Why is my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower not starting?

If your lawn mower is not starting, the problem could be:Out of fuel. Fill the fuel tank.Engine not "CHOKED" properly. Refer to the "TO START ENGINE" section in the Operation section.Engine flooded. Wait several minutes before attempting to start.Bad spark plug. Replace the spark plug.Dirty air filter. Clean or replace the air filter.Dirty fuel filter. Replace the fuel filter.Water in fuel. Empty the fuel tank and carburetor, refill the tank with fresh gasoline, and replace the fuel filter.Loose or damaged wiring. Check all wiring.Engine valves out of adjustment. Contact a Sears or other qualified service center. For more information, see page 30 of the manual.

Why does my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower turn over but not start?

If your lawn mower turns over but does not start, the cause could be a weak or dead battery, corroded battery terminals, loose or damaged wiring, or a faulty solenoid or starter. To correct these issues, you should:Recharge or replace the battery.Clean the battery terminals.Check all wiring.Check or replace the solenoid or starter. For more information, see page 30 of the manual.

How do I start my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?

To start your lawn mower, ensure the freewheel control is in the transmission engaged position. Sit on the seat, depress the brake pedal and set the parking brake. Move the attachment clutch to the disengaged position. Move the throttle control to the choke position. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it clockwise to the start position, then release it as soon as the engine starts. Do not run the starter continuously for more than 15 seconds per minute. If the engine does not start after several attempts, move the throttle control to the fast position, wait a few minutes, and try again. If it still doesn't start, move the throttle control back to the choke position and retry. For warm weather starting (50°F (10°C) and above), once the engine starts, move the throttle control to the fast position. If the engine does not accept the load, restart it and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke. For cold weather starting (50°F (10°C) and below), leave the throttle control in the choke position until the engine warms up and begins to run roughly. Once rough running begins, immediately move the throttle control to the fast position.

How do I change the oil in my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?

To change the engine oil, first ensure the tractor is on a level surface and that the oil is warm for better drainage. Catch the oil in a suitable container. Remove the lower dash cover by raising the hood, removing the fastener, and sliding it up to release the tabs. Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick, being careful not to let dirt enter the engine. Remove the yellow cap from the end of the drain valve and install the drain tube onto the fitting. Unlock the drain valve by pushing inward and turning counterclockwise, then pull it out to open. After the oil has completely drained, close and lock the drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise until the pin is in the locked position. Remove the drain tube and replace the cap onto the bottom fitting of the drain valve. Finally, refill the engine with oil through the oil fill dipstick tube, pouring slowly and not overfilling.

Why does my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower keep shutting off?

If your lawn mower keeps shutting off, it could be due to a faulty operator-safety presence control system. You should check the wiring, switches, and connections. If the issue is not corrected, contact a Sears or other qualified service center.

How do I adjust the cutting height on my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?

The cutting height is determined by the position of the attachment lift lever. You can adjust the mower to your desired cutting height by moving this lever. The cutting height range is approximately 1 to 4 inches (25.4 to 101.6 mm), measured from the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running. These heights are approximate and may vary. For more information, see page 12 of the manual.

What type of oil does the Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower use?

For temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use SAE 30 oil. For temperatures below 32°F (0°C), use SAE 5W30 oil. All oil must meet API service classification SG-SL. For more information, see pages 6 and 18 of the manual.

What type of fuel should I use in my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?

You should use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to ensure freshness. When operating in temperatures below 32°F (0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline for good cold weather starting.

What causes my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower to not get fuel?

If your lawn mower is not getting fuel, the cause could be a dirty fuel filter, stale or dirty fuel, or water in the fuel. To correct these issues, you should:Replace the fuel filter.Empty the fuel tank and carburetor, then refill the tank with fresh, clean gasoline. For more information, see page 30 of the manual.

How do I replace the blade on my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?

To replace the blade, first raise the mower to its highest position to allow access. Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap the blade with heavy cloth. Remove the blade bolt by turning it counter-clockwise. Install the new blade with the stamped "GRASS SIDE" facing the ground. Ensure the center hole in the blade aligns with the star on the mandrel assembly. Finally, install and tighten the blade bolt securely to 45-55 Ft. Lbs./62-75 Nm. For more information, see page 17 of the manual.

What is the oil capacity of the Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?

The oil capacity for your lawn mower is 64 Oz./1.96 L with a filter and 60 Oz./1.77 L without a filter. For more information, see page 6 of the manual.

How often should I clean or replace the air filter on my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?

You should clean the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season, whichever comes first. The paper cartridge should be serviced every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Service the air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. For more information, see page 19 of the manual.

Where can I find the model number on my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?

The model number, 917.20391, is located on the front cover of the Operator's Manual.

Why is my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower backfiring?

If your lawn mower backfires when turning the engine "OFF", the engine throttle control may not be set between half and full speed (fast) position before stopping the engine. To correct this, move the throttle control between the half and full speed (fast) position before stopping the engine.

What is the correct spark plug for the Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?

The correct spark plug is a Champion RC12YC with a gap of .030"/0.76 mm. For more information, see page 6 of the manual.

