Craftsman 917.383242 Rotary Lawn Mower Owner's Manual

Safety Rules

CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE AND PLACE WIRE WHERE IT CANNOT CONTACT SPARK PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETTING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING REPAIRS.

IMPORTANT: SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY. YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

Training

• Read this operator's manual carefully. Become familiar with the controls and know how to operate your mower properly. Learn how to quickly stop the mower.
• Do not allow children to use your mower. Never allow adults to use the mower without proper instructions.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially small children and pets.
• Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as described in this manual.
• Do not operate mower if it has been dropped or damaged in any manner. Always have damage repaired before using your mower.
• Do not use accessory attachments that are not recommended by the manufacturer. Use of such attachments may be hazardous.
• Be aware that the blade turns when the engine is running.

Preparation

• Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects. These objects will be thrown by the blade and can cause severe injury.
• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when starting and while using your mower.
• Dress properly. Do not operate mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good traction when mowing.
• Check fuel tank before starting engine. Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the engine is running, or when the engine is hot. Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before filling the gas tank. Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the engine.
• Always make wheel height adjustments before starting your mower. Never attempt to do this while the engine is running.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

Operation

• Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being cut. Do not let other interests distract you.
• Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never run while operating your mower. Always be sure of your footing - keep a firm hold on the handles and walk.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

General Safety Practices

• Always stop the blade whenever you leave or are not using your mower, or before crossing driveways, walks, roads, and any gravel-covered areas.
• Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the mower while you are operating it.
• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your mower, stop the engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Then disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
• Do not continue to run your mower if you hit a foreign object. Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any damage before restarting and operating your mower.
• Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the engine. Engine damage or personal injury may result.
• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnormally. Excessive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine, safely check for the cause of vibration and repair as required.
• Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are dangerous.
• Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down or you might lose your footing. Do not mow excessively steep slopes. Use caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain or when changing directions - maintain good footing.
• Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety devices in place.

Maintenance and Storage

• Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to be sure they are tightened properly.
• Check all bolts, nuts, and screws at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working condition.
• Keep all safety devices in place and working.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease and oil.
• Check grass catcher often for deterioration and wear and replace worn bags. Use only replacement bags that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your mower.
• Always keep a sharp blade on your mower.
• Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
• Never store mower with fuel in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or an ignition source such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc.

Symbol Reminder: ⚠️ LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. IT MEANS - ATTENTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

Product Specifications

Customer Responsibilities

General Recommendations

The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, the operator must maintain the mower as instructed in this manual.

Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your unit.

All adjustments in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual should be checked at least once each season.

Once a year, replace the spark plug, replace the air filter element, and check the blade for wear. A new spark plug and clean/new air filter element assures proper air-fuel mixture and helps your engine run better and last longer.

Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

Before Each Use

• Check engine oil level.
• Check for loose fasteners.

Lubrication

Keep unit well lubricated. Refer to the Lubrication Chart.

Maintenance Schedule Summary

The maintenance schedule outlines tasks to be performed Before Each Use, After Each Use, First 2 Hours, Every 5 Hours, Every 25 Hours, Every Season, and Before Storage. Key tasks include checking fasteners, cleaning the grass catcher, cleaning the mower, inspecting drive wheels, sharpening/replacing the blade, checking oil levels, changing oil, cleaning the air filter, inspecting the muffler, and replacing the spark plug and air filter element.

Blade Care

• For best results, the mower blade must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades.
• To Remove Blade: Disconnect spark plug wire. Turn mower on its side (air filter/carburetor up). Use a wood block between blade and housing to prevent turning. Protect hands. Remove blade bolt counter-clockwise with a 9/16" wrench. Remove blade and hardware. Check blade adapter key.
• To Replace Blade: Position blade adapter on crankshaft, aligning key. Position blade on adapter, aligning holes with raised lugs. Ensure trailing edge is up. Install blade bolt with washers, tighten clockwise to 35-40 ft. lbs.
• To Sharpen Blade: Keep blade balanced. Sharpen with a file or grinding wheel. Do not sharpen on mower. Check balance by hanging blade on a nail; it should remain horizontal. Sharpen heavy end if unbalanced.

