Craftsman 917.296040 - Manual (Page 15)

^CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug
wire before performing any maintenance
(except carburetor adjustment) to prevent
accidental starting of engine.
Prevent fires! Keep the engine free of
grass, leaves, spilled oil, or fuel. Remove
fuel from tank before tipping unit for main­
tenance. Clean muffler area of all grass,
dirt, and debris.
Do not touch hot muffler or cylinder fins as
contact may cause burns.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SG-SL. Se­
lect the oil’s SAE viscosity grade accord­
ing to your expected temperature.
5. Refill engine with oil. See “CHECK
ENGINE OIL LEVEL” in the Operation
section of this manual.
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
oiLvfsc_char!5_e(drt)
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils
(5W-30, 10W-30, etc.) improve starting
in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils
will result in increased oil consumption
when used above 40°F (4°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 tiller
is not used for 50 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before
starting the engine and after each five (5)
hours of continuous use. Add SAE 30 mo­
tor oil or equivalent. Tighten oil filler plug
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.
• Be sure tiller is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Use a funnel to prevent oil spill on tiller,
and catch oil in a suitable container.
Remove drain plug.
For easier removal of plug use 7/16-12
Pt. socket with extension.
Tip tiller forward to drain oil.
After oil has drained completely,
replace oil drain plug and tighten se­
curely.
Remove oil filler plug. Be careful not to
allow dirt to enter the engine.
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2
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3.
4.
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly using a
dirty air filter. Clean the foam pre-cleaner
after every 50 hours of operation or every
season. Service paper cartridge every
100 hours of operation or every season,
whichever occurs first.
Service air cleaner more often under dusty
conditions.
1. Remove knob and cover. Lift air
cleaner assembly off stud.
TO SERVICE PRE-CLEANER
2. Remove foam pre-cleaner from air
filter.
3. Wash it in liquid detergent and water.
4. Squeeze it dry in a clean cloth.
NOTE: If very dirty or damaged, replace
pre-cleaner.
5. Reinstall pre-cleaner onto air filter.
6. Reinstall cover and secure with knob.
TO SERVICE CARTRIDGE
1. Carefully remove cartridge to prevent
debris from entering carburetor. Clean
base carefully to prevent debris from
entering carburetor.
2. Remove foam pre-cleaner from air
filter.
3. Clean cartridge by tapping gently on
flat surface. If very dirty or damaged,
replace cartridge.
4. Reinstall pre-cleaner onto air filter.
5. Reinstall cover and secure with knob.
IMPORTANT: Petroleum solvents, such
as kerosene, are not to be used to clean
the cartridge. They may cause deterio­
ration of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge.
Do not use pressurized air to clean or dry
cartridge.
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