Craftsman 917.255520 - Manual (Page 16)

MAINTENANCE
BATTERY (See Fig. 12)
Your unit has a battery charging system which is sufficient
for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery
with an automotive charger will extend it's iife.
• Acid solution level in each battery cell should be even
with bottoms of vent wells. Add only distilled or iron free
water If necessary. Do not overfill.
• Keep battery and terminals clean.
• Keep battery bolts tight
• Keep vent caps tight and small vent holes in caps open.
• Recharge at 6 amperes for 1 hour.
TO GLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS -
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and termirrais can cause
the battery to “leak" power.
•
Remove terminal guard.
• Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED bat­
tery cable and remove battery from tractor.
■ Wash battery with solution of four tablespoons of bak­
ing soda to one gallon of water. Be careful not to get
the soda solution into the cells.
‘ 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 “INSTALL BATTERY' in as­
sembly section of this manual).
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Change the oil after the first two hours of operation and
every 25 hours thereafter 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 continuous use. Add SAE
SOW motor oil or equalivent Tighten oil fllj cap/dipstick
securely each time you check the oil level. SAE 5W-30
motor oil may be used to make starting easier in areas
where temperature is consistently 32” F or lower.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 13)
Determine temperature range expected before oil change.
All oil must meet API service classification SD, SE or SF.
• Be sure vehicle is on levei surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
Catch oil in a suitable container.
Remove oil fill 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 on page 3 of this manual.
Use gauge on oil fill dipstick for checking level. Be sure
dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate reading.
Keep oH at "FULL" line on dipstick.
AIR FILTER (See Fig. 14)
Your engine will not run property and may be damaged by
using a dirty air filter. Replace paper cartridge once a year
or after every 100 hours of operation, more often if used in
very dusty, dirty conditions.
• Remove knobs and cover.
• Remove cartridge nut and replace cartridge.
• Reassemble and tighten securely.
NOTE: Do not attempt to clean or oil the paper cartridge.
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