Grass Catcher

• The grass catcher may be hosed with water but must be dry when used.
• Check catcher often for damage or deterioration. Replace with manufacturer-approved catcher, providing the lawn mower model number when ordering.

Engine

• Lubrication: Use high-quality detergent oil rated API SG. Select SAE viscosity grade based on expected operating temperature (SAE 30 for above 32°F, SAE 5W-30 for below 32°F). Multi-viscosity oils may increase consumption above 32°F. Check oil level frequently. Change oil after the first two hours of operation, then every 25 hours thereafter, or annually if not used for 25 hours. Check oil level before starting and every 5 hours of use. Tighten oil plug securely.
• To Change Engine Oil: Drain fuel tank first. Tip mower on its side (air filter/carburetor up) to drain oil into a container. Rock mower to remove trapped oil. Wipe spills. Fill to the "FULL" line on the dipstick. Do not overfill. Replace oil cap. Reconnect spark plug wire.
• Air Filter: Engine may be damaged by a dirty air filter. Replace annually, or more often in dusty conditions. Do not wash air filter.
• To Change Air Filter: Remove air filter cover (turn counter-clockwise). Remove filter from cover. Clean inside of cover and collar. Insert new filter. Align tab with slot on collar, push in cover, and tighten clockwise.
• Muffler: Inspect and replace corroded mufflers to prevent fire hazard or damage.
• Spark Plug: Change annually for easier starting and better running. Set gap at .030 inch.

Cleaning

IMPORTANT: FOR BEST PERFORMANCE, KEEP MOWER HOUSING FREE OF BUILT-UP GRASS AND TRASH. CLEAN UNDERSIDE OF MOWER HOUSING AFTER EACH USE.

CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire before cleaning.

Turn mower on its side (air filter/carburetor up). Scrape underside to remove grass and trash. Clean engine often to prevent overheating. Keep surfaces free of gasoline and oil.

Avoid using a garden hose unless electrical system, muffler, air filter, and carburetor are covered to prevent water entry, which can shorten engine life.

Assembly

General Assembly Instructions

Read instructions carefully before assembly or operation. Mower is factory-assembled except for shipping purposes. Ensure all parts and hardware are tightened securely. Use correct tools.

To Remove Lawn Mower From Carton

• Remove loose parts.
• Cut down carton corners and lay end panel flat.
• Remove packing materials, except padding between handles and operator presence control bar.
• Roll mower out of carton and check for additional loose parts.

To Unfold Handle (See Fig. 1)

IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLES CAREFULLY SO AS NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.

• Raise handles until lower handle section locks into mowing position.
• Raise upper handle section, remove protective padding, and tighten handle knobs.
• Remove handle padding holding operator presence control bar.
• Handle can be adjusted for mowing comfort (refer to "Adjust Handle" section).

Figure 1 Description: Diagram showing the upper and lower handle sections of the lawn mower. It illustrates the action of lifting the upper handle to unfold it into the mowing position, with labels for the Operator Presence Control Bar, Upper Handle, Lower Handle, and Mowing Position.

To Install Attachments (See Fig. 2)

Mower is shipped ready for mulching. To convert to bagging or discharging:

• Open rear door and remove mulcher plate. Store plate safely.
• Install catcher or optional clipping deflector.
• To return to mulching, install mulcher plate into discharge opening, ensuring tabs are seated properly.

CAUTION: Do not run mower without mulcher plate or approved deflector/catcher in place. Never operate with the rear door removed or propped open.

Figure 2 Description: Diagram showing the mulcher plate with slots and tabs, indicating its placement within the mower's discharge opening.

