CRAFTSMAN 917.383223 Lawn Mower Owner’s Manual

: June 17, 2024
: Craftsman

Table of Contents

SAFETY RULES
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
MAINTENANCE
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT
STORAGE
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
REPAIR PARTS
CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE
TROUBLE SHOOTING POINTS
Documents / Resources

SEARS
MODELNUMBER917.383223
OWNER’SMANUAL

Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment

SAFETY RULES

CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE AND PLACE WIRE WHERE IT CANNOT CONTACT SPARK PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL RINGWHEN T ANSPORNG. ADUSNG OYOURLAWNMOWER

IMPORTANT
FEDERAL REGULATIONS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE BLADE STOP CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF BLADE CONTACT INJURY. “(OUR LAWN MOWER IS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS DO NOT TTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

BE CAREFUL-WHEN THE ENGINE tS RUNNING THE BLADE IS TURNING.
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 all sticks, 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 wearing 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 whee/heights.
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 no! fill gas tank when engine is running, when indoors or when engine is hot. Allow engine to cool for several minutes before filling 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 object. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug, inspectthe lawn mower for damage and make repmrs as required
DO NOT usea 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 a slope 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 lawn mower.
DO NOT run your lawn mower indoors. Exhaust gases are deadly poison.
Always disconnect the spark plug wire from spark plug to prevent acadental starting when transporting or storing your lawn mower after the mowing season.
DO NOT attempt to raise engine speed, above !actory settings_Engine damage or personal mtury may result.
If a grass catcher is used on your lawn mower, check the catcher often for damage or deterioration. It wdl wear through normal use° Use only 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 a fire. DRAIN THE GASOLINE from your lawn mower before transporting your lawn mower inside your car or other vehicle

LOOKFORTHISSYMBOLTOPOINTOUTIMPOR JTANTSAFETYPRECAUTIONS.ITMEANS ATFENTION BECOMEALERT YOUR SAFETYIS INVOLVED.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Craft- It has been designed, sman Lawn Mower. engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance. Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, /pleuse contact your nearest Sears Ser- vice Center/Department.
We have competent, well- trained technicians and the proper tools for 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 917.383223————————
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 RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSE POWER: 35
DISPLACEMENT: 9.06 cu. in.
GASOLINE CAPACITY: (105; durs
OIL (21 oz. Capacity): SAE 30 or (SAE 10W30)
SPARK PLUG (GAP .030 in.): Champion RJ19-LM or Sears 71 33312 or STD 361458
VALVE CLEARANCE: Intake: .008 in. Exhaust: .008 in.
SOLID STATE IGNITION AIR GAP: 0125 in.
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35.40 ft.-lbs.

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

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

Read and observe the safety rules.
Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower.
Follow the instructions under “’Maintenance’’ and “‘Storage /” sections of this Owner’s Manual.

ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For one year from the date of purchuse, when this Craftsman Lawn Mo wer is maintained, lubricated and tuned-up uccordinﬁ 1o the instructions in the owner’s manual, Sears will repair, free of charge, any defect in material and workmanship.
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 items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug. operator abuse or negligence,
Repairs necessary because of incl including bent crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner’s manual.
WARRANTY SERVICE 1S 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 1S IN USE IN 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, DI731CR-W, Sears Tower, Chicago il 60684

LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was praduced. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets, catalog and service centers. Most Sears stores can order repair part is for you, when you provide the model number of your lawn mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.
ENGINE

LAWN MOWERMAINTENANCE

ASSEMBLY

Your lawn mower has been assembled at the factory except for the Grass Catcher Bag and the Grass Catcher Frame°
TO REMOVELAWNMOWERFROMCARTON

Cut down the corners of the carton and lay ends and sides down flat.
Cut the plastic wrapping and remove from over Handles and lawn mower.
Remove Catcher Frame, Fabric Bag and Oil Bottle from top of lawn mower.
Lift lawn mower off of shipping base and check carton for loose parts.

