Craftsman 917380231 User Manual LAWN MOWER Manuals And Guides 1006755L

User Manual: Craftsman 917380231 917380231 CRAFTSMAN LAWN MOWER - Manuals and Guides View the owners manual for your CRAFTSMAN LAWN MOWER #917380231. Home:Lawn & Garden Parts:Craftsman Parts:Craftsman LAWN MOWER Manual

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MODEL NUMBER917o38023 OWN[B'SMANUAL

®Assembly

®Operation

oMaintenance

oService

_Adjustments

_Repair Parts

Caution..

Readand Follow

all SafetyRules

and instructions

BeforeOperating

This Equipment

SAFETYRULES

CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE AND PLACE WIRE

WHERE IT CANNOT CONTACT SPARK PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL

STARTING WHEN SETTING-UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING

REPAIRS TO YOUR LAWN MOWER.

IMPORTANT

FEDERAL REGULATIONS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE BLADE STOP CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE

RiSK OF BLADE CONTACT INJURY. YOUR LAWN MOWER IS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS. DO

NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL UNDER ANY

CIRCUMSTANCES.

•BE CAREFUL-WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUN-

NING THE BLADE IS 1URNING_

° Please read your owner's manual. Only allow

persons who know the safety rules to use your

lawn mower.

° DO NOT tie the operator presence control bar

to the handle_ Control must be free to permit

brake engagement when handles and control

are released.

° DO NOT allow children to use your lawn

mower'.

° Check your lawn mower over before each use°

Tighten any loose bolts, nuts, etc.

° Remove affsticks, stones, wires, cans, boards,

etc. from area to be mowed. These objects can

be thrown by the blade°

• DO NOT allow children, bystanders or pets in

the area while mowing.

° Always wear shoes when mowing. DO NOT

operate lawn mower when barefoot or wear-

ing open sandals.

° Always wear safety glasses or eye shields

before starting your lawn mower' and while

mowing.

° Always shut off engine before trying to adjust

wheelheights.

° When engine is running, DO NOT put hands

or feet under lawn mower or in the discharge

chute, nor make any adjustments.

_, Stay clear of discharge opening at all times.

° Do not fill gas tank when engine is running,

when indoors or when engine is hot. Allow

engine to cool for several minutes before fill_

ing gas tank. Clean off any spilled gasoline

before starting engine_

• Mow only in goodlight.

° Always stop blade when not cutting grass or

when-crossing gravel drive, sidewalk, or

roadway.

• DO NOT continue to run your lawn mower if

you hit a foreign obiect. Stop the engine,

disconnect the spark p|ug wire from the spark

plug, inspect the lawn mower for damage and

mal_e repairs as required.

° DO NOTuse a damaged lawn mower. Always

have damage repaired before mowing.

• DO NOT run your lawn mower if it vibrates

too much. Stop engine and make repairs.

Vibration is an indication of damage_

° Never use your' lawn mower without proper

guards or' deflectors in place_

° Always mow across a slope or inclined area.

DO NOT mow up or down aslope or inclined

area.

• DO NOT mow in wet grass. Be careful of

footing when mowing in wet grass, use shoes

with good traction°

,, DO NOT run with the fawn mower_

• DO NOT run your lawn mower indoors. Ex-

haust gases are deadly poison.

• Always disconnect the spark plug wire from

spark plug to prevent accidental starting when

transporting or storing your lawn mower after

the mowing season.

• DO NOT attempt to raise engine speed above

factory settings. Engine damage or personal

injury may resutt.

° If a grass catcher" is used on your lawn mower,

check the catcher' often for damage or

deterioration_ It will wear through normal use.

Use on)y a recommended replacement catcher_

• Always stop blade to remove or"install catcher.

• DO NOT store your lawn mower or gasoline

where fumes may reach an open flame and

cause afire.

°DRAIN THE GASOLINE from your tawn

mower before transporting your lawn mower

inside your car or other vehicle,

LOOKFORTHISSYMBOLTO POINTOUTIMPOR-

TANTSAFETYPRECAUTIONS.IT MEANS--AITEN..

TION!!! BECOME ALERT!!]YOUR SAFETY IS

INVOLVED.

CONGI_TUL_TIONSon your purchase of a Sears Crafts.

man Lawn Mower° It has been designed, engineered

and manufactured to give you the best possible

dependability and performance.

Should you experience any problem you cannot easi-

ly remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Ser_

vice Center/Department. We have competent, welt-

trained technicians and the proper tools to service

or repair this unit.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructions

will enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn

mower properly_ Always observe the "SAFETY

RULES"_

MODEL

NUMBER 917.380231

SERIAL

NUMBER

DATE OF

PURCHASE

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE

FOUND ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR

OF THE LAWN MOWER HOUSING,

YOU SHOULD RECORDBOTH SERIALNUMBER

AND DATEOF PURCHASEAND KEEPIN A SAFE

PLACEFOR FUTUREREFERENCE.

PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS

HORSE POWER:

DISPLACEMENT:

GASOLI N E CAPACITY:

OIL (21 oz_ Capacity):

3,5

9°06 CUoin.

1.0 quart

(Unleaded)

SAE 30 or

(SAE 10W30)

iiiiiiiiii ii iiii ii

SPARK PLUG (GAP .030 ino): Champion

RJ19-LM or

Sears 7_133312

or STD 361458i

or STD 360950i

VALVE CLEARANCE: Intake: .008 in.

Exhaust: .008 in.

