Craftsman 917.98645 Operator's Manual page 25

ENGINE OIL FILTER
Replace the engine oil filter every season or
every other oil change if the tractor is used
more than 100 hours in one year.
NOTE: If needed, remove lower dash covers
using steps from "Lower dash cover removal"
section of this manual.
AiR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly using a
dirty air filter. Service air cleaner more often
under dusty conditions.
CLEAN AIR SCREEN
The air screen is over the air intake blower
located on top of engine. The air screen
must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent
engine damage from overheating. Clean with
a wire brush or compressed air to remove
dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
To ensure proper cooling, make sure the
grass screen, cooling fins, and other exter-
nal surfaces of the engine are kept clean
at all times.
Every 100 hours of operation (more often
under extremely dusty, dirty conditions),
remove the blower housing and other cooling
shrouds. Clean the cooling fins and external
surfaces as necessary. Ensure the cooling
shrouds are reinstalled.
NOTE: Operating the engine with a blocked
grass screen, dirty or plugged cooling fins,
and/or cooling shrouds removed will cause
engine damage due to overheating.
MUFFLER
inspect and replace corroded muffler and
spark arrester (if equipped) as it could create
a fire hazard and/or damage.
SPARK PLUG(S)
Replace spark plug(s) atthe beginning of each
mowing season or after every 100 hours of
operation, whichever occurs first. Sparkplug
type and gap setting are shown in "PROD UCT
SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual.
IN=LINE FUEL FILTER
The fuel filter should be replaced once each
season. If fuel filter becomes clogged, ob-
structing fuel flow to carburetor, replacement
is required.
1. With engine cool, remove filter and plug
fuel line sections.
2. Place new fuetfilter in position in fuel line
with arrow pointing towards carburetor.
3. Be sure there are no fuel line leaks and
clamps are properly positioned.
4. Immediatetywipe up anyspilled gasoline.
Clamp
Clamp
Fuel Filte_
CLEANING
• Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc.
of all foreign matter.
• Clean debrisfrom steering plate. Debris
can restrict clutch/brake pedal shaft move-
ment, causing belt slip and loss of drive.
_, CAUTION: Avoid all pinch points and
movable parts
Steering System, Dash, Fender
and Mower Not Shown
Keep finished surfaces and wheels free
of all gasoline, oil, etc.
Protect painted surfaces with automotive
type wax.
Except for the washout port (if equipped),
we do not recommend using a garden hose
or pressure washer to clean the outside of
your tractor unless the engine and transmis-
sion are covered to keep water out. Water
in engine or transmission will shorten the
useful life of your tractor. Use compressed
air or a leaf blower to remove grass, leaves
and trash from outside tractor and mower.
25