Craftsman 917.204040 Operator's Manual

Also see for 917.20403: Operator's manual Operator's manual

MUFFLERinspect and replace corroded muffler andspark arrester (if equipped) as it could createa fire hazard and/or damage.SPARK PLUG(S)Replace spark plug(s) atthe beginning of eachmowing season or after every 100 hours ofoperation, whichever occurs first. Spark plugtype and gap setting are shown in"PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual.CLEANING• Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc.of all foreign matter.• Clean debrisfrom steering plate. Debriscan restrict clutch/brake pedal shaft move-ment, causing belt slip and loss of drive.A CAUTION: Avoid all pinch points andmovable partsSteering System, Dash, Fenderand Mower Not ShownKeep finished surfaces and wheels freeof all gasoline, oil, etc.Protect painted surfaces with automotivetype wax.Except for the washout port (if equipped),we do not recommend using a garden hoseor pressure washer to clean the outside ofyour tractor unless the engine and transmis-sion are covered to keep water out. Waterin engine or transmission will shorten theuseful life of your tractor. Use compressedair or a leaf blower to remove grass, leavesand trash from outside tractor and mower.DECK WASHOUT PORTYour tractor's deck is equipped with awashout port on its surface as part of itsdeck wash system, it should be utilized af-ter each use.1. Drive the tractor to a level, clear spoton your lawn, near enough to a waterspigot for your garden hose to reach.iMPORTANT: Make certain the tractor'sdischarge chute is directed AWAY from yourhouse, garage, parked cars, etc. Removebagger chute or mulch cover if attached.2. Make sure the attachment clutch controlis in the "DISENGAGED" position, setthe parking brake, and stop the engine.Nozzle _._._HoseAdapter _....._ Washout Port3. Thread the nozzle adapter (packagedwith your tractor's Operator's Manual)onto the end of your garden hose.4. Pull back the lock collar of the nozzleadapter and push the adapter onto thedeck washout port at the left end of themower deck. Release the lock collar tolock the adapter on the nozzle.IMPORTANT: Tug hose ensuring connec-tion is secure.5. Turn the water on.6. While sitting in the operator's positionon the tractor, re-start the engine andplace the throttle lever in the Fast ",_"position.IMPORTANT: Recheck the area makingcertain the area is clear.7. Move the tractor's attachment clutchcontrol to the "ENGAGED" position.Remain in the operator's positionwith the cutting deck engaged until thedeck is cleaned.8. Move the tractor's attachment clutchcontrol to the "DISENGAGED" posi-tion. Turn the ignition key to the STOPposition to turn the tractor's engine off.Turn the water off.9. Pull back the lock collar of the nozzleadapter to disconnect the adapter fromthe nozzle washout port.10. Move the tractor to a dry area, prefer-ably a concrete or paved area. Placethe attachment clutch control in the"ENGAGED" position to remove excesswater and to help dry before putting thetractor away.A!_,WAR NING: A broken or missing washoutfitting could expose you or others to thrownobjects from contact with the blade.Replace broken or missing washout fittingimmediately, prior to using mower again.Plug any holes in mower with bolts andIoeknuts,27