To Assemble & Attach Grass Catcher (See Figs. 3 & 4)

• Place grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigid part at the bottom. Ensure frame handle is outside the bag top.
• Slip vinyl bindings over the frame. (If stiff, warm in water).
• Lift the rear door of the lawn mower and place the grass catcher frame side hooks onto the handle bracket hooks.
• The grass catcher is secured when the rear door is lowered onto the catcher frame.

Figure 3 Description: Diagram showing a hand assembling the grass catcher frame into the grass bag, securing it with vinyl bindings.

Figure 4 Description: Diagram illustrating the attachment of the grass catcher to the lawn mower housing. It shows the rear door, hinge bracket, formed tabs, and frame opening.

Operation

Know Your Lawn Mower

Read this manual and safety rules before operating. Familiarize yourself with controls and adjustments.

Diagram Description: An illustration of the lawn mower with labels pointing to key components and controls: Operator Presence Control Bar, Engine Zone Control Cable, Handle Knob, Grass Catcher, Mulcher Plate, Engine Speed Control Lever, Primer, Air Filter, Engine Oil Cap with Dipstick, Lawn Mower Housing, Gasoline Filler Cap, and Wheel Adjuster (on each wheel).

The mower meets CPSC safety requirements. The blade turns when the engine is running.

• Operator Presence Control Bar: Must be held down to start the engine. Release to stop.
• Primer: Pumps fuel for starting a cold engine.
• Starter Handle: Used for starting the engine.
• Engine Speed Control: Lever on the engine side for fast (⚡) or slow (?) speed.
• Mulcher Plate: Located at the discharge opening; must be removed for bagging or discharging.

How to Use Your Lawn Mower

Engine Speed Control (See Fig. 5)

A lever on the engine side controls speed. Fast (⚡) is for starting, normal cutting, and bagging. Slow (?) is for light cutting, trimming, and fuel economy.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL: Federal regulations require this control to minimize blade contact injury. Do not defeat its function. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Your mower requires the operator presence control bar to be held down to start and operate.

To Adjust Cutting Height (See Fig. 6)

• Raise wheels for low cut; lower wheels for high cut. Wheels are shipped in low cut position.
• Adjust cutting height to suit requirements; medium is best for most lawns.
• To change height, squeeze adjuster lever toward wheel, then move wheel up or down. Ensure all wheels are set at the same height.

Figure 5 Description: Diagram showing the engine with labels for the Engine Speed Control Lever and Primer.

Figure 6 Description: Illustration showing how to adjust cutting height by moving the wheels. It depicts "LOWER WHEELS FOR HIGH CUT" and "RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT".

To Empty Grass Catcher (See Fig. 7)

• Lift grass catcher by the frame handle.
• Remove catcher from under the mower handle.
• Empty clippings from the bag using both frame and bag handles.

Figure 7 Description: Diagram showing a hand lifting the grass catcher by its frame handle to remove it from the mower.

Before Starting Engine

Oil

• Mower is shipped without oil. Ensure mower is level and oil fill area is clean.
• Remove oil cap/dipstick and fill to the "FULL" line. Use 20 ozs. of oil. Refer to "ENGINE" in Customer Responsibilities for oil type. Pour oil slowly; do not overfill.
• Check oil level before each use and add if needed. Tighten oil cap each time.
• Change oil after the first two (2) hours of mowing, and every 25 hours thereafter, or more often in dusty conditions.

Gas

• Fill tank with fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline. Do not use premium gasoline. Be careful not to overfill.
• WARNING: Alcohol-blended fuels can attract moisture, leading to separation and acid formation, which can damage the fuel system. Before storage of 30 days or longer, drain the fuel tank and run the engine until fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank.

Mowing Tips

• For very tall grass, raise the cutting height to reduce effort and prevent overloading the engine or clumping clippings.
• For heavy cutting, reduce width of cut and raise rear wheels one setting higher than front for better discharge.
• Use fast engine speed (⚡) for better bagging and most cutting conditions.
• When bagging in moist, heavy grass, reduce ground speed or mow the area twice.
• If grass clippings trail on the right side, mow clockwise with overlap to collect them on the next pass.
• Keep the engine top clear of grass clippings and chaff for better airflow and engine life.
• Hose out grass catcher pores regularly with water and let dry to prevent clogging.

