Craftsman 917.98636, Operator'S Manual, Page: 19 / 36

19
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after
100 hours of operation and replace if neces-
sary. The belts are not ad just able. Re place
belts if they begin to slip from wear.
TRANSAXLE COOLING
The transmission fan and cooling fins should
be kept clean to assure proper cooling.
Do not attempt to clean fan or trans mis sion
while engine is running or while the trans-
mis sion is hot. To prevent pos si ble damage
to seals, do not use high pres sure water or
steam to clean transaxle.
• Inspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades
are intact and clean.
• Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clippings
and other materials. To prevent damage to
seals, do not use compressed air or high
pressure sprayer to clean cool ing fins.
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxle was sealed at the factory and
fluid main te nance is not required for the life
of the transaxle. Should the transaxle ever
leak or require servicing, contact your near-
est Sears or other qualified service center.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TER MI NALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals
can cause the battery to “leak” power.
1. Remove terminal guard.
2. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first
then RED bat tery cable and remove
battery from tractor.
3. Rinse the battery with plain water and
dry.
4. Clean terminals and battery cable ends
with wire brush until bright.
5. Coat terminals with grease or pe tro leum
jelly.
6. Reinstall battery (See “REPLACING
BATTERY" in the Service and Ad just-
ments section of this manual).
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
-20 0 30 40 80 100
-30
-20 0 20 30
40
F
C
32
-10
10
60
5W-30
SAE 30
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with
API service classification SG-SL. Select the
oil’s SAE viscosity grade according to your
expected operating temperature.
NOTE:
Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30,
10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather,
they will result in increased oil consumption
when used above 32°F/0°C. Check your
engine oil level more frequently to avoid
possible engine damage from running low
on oil.
Change the oil after every 50 hours of
operation or at least once a year if the tractor
is not used for 50 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before starting
the engine and after each eight (8) hours
of operation. Tighten oil fill cap/dipstick
securely each time you check the oil level.
02463
CAP
DOCKING
POSITION
OIL DRAIN
EXTENSION
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
Determine temperature range expected
before oil change. All oil must meet API
service classification SG-SL.
• Ensure tractor is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Catch oil in a suitable container.
1. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful
not to allow dirt to enter the engine when
changing oil.
2. Slide oil drain extension from the docking
position on the engine blower housing
and extend outward from engine.
3. To open, twist cap counter-clockwise
4. After oil is drained completely, replace
cap and twist clockwise until it stops.
5. Re-attach oil drain extension to engine
blower housing.
6. Refill engine with oil through oil fill dip-
stick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill.
For approximate capacity see “PROD-
UCT SPEC I FI CA TIONS” section of this
man u al.
7. Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for
checking level. For accurate reading,
tighten dipstick cap securely onto the
tube before removing dipstick. Keep oil
at “FULL” line on dipstick. Tighten cap
onto the tube securely when finished.