Craftsman 917.276240 - Manual (Page 21)

5/8” Bolt or Pin
Blade
BATTERY Cents, Hole
Your tractor has a battery charging system
which is sufficient for normal use. How­
ever, periodic charging of the battery with
an automotive charger will extend its life.
• Keep battery and terminals clean.
• Keep battery bolts tight.
• Keep small vent holes open.
• Rechargeât 6-10 amperes for 1 hour.
NOTE: The original equipment battery on
your tractor is maintenance free.
Do not attempt to open or remove caps or
covers. Adding or checking level of elec­
trolyte is not necessary.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and termi­
nals can cause the battery to “leak” 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 petro­
leum jelly.
6. Reinstall battery (See “REPLACING
BATTERY" in the SERVICE AND AD­
JUSTMENTS section of this manual).
TRANSAXLE COOLING
The transmission fan and cooling fins should
be kept clean to assure proper cooling.
Do not attempt to clean fan or transmis­
sion 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 transaxle.
• Inspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades
are intact and clean.
• Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clip­
pings and other materials. To prevent
damage to seals, do not use com­
pressed air or high pressure sprayer to
clean cooling fins.
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxle was sealed at the factory
and fluid maintenance is not required for
the life of the transaxle. Should the trans­
axle ever leak or require servicing, contact
your nearest Sears or other qualified
service center.
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.
2 -|
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Cniy use high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SG-SL. Se­
lect the oil’s SAE viscosity grade according
to your expected operating temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
] I I
30 32 40
C -30____________ ___________-10__________ 0__________10__________20_________ 30_______ 4
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
(iil_visc_chai't4_<
Change the oil after every 50 hours of op­
eration or at least once a year if the tractor
is not used for 50 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before start­
ing the engine and after each eight (8)
hours of operation.
TC CHANGE ENGINE GIL
Determine temperature range expected
before oil change. All oil must meet API
service classification SG-SL.
• Be sure tractor is on level surface.
• Gil 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.
Install the drain tube onto the fitting.
Gpen drain valve by using a 7/16"
(11 mm) wrench turning counterclock­
wise.
1
2 .
3.
4. After oil has drained completely, close
the drain valve turning clockwise. Use
the 7/16" (11 mm) wrench to apply
a small amount of torque to keep It
closed. Do not over tighten.
5. Remove the drain tube and store in a
safe place.
6. Refill engine with oil through oil fill dip­
stick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill.
For approximate capacity see “PRGD-
UCT SPECIFICATICNS” section of this
manual.
7. Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for
checking level. Insert dipstick into
the tube and rest the oil fill cap on the
tube. Do not thread the cap onto the
tube when taking reading. Keep oil
at “FULL” line on dipstick. Tighten cap
onto the tube securely when finished.