Transaxle Cooling; Transaxle Pump Fluid; V-Belts; Engine Lubrication - Craftsman 917.2736401 Owner's Manual

1. Removeterminal guard.
2. DisconnectBLACKbattery cablefirst
then RED battery cable and remove
batteryfrom tractor.
3. Rinsethe batterywith plainwater and
dry.
4. Clean terminals and battery cable ends
with wire brush until bright.
5. Coat terminals with greaseor petro-
leumjelly.
6. Reinstallbattery (See"REPLACING
BATTERY"in the SERVICEAND AD-
JUSTMENTSsectionof this manual).
TRANSAXLE COOLING
The transmissionfan and coolingfins
should be kept clean to assureproper
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 transaxle.
o Inspect coolingfan to be sure fan blades
are intact and clean.
o Inspect coolingfins for dirt, grass clip-
pings and other materials. Toprevent
damage to seals,do not use com-
pressedair or high pressuresprayerto
clean coolingfins.
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxlewas sealedat the factory
and fluid maintenanceis not requiredfor
the lifeof the transaxle. Should the trans-
axle ever leak or requireservicing, contact
a Searsor other qualified servicecenter.
V-BELTS
CheckV-beltsfordeteriorationandwear
after 100hoursof operationand replace
if necessary. T he beltsare not adjustable.
Replacebeltsif they beginto slipfromwear.
LUBRmCATmON
Only use high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SG-SL. Se-
lect the oil's SAE viscosity grade according
to your expected operating temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
F -20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100
c -_0 -2_ -1_ _ 1_ _0 i0 4_
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
o]1 visc cha_tl e
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 starting
the engine and after each eight (8) hours
of operation. Tighten oil fill cap/dipstick se-
curely 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.
o Be sure tractor is on level surface.
o Oil will drain more freely when warm.
o 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
Closed
and
Locked
Position
Yellow Cap
3.
4.
5.
,
7.
,
Drain
Tube
Unlock drain valve by pushing inward
slightly and turning counterclockwise.
To open, pull out on the drain valve.
After oil has drained completely, close
and lock the drain valve by pushing
inward and turning clockwise until the
pin is in the locked position as shown.
Remove the drain tube and replace the
cap onto the end of the drain valve.
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. For accurate reading,
tighten dipstick cap securely onto the
tube before removing dipstick. Keep oil
at "FULU' line on dipstick. Tighten cap
onto the tube securely when finished.
ENGINE OraL HLTER
Replace the engine oil filter every season
or every other oil change if the tractor is
used more than 100 hours in one year.
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly using a
dirty air filter. Replace pre-cleaner after
20every 25 hours of operation or every