Craftsman 917.37742 - Manual (Page 12)

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening
blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is
balanced.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
Care should be taken to keep the blade bal­
anced. An unbalanced blade will cause
eventual damage to lawn mower or englne.
» The blade can be sharpened with a file or
on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to
sharpen while on the mower,
o To check blade balance, drive a nail into
a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of
the straight nail exposed. Place center
hole of blade over the head of the nail. If
blade is balanced, it should remain in a
horizontal position. If either end of the
blade moves downward, sharpen the
heavy end until the blade is balanced.
Blade Crank
adaptor \ ____ _ shaf^key-
Blade,
Blade
^ \ \ \ Crank
Lockwasher Hardened \ Blade shaft
washer Trailing adaptor
edge
GRASS CATCHER
(If purchased as an accessory)
® The grass catcher may be hosed with
water, but must be dry when used.
» Check your grass catcher often for dam­
age or deterioration. Through normal
use it will wear. If catcher needs replac­
ing, replace only with a manufacturer
approved replacement catcher. Give the
lawn mower model number when order-
inc
fE WHEELS
Check front drive wheels each time before
you mow to be sure they move freely.
The wheels not turning freely means
trash, grass cuttings, etc. are in the drive
wheel area and must be cleaned to free
drive wheels.
If necessary to clean the drive wheels,
check both front wheels.
<» Remove hubcaps, hairpin cotters and
washers.
® Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.
® Remove any trash or grass cuttings
from inside the dust cover, pinion and/or
drive wheel gear teeth.
» Put wheels back in place,
o If after cleaning, the drive wheels do not
turn freely, contact your nearest autho­
rized service center.
GEAR CASE
“ To keep your drive system working
properly, the gear case and area around
the drive should be kept clean and free
of trash build—up. Clean under the
drive cover twice a season.
0 The gear case is filled with lubricant to
the proper level at the factory. The only
time the lubricant needs attention is if
service has been performed on the gear
case.
® If lubricant is required, use only Texaco
Starplex Premium 1 Grease, Part No.
750355. Do not substitute.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SF, SH or
SG. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating tem-
NOTE: Although multi—viscosity oils
(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in
cold weather, these multi—viscosity oils
will result in increased oil consumption
when used above 32° F. Check your
engine oil level more frequently to avoid
possible engine damage from running low
on oil.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of op­
eration or at least once a year if the lawn
mower is not used for 25 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before start­
ing the engine and after each five (5)
hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug
securely each time you check the oil level.
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