Craftsman 486.25012 Operator's Manual

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Contents

20MAINTENANCEService DatesCheck for loose fasteners XCheck cover XCheck tire pressure XCheck engine oil level XLubricate XClean X XMaintain engine per instructions below and in engine manual.Before each useAfter each useEvery seasonBefore storageCUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES• Read and follow the maintenance schedule and the maintenance procedures listed in this section.MAINTENANCE SCHEDULEFill in dates as youcomplete regular service.BEFORE EACH USECHECK FOR LOOSE FASTENERS• Make a thorough visual check of the Vac Systemfor any bolts and nuts which may have loosened.Retighten any loose bolts and nuts.CHECK COVER• Check the cover, especially the front boot and therear flap for wear. Replace cover if worn or damaged.CHECK TIRE PRESSURE• Check tire pressure regularly. Recommended tirepressure is 12-14 Lbs.CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL• Check oil level before each use. Maintain engine oilas instructed in the separate engine manual.LUBRICATION• At the beginning of each season, lubricate the latch,latch pivot bolt, and the axle where the hitch tonguepivots, with a light machine oil.• At least once a season, grease or oil the wheelbearings. Use automotive wheel bearing type greaseor 20 weight oil.WARNING: Always stop engine anddisconnect spark plug wire beforecleaning, lubricating or before performingany repairs or maintenance.ENGINE MAINTENANCEOnly use high quality detergent oil rated with API serviceclassification SF or SG. Select the oil's SAE viscositygrade according to your expected operating temperature.SAE 30 grade oil is recommended for warm weather use.For cold weather use refer to the engine manufacturer'sOperating and Maintenance Manual.• Check oil level before each use. Maintain engine oilat level shown in figure 31 below.• Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normalconditions. Clean every few hours under extremelydusty conditions. Poor engine performance andflooding usually indicates that the air cleaner shouldbe serviced. To service the air cleaner, refer to theseparate engine manual.• The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap resetonce a season. Spark plug replacement at the startof each season is recommended. Check the enginemanual for correct plug type and gap specifications.CLEANING• Make sure the cart and top are cleaned after eachuse. Grass clippings and leaves left in the cart willmildew and cause damage if not cleaned out.• Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush.Keep the cooling fins on the engine housing cleanto permit proper air circulation which is essential toengine performance and life. Be sure to remove alldirt and debris from muffler area.OILFULL OIL LEVELREMOVE OIL CAPREPLACE CAPAFTER FILLEDFIGURE 31