Sears Craftsman 917.257720 - Manual (Page 17)

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
BATTERY (See Fig. 16)
Your unit has a battery charging system which is sufficient
for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery
with an automotive charger will extend its life.
• Acid solution level in each battery cell should be even
with bottoms of vent wells. Add only distilled oriron free
water if necessary. Do not overfill.
• Keep battery and terminals clean.
• Keep battery bolts tight.
• Keep vent caps tight and small vent holes in caps open.
• Recharge at 6 amperes for 1 hour.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS -
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause
the battery to “leak” power.
• Remove terminal guard.
• Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED bat­
tery cable and remove battery from tractor.
• Wash battery with solution of four tablespoons of
baking soda to one gallon of water. Be careful not to get
the soda solution into the cells.
• Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.
• Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush
until bright.
• Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly.
• Reinstall battery (See “INSTALL BATTERY” in the
Assembly section of this manual).
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service
classification SG. Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
-20° 0° 30° 32° 40° 60° 80° 100°
°C .30° 20° -10° 0° 10° 20° 30° 40°
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
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 the first two hours of operation and
every 50 hours thereafter or at least once a year if the
tractor is not used for 50 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. 17 and 18)
Determine temperature range expected before oil change.
All oil must meet API service classification SG.
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 is in all the way for accurate reading.
Keep oil at “FULL” line on dipstick.
FIG. 17
17