Checking The Oil Level; Inspecting The Oil Level Window; Changing The Oil; Adding Oil - Craftsman 316.731971 Operator's Manual

CHECKING THE OiL LEVEL
WARNING:
OVERFiLLiNG THE CRANKCASE MAY
CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL iNJURY. Check the oil level
before each use. The importance of maintaining the proper
oil level cannot be overemphasized.
inspecting the Oil Level Window
1. Stop the engine and allow it to cool.
2. Set the unit on a flat, level surface, such as a workbench or
table. The cutting head shield should hang over the edge so that
the engine is level (Fig. 18).
NOTE: Failure to keep the engine level may cause the oil to overfill.
3. Look into the oil level window; use a flashlight if necessary. The
oil level should fill the window approximately halfway (Fig.
19). If the oil level is too low, add oil. Refer to Adding Off.
Adding Oil
1. Clean the area around the oil fill plug (Fig. 19) to prevent debris
from entering the oil fill hole.
2. Unscrew the oil fill plug.
3. Add oil to the oil fill hole until the oil level is approximately
halfway up the oil level window (Fig. 19).
NOTE: DO NOT overfill the crankcase.
4. Wipe up any oil that may have spilled.
5. Reinstall the oil fill plug.
NOTE: Make sure the O-ring is in place on the oil fill plug (Fig. 19).
Fig. 18
Oil Fifl Plu{
Oil Fifl Hole
Maximum
Oil Level
Fig. 19
O=Ring
CHANGING THE OiL
Change the oil while the engine is still warm. The oil will flow freely
and carry away more impurities.
1. Clean the area around the oil fill plug (Fig. 19) to prevent debris
from entering the oil fill hole.
2. Unscrew the oil fill plug.
3. Tip the unit vertically to pour the oil out of the oil fill hole and into
a container (Fig. 20). Allow ample time for complete drainage.
NOTE: Dispose of the old oil according to federal, state and local
regulations.
4. Wipe up any oil that may have spilled.
5. Pour 2.03 fl.oz. (60 ml) of SAE 30 oil into the oil fill hole.
NOTE: DO NOT overfill. Refer to Checking the Oil Level.
NOTE: Use the empty oil bottle saved from the initial use to
measure the correct amount of oil. Fill the oil bottle to the 2.03 fl.
oz (60 ml) fill line indicated on the back of the bottle (Fig. 21).
6. Wipe up any oil that may have spilled.
7. Reinstall the oil fill plug.
NOTE: Make sure the O-ring is in place on the oil fill plug (Fig. 19).
Fig. 20
Fig. 21
14