SOLID STATE IGNITION

!_IR GAP: _0125 ins

LIIIII UIII/IUIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIII

BLADE BOLT TORQUE:

......... iiii1,1, II IIII i,i

35-40 fl.-lbs.

MAINTENANCEAGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product° Contact your nearest Sears store for details.

CUSTOMERRESPONSIBILffaES

_' Read and observe the safety rules.

aFollow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower..

* Follow the instructions under "Maintenance" and "Sto(age" sectlons of this Owner's Manual.

ONEYEARLIMITEDWARRANTYON CRAFTSMANPOWERMOWER

For one year from thedate of purchase, when thisCraftsman Lawn Mower is maintained, lubricated and tuned-up.

according to the instructionsmthe owner's manual, Sears will repair, free of charge, any defect in material

and worl<manship,

if this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90

days from the date of purchase,.

This warranty does not cover:

Expendable itemswhich become worn during normal use, suchas rotary mower blades, blade adapters,

hefts, air cleaners and spark plug_

Repairs necessarybecause of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to

maintain the equipment according to the instrudions contained in the owner's manual_

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER TO THE

NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES _THIS WARRANTY APPLIES

ONLY WHILE THiS PRODUCT IS IN USE tN THE UNITED STATES.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state

to state.

Sears, Roebuck and Company, D!731CR-W, Sears Tower, Chicago, IL 60684

TABLEOFCONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ...................... 2

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ............. 3

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES 3

WARRANTY .......................... 3

LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES ....... 5

ASSEMBLY ................... 5

OPERATION .......................... 6,7,8

MAINTENANCE .................. 9,10

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT ........ 11,12

STORAGE ..................... 13

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS ........ 14

TROUBLE SHOOTING .................. 15

REPAI R PARTS-LAWN MOWER ....... 16,17

REPAIR PARTS-ENGINE ....... 18-20

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE fiack Cover

INDEX

Adjustments:

Carburetor

Engine Speed

Handle Height

Height of Cut

Air Filter:

Replacement

Assembly:

Handle

Accessories

Blade:

Replacement

Sharpening

Handle:

11 Adjustment

11 Assembly .

12 Height, Cutting

Controls:

Engine Speed Control 6,7

Engine Zone Control .8

Operator Presence Control Bar 6

Customer Responsibilities 3

Cutting Levels . ..7

Lubrication:

Brake Spring Bracket • 14

Discharge Guard Hinge Pin 14

Engine 14

Handle Mounting Pin 14

Wheel Adjuster 14

Maintenance:

Agreement ,3

Air Filter . I0

Blade Care/Replacement .9

Engine 10

Grass Catcher t0

Lubrication 14

Spark Plug 10

Mowing Tips 8

Repair/Replacement Parts 16,17

Responsibilities,Customer 3

Safety Rules 2

Service and Adjustments:

Carburetor. 11

Discharge Guarc_ 11

Engine Speed 11

Handle .12

Rear Deflector 11

Service Recommendation 14

Spark Plugs ! 0

Specifications 3

Speed Control:

Engine . 6,7

Starting the Engine:

Starter Handle .6

Storage 13

Trouble Shooting Chart 15

Engine:

Oil Change 10

Oil Level 7

Oil Type 7

Starting .8

Storage t3

Fuel:

Capacity 3

Type •7

Storage 13

Oil:

Engine •7

Storage 13

Operation:

Operating Lawn Mower 6,7,8

Operator Presence Control Bar 6

Options:

Attachments 5

Parts 16,17

Engine 18-20

Lawn_Mower t6,17

Primer' 6,8

Warranty 3

Wheels:

Wheel Adjusters _7,14

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are also available at most Sears

retail outlets, catalog and service centers+ Most Sears stores can order repair parts for you, when you provide

the model number of your lawn mower+ Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower,

ENGINE

SPARKPLUG MUFFLER

LAWNMOWERMAINTENANCE

AIR FILTER GASCAN ENGINEOIL

BELT BLADE BLADEADAPTER WHEELS

@MOWER COVER

TOREMOVELAWNMOWERFROMCARTON

o Cut down the corners of the carton and lay ends

and sides down flat.

oRemove packing materials.

o Lift lawn mower off of shipping base and check

carton for loose parts.

HOW TOSET-UPYOURLAWNMOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

° Raise handles until lower handle section locks into

place in mowing position (See Fig. 1).

oRaise upper handle section into place on lower

handle, remove protective padding and tighten

both handle kno_s.

oRemove handle padding holding operator pres-

ence control bar to upper handle.

° Your lawn mower handle can be adjusteclforyour

mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the

Service and Adjustment section of this manual.

' ,;;;;+;,,+,++++r+,,,_r :: :: _:::::.::::.:= ................................ _+. : ++.......... . :+++m;:::::u: ::: ++.::::.: ,+ : : :: : :...................... -+ : =======================........... : -:' ' .........

Your lawn mower has been completely assembled .................+5_+R+,_+++6+_;h_'s_+,+d+..........................................................

at the factory. CON+_O_+A_--

UPPE LiFT U_

LIFT UP /,,

STABILIZER

................... II I .................

OPERATION

KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER° Com-

pare the illustrations with your Lawn Mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls

and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

PRESENCE CONTROL BAR

UP-STOP BRAI

lINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE

UPPER HANDLE STARTER HANDLE

HANDLE KNOB

CLIP

ENGINE SPEED

CONTROL LEVER

PRtlV

ENGINE OIL CAP

WITH DIPSTICK

GASOLINE FILLER CAP

DISCHARGE GUARD

ADJUSTER

(ON EACH WHEEL)

AIR FILTER

HOUSING

FIG. 2

MEETSCPSCSAFETYREQUIREMENTS

Sears Rotary Walk-Behind Power Lawn Mowers conform to the safety standards of the American Nationat

Standards Institute and the U,S, Consumer Product Safety Commission, The blade turns when the engine

is running.

