Craftsman 247.38528 - Manual (Page 19)

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
CLEANING DECK
Clean underside of the mower deck once a season to prevent build-up
of grass clippings or other debris. Follow steps below for this job.
1. Disconnect spark plug wire. Run engine until it stops from lack of
fuel.
2. Tip mower so that it rests on the housing, keeping the muffler side
down. Refer back to Figure 13. Hold mower firmly.
A
warning
Never tip the mower more than 90° in any direction and do not leave
the mower tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain into the upper
part of the engine causing a starting problem.
3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwithasuitabletool. Do not
spray with water.
IMPORTANT: Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean
your unit. These may cause damage to bearings, or the engine. The
use of water will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability.
4. Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground.
BLADE CARE
A
warning
A warning
When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement. An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at
protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to high speeds. It may cause damage to mower and could break causing
hold the blade. personal injury.
Periodically inspect the blade adapter tor cracks, especially if you
strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary. Follow the steps
below for blade service.
1. Disconnect spark plug boot from spark plug. Turn mower on its
side making sure that the air filter and the carburetor are facing
up.
2. Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which hold the blade
and the blade adapter to the engine crankshaft. See Figure 15.
3. Remove blade and adapter from the crankshaft.
4. Remove blade from the adapter tor testing balance. Balance the
blade on a round shaft screwdriver to check. Remove metal from
the heavy side until it balances evenly. When sharpening the
blade, follow the original angle of grind. Grind each cutting edge
equally to keep the blade balanced.
5. Lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade
adapter with light oil. Slide the blade adapter onto the engine
crankshaft. Place the blade on the adapter such that the side of
the blade marked “Bottom” (or with part number) faces the ground
when the mower is in the operating position. Make sure that the
blade is aligned and seated on the blade adapter flanges.
6. Place blade bell support on the blade. Align notches on the blade
bell support with small holes in blade.
7. Replace hex bolt and tighten hex bolt to torque: 450 in. lbs. min.,
600 in. lbs. max.
To ensure safe operation of your mower, periodically check the blade
bolt for correct torque.
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