Mulching Mowing Tips

• Keep mower housing free of grass and trash. Clean underside after each use.
• The mulching blade recuts clippings for dispersal and nutrient return. Always use highest engine speed (⚡) for best mulching.
• Avoid mowing wet grass, as it forms clumps and hinders mulching.
• Mow in the early afternoon when grass is dry and the newly cut area is not exposed to direct sun.
• Adjust cutting height to remove only the top one-third of grass blades (See Fig. 8). For overgrown lawns, raise height or reduce width of cut, and mow slowly.
• For overgrown lawns, a second pass perpendicular to the first may be needed to hide clippings.
• Vary cutting pattern weekly (e.g., north-south, then east-west) to prevent matting.

Figure 8 Description: Diagram illustrating optimal mowing height, showing grass blades with a guideline indicating "MAX 1/3" of the blade should be cut.

Service and Adjustments

General Precautions

CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS:

• Release control bar.
• Ensure blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.
• Disconnect spark plug wire and place it where it cannot contact the plug.

Lawn Mower

To Adjust Cutting Height

Refer to "To Adjust Cutting Height" in the Operation section.

Rear Deflector

The rear deflector minimizes the possibility of objects being thrown backward. It should be replaced if damaged.

To Adjust Handle (See Figs. 12, 13, 14)

The handle can be adjusted to four positions: high, medium high, medium low, and low. It ships in the medium low position.

• Medium Low to Medium High: Turn upper and lower handle sections over (See Fig. 12B).
• Medium Low to High: Turn upper handle section over (See Fig. 13A).
• Medium Low to Low: Turn lower handle section over (See Fig. 13B).

Figure 12A/B Description: Diagrams showing handle adjustment positions: Shipping Position, Medium Low, and Medium High. It illustrates how to turn the handle sections.

Figure 13A/B Description: Diagrams showing handle adjustment for High and Low positions relative to Medium Low.

Figure 14 Description: Close-up view of the handle bracket, hairpin clip, and the action required to disconnect/connect the lower handle.

• To adjust, remove controls and operator presence control bar from the upper handle.
• Remove starter rope guide from lower handle.
• Remove hairpin cotters.
• Disconnect lower handle from handle brackets.
• Turn handle over and reassemble hairpin cotters.
• Reassemble starter rope guide.
• Reassemble controls and operator presence control bar.

CAUTION: Operator presence control bar must pivot freely. Do not overtighten fasteners holding controls to the upper handle.

Engine

Carburetor

The carburetor has a non-adjustable fixed main jet. If the engine runs improperly due to carburetor issues, take the mower to an authorized service center.

Engine Speed

Engine speed is factory set. Do not attempt to increase it. If speed seems incorrect, contact an authorized service center.

Storage

Lawn Mower Preparation

Prepare mower for storage at end of season or if not used for 30+ days. Clean thoroughly (remove dirt, grease, leaves). Store in a clean, dry area.

• Clean entire mower.
• Lubricate as shown in Customer Responsibilities.
• Ensure all fasteners are secure. Inspect moving parts for damage.
• Touch up rusted or chipped paint surfaces.

Handle (See Fig. 15)

The handle can be folded for storage:

• Squeeze bottom ends of lower handle toward each other until it clears the bracket, then move handle forward.
• Loosen upper handle mounting bolts to fold upper handle back.

IMPORTANT: FOLD HANDLE AS SHOWN TO AVOID DAMAGING CONTROL CABLES.

When setting up from storage, the lower handle will automatically lock into mowing position.

Figure 15 Description: Diagram illustrating how to fold the lawn mower handle for storage. It shows squeezing the lower handle, folding it forward, and the relationship between the upper handle, lower handle, operator presence control bar, hairpin cotter, and handle bracket.