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR - must be

held down to the handle to start the engine. Release

to stop the engine.

PRIMER -pumps additional fuel from the carburetor

to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine,

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL - located on the right

side of the engine which allows you to select either"

"HIGH" or "LOW" engine speed.

STARTER HANDLE - used for" starting the engine.

The engine speed is controlled by alever (red knob)

locatedon the right side of the engine. "HIGH" posi-

tion is for starting engine, normal cutting and better

grass bagging. "LOW" position _sfor light cutting,

trimming and fuel economy (See Fig. 3).

TO ADJUSTCUTTING HEIGHT

oRaise Wheels for low cut and lower Wheels for

high cut.

Wheels are set in low cut for shipping Adjust cut-

ting height to suit your requirements. Medium

position is best for most lawns.

To change cutting height, squeeze Adjuster Lever

toward Wheel. Move Wheel up or down to suit

your requirements. Be sure al! Wheels are in the

same setting (See Fig. 4).

BEFORESTARTINGENGONE

OIL:

A20 oz. bottle of Pennzoil SAE 30 Oil is included

with your new lawn mower_

oRemove Engine Oil Cap (See Fig_ 5) and fill to

the FULL line on the dipstick.

oUse 20 ozs. of SAE 30 oil. SAE 10W 30 oi! can

also be used,

DO NOT use SAE 10W 40 oil.

•POUR OIL SLOWLY_ DO NOT OVERFILL

o Check oil level before each use. Add oil if need-

ed. Fill to FULL line on dipstick.

• To read proper level, tighten Engine Oil Cap each

time°

• Reinstall Engine Oil Cap and tighten.

After the first two (2) hours of mowing, change

the oil, and every 25 hours thereafter° You may

need to change the oil more often under dusty,

dirty conditions_

GAS:

oFill gasoline tank with fresh, clean unleaded

gasoline. BECAREFULNOT TO OVERFILLTANK

(SEE FIG, 5)

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LE"V'_

FIG. 3

FIG. 4

GASOUNE F_LLERCAP

_,NGIN.EOIL CAP W/DIPSTiCK

FIG S

............................................................................. iiil,lllllllll IIIIIIIIIIIIIIlll'l'lll'll

II II II I1'111'1111II'lll

GAS (CONT'D)

OPERATION

IIIIIIII

WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blend-

ed fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol)

can at!.ract moisture which leads to separation and

formahon of acids during storage. Acidic gas can

damage the fuel systemof an engine while in storage.

To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be

emptied before storage for 30 days or longer. Drain

the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the

fuel|ines and carburetor are empty_ Use fresh fuel

next season_ See Storage Instructions for additional

information.

Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in

the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur°

ENGINEZONECONTROL

ILIIIUII I I ::

CAUTION:FEDERALREGULATIONSREQUIREAN

ENGINECONTROLTO BEINSTALLEDON THIS

LAWN MOWER IN ORDERTO MINIMIZE THE

RISK OF BLADECONTACTINJURY. DO NOT

UNDERANYCIRCUMSTANCESATTEMPTTO DE-

FEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR

CONTROL.THEBLADETURNSWHENTHEENGINE

IS RUNNING.

MOWINGTIPS

*Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass,

it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to

reduce pushing effort and to keep from

overloading the engine and leaving clumps of

grass clippings_

* For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of

cut and raise the rear of the lawn mower hous-

ing one (1) wheel adjuster setting higher than the

front for better discharge of grass.

o For side discharge lawn mowers, cutting in a

counter_clockwise direction, starting at the outside

of the area to be cut, spreads grass clippings more

evenly and puts less load on the engine. To keep

clippings off of walkways, flower beds, etc., make

the first cuts in a clockwise direction.

°Keep top of engine around starter dear and clean

of grass c)ippings and chaff. This will help engine

air flow and extend engine life.

Your Lawn Mower' is equipped with an Operator

Engine Control Bar which requires the operator

to be positioned behind the Lawn Mower Han-

dle to start and operate the lawn mower.

TOSTARTENGINE

°Push engine speed control lever forward to HIGH

position.

*To start a cold engine, push primer five (5) times

before trying to start. Use a firm push. This step is

not usually necessary when starting an engine

which has already run for a few minutes.

° Hold operator presence control bar down to the

Handle and pull starter handle quickly. Do not

allow Starter rope to snap back.

*To "STOP" engine, release operator presence con-

trol bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat

priminfl steps. In warmer weather over pn'ming may

cause fTood.ngand engine will not start, lfy0u do floocl

engine wait a few minutes before attempting to start

and DO NOT repeat priming steps.

GI:NERALRECOMMENDATION ............................................................................................................................................................................

o Once a year you should replace the Spark Plug,

Air Filter and check Blade for wear_ A new Spark

Plug and Air Filter assures proper air-fuel mix-

ture and helps your engine run better and last

Ionger._

o You should check all fasteners and be sure they

are tight.

o Follow the Servlce Recommendation Schedule on

page 14_

LAWNMOWER

BLADEIBLADEADAPTERCARE

Your lawn mower will work better with a sharp

Blade.

CAUTION: DISCONNECTSPARK PLUGWIRE

FROM SPARKPLUGAND PLACEWIRE WHERE

IT CANNOTCOMEIN CONTACTWITHTHESPARK

PLUG.

