Craftsman 917.204010 Operator's Manual

Also see for 917.20402: Operator's manual

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 onyour tractor is maintenance free. Do notattempt to open or remove caps or covers.Adding or checking level of electrolyte isnot necessary.TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALSCorrosion and dirt on the battery and terminalscan cause the battery to "leak" power.1. Remove terminal guard.2. Disconnect BLACK battery cable firstthen RED battery cable and removebattery from tractor.3. Rinse the battery with plain water anddry.4. Clean terminals and battery cable endswith wire brush until bright.5. Coat terminals with grease or petroleumjelly.6. Reinstall battery (See "REPLACINGBATTERY" in the Service and Adjust-ments section of this manual).TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCEThe transmission fan and cooling fins shouldbe kept clean to assure proper cooling. Donot attempt to clean fan or transmission whileengine is running or while the transmissionis hot. To prevent possible damage to seals,do not use high pressure water or steam toclean transaxle.inspect cooling fan to be sure fan bladesare intact and clean.Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clippingsand other materials. To prevent damage toseals, do not use compressed air or highpressure sprayer to clean cooling fins.TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUIDThe transaxte was sealed at the factory andfluid maintenance is not required for the lifeof the transaxle. Should the transaxle everleak or require servicing, contact your near-est Sears or other qualified service center.V=BELTSCheck V-belts for deterioration and wear after100 hours of operation and replace if neces-sary. The belts are not adjustable. Replacebelts if they begin to slip from wear.ENGINELU BRICATIONOnly use high quality detergent oil rated withAPI service classification SG-SL Selecttheoil's SAE viscosity grade according to yourexpected operating temperature.__SAE VISCOSITY GRADESF -20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100c ._o -2'o -,o _ 1'o _o _o 4oTEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGENOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30,10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather,they will result in increased oil consumptionwhen used above 32°F/0°C. Check yourengine oil level more frequently to avoidpossible engine damage from running lowon oil.Change the oil after every 50 hours ofoperation or at least once a year if the tractoris not used for 50 hours in one year.Checkthe crankcase oil level before startingthe engine and after each eight (8) hoursof operation. Tighten oil fill cap/dipsticksecurely each time you check the oil level.TO CHANGE ENGINE OILDetermine temperature range expectedbefore oil change. All oil must meet APIservice classification SG-SL.Ensure tractor is on level surface.Oil will drain more freely when warm.Catch oil in a suitable container.LOWER DASH COVER REMOVAL1. Raise hood.2. Remove fastener from lower dash cover.CAUTION: Remove lower dash cover care-fully to ensure cover tabs are not broken.3. Slide lower dash cover up to releasecover tabs from tapered slots in lowerdash and remove.LowerDashTabs4. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be carefulnot to allow dirt to enter the engine whenchanging oil.20