Engine Preparation

Fuel System

IMPORTANT: Prevent gum deposits in fuel system parts (carburetor, filter, hose, tank) during storage. Alcohol-blended fuels can attract moisture, causing separation and acids that damage the fuel system. Drain fuel tank and run engine until fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank.

NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative. Add stabilizer to fuel and run engine for 10 minutes to circulate it through the carburetor. Do not drain tank if using stabilizer.

Engine Oil

Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with clean engine oil.

Cylinder

• Remove spark plug.
• Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through spark plug hole into cylinder.
• Pull starter handle slowly a few times to distribute oil.
• Replace with new spark plug.

Other Storage Tips

• Do not store gasoline from one season to another. Replace rusty gasoline cans.
• Store unit indoors if possible, covered to protect from dust and dirt.
• Use a breathable protective cover; do not use plastic, as it can trap moisture and cause rust.
• IMPORTANT: NEVER COVER MOWER WHILE ENGINE AND EXHAUST AREAS ARE STILL WARM.
• CAUTION: Never store mower with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow engine to cool before storing.

Troubleshooting

Repair Parts - Lawn Mower

The following parts are available for your Craftsman 20" Rotary Lawn Mower, Model No. 917.383242.

• Control Bar (1)
• Upper Handle (2)
• Mulcher Plate (3)
• Rope Guide (4)
• Lower Handle (5)
• Locknut 1/4-20 (6)
• Handle Bolt (7)
• Cable Clip (8)
• Hairpin Cotter (9)
• Handle Knob (10)
• Engine Zone Control Cable (11)
• Hex Head Bolt 1/4-20 x 1-1/2 (12)
• Hex Washer Head Screw 10-24 x 1/2 (13)
• Back Plate (14)
• Rear Baffle (17)
• Side Baffle (18)
• Discharge Baffle (19)
• Rear Deflector (20)
• Up-Stop Bracket (21)
• Rear Door Assembly Kit (22)
• Self Tapping Screw 10-24 x 5/8 (23)
• Self Tapping Screw 10-24 x 1/2 (24)
• Hex Head Tapping Screw 1/4-20 x 1/2 (25)
• Hinge Screw 1/4-20 x 1-1/4 (26)
• Handle Bracket Assembly (Left) (28)
• Handle Bracket Assembly (Right) (29)
• Screw 5/16-18 x 3/4 (31)
• Wheel Adjusting Bracket (32)
• Spacer (33)
• Pop Rivet (34)
• Selector Knob (35)
• Selector Spring (36)
• Axle Arm Assembly (37)
• Belleville Washer (38)
• Shoulder Bolt (39)
• Wheel and Tire Assembly (40)
• Washer (41)
• Retainer Clip (42)
• Hubcap (43)
• Danger Decal (44)
• Hex Head Thread Rolling Screw 3/8-16 x 1 (45)
• Lawn Mower Housing (Incl. Key #18, 22, 24, 44, 50) (46)
• Locknut 3/8-16 (47)
• Front Baffle (48)
• Hex Head Machine Screw 3/8-24 x 1-3/8 (Grd. 8) (50)
• Helical Lockwasher 3/8 (51)
• Washer (52)
• Blade 20" (53)
• Blade Adapter (54)
• Starter Cup (55)
• Screw #8-32 x 21/64 (56)
• Fuel Line (57)
• Fuel Line Clamp (58)
• Screw #10-32 x 35/64 (58)
• Fuel Tank (Includes #292 and 301) (71)
• Fuel Cap (71)
• Oil Fill Tube (71)
• O-Ring (71)
• Screw #10-32 x 1/2 (71)
• Dipstick (71)
• Starter Plug (71)
• Instruction Decal (71)
• Instruction Decal (71)
• Carburetor (Includes Ref. #184) (71)
• Rewind Starter (71)
• Gasket Set (71)

Available accessories not included with lawn mower: Clipping Deflector (71 33303), Hi-Wheel Kit (71 33723), Gas Can (2.5 gal.) (71 33500), Fuel Stabilizer (71 33300), SAE 30W Oil (20 oz.) (71 33417), Dust Shield (71 33316), Mower Cover (71 33316).