I,UHIUI,U,,I,I,H,IUHIN ,I

TO REMOVE BLADE:

o Turn lawn mower on its side_ Make sure Air Filter

and Carburetor are up_

o Use block of wood between Blade and Lawn

Mower Housing to prevent Blade from turning

when removing the Blade Bolt_

o Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap

Blade with heavy cloth_

o Remove Blade Bolt by turning counter,.clockwise_

Use a 9/16" box or opemend wrench

o Remove Blade and attaching hardware (Bolt,

Lockwasher and Hardened Washer) (See Fig. 6).

NOTE:Remove the Blade Adapter and check the Key

inside hub of Blade Adapter. The Key must be in

good condition to work properly_ Replace Adapter

if damaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE:

°Position the Blade Adapter on the Engine

Crankshafl_ Be sure Key in Adapter and Keyway

in Crankshaft are aligned

• Position Btade on to the Blade Adapter aligning

the two (2) holes in the Blade with the raised lugs

on the Adapter.

NOTE: Be sure the word TOP (stamped on the Blade)

is toward the engine (See Fig_ 6)_ • -

° Install the Blade Bolt with the Lockwasher and

Hardened Washer into Blade Adapter and

Crankshaft (See Fig_ 6).

CRANKSHAFT &

BLADE ADAPTER

DETAIL

ADAPTER

CRANKSHAFT

FIG. 6

• Use block of woad between blade and lawn

mower housing and tighten the blade bolt, turn-

ing clockwise.

° The recommended tightening torque is 35-40 fl_

lbs_

• Torque wrenches are available at most Sears

stores and through the catalog°

i i i illlll,lll i, ,i,iil,,i,ii .............................

CAUTION:A LOOSEBLADECANBEDANGEROUS

AND MAY MAKETHEENGINEHARDTO START.

Use only a Sears authorized replacement blade to

get the best cutting results_

NOTE:We do not recommend sharpening blade -but

if you do, be sure the bfade is balanced.

TO SHARPEN BLADE:

° The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a

grinding wheel Do not attempt to sharpen while

on the lawn mower.

o Care should be taken to keep the blade balanc-

ed_ An unbalanced blade will cause excessive

vibration when running and eventual damage to

lawn mower or engine_

= To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam

or wall. Leave about one inch of the straight nail

exposed. Place center hole of blade over the head

of the nail0 If blade is balanced, it should remain

in a horizontal position, if either end of the blade

moves downward, blade is not balanced.

Sharpen the heavy end until the blade is

balanced.

['j,ii'[,,j,iii MAINTENANCE

GRASSCATCHER

(If Purchased As An Accessory)

_, The Grass Catcher may be hosed with water, but

must be dry when used,

•Check your Grass Catcher often for damage or

deterioration° Through normal use it will wear.

If Catcher needs replacing, replace only with a

manufacturer approved replacement Catcher

from Sears_ Give the lawn mower model number

when ardering_

ENGINE

i ii i i ............................

TO CHANGEOIL (WARM OIL DRAINSBETTER)

...................................... iiiiiiiiiii iiiiiii iiiii L

I UT,O.:O,SCO.NEasPA. .uow.F.O

J_SPARKPLUGANDPLACEWIREWHEREITCANNOT

I........... COMEIN CONTACTWITH SPARKPLUG.

°Remove Engine Oil Cap with dipstick; lay aside

on a clean surface_

° Tip lawn mower on its side as shown in Fig_ 7 and

drain oil into suitable container, Rock lawn mower

back and forth to remove any oil trapped inside

of engine.

• Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower and on

side of engine°

• Fill engine with SAE 30 or 10W 30 Oil. Fill only

to the "FULL" line on the dipstick. DO NOT

overfil!_

•Replace Engine Oil Cap.

•Reconnect Spark Plug Wire to Spark Plug,

AIR FILTER

Your engine will not run properly and may be

damaged by using a dirty Air Filter.

Replace the Air' Filter every year, more often if you

mow in very dusty, dirty conditions, Do not wash Air

Filter_

TO CHANGE AIR FILTER

•Remove the Air Filter Cover by turning counter-

clockwise to the stop and pull away from Collar

(See Fig_ 8),

• Remove Filter from inside of Cover (See Fig, 8)_

• Clean the inside of the Cover and the Collar to

remove any dirt accumulation.

• Insert new Filter into Cover.

•Put Air Filter Cover and Filter into Collar align-

ing the Tab with the Slot.

"Push in on Cover and turn clockwise to tighten

(See Fig. 8)_

CONTAINER

FIG. 7

COLLAR

SLOT

INTER,.

CLOCKWISE

TO REMOVE

AIR FILTER

SPARKPLUG

_RN CLOCKWISE

?O TIGHfEN

A_R FILTER COVER

F 8JG............................'................-

Change your Spark Plug each year to make your

engine start easier and run better'. Set Spark Plug

gap at ,030 inch.

CLEANING

We recommend that you clean the underside of your

lawn mower' after each use,,

CAUTION:DISCONNECTSPARK PLUG WIRE

FROMSPARKPLUG AND PLACEWIRE WHERE

IT CANNOTCOME IN CONTACTWITH SPARK

PLUG.

•Turn lawn mower on its side with Carburetor up.