HOWTOSET-UPYOURLAWNMOWER
TO UNFOLDHANDLE

Remove Handle Padding holding Operator Presence Control Bar to Upper Handle.
Raise Handles until Lower Handle section locks into place in mowing position (See Fig. 1).
Raise Upper Handle section into place on Lower Handle and tighten one (t) Handle Knob.
Your lawn mower has been shipped with Protective Handle Pads placed between the upper and lower sections ot the Handle. For best lawn mower performance these Pads need to be discarded after the Handle is placed in the mowing position.
Once the Handle is in the mowing position, remove the Handle Knob, Handle Bolt and Protective Pad from the side with the loose Handle Knob. (Make sure the other side is tight to support the Upper Handle).
Discard the Pad and reinstall the Handle Bolt and Knob-Tighten securely
Loosen and remove the Handle Knob, Handle Bolt and Protective Pad from the other side and discard the Pad.
Reinstall the Handle Bolt and Knob-Tighten securely_ Now your Handles should be clamped together without the Protective Pads.
Your Lawn Mower Handle can be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to “Adjust Handle” in the Service and Adjustment Section of this manual.

TO ASSEMBLE & ATTACHGRASSCATCHER

Put Grass Catcher Frame into Grass Bag with stiff part of Bag on the bottom Slip vinyl bindings over Frame (See Fig_ 2). NOTE: if vinyl bindings are too stiff, hotd them in warm water for a few minutes. If Bag gets wet, let it dry before using.
Lift the Rear Door on the Lawn Mower Housing and place the Grass Catcher Frame onto the formed up Tabs on the Rear Door Hinge Bracket (See F,g. 3).
The Grass Catcher is secured to the Lawn Mower Housing when the Rear Door is lowered onto the Grass Catcher Frame.

CAUTION: DO NOT RUN YOUR LAWN OWER WITHOUT CLIPPINGDEFLECTOROR APPROVE GRASSCATCHERIN PLACE. NEVER ATO OPERATETHE LAWN MOWER WITH THE .

OPERATION

KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER
READ THIS OWNER’S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your Lawn Mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears Rotary Walk-Behind Power Lawn Mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National 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°
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL – located on the right side of the engine which allows you to select either “HIGH” or “LOW” engine speed.
PRIMER – pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine, STARTER HANDLE – used for starting the engine.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
The engine speed is controlled by a lever {red knob) located on the right side of the engine. HIGH”’ posi- tion is for startin;; engine, normal cuttin and better grass bagging. “LOW”‘ position is for light culting, trimming and fuel economy (See Fig. 5).
TO ERIPTY GRASS CATCHER

To remove Grass Coicher, release Operator Presence Control Bar to stop engine.
Lift up Rear Door and remove the Grass Catcher by the Handle {See Fig. 6).
Lift up Rear Door and remove the Grass Catcher by the Handle (See Fig. 6). ’
Do not drag the Bag when emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
Raise 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. ?one Wheel up or down to suit your requirements. Be sure all Wheels are in the same setting {See Fig. 7).

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL:
A 20 oz. bottle of Pennzoil SAE 30 Oil is included with your new lawn mower.

Remove Engine Oil Cap (See Fig. 8) and fill to the FULL line on the dipstick.
Use 20 ozs. of SAE 30 oil. SAE 10W 30 oil can also be used. DO NOT use SAE 10W 40 oil,
POUR OIL SLOWLY. DO NOT OVERFILL.
Check oil level before each use. Add oil if need- ed. Fill to FULL line on dipstick.
Tread proper level, tighten Engine Oil Cap each time,
Reinstall Engine Oil Cap and fighten.
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.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE (cont’p)
GAS:
Fill gasoline tank with fresh, clean unleaded gasoline. DO NOT USE PREMIUM GASOLINE.
E‘EGC’:)REFUL NOT TO OVERFILL TANK (SEE WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blend- ed fuels {called gasohol or using ethanol or methanogen can attract moisture which leads to separation an. formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system shouid be emptied before storage for 30 days or longer. Drain the %us tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines 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. ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION: FEDERAL REGULATIONS REQUIRE AN ENGINE COMNTROL TO BE INSTALLED ON THIS LAWN MOWER IN ORDER TO FMINIMIZE THE RISK OF BLADE CONTACT INJURY. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ATTEMPT TO DE- FEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR CONTROL. THE BLADE TURNS WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING.

