be evenwith plug threads.
If necessary,fill with SAE 30 motor oil,
API SG-SL. Replacefiller plug.
4. Reassemblewheel to hub.
Transax,e Fi,,er
° ° t &P'u0
V-BELTS
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.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SG-SL.
Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating
temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils
(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in
cold weather, they will result in increased
oil consumption when used above 32°R
Check your engine oil level more frequent-
ly 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/
dipstick 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 SG-SL.
• 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. Install the drain tube onto the valve.
3. Open drain valve by using a 7/16"
(11 mm) wrench turning counterclock-
wise.
Oil Drain Valve
To Open
To Close
Drain Tube
4. After oil has drained completely, close
the drain valve turning clockwise. Use
the 7/16" (11 mm) wrench to apply
a small amount of torque to keep it
closed. Do not over tighten.
5. Remove the drain tube and store in a
safe place.
6. 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.
7. Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for
checking level. For accurate reading,
tighten dipstick cap securely onto the
tube before removing dipstick. Keep oil
at "FULl" line on dipstick. Tighten cap
17 onto the tube securely when finished.