•Clean the underside of your' lawn mower by

scraping to remove build-up of grass and trash,

•Clean your' lawn mower' and engine often to keep

trash from accumulating around engine, A clogg-

ed engine runs hotter and shortens engine life,

" We DO NOT recommend using a garden hose

to clean lawn mower unless the Electrical System,

Muffler, Air Filter, and Carburetor are covered

to keep water out. Water in engine can result in

shortening engine life.

CARBURETOR

Your Carburetor has a non-adjustable fixed main jet

for mixture control. If your engine does not operate

properly due to suspected Carburetor problems, take

your lawn mower to an authorized Sears Service

Center for repair and adjustment.

ENGINESPEED

if the Discharge Guard becomes damaged, it should

be replaced.

.-: ....ll,_ll,,,i,lU i _ll,ll ....... ill

CAUTION:DO HOTRUN YOURLAWNMOWER I

WITHOUT DISCHARGEGUARDOR APPROVED

GRASSCATCHERIN PLACE,

Your engine speed has been factory set. Do not at-

tempt to increase engine speed or it may result in per-

sonal injury. If you believe that engine is running too

fast or too slow, take your lawn mower to an

authorized Sears Service Center for repair and

adjustment..

DISCHARGEGUARD

The Discharge Guard, attached to the discharge

opening of your lawn mower, is provided to prevent

the possibility of injury resulting from objects being

thrown out of the discharge opening into the operator

mowing position.

REARDEFLECTOR

The Rear Deflector, attached between the Rear

Wheels of y<ourlawn mower, is provided to minimize

the possibility that objects will be thrown out the rear

of the lawn mower into the operator's mowing

position°

if the Rear Deflector becomes damaged, it should

be replaced.

I Ill'ill'i'll I"1 ,i I I ........................ I III I 'III'I'"H' I I IIII "11 I IIII':LUI'IIIIL i ...........................................

TO ADJUSTHANDLE

SERVICEANDADJUSTMENT

Your Lawn Mower Handle can be raised or lowered

for your mowing comfort. Figs. 9A, 9B, IOA, and

lOB show the four (4) positions that are available:

High, Medium High, Medium Low and Low. Handles

are shipped mounted in the Medium Low position

(See Fig. 9A)°

* To change from Medium Low to Medium High

position, the Upper and Lower Handle sections

will have to be turned over (See Fig. 9B).

,, Remove the Controls and the Operator Presence

Control Bar from the Upper Handle.

eRemove the Starter Rope Guide from the Lower

Handle.

* Remove Hairpin Cotters.

oDisconnect the Lower Handle from the Handle

Brackets (See Fig° 11)_

* Turn the Handle over' and reassemble the Hair-

pin Cotters that have been removed (See Fig. 11).

oReassemble the Starter Rope Guide to the Lower

Handle.

,, Reassemble the Controls and the Operator

Presence Control Bar to the Upper Handle°

III IIIIUlIII II I IUIIL I I I

CAUTION:THEOPERATORPRESENCECONTROL

BARMUSTPIVOT FREELYTO PERMITBLADE

BRAKEENGAGEMENTWHENCONTROLBARIS

RELEASED.DONOTOVERTIGHTENTHEFASTEN-

ERSHOLDINGTHECONTROLSTO THEUPPER

HANDLE.

• To change from Medium Low to High position, om

ly the Upper Handle section will have to be turn-

ed over' (See Fig. IOA).

• To change from Medium Low to Low position, on-

ly the Lower Handle section will have to be turn-

ed over (See Fig. |OB)..

IIIII1_ L'III ii ""_"1 II

SHiPPiNG POSITION

MEOIUM LOW

FIG. 9A FIG. 9B

I ''HI'Ill I1_:111

H_GH

FIG. IOA FIG. lOB

"'1'111 '1IIII •

HANDLE

HAIRPIN COTTER HANDLE BRACKET

FIG, 11

Your lawn mower and engine should be prepared

for off-season storage as follows: "

LAWNMOWEr

• Clean underside of Lawn Mower Housing. (See

"Cleaning" in maintenance section of manual_)

oInspect and replace/sharpen Blade, if required

(See "BladelBlade Adapter Care" in

maintenance section of manual)°

• Hose Grass Catcher off with water and let dry

before storing (if purchased as an accessory).

° Lubricate as shown in Service Recommendation

chart on page 14 of manual°

HANDLE

° You can fold your Lawn Mower Handle for

storage as shown in Fig. 12.

• To fold, squeeze the bottom ends of the Lower

Handle toward each other until the Lower Han-

dle clears the Handle Bracket, then move Han-

dle forward (See Fig. 13).

IMPORTANT: WHEN FOLDINGTHE HANDLE FOR

STORAGE OR TRANSPORTATION,

BE SURE TO FOLD THE HANDLE AS

SHOWN IN FIG. 12_ IF YOU FOLD

THE UPPER HANDLE SECTION THE

WRONG WAY, YOU MAY DAMAGE

THE CONTROL CABLES°

ENGINE

empty.

IMPORTANT:

Change oil (See "To Change Oil" in maintenance

section of manual)_

Drain fuel and run engine until fuel system is

IT IS IMPORTANt" TO PREVENT

GUM DEPOSITS FROM FORMING

IN ESSENTIAL FUEL SYSTEM PARTS

SUCH AS THE CARBURETOR, FUEL

FILTER, FUEL HOSE, OR TANK DUR-

ING STORAGE° ALSO, EXPERIENCE

INDICATES THAT ALCOHOL

BLENDED FUELS (CALLED GASO-

HOL OR USING ETHANOL OR

METHANOL) CAN ATTRACT MOIS_

TURE WHICH LEADS TO SEPARA-

TION AND FORMATION OF ACtDS

DURING STORAGE. ACIDIC GAS

CAN DAMAGE THE FUEL SYSTEM

OF AN ENGINE WHILE tN

STORAGE.

