Craftsman 917.376242 - Manual (Page 19)

ENGINE
FUEL SYSTEM
IMPORTANT: It is important to prevent
gum deposits from forming in essential fuel
system parts such as carburetor, fuel filter,
fuel hose, or tank during storage. Alcohol
blended fuels (called gasohol or using
ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture
which leads to separation and formation
of acids during storage. Acidic gas can
damage the fuel system of an engine while
in storage.
• Empty the fuel tank by starting the en­
gine and letting it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty.
• Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
• Use fresh fuel next season.
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable al­
ternative in minimizing the formation of fuel
gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer
to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container.
Always follow the mix ratio found on stabilizer
container. Run engine at least 10 minutes
after adding stabilizertoallowthestabilizerto
reach the carburetor. Do not empty the gas
tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
ENGINE OIL
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace
with clean engine oil. (See “ENGINE” in
the Maintenance section of this manual).
CYLINDER
1. Remove spark plug.
2. Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through
spark plug hole into cylinder.
3. Pull starter handle slowly a few times
to distribute oil.
4. Replace with new spark plug.
BATTERY
Disconnect the battery from the engine
connector and charge battery 48 hours.
OTHER
• Do not store gasoline from one season
to another.
• Replace your gasoline can if your can
starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your
gasoline will cause problems.
• If possible, store your unit indoors and
cover it to protect it from dust and dirt.
• Cover your unit with a suitable protec­
tive cover that does not retain moisture.
Do not use plastic. Plastic cannot
breathe, which allows condensation to
form and will cause your unit to rust.
IMPORTANT: Never cover mower while
engine and exhaust areas are still warm.
ACAUTION: Never store the lawn
mower with gasoline in the tank inside a
building where fumes may reach an open
flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool
before storing in any enclosure.
TROUBLESHOOTING - See appropriate section in manual unless directed
to a Sears Parts & Repair Center.
PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION
Does not start 1. Dirty air filter. 1. Clean/replace air filter.
2. Out of fuel. 2. Fill fuel tank.
3. Stale fuel. 3. Empty fuel tank and refill tank
with fresh, clean gasoline.
4. Water in fuel. 4. Empty fuel tank and refill tank
with fresh, clean gasoline.
5. Spark plug wire is
disconnected.
5. Connect wire to plug.
6. Bad spark plug. 6. Replace spark plug.
7. Loose blade or broken
blade adapter.
7. Tighten blade bolt or
replace blade adapter.
8. Control bar in released
position.
8. Depress control bar to
handle.
9. Control bar defective. 9. Replace control bar.
10. Fuel valve lever (if so
equipped) in OFF position.
10.Turn fuel valve lever
to the ON position.
11. Weak battery (if equipped). 11. Charge battery.
12. Disconnected battery
connector (if equipped).
12. Connect battery to engine.
13. Blown fuse (if equipped). 13. Replace fuse.
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