What is the procedure for removing the blade from a Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?

To remove the blade, first raise the mower to its highest position to allow access. Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap the blade with heavy cloth. Then, remove the blade bolt by turning it counter-clockwise. For more information, see page 17 of the manual.

How do I change a tire on my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?

To remove a wheel for repairs, first block up the axle securely. Then, remove the axle cover, retaining ring, and washers to allow wheel removal. For rear wheels, ensure you do not lose the square key. After repairing the tire, reassemble by aligning the grooves in the rear wheel hub and axle (for rear wheels), inserting the square key, replacing the washers, snapping the retaining ring securely in the axle groove, and finally replacing the axle cover. For more information, see page 27 of the manual.

How do I troubleshoot a Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower that vibrates excessively?

If your lawn mower vibrates excessively, the problem could be a worn, bent or loose blade, a bent blade mandrel, or loose or damaged parts. To correct these issues, you should:Replace the blade and tighten the blade bolt.Contact a Sears or other qualified service center for a bent blade mandrel.Tighten loose parts or replace damaged parts. For more information, see page 31 of the manual.

What are the lubrication points for the Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?

The lubrication points for your lawn mower include:Spindle ZerksFront Wheel Bearing ZerksSteering Sector Gear TeethSteering Pivot BoltsMandrel ZerksUse General Purpose Grease for these points. Do not oil or grease pivot points with special nylon bearings, as viscous lubricants will attract dust and dirt, shortening the life of self-lubricating bearings. If lubrication is necessary for these points, use only a dry, powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly. For more information, see page 16 of the manual.

Craftsman 917.20391 Operator's Manual

Hide thumbs Also See for 917.20391:

Operator's manual (69 pages)

Operator's manual (34 pages)

Table Of Contents

Table of Contents

Available languages

Quick Links

Operator's Manual

ICRAFTSMnN°I

LAW

TRACTOR

22 HR* 48" Mower

Electric Start

Automatic Transmission

Model No.

917.20391

. EspaSol,

p. 35

his product has a low emission engine which operates

differently from previously built engines. Before you start the

engine, read and understand

this manual.

iMPORTANT:

Read and follow all Safety

Rules and instructions

before

operating this equipment.

For answers to your questions

about this product, call:

1-888-331-4569

Craftsman

Customer

Help Line

Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Visit our Craftsman website: www.craftsman.com

* The power rating as declared by the engine manufacturer

is the

average gross power output at the specified

RPM of a typical

production

engine for the engine model

measured

using SAE

Standards

for engine gross power.

Please refer to the engine

manufacturer

for details.

* La potencia

nominal declarada

per el fabricante

del motor es la

salida media de potencia bruta a las RPM especificadas

de un

motor de serie tipico

para el modelo de motor, medida

segt_n

las normas

SAE sobre

potencia

bruta

de moton

Para m_ts

informaci6n,

consulte

al fabricante

del motor.

586123696

Rev. 2

Table of Contents

Why is my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower not starting?
If your lawn mower is not starting, the problem could be:
- Out of fuel. Fill the fuel tank.
- Engine not "CHOKED" properly. Refer to the "TO START ENGINE" section in the Operation section.
- Engine flooded. Wait several minutes before attempting to start.
- Bad spark plug. Replace the spark plug.
- Dirty air filter. Clean or replace the air filter.
- Dirty fuel filter. Replace the fuel filter.
- Water in fuel. Empty the fuel tank and carburetor, refill the tank with fresh gasoline, and replace the fuel filter.
- Loose or damaged wiring. Check all wiring.
- Engine valves out of adjustment. Contact a Sears or other qualified service center.
For more information, see page 30 of the manual.
Was this helpful?
Why does my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower turn over but not start?
If your lawn mower turns over but does not start, the cause could be a weak or dead battery, corroded battery terminals, loose or damaged wiring, or a faulty solenoid or starter. To correct these issues, you should:
- Recharge or replace the battery.
- Clean the battery terminals.
- Check all wiring.
- Check or replace the solenoid or starter.
For more information, see page 30 of the manual.
Was this helpful?
How do I start my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?

To start your lawn mower, ensure the freewheel control is in the transmission engaged position. Sit on the seat, depress the brake pedal and set the parking brake. Move the attachment clutch to the disengaged position. Move the throttle control to the choke position. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it clockwise to the start position, then release it as soon as the engine starts. Do not run the starter continuously for more than 15 seconds per minute. If the engine does not start after several attempts, move the throttle control to the fast position, wait a few minutes, and try again. If it still doesn't start, move the throttle control back to the choke position and retry.

For warm weather starting (50°F (10°C) and above), once the engine starts, move the throttle control to the fast position. If the engine does not accept the load, restart it and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke.

For cold weather starting (50°F (10°C) and below), leave the throttle control in the choke position until the engine warms up and begins to run roughly. Once rough running begins, immediately move the throttle control to the fast position.

Was this helpful?
How do I change the oil in my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?