OPERATOR PRESENCE

CONTROL

UPPER

FOLDFORWARD

PORSTORAGE

FOLD BACKWARD

MOWING POSITION

LOWER HANDLE

FIGo I3

OTHER

o Do not store gasoline from one season to another.

°Replace your gasoline can if your can starts to

rust. Rust andtor dirt in your gasoline can cause

problems.

• Do not store your lawn mower under any plastic

cover. Plastic cannot breathe which allows con-

densation to form and can cause your lawn

mower to rust.

• When setting up your Handle from the storage

position, the Lower Handle will automatically lock

into the mowing position.

il'q" 'l"ii'"I'il,l,J, SERVICERECOMMENDATIONS

SERVICERECORD

Fillin dates as you complete regular

service

Blade Checked

Blade Replaced (Sharpened)

,=EngineOil Change ..........................

Engine Oil Check I

First Every

2 10

Hours Hours

Air Cleaner

Spark P!ug,Replaced ............

Lubricate Lawn Mower

Cleaning

Grass Catcher (if app!!cable)

Muffler

_J -CHECK

LUBRICATIONCHART

O SAE 30 MOTOR OIL (lOW 30)

O SPRAY LUBRICANT

SCHEDULE

Every

2,5

Hours

Every

Use

......................................... I'll JI '

i_i "_ "i i................ ii i

SERVICEDATES

,,,,,,,

BRAKE SPRING BRACKET

ENGINE OIL

HANDLE BRACKET

MOUNTING PIN

WHEEL ADJUSTER

Q DISCHARGE GUARD HINGE PIN

U mT$

PROBLEM

i1,111....

Doesnot

Stazt

Lossof

Power

Poor cut-

Uneven

I'00 nIo{h

Vibration

StarterRope

Hardto Pull

CatcherNot

FtllingCompletely

HAeDTOPUSH

CAUSE

1. Dirty air filter_

. Out of gasoline.

, Stale gasoline.

4. Spark plug wire is disconnected

from the spark plug

5. Bad spark plu_.

6. Water in gasoline.

7. Loose blade or broken blade

CORRECTION

ul i

, Replace air filter

Fill gasoline tank°

3_ Drain gas tank and refill with fresh

gasoline°

4_, Connect wire to spark plug.

5,, Replace spark plug,.

6, Drain tank and refill with fresh, clean

gasoline,,

9. Operator presence control bar defec-

tive.

1. Rear of lawn mower housingtblade 1_

dragging in heavy grass.

2, Cutting too much grass 2.

4' Dirty air filter 3,

•. Build-up of grass, leaves, and 4o

trash under lawn mower housing.

5, Walking speed too fast. 5o

6, Too much oil in engine, 6,,

1_ Worn, bent or loose blade. 1,

2., Wheel heights uneven 2o

3., Low engine speed, 3,

4o Buitd-up of grass, leaves and trash

under lawn mower housing., 4,

adapter.. 7o Tighten blade bait and/or replace

Operator presence control bar in re- blade adapter_

leased position,. 8o Depress operator presence control bar.,

9. Replace operator presence contror barr

1 Worn or bent bfode_

2, Loose blade,

3. Bent engine crankshaft°

l. Flywheel brake _son when operator

presence control bar is released,

2_ Bent engine crankshaft.

3. Biade adapter sheared..

4Blade dragging in grass,

.Cutting height too low,

,Lift on blade worn off°

3, Catcher bag dirty, poor air

venting,,

4, Low engine speed

1, High grass or cutting height too low,

2, Rear of lawn mower housinglbiade

dragging in heavy grass,

3. Grass catcher too fuji,

4, Handle height position not right for you.

,_ ,iHilu i

Raise rear of lawn mower housing one (1)

setting higher than front.

Set in HIGHER CUT position.

Clean or replace air filter,

Disconnect spark plug wire and

dean underside of lawn mower housing_

Cut at slower walking speed,

Check engine oil level

Replace blade,. Tighten blade boil

Set all wheels at same height_

Set engine speed control in

HIGH position.,

Disconnect spark plug wire & clean

underside of lawn mower housing,,

Replace blade.

Tighten blade bolt.

Contact Sears Service Department,

Depress operator prresence control

bar to upper handle before pulling

on starter rope.

Contact Sears Service Department,

Replace blade adapter.

Get over law grass andfor hard surface

to start engine,

Raise cutting height°

Replace blade,

Clean/replace catcher bag°

(If optional grass catcher is being

used),

Set engine speed control in

HiGH position,

1. Raise cutting heighL

2, Raise rear of lawn mower housing one (1)

setting higher ihan front,

3, Empty grass catcher.

4. Adiust handle height to suit,,

CRAFTSMAN 20" ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NUMBER 917.380231 REPAIR PARTS

Ref,

No.

Part

No,

86902

850991X479

86899X004

750097

STD541425

851664

53109

85827

STD541425

63688

751228

81276

87584Xo04

63644X417

63645X417

850904

84920

88348

87877

850856

85022

62335

84921

750500

52160

85179

800090

850998

part Name

Control Bar

Upper Handle

Up-Stop Bracket

Hex Washer Head Tapping Screw 10-

Ref.

No.

Part

No.

