Transaxle Maintenance/Transaxle Pump Fluid; V-Belts; To Change Engine Oil; Lower Dash Cover Removal - Craftsman 917.20383 Operator's Manual

TOCLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt onthe battery and terminals
cancause t hebattery to"leak" power.
1. Remove terminal guard.
2. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first
thenRED battery cable andremove
battery f rom tractor.
3. Rinse thebattery w ithplain water a nd
dry.
4. Clean t erminals and battery c able ends
with wire brush until b right.
5. Coat terminals with grease o rpetroleum
jelly.
6. Reinstall battery (See"REPLACING
BATTERY" intheService a ndAdjust-
ments s ection o fthismanual).
TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE
The transmission fan and cooling fins should
be kept clean to assure proper cooling. Do
not attempt to clean fan or transmission while
engine is running or while the transmission
is hot. To prevent possible damage to seals,
do not use high pressure water or steam to
clean transaxle.
• Inspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades
are intact and clean.
• Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clippings
and other materials. To prevent damageto
seals, do not use compressed air or high
pressure sprayer to clean cooling fins.
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxte was sealed at the factory and
fluid maintenance is not required for the life
of the transaxle. Should the transaxle ever
leak or require servicing, contact your near-
est authorized service center/department.
V=BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after
100 hours of operation and replace if neces-
sary. 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. Selectthe
oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your
expected operating temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES ]
!
F -20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100
c -30 -20 qo 0 10 20 3o 40
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
18
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30,
10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather,
they will result in increased oil consumption
when used above 32°F/0°C. Check your
engine oil level more frequently to avoid
possible engine damage from running low
on oil.
Change the oil after every 50 hours of
operation or at least once a year if the tractor
is not used for 50 hours in one year.
Checkthe crankcase oil level before starting
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. Atl oil must meet API
service classification SG-SL.
• Ensure tractor is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Catch oil in a suitable container.
LOWER DASH COVER REMOVAL
1. Raise hood.
2. Remove fastener from lower dash cover.
CAUTION: Remove lower dash cover care-
fully to ensure cover tabs are not broken.
3. Slide lower dash cover up to release
cover tabs from tapered slots in lower
dash and remove.
Lower
Dash
Tabs
4. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful
not to allow dirt to enter the engine when
changing oil.
5. Remove yellow cap from end of drain
valve and install the drain tube onto the
fitting.
Oil Drain Valve
Closed /) "_"_!_ Drain
and _-_
. -""
Locked __
Position"_ ,,, y Tube
Yellow Cap_