Your lawn mower is equipped with an Operator Engine Control Bar which ﬁrequires the operator to be positioned behind the Lawn Mower Han- dle to start and operate the lawn mower.

TO START ENGINE

To start a cold engine, push Primer five (5) times before irying to start. Use a firm push. This step is not usually necessary when starting an engine which has already run for a few minutes.
Push Engine Speed Control Lever forward to HIGH position.
Hold Operator Presence Control Bar down fo 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 priming steps. In warmer weather over prim- ing may cause flooding and engine will not start. If you do flood engine wait a few minutes before at- tempting fo start and DO NOT repeat priming steps.

MOWING TIPS

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 Russ clippings. or extremely heavy cuffing, reduce the width of cut and raise the rear of the lawn mower hoes- ing one {1) wheel adjuster setting higher than the front for better discharge of grass.
For better grass bagging and most curling con- dictions, the engine speed should be set in the “’HIGH’’ (FAST) position.
When using a rear discharge lawn mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of cut grass may not enter the grass catcher. Reduce ground speed (pushing speed) and/or run the lawn mower over ﬁe area a second fame.
If atrial of grass clippings is left on the right side of a rear discharge lawn mower, mow in o clockwise direction with a small overlap to col- lest the clippings on the next pass.
Pores in catch grass catchers can become filled with dirt and dust with use and catchers will col- lect less grass. To prevent this, regularly hose cat- cheer off with water and let dr;shefore using.
Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine air flow and extend engine life.

MAINTENANCE

GENERAL RECOMMENDATION

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 longer.
You should check all fasteners and be sure they are tight.
Follow the Service Recommendation Schedule on page 15.

LAWN MOWER
BLADE/BLADE ADAPTER CARE
Your lawn mower will work better with a sharp Blade.
CAUTION: DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE FROM SPARK PLUG AND PLACE WIRE WHERE ANNOT COME IN CONTACT WITH THE SPARK PLUG.
TO REMOVE BLADE:

Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure Air Filter and Carburetor are up.
Use block of wood between Blade and Lawn Mower Housing to prevent Blade from turning when removing the Blade Bolt.
Profect your hands with gloves and/or wrap Blade with heavy cloth.
Remove Blade Bolt by turning counter-clockwise. Use a 9/16″” box or open-end wrench.
Remove Blade and attaching hardware (Bolt, Lockwasher and Hardened Washer) (See Fig. 9).
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 it damaged.
TO REPLACE BLADE:
Position the Blade Adapter on the Engine Crankshaft. Be sure Key in Adapter and Keyway in Crankshaft are aligned.
Position Blade 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. 9).
Install the Blade Bolt with the Lock washer and Hardened Washer into Blade Adapter and Crankshaft (See Fig. 9).
Use block of wood between Blade and Lawn Mower Housing and fighten the Blade Bolt, turn- ing clockwise.
The recommended tightening torque is 35-40 f1.Ibs.
Torque wrenches are available at most Sears stores and through the catalog.

CAUTION: A LOOSE BLADE CAN BE DANGEROUS AND MAY MAKE THE ENGINE HARD TO 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 Blade is balanced.
TO SHARPEN BLADE:

The Blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt fo sharpen while on the lawn mower.
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 nail. 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.
GRASS CATCHER
The Grass Catcher may be hosed with water, byt 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 ordering.

ENGINE
TO CHANGE OIL (WARM OIL DRAINS BETTER)
CAUTION: DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE FROM SPARK PLUG AND PLACE WIRE WHERE IT CANNOT COME IN CONTACT WITH SPARK PLUG.

Remove Engine Oil Cap with dipstick; lay aside on a clean surface.
Tip lawn mower on its side as shown in Fig. 10 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 overfill.
Replace Engine Oil Cap.
Reconnect Spark Plug Wire to Spark Plug.
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly and may be damageg by using a dirty Air Filter. Replace the Air Filter every year, more often if you mlcw 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 puli away from Collar (See Fig. 11).
Remove Filter from inside of Cover (See Fig. 11).
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. 11).

