Craftsman 917.270814 - Manual (Page 20)

• Keep battery and terminals cleari.
• Keep battery bolts tight.
,
• Keep small vent holes open.
• Rechargeât 6-10 amperes for 1 hour.
NOTE: The original equipment battery on
your tractor is maintenance free. Do not
attempt to open or remove caps or
covers. Adding or checking level of
electrolyte is not necessary.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and ter­
minals can cause the battery to “leak”
power.
• Remove tenninal guard.
• 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
temperature.
SAE VISOOSTTY QBADES
I M I M I
vr 32* <0*
*c -air
■ay ■10“ ao“
30“
TEMPERATURE FWJQE AWTiaPATEO BEFOftE NEXT OIL CHANGE
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. Ched( your engine oil
level more frequently to avoid possible
engine damage from running low on oil-
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
starting the engine and after each eight
(8) hours of operation. Tighten oil fill cap/
dipstick 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 tractor is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more 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
dipstick tube. Pour slowly. Do not
overfill. For approximate capacity see
“PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section
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.
Air Screen
Oil Drain
Plug
Oil Fill Cap/Dipstick
CLEAN AIR SCREEN
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 RNS
Remove any dust, dirt or oil from engine
cooling fins to prevent engine damage
from overheating. Air guide covers must
be removed. Remove side panels and
hood (See “TO REMOVE HOOD AND
GRILL ASSEMBLr in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual).
20