Craftsman 247.77003 Operator's Manual

Contents

16SERVICE AND MAINTENANCEAir FilterA dirty air filter will restrict air flow to the carburetor and cause poor engineperformance. Inspect the filter each time the engine is operated. You will need toclean the filter more frequently if you operate the engine in very dusty areas.Clean the air filter every 25 hours of operation or once a season. Replace the air filterannually.WARNINGNever start or run the engine with the air filter assembly or the air filterremoved.NOTE: Do not use pressurized air or solvents to clean the filter. Pressurized air candamage the filter and solvents will dissolve the filter.1. Press the two tabs that hold the cover and tilt plastic housing cover on side ofengine down. See Figure 21.2. Remove air filter from plastic housing cover.3. To loosen debris, gently tap the filter on a hard surface. If the filter isexcessively dirty, replace with a new filter.4. Insert cover’s tabs into slots in bottom of base.5. Tilt cover up into place and secure with fastener.Check Engine OilCheck oil level before each operation. Be sure oil level is maintained.1. Check the oil with the engine stopped and level.2. Remove the oil fill dipstick and wipe it clean.3. Insert and tighten dipstick. Remove it to check the oil level.4. If the oil level is near or below the lower limit mark on the dipstick, removethe oil filler cap/dipstick, and fill with the recommended oil to the upperlimit mark. Do not overfill.5. Reinstall the oil fill dipstick.Change Engine OilWARNINGGasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive. Fire orexplosion can cause severe burns or death.Change engine oil after the first five hours of operation, and every fifty hours oronce a season thereafter.WARNINGWhen you drain the oil from the top oil fill tube, the fuel tank must beempty or fuel can leak out and result in a fire or explosion. To empty thefuel tank, run the engine until it stops from lack of fuel.1. With engine off but still warm, disconnect the spark plug wire and keep itaway from the spark plug.2. Place a suitable container next to the engine to catch the used oil.3. Remove the oil fill dipstick and drain the oil into the container by tipping theengine toward the oil filler neck. See Figure 22.Figure 21Oil Fill/ DipstickMufflerAir filterFigure 22CAUTIONUsed oil is a hazardous waste product. Dispose of used oil properly. Do notdiscard with household waste. Check with your local authorities or SearsService Center for safe disposal/recycling facilities.4. With the engine in a level position, fill to the upper limit mark on the dipstickwith the recommended oil.CAUTIONRunning the engine with a low oil level can cause engine damage.5. Reinstall the oil fill dipstick securely.