Craftsman 917.259172 - Manual (Page 18)

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
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 fan and cooling fins of transmission 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.
» Inspectcoolingfantobe sure fan blades are intact and
ciean.
" Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clippings and other
materials. To prevent damage to seals, do not use
compressed air or high pressure sprayer to clean
cooling fins.
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxle was sealed at the factory and fluid, mainte­
nance is not required for the life of the transaxle. Sfiould the
transaxle ever leak or require servicing, contact your near­
est authorized service center/departmenl.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service
classification SF, SG, o t SH. Select the oil's SAE viscosity
grade according to your expected operating temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
—:
■ ■ p:—
—
....:
Dp '20® 0“ 30' 32" 40* 60“ 80^ 100'
"C -30" - 20 " •iO*
0“ 10
*
30
' 30 * 40*
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
FIG. 15
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 cap/
dipstick securely each time you check the oil level.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Figs. 15 & 16)
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” on page 3 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.
CLEAN AIR SCREEN {See Fig. 16)
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.
AIR FILTER (See Fig. 17)
Your engine wHi not run properly using a dirty air filter.
Clean the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of opera­
tion 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.
® Remove knob(s) and cover.
TO SERVICE PRE-CLEANER
• Slide foam pre-cleaner off cartridge.
® Wash it in liquid detergent and water.
» Squeeze it dry in a clean cloth.
» Saturate it in engine oil. Wrap it in clean, absorbent
cloth and squeeze to remove excess oil.
■> if very dirty or damaged, replace pre-cleaner .
« Reinstall pre-cleaner over cartridge.
• Reinstall cover and secure with knob(s).
TO SERVICE CARTRIDGE
“ Remove wing nuts and cartridge plate.
» Carefully remove cartridge to prevent debris from en­
tering carburetor.
" Clean cartridge by tapping gently on fiat surface. If very
dirty or damaged, replace cartridge.
<» Reinstall cartridge plate, wing nuts, precieaner, cover
and secure with knob(s).
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