Repair Parts - Engine

Craftsman 4-Cycle Engine, Model Number 143.944010

Diagram Description: An exploded view of the Craftsman 4-cycle engine, showing various components labeled with reference numbers.

Key Engine Components and Parts:

• Cylinder (1)
• Dowel Pin (2)
• Breather Element (6)
• Breather Assembly (7)
• Breather Gasket (8)
• Screw #10-24 x 9/16 (9)
• Breather Tube (12)
• Breather Tube Elbow (12B)
• Washer (14)
• Governor Rod (15)
• Governor Lever (16)
• Governor Lever Clamp (17)
• Screw #8-32 x 5/16 (18)
• Extension Spring (19)
• Oil Seal (20)
• Crankshaft (30)
• Piston, Pin & Ring Set (Std., .010", .020") (40, 36074, 36075)
• Piston & Pin Assembly (Std., .010", .020") (41, 36070, 36071, 36072)
• Ring Set (Std., .010", .020") (42, 36076, 36077, 36078)
• Piston Pin Retaining Ring (43)
• Connecting Rod Assy. (45)
• Connecting Rod Bolt (46)
• Valve Lifter (48)
• Camshaft (50)
• Oil Pump Assembly (52)
• Mounting Flange Gasket (70)
• Mounting Flange (72)
• Oil Drain Plug (75)
• Oil Seal (80)
• Governor Shaft (80)
• Washer (81)
• Governor Gear Assy. (82)
• Governor Spool (83)
• Screw 1/4-20 x 1-1/4 (86)
• Flywheel Key (89)
• Flywheel (90)
• Belleville Washer (92)
• Flywheel Nut (93)
• Solid State Ignition (100)
• Spark Plug Cover (101)
• Screw, Torx T-15 #10-24 x 1 (103)
• Ground Wire (110)
• Cylinder Head Gasket (119)
• Cylinder Head (120)
• Exhaust Valve (Std., Oversize) (125, 36472)
• Intake Valve (Std., Oversize) (126, 29314B, 29315C)
• Screw 5/16-18 x 1-1/2 (130)
• Resistor Spark Plug (RJ19LM) (135)
• Valve Spring (150)
• Valve Spring Cap (151)
• Valve Cover Gasket (169)
• Valve Cover (172)
• Nut and Lock Washer 1/4-28 (178)
• Screw 1/4-28 x 7/8 (182)
• Carburetor To Intake Pipe Gasket (184)
• Intake Pipe (185)
• Governor Link (186)
• Screw 1/4-20 x 3/8 (189)
• Brake Lever (190)
• S.E. Brake Bracket (191)
• Brake Control Link (192)
• Brake Spring (193)
• Retaining Ring (194)
• Terminal (195)
• Control Bracket (200)
• Compression Spring (202, 203)
• Screw #5-40 x 7/16 (204)
• Screw #6-32 x 21/32 (205)
• Throttle Link (207)
• Control Knob (215)
• Screw 1/4-20 x 1 (223)
• Intake Pipe Gasket (224)
• Screw #10-32 x 49/64 (238)
• Air Cleaner Gasket (239)
• Air Cleaner Collar (241)
• Air Cleaner Filter (245)
• Air Cleaner Cover (250)
• Blower Housing (260)
• Screw 1/4-20 x 1/2 (262)
• Muffler (275)
• Screw 1/4-20 x 2-1/4 (277)
• Starter Cup (285)
• Screw #8-32 x 21/64 (287)
• Fuel Line (290)
• Fuel Line Clamp (292)
• Screw #10-32 x 35/64 (298)
• Fuel Tank (300)
• Fuel Cap (301)
• Oil Fill Tube (305)
• O-Ring (306, 307)
• Screw #10-32 x 1/2 (309)
• Dipstick (310)
• Starter Plug (313)
• Instruction Decal (327, 370A)
• Carburetor (370)
• Rewind Starter (390)
• Gasket Set (400)

RPM Settings: Low Speed: 2450-2750; High Speed: 2900-3200.

