Craftsman 917.271840 - Manual (Page 21)

NOTE: Tlie 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
terminals can cause the battery to Teak”
power.
1. Remove terminal guard.
2. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first
then RED battery cable and remove
battery from tractor.
3. Rinse the battery with plain water and
dry.
4. Clean terminals and battery cable ends
with wire brush until bright.
5. Coat terminals with grease or petroeum
jelly.
6. Reinstall battery (See “REPLACING
BATTERY” in the SERVICE AND
ADJUSTMENTS section of this
manual).
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
The transmission fan and cooling fins
should be kept clean to assure proper
cooling.
Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission
while engine is running or while the
transmission is hot. To prevent possible
damage to seals, do not use high pressure
water or steam to clean transaxTe.
• Inspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades
are intact and clean.
• Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass
clippings and other materials. To prevent
damage to seals, do not use compressed
air or nigh pressure sprayer to clean
cooling Tins.
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxle was sealed at the factory
and fluid maintenance Is not required for
the life of the transaxle. Should the
transaxle ever leak or require servicing,
contact your nearest authorized sen/ice
center/department.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SF-SJ.
Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating
temperature.
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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.
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 ca^
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-SJ.
* Be sure tractor is on level surface.
* OH will drain more freely when warm.
* Catch oil In a suitable container.
1. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful
not to allow dirt to enter the engine
when changing oil.
2. Remove cap from end of drain valve
and Install the drain tube onto the
fitting.
3. Unlock drain valve by pushing inward
slightly and turning counterdociwise.
4. To open, pull out on the drain valve.
5. After oil has drained completely, close
and lock the drain valve by pushing
inward and turning clockwise until the
pin is in the locked position as shown.
6. Remove the drain tube and replace the
cap onto to the end of the drain valve.
7. Refill engine with oil through oil fill
dipstick tube. Pour slowly. Do not
overfill. For approximate capacity see
“PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section
of this manual.
8. 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.
OH Drain Valve