Craftsman 917.270512 - Manual (Page 19)

However, periodic charging of the battery
with an automotive charger wilt extend its
life.
• Keep battery and terminals clean.
• Keep battery bolts tight.
• Keep small vent holes open.
• Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and ter­
minals can cause the battery to “leak”
power.
• Open battery box door.
• Disconnect BLACK battery cable first
then RED battery cable and remove
battery from tractor.
• Rinse the battery with plain water and
dry.
• Clean terminals and battery cable ends
with wire brush until bright.
• Coat terminals with grease or petroleum
jelly.
• Reinstall battery (See “REPLACING
BATTERY" In the SERVICE AND
ADJUSTMENTS section of this manu­
al).
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear
after 100 hours of operation and replace if
necessary. The belts are not adjustable.
Replace belts if they begin to slip from
wear.
TRANSAXLE COOLING
Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt
and chaff which can restrict cooling.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SF, SG or
SH. Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating tem­
perature.
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.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES ] I I
I i
mr S3T
40 *
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICtPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or at least once a year if the
tractor is not used for 25 hours in one
year.
Check the crankcase oil level before start­
ing the engine and after each eight (8)
hours of operation. Tighten oil fillcap/dip-
stick 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 SF, SG or SH.
• Be sure tractpr is on level surface.
• Oil will drain rnore 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.
• Remove drain plug.
• After oil has drained completely, replace
oil drain plug and tighten securely.
• Refill engine with oil through oil fill dip­
stick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill.
For approximate capacity see “PROID-
UCT SPECIFICATIONS” on page 5 of
this manual.
• Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for
checking level. Be sure dipstick cap is
tightened securely for accurate reading.
Keep oil at “FULL” line on dipstick.
19
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run property using a
dirty air filter. Clean the foam pre-cleaner
after every 25 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.
• Remove knob(s) and cover.
TO SERVICE PRE-CLEANER
• Slide foam pre-cleaner off cartridge.
• Wash it in liquid detergent and water.
• Squeeze it dry in a clean cloth.
• Saturate it in engine oil. Wrap it in clean,
absorbent cloth and squeeze to remove
excess oil.