I have a Craftsman 917.377700, 5.5HP mower. It was given to me without a manual and I need to do an oil change. How do you remove the hub that the blade mounts on to access the oil drain plug? And what engine oil should I use? Thanks.

George

George L in Pennsylvania, April 2008

ENGINE OIL
Recommended Oil Use 4-stroke motor oil that meets
or exceeds the requirements for API service category SJ or later. Always check the API service label on the oil container to be sure it includes the letters SJ or
later. SAE 10W-30 is recommended for general use. Other viscosities shown in the chart may be used when the average temperature in your area is within the indicated range.
Oil Level Check
1. Check the oil with the engine stopped and level.
2. Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and wipe it clean.
3. Insert the oil filler cap/dipstick into the oil filler neck as shown, but
do not screw it in, then remove it to check the oil level.
4. If the oil level is near or below the lower limit mark on the dipstick,
remove the oil filler cap/dipstick, and fill with the recommended oil
to the upper limit mark. Do not overfill.
5. Reinstall the oil filler cap/dipstick.
Oil Change
Drain the engine oil when the engine is warm. Warm oil drains quickly and completely. Place a suitable container next to the engine to catch the used oil.1. Without oil drain bolt:
Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position to reduce the possibility of
fuel leakage (see diagram, TYPE 1 Step 1 on page 2).
Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and drain the oil into the container
by tipping the engine toward the oil filler neck.
2. With oil drain bolt:
Remove the drain bolt and allow the oil to drain into the container.
Reinstall the drain bolt after draining.

Larry, August 2008

Hi George - I just found the PDF manual online myself (search for parts at sears.com with your model # (917.377700). (http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/retrieveModelActionHome!retrieve.action?modelNumber=917.377700&pop=flush)

On the right side of the page will be a button to view manuals for this product.

Here are the instructions and info from page 14:

ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SF-SJ.
Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating
temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
I I ' '
-20 0 30 32 40 60 B0
TEMPERATURI_ RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils
(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in
cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils
will result in increased oil consumption
when used above 32°1=. Check your
engine oil level more frequently to avoid
possible engine damage from running
low on oil.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or at least once a year if the
lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in
one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before
starting the engine and after each five (5)
hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug
securely each time you check the oil
level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to
drain oil, drain fuel tank by running
engine until fuel tank is empty.
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with spark plug.
2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a
clean surface.
3. Tip lawn mower on its side as shown
and drain oil into a suitable container.
Rock lawn mower back and forth to
remove any oil trapped inside of
engine.
4. Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn
mower or side of engine.
5. Fill engine with oil. (See "ADD OIL" in
the Operation section of this manual).
6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark
plug.

Dave, April 2008