To change the engine oil, first ensure the tractor is on a level surface and that the oil is warm for better drainage. Catch the oil in a suitable container. Remove the lower dash cover by raising the hood, removing the fastener, and sliding it up to release the tabs. Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick, being careful not to let dirt enter the engine. Remove the yellow cap from the end of the drain valve and install the drain tube onto the fitting. Unlock the drain valve by pushing inward and turning counterclockwise, then pull it out to open. After the oil has completely drained, close and lock the drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise until the pin is in the locked position. Remove the drain tube and replace the cap onto the bottom fitting of the drain valve. Finally, refill the engine with oil through the oil fill dipstick tube, pouring slowly and not overfilling.

Was this helpful?
Why does my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower keep shutting off?

If your lawn mower keeps shutting off, it could be due to a faulty operator-safety presence control system. You should check the wiring, switches, and connections. If the issue is not corrected, contact a Sears or other qualified service center.

Was this helpful?
How do I adjust the cutting height on my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?

The cutting height is determined by the position of the attachment lift lever. You can adjust the mower to your desired cutting height by moving this lever. The cutting height range is approximately 1 to 4 inches (25.4 to 101.6 mm), measured from the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running. These heights are approximate and may vary.

For more information, see page 12 of the manual.

Was this helpful?
What type of oil does the Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower use?

For temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use SAE 30 oil. For temperatures below 32°F (0°C), use SAE 5W30 oil. All oil must meet API service classification SG-SL.

For more information, see pages 6 and 18 of the manual.

Was this helpful?
What type of fuel should I use in my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?

You should use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to ensure freshness. When operating in temperatures below 32°F (0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline for good cold weather starting.

Was this helpful?
What causes my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower to not get fuel?
If your lawn mower is not getting fuel, the cause could be a dirty fuel filter, stale or dirty fuel, or water in the fuel. To correct these issues, you should:
- Replace the fuel filter.
- Empty the fuel tank and carburetor, then refill the tank with fresh, clean gasoline.
For more information, see page 30 of the manual.
Was this helpful?
How do I replace the blade on my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?

To replace the blade, first raise the mower to its highest position to allow access. Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap the blade with heavy cloth. Remove the blade bolt by turning it counter-clockwise. Install the new blade with the stamped "GRASS SIDE" facing the ground. Ensure the center hole in the blade aligns with the star on the mandrel assembly. Finally, install and tighten the blade bolt securely to 45-55 Ft. Lbs./62-75 Nm.

For more information, see page 17 of the manual.

Was this helpful?
What is the oil capacity of the Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?

The oil capacity for your lawn mower is 64 Oz./1.96 L with a filter and 60 Oz./1.77 L without a filter.

For more information, see page 6 of the manual.

Was this helpful?
How often should I clean or replace the air filter on my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?

You should clean the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season, whichever comes first. The paper cartridge should be serviced every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Service the air cleaner more often under dusty conditions.

For more information, see page 19 of the manual.

Was this helpful?
Where can I find the model number on my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?

The model number, 917.20391, is located on the front cover of the Operator's Manual.

Was this helpful?
Why is my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower backfiring?

If your lawn mower backfires when turning the engine "OFF", the engine throttle control may not be set between half and full speed (fast) position before stopping the engine. To correct this, move the throttle control between the half and full speed (fast) position before stopping the engine.

Was this helpful?
What is the correct spark plug for the Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?

The correct spark plug is a Champion RC12YC with a gap of .030"/0.76 mm.

For more information, see page 6 of the manual.

Was this helpful?
What is the procedure for removing the blade from a Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?

To remove the blade, first raise the mower to its highest position to allow access. Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap the blade with heavy cloth. Then, remove the blade bolt by turning it counter-clockwise.

For more information, see page 17 of the manual.

Was this helpful?
How do I change a tire on my Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?

To remove a wheel for repairs, first block up the axle securely. Then, remove the axle cover, retaining ring, and washers to allow wheel removal. For rear wheels, ensure you do not lose the square key. After repairing the tire, reassemble by aligning the grooves in the rear wheel hub and axle (for rear wheels), inserting the square key, replacing the washers, snapping the retaining ring securely in the axle groove, and finally replacing the axle cover.

For more information, see page 27 of the manual.

Was this helpful?
How do I troubleshoot a Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower that vibrates excessively?
If your lawn mower vibrates excessively, the problem could be a worn, bent or loose blade, a bent blade mandrel, or loose or damaged parts. To correct these issues, you should:
- Replace the blade and tighten the blade bolt.
- Contact a Sears or other qualified service center for a bent blade mandrel.
- Tighten loose parts or replace damaged parts.
For more information, see page 31 of the manual.
Was this helpful?
What are the lubrication points for the Craftsman 917.20391 lawn mower?
The lubrication points for your lawn mower include:
- Spindle Zerks
- Front Wheel Bearing Zerks
- Steering Sector Gear Teeth
- Steering Pivot Bolts
- Mandrel Zerks
Use General Purpose Grease for these points. Do not oil or grease pivot points with special nylon bearings, as viscous lubricants will attract dust and dirt, shortening the life of self-lubricating bearings. If lubrication is necessary for these points, use only a dry, powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly.

For more information, see page 16 of the manual.
Was this helpful?