Note: This engine may have been built with starter 590686. Check air intake louvers for identification. Individual starter parts do not interchange.

Repair Parts - Engine Components

Carburetor No. 632569

Diagram Description: Exploded view of the carburetor assembly with parts labeled by reference number.

• Carburetor, Complete (1)
• Throttle Shaft and Lever Assembly (2)
• Dust Seal Washer, Throttle (4)
• Throttle Return Spring (5)
• Dust Seal, Throttle (6)
• Throttle Shutter (16)
• Shutter Screw (25)
• Fuel Fitting (29)
• Float Bowl (27)
• Float (28)
• Float Shaft (29)
• Float Bowl "O" Ring (30)
• Inlet Needle, Seat & Clip (31)
• Spring Clip (31)
• Primer Bulb/Retaining Ring (35)
• High Speed Bowl Nut (40)
• Bowl Nut Washer (44)
• Welch Plug, Atmospheric Vent (48)

Rewind Starter No. 590694

Diagram Description: Exploded view of the rewind starter assembly with parts labeled by reference number.

• Recoil Starter, Complete (1)
• Spring Pin (2)
• Washer (3)
• Retainer (4)
• Washer (5)
• Brake Spring (6)
• Starter Dog (7)
• Dog Spring (8)
• Pulley & Rewind Spring Assembly (11)
• Starter Housing Assembly (12)
• Starter Rope (13)
• Starter Handle (13)

Rewind Starter No. 590686

Diagram Description: Exploded view of another rewind starter assembly with parts labeled by reference number.

• Recoil Starter (1)
• Spring Pin (2)
• Washer (3)
• Retainer (4)
• Washer (5)
• Brake Spring (6)
• Starter Dog (7)
• Dog Spring (8)
• Pulley Assembly (9)
• Rewind Spring (10)
• Spring Cover (11)
• Starter Housing Assembly (12)
• Starter Rope (13)
• Starter Handle (13)

Table of Contents

This section lists the contents of the manual with corresponding page numbers:

• Safety Rules: 2
• Product Specifications: 3
• Customer Responsibilities: 3, 11-13
• Warranty: 3
• Assembly: 6
• Operation: 8
• Maintenance Schedule: 11
• Service and Adjustments: 14
• Storage: 15
• Troubleshooting: 21
• Repair Parts - Lawn Mower: 16-17
• Repair Parts - Engine: 18-20
• Parts Ordering/Service: Back Cover

Index

An index is provided for quick reference to topics and page numbers, covering sections like Accessories, Adjustments, Air Filter, Assembly, Blade, Controls, Customer Responsibilities, Engine, Fuel, Handle Adjustment, Lubrication, Maintenance Agreement, Maintenance Schedule, Mowing Tips, Operation, Oil, Repair Parts, Safety Rules, Service and Adjustments, Specifications, Speed Control, Starting the Engine, Stopping the Engine, Storage, and Troubleshooting.

Limited Two Year Warranty on Craftsman Power Mower

For two years from date of purchase, Sears will repair, free of charge, any defect in material or workmanship if the mower is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to the owner's manual instructions.

For commercial or rental purposes, the warranty is 90 days from date of purchase.

This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items (blades, belts, air filters, spark plugs) worn during normal use.
• Repairs due to operator abuse or negligence (e.g., bent crankshafts, failure to maintain equipment per manual).

Warranty service is available by returning the mower to the nearest Sears Service Center/Department in the United States. This warranty applies only while the product is used in the United States.

This warranty gives specific legal rights, and other rights may vary by state.

Contact: Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60179

Service Notes

This section is reserved for service notes.