SPARK PLUG
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: DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE FROM SPARK PLUG AND PLACE WIRE WHERE TWCENNOT COME IN CONTACT WITH SPARK

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 offend ion keep trash from accumulating around engine. A clogg- ed engine runs hotter and shortens engine lite.
NOTE: 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 shorten- ing engine life.

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT

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.
ENGINE SPEED
Your engine speed has been factory set. Do not at- tempt fo increase engine speed or it may result in per- senal 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.
REAR DEFLECTOR
The Rear Deflector, attached between the Rear
Wheels of your lawn mower, is provided to minimize the possibility that objects will be thrown out the rear of the lawn mower inio the operator’s mowing position.
If the Rear Deflector becomes damaged, it should be replaced.

TO ADJUST HANDLE
Your Lawn Mower Handle can be raised or lowered for your mowing comfort. Figs. 12A, 12B, 13A and 138 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. 12A)

To change from Medium Low to Medium High position, the Upper and Lower Handle sections will have to be turned over {See Fig. 12B}.
Remove the Conirols and Operator Presence Con- trol Bar from the Upper Handle.
Remove the Starter Rope Guide from the Lower Handle.
Remove Hairpin Cotters.
Disconnect the Lower Handle from the Handle Brackets (See Fig. 14).
Turn the Handle over and redssemble the Hair- pin Cotters that have been removed ’See Fig. 14}.
Reassemble the Starter Rope Guide.
Reassemble the Controls and the Operator Presence Control Bar to the Upper Handle.
CAUTION: THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR MUST PIVOT FREELY TO PERMIT BLADE BRAKE ENGAGEMENT WHEN CONTROL BAR IS RELEASED. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THE FASTENERS HOLDING THE CONTROLS TO THE UPPER HANDLE.
To change from Medium Low to High position, only the Upper Handle section will have to be turned over {See Fig. 13A).
To change from Medium Low to Low position, only the Lower Handle section will have 1o be turned over {See Fig. 13B).

STORAGE

Your lawn mower and engine should be prepared for off-season storage as OHOWS:
LAWN MOWER

Clean underside of Lawn Mower Housing. (See . ‘’Cleaning’” in maintenance section of manual.)
Inspect and replace/sharpen Blade, if rec;uired 7 (See ‘‘Blade/Blade Adapter Care’’ in maintenance section of manual).
Hose Grass Catcher off with water and let dry before storing.
Lubricate as shown in Service Recommendation chart on page 15 of manual.
HANDLE
You can fold your Lawn Mower Handle for storage as shown in Fig. 15.
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. 16).
IMPORTANT: WHEN FOLDING THE HANDLE FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORTATION, BE SURE TO FOLD THE HANDLE AS SHOWN IN FIG. 15. IF YOU FOLD THE UPPER HANDLE SECTION THE WRONG WAY, YOU MAY DAMAGE THE CONTROL CABLES.

ENGINE

Change oil (See ”To Change Oil”’ in maintenance section of manual).
Drain fuel and run engine until fuel system is empty.

IMPORTANT: [T IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUM DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUEL SYSTEM PARTS SUCH AS THE CARBURETOR, FUEL FILTER, FUEL HOSE, OR TANK DURING STORAGE. ALSO, EX- PERIENCE INDICATES THAT ALCO- HOL BLENDED FUELS (CALLED GASOHOL OR USING ETHANOL OR METHANOL) CAN ATTRACT MOISTURE WHICH LEADS TO SEPARATION AND FORMATION OF ACIDS DURING STORAGE. ACIDIC GAS CAN DAMAGE THE FUEL SYSTEM OF AN ENGINE WHILE IN STORAGE.
OTHER

Do not store gasoline from one season to another.
Replace your gasoline can if your can starts to rust. Rust and/or 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 info the mowing position.