48177

87575X479

751592

Part Name

Lawn Mower Housing Kit (lncL Ref. #

31, 43)

Front Baffle

Locknut3/8 - 16

24x I/2

Locknut 1/4-20

Engine Zone Control Cable

He)( Head Bolt 1/4-20 x 1-1/2

Cable Clip

Locknut 1/4-20

Handle Knob

Rear Skirt

Selt Tapping Screw 10-24 x 1/2

Skirt Bracket

Handle Bracket Assembly (Right)

Handle Bracket Assembly (Left)

Wheel Adjusting Bracket

Spacer

Washer

Selector Knob

Selector Spring

Axle Arm Assembly

Believille Washer

Shoulder Bolt

61537

851084

850263

851074

850972

850977

55187

88272)(479

88271X479

85463

51793

33750

87590

87589

87593

750149

84676){479

58714

103672X

Washer

Hex Head Machine Screw 3/8-24 x 1-

1/4 Grd. 8

Helical Washer 3/8

Hardened Washer

Biade 20"

Blade Adapter

Serf Tapping Screw 5/16 - 18 x 3/4

Handle Support Bracket (Right)

Handle Support Bracket (Left)

Danger Decal

Hairpin Cotter

E-Ring

Hinge Rod

Torsion Spring

Housing Bracket Assembly

Discharge Guard

Lower Handle

Handle Belt

Rope Guide

Wheel & Tire Assembly 7-1/2 x !-t/2

Washer

Retainer Clip

Hubcap

Hex Head Thread Rolling Screw 3/8 -

16-1

128544

87576X479

751214

752062

752094

Instruction Decal

Rear Baffle (Not Shown)

"EAGER t" Decal

Engine - Craftsman

Model Number !43.414232

Owner's Manual

CRAFTSMAN4-CYCLEENGINE

I'llGqlllllll

MODEL NUMBER: 143.414232

II '1'111'1'_!!!_!!__! iHm' '1 II 'NIIIII II IIIII IIIII H/ --

lol 192

193

195

241

C FTS N

IRef. Part

INo. No.

134975

2 26727

i6 33734

7 34214A

8 "33735

9 30200

1ZA

12B

100

101

103

1IO

I19

120

125

t26

126

130

135

4=CYCLEENGINE

34695

33886

28277

30589

31383A

31335

65O548

31361

32600

34473A

34514

34515

34516

32538B

325488

325498

28986

28987

28988

20381

309538

32610A

27241

33148A

29914

"35261

356518

30572

"28833

26208

30574

30590A

30591

30598A

29193

650488

611004

611112

650815

650818

34443A

610118

650814

34961

"29953C

34335

29313(::

29315C

293148

29315C

6021A

35395

Part Name

CylinderAssy. (IncloNee. 2. 8, 9 8. 20)

Pin, Dowel

Element, Breather

BreatherAssy. (IncL Nose6, 8, 9, 12A

8. t2B)

Gasket, Breather

Screw, Hex washerhd. self-tapSame,

10-24x 9/t 6

Elbow, Breathertube

Tube, Breather

Washer, Fiat

Rod, Governor(tncl. Nee 14)

Lever, Govemor

Clamp, Governorlever

Screw, Hex washer hdo,8-32 x 5/16

Spring, Extension

Seal, Oil

CrankshaftAssyo

Piston, Pin El- Ring Assyo (Stdo)

(lncL Nos. 41, 42 8. 43)

Piston, Pin _ Ring Assy_ (.010 over-

size) (IncL Nos,41, 42 8. 43)

Piston, Pin 8. Ring ASSyo(.020 over-

size) (incl. Nee, 41, 42 8. 43)

Piston8. Pin Assy (StdJ [incl No, 43)

Piston _Pin Assy. (.010 oversize)

(IncL No, 43)

Piston 8- Pin Assy. (_020 oversize)

(Incl, No. 43)

Ring Set, Piston (Std.)

Ring Set, Piston ( 010 oversize)

Ring Set, Piston (.020 oversize)

Ring, Pistonpin retaining

Rod Assy., Connecting (Incl. No 46)

Bolt, Connecting rod

Valve, Lifter

Camshaft (Compression Release)

Pump Assyo, Oil

Gasket, Mounting flange

Flange, Mounting (IncL Nos. 72, 73, 75

8 8O)

Plug, Oil drain (Incl. No. 73)

Gasket, Oil plug {Not required with

plastic oil plug)

Seal, Ott

Shaft, Governor

Washer, Flat

GearAssy., Governor(Incl. No 81)

Spool, Governor

Ring, Retaining

Screw, Hex hd. Seres, 1/4-20 x 1-1/4

Key, Flywheel

Flywheel

Washer, Belfeville

Nut, Flywheel

Solid State Assy

Cover, Spark plug

Screw, Torx T-15 hex washer hd.

Seres, 10-24x1

Wire, Ground

Gasket, Cylinderhead

Head, Cylinder

Valve, Exhaust (Std,) (incl. No. 151)

Valve, Exhaust (1/32" oversize) (Incl.

No_ 151)

Valve, Intake (StdJ (incL No. t51)

Valve, Intake (1/32" oversize)

(incL No. 151)

Screw, Hex flangehd., 5/16-18 x 1-1/2

Spark Plug, Resistor [Champion RJ*

19LM or equivalent)

Refo

No.

150

151

169

172

174

178

182

184

185

186

189

190

!91

192

193

194

195

200

202

203

204

205

207

209

2t5

223

224

238

239

241

245

250

260

261

262

275B

277

285

287

290

292

3O0

301

3O5

3O6

307

309

310

313

327

357

370C

380

390

400

MODEL NUMBER: 143.414232

Part

No.

