Battery, Transaxle cooling, V-belts – Craftsman Dlt 3000 917.275820 User Manual
Page 20: Engine, Lubrication
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NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing 
blade. The lobes of the center hole may 
appear to be centered, but are not.
• Slide blade on to an unthreaded portion 
of the steel bolt or pin and hold the 
bolt or pin parallel with the ground. If 
blade is balanced, it should remain in a 
horizontal position. If either end of the 
blade moves downward, sharpen the 
heavy end until the blade is balanced.
BATTERY
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.
• Recharge at 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 electrolyte is 
not necessary.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS 
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and 
terminals 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.
20
• 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 
a 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.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only 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 I I I i i
:
-20______ 0
30
52
40
60
.
.
C -30_________ :20______ dO________ 0________10_______ 20_______ 30
40
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
otl_visc_chart1_i
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils 
(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in 
cold weather, they will result in increased 
oil consumption when used above 32°F.
Check your engine oil level more frequent
ly to avoid possible engine damage from 
running low on oil.
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 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
Determine temperature range expected 
before oil change. All oil must meet API 
service classification SG-SL.
• Be sure tractor is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Catch oil in a suitable container.
1. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful
not to allow dirt to enter the engine
when changing oil.
2. Remove yellow cap from end of drain
valve and install the drain tube onto the 
fitting.