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS

– CHECK
LUBRICATION CHART

CRAFTSMAN 20″ ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NO. 917.383223

REPAIR PARTS

CRAFTSMAN 4-CYCLE ENGINE

CARBURETOR NO. 632046A

TROUBLE SHOOTING POINTS

PROBLEM	CAUSE	CORRECTION
DOES NOT START	1.Dirty air filter.

2.Out of gasoline.
3 Stole gasoline.
4.Spark plug wire is disconnected from the spark plug.
5.Bad spark plug.
6.Water in gasoline.
7 Loose blade or broken blade adapter.
8.Operator presence control bar in re- leased position.
9.Operator presence control bar defect- live.| 1. Replace air filter
2 Fill gasoline tank.
3 Drain gas tank and refill with fresh gasoline
A. Conned wire to spark plug.
5.Replace spark plug.
6.Drain tank and refill with fresh, clean gasoline.
7.Tighten blade bolt and/or replace blade adapter.
8.Depress operator presence control bar.
9 Replace operator presence control bar
LOSS OF POWER| 1 Rear of lawn mower housing/blade
dragging in heavy grass.
2.Cutting too much grass.
3.Dirty air filter.
4 Build-up of grass, leaves, and
trash under lawn mower housing.
5.Walking speed too fast.
6.Too much oil in engine.| 1.Raise rear of lawn mower housing one (1) setting higher than front.
2.Set in HIGHER CUT position.
3.Clean or replace air filter.
4.Disconnect spark plug wire and clean underside of lawn mower housing.
5.Cut at slower walking speed.
6.Check engine oil level.
POOR CUT- UNEVEN| 1.Worn, bent or loose blade.
2.Wheel heights uneven.
3.Low engine speed.
4.Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under lawn mower housing.| 1.Replace blade. Tighten blade bolt
2.Set all wheels at same height.
3.Set engine speed control in HIGH position
4.Disconnect spark plug wire & clean underside of lawn mower housing.
TOO MUCH
VIBRATION| 1.Worn or bent blade.
2.Loose blade.
3.Bent engine crankshaft.| I. Replace blade.
2.Tighten blade bolt.
3.Contact Sears Service Department.
STARTER ROPE HARD TO PULL| 1.Flywheel brake is on when operator presence control bar is released.
2.Bent engine crankshaft.
3.Blade adapter sheared.
4.Blade dragging in grass.| I. Depress operator presence control bar to upper handle before pulling on starter rope.
2.Contact Sears Service Department.
3.Replace blade adapter.
4.Get over low gross and/or hard surface to start engine.
CATCHER NOT
FILL COMPLETELY (IF APPLICABLE)| 1.Cutting height too low.
2.Lift on blade worn off.
3.Catcher bag dirty, poor air venting.
4.Low engine speed.| 1.Raise cutting height
2.Replace blade.
3.Clean/replace catcher bag. (If optional grass catcher is being used).
4.Set engine speed control in HIGH position.
HARD TO PUSH| 1. High grass or cutting height too low.
2 Rear of lawn mower housing/blade dragging in heavy gross
3.Grass catcher too full.
4.Handle height position not right for you.| 1.Raise cutting height.
2.Raise rear of lawn mower housing one (1) setting higher than front.
3.Empty grass catcher.
4.Adjust handle height to suit.

3.5 HORSEPOWER 20″” REARBAGGER ROTARYLAWNMOWER
Each Lawn Mower has its own model number. Each engine has its own model number.
The model number for 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 Blower Housing of the engine adjacent to the spark plug.
Al parts listed herein may be ordered through Sears,
Roeguck and Co. Service Centers and most Retail Stores.
WHEN ORDERING REPAIR PARTS, ALWAYS GIVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

PRODUCT – ‘/ROTARY LAWN MIOWER’”
MODEL NUMBER – 917.383223
ENGINE
SRR RO, 140.414302
PART NUMBER
PART DESCRIPTION
Your Sears merchandise has added value when you con- sider that Sears has service units nationwide staffed with Sears trained technicians…professional technicians specifically trained on Sears products, having the parts, to also and the equipment to insure that we meet our pledge to you, we service what we sell.

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND €O0.; ‘Chicage, IL. ” 60684 USA