Craftsman 917.293300 - Manual (Page 14)

Disconnect spark plug wire before per­
forming any maintenance (except carbure­
tor adjustment) to prevent accidental start­
ing of engine.
Prevent fires! Keep the engine free of
grass, leaves, spilled oil, or fuel. Remove
fuel from tank before tipping unit for main­
tenance. Clean muffler area of all grass,
dirt, and debris.
Do not touch hot muffler or cylinder fins as
contact may cause burns.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SF, SQ or
SH. Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected temperature.
^ Refill engine with oil. See “CHECK
ENGINE OIL LEVEL" in the Operation
section of this manual.
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W-
30,10W-30, etc.) improve starting in cold
weather, these multi-viscosity oils will
result in increased oil consumption when
used above 32°F (0°C). Check your
engine oil level more frequently to avoid
possible engine damage from running low
on oil.
Change the oil after every 50 hours of
operation or at least once a year if the tiller
is not used for 50 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before start­
ing the engine and after each five (5)
hours of continuous use. Add SAE 30
motor oil or equivalent. Tighten oil filler
plug 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 tiller Is on level surface.
® Oil will drain more freely when warm.
® Use a funnel to prevent oil spill on tiller,
and catch oil in a suitable container.
• Remove drain plug.
• Tip tiller forward to drain oil.
» After oil has drained completely, replace
oil drain plug and tighten securely.
® Remove oil filler plug. Be careful not to
allow dirt to enter the engine.
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly using a
dirty air filter. Clean the foam pre-cleaner
after every 50 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.
® Loosen air cleaner cover screws.
Remove cover and air cleaner assembly
from base.
» Remove air cleaner asssembly from
inside cover and disassemble.
TO SERVICE PRE-CLEANER
® Wash it in liquid detergent and water,
o Squeeze it dry in a clean cloth.
® Saturate it in engine oil. Wrap it in
clean, absorbent cloth and squeeze to
remove excess oil.
TO SERVICE CARTRIDGE
* Gently tap the flat side of the paper car­
tridge to dislodge dirt. Do not wash the
paper cartridge or use pressurized air,
as this will damage the cartridge.
Replace a dirty, bent, or damaged car­
tridge.
® Re-assemble retainer on pre-cleaner
and cartridge (screen side of pre-cleaner
toward cartridge pleats). Place assem­
bly into cover.
14