31572

31673

"27234A

32755

650128

29752

6201

"26755

31384A

34337

650839

35831

35040

34966

34965

32309

610973

35727

33802

31342

650549

650777

34336

30200

32410

65O451

"3469OA

650932

"34338

35797

35O66

35065

35478

30200

650831

27181B

650795

35000

650884

34357

26460

35586

35355

35577

34265

354,99

650562

35578

34O8O

35392

34955

35167

632046A

59O621

33238D

Part Name

Spring, Valve

Cap, Lower valve spring

Gasket, Valve spring box

Cover, Valve spring box

Screw, Hex hdoSeres, 1024 x 1/2

Nut 8" Lockwasher, 1/4-28

Screw, Hex hd°, 1/4-28 x 7t8

Gasket, Carburetor

Pipe, Intake (IncL No_ 224)

Link, Governor spring

Screw, Hex washer hd. Powedok,

1/4-20 x 3/8

Lever, Brake

Bracket, S.EoBrake (Incl No. 195)

Link, Control

Spring, Extension

Ring, Retaining

TerminalAssy

Bracket Assy., Control (|ncl. Nos. 202

thru 205)

Spring, Compression

Screw, Fil. hd,, 5-40 x 7/16

Screw, FiL hdo,6-32 x 21/32

Link, Throttle

Screw, Hex washer hd self-tap Sems,

10-24 x 9/16

Knob, Control

Screw, Hex hdoSeres, 1/4-20 x 1

Gasket, intake pipe

Screw, Hex washer hdo shoulder,

I0-32 x49164

Gasket, Air cleaner

Collar, Air cleaner

Filter, Air cleaner[Paper)

Cover, Air cleaner

Housing, Blower

Screw, Hex washer hd self-tapSems,

10-24 x 9/!6

Screw, Hex washer hdo Powedok

thread, 1/4-20 x15t32

Muffler Assyo (Incl, No. 277)

Screw, Hex hd, 1/420 x 2_1/4

Hub, Starter

Screw, Hex washer hd, 8-32 x 1/2

Line, Fuel

Clamp, Fuel line

Tank Assy. (lncL Nee. 292 Et 301)

Cap, Fuel

Tube, Oil fill

Gasket, Fill tube

"O" Ring

Screw, Hex washer hdo shakeproof,

10_32x I/2

Dipstick, Oi!fill

Spacer, Flywheel key

Plug, Starter

Retainer, Starter rope

Decal, Instruction

Carburetor (Inclo No 184)

Starter, Rewind

Gasket Set (IncL items marked ")

RPM Setting:

Low Speed: 2000-2300

High Speed: 2900-3200

"Indicates Parts Included in

Gasket Set, Ref. No. 400°

CARBURETOR NO, _N6A

_.27

Part N_e

631615 I Throttle Shaft _Lever Assy,

631767 I Throttle Return Spring

631104 I Dust Seal Washer

631971 I Dust Seal

631616 I Throttle Shutter

650506 I_11rotfle Shutter Screw

632527 I Fuel Fhttng

631700 I Float Bowl

631024 !Shaft, Floe1

632019 i Roar

631028 I"O" Ring, Float Bowl to Body

631021 I inlet Needle, Seat &" Ciip (Incl_ No, 3t)

631022 I Spring Clip

632047 I Primer Butb/Retainer Ring

631937A I High Speed Bowl Nut

631334 I Bowl Nut Washer

: 631027 I Welch Rug, Atmospheric Vent

REWIND STARTER NOo 590621

12 1

Ref.

No.

Part

No.

590621

590599A

59O60O

590615

590601

590598

590616

590617

590618

590619

59O62O

590622

59O535

590452

Part Name

StarteL Rewind

Pin, Spring (IncL No. 4)

Washer

Retainer

Washer

Sp_ng, Brake

Dog, Starter

Spring, Dog

Pulley

Spring, Rewind

Cover, Spring

HousingAssy., Starter

Rope, Starter (Length 98" 6t 9/64 '°

die.)

Handle'Starter .......

NOTES

OWNER'S

MANUAL

MODELNO.

917.380231

HOWTOORDER

REPAIRPARTS

[RRFTSMRN®

3.5 HORSEPOWER

20'" SIDEDISCHARGE

ROTARYLAWNMOWER

Each Lawn Mower has its own model number. Each

engine has its own model number'.

The model numberfor'your lawn mower will be found on

a decal attached to the rear of the lawn mower housing,,

The model number for the engine will be found on the

B|ower Housingof the engineadjacent to 9hespark plug..

Al! parts listed herein may be ordered through Sears,

Roebuckand Co. Service Center'sand mostRetail Stores.

WHENORDERINGREPAIRPARTS,ALWAYSGIVETHEFOLLOWING

INFORMATION:

" PRODUCI- "ROTARYLAWNMOWER"

* MODELNUMBER- 917.380231

" ENGINE- CRAFr_'IAN

MODELNO. 143.414232

* PARTNUMBER

* PARTDESCRIPTION

Your"Sears merchandisehasadded value when you con-

siderthat Sears has serviceunitsnationwide staffed with

Sears trained technicians,_.professional technicians

specificallytrained on Sears products,having the parts,

tools and t_eequipmentto insurethat we meetour pledge

to you, we ser_,icewhat we sell.

7'52094 .02/11/91 Rev. 1 Printedin U°S.A.

............ nllnl IIII_IH_ ................

I'1 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Craftsman 917380231 User Manual LAWN MOWER Manuals And Guides 1006755L

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