Craftsman 917.98637 Operator's Manual page 19

TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals
can cause the battery to "leak" power.
1. Remove terminal guard.
2. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first
then RED battery cable and remove
battery from tractor.
3. Rinse the battery with plain water and
dry.
4. Clean terminals and battery cable ends
with wire brush until bright.
5. Coat terminals with grease or petroleum
jelly.
6. Reinstall battery (See "REPLACING
BATTERY" in the Service and Adjust-
ments section of this manual).
TRANSAXLE COOLING
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 trans-
mission 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 coolingfinsfordirt, grass clippings
and other materials. To prevent damage to
seals, do not use compressed air or high
pressure sprayer to clean cooling fins.
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxle 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 Sears or other qualified service center.
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 -1o -2; -1; ; 1'0 _o 1o 4;
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
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.
Check the 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. All oil must meet API
service classification SG-SL.
1. Ensure tractor is on level surface.
.
3.
4.
.
6.
Oil will drain more freely when warm.
Catch oil in a suitable container.
Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful
not to allow dirt to enter the engine when
changing oil.
Install the drain tube onto the valve.
Open drain valve by using a 10mm wrench
turning counterclockwise.
Oil Drain Valve
To Open
J To Close
Drain Tube
19
7. After oil has drained completely, close
the drain valve turning clockwise. Use the
10mm wrench to apply a small amount
of torque to keep it closed. Do not over
tighten.
8. Remove the drain tube and store in a
safe place.
9. 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.
10.Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for
checking level. Insert dipstick into the
tube and rest the oil fill cap on the tube.
Do not thread the cap onto the tube when
taking reading. Keep oil at "FULl" line
on dipstick. Tighten cap onto the tube
securely when finished.