Blade Care; Deck Cleaning - Craftsman 12AVP2R3391 Operator's Manual

6. Run the engine for a minimum of two minutes,
allowing the underside of the cutting deck to
thoroughly rinse.
7. Release blade control to stop the engine and blade.
8. Turn the water OFF and detach the deck wash nozzle
from the water port on your deck's surface.
9. After cleaning your deck, restart the mower. Keep
the engine and blade running for a minimum of two
minutes, allowing the underside of the cutting deck to
thoroughly dry.
Figure 35

DECK CLEANING

At least once a season and before storage, clean the
underside of the mower deck to prevent build-up of grass
clippings or other debris.
1. Allow the engine to run until it is out of fuel. Do not
attempt to pour fuel from the engine. Disconnect spark
plug wire. Refer to Engine Operator's Manual.
2. Turn mower on its side keeping the muffler side down
and making sure that the air filter and the carburetor
are facing up. Hold mower firmly.
3. Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a
suitable tool. Do not spray with water.
IMPORTANT: Do not use a pressure washer or garden
hose to clean your mower. These may cause damage to
bearings, or the engine. The use of water will result in
shortened life and reduce serviceability.
4. Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

Blade Care

Wait for the blade to stop completely before
performing any work on the mower or to remove
the grass catcher.
Check blade stopping time is within 3 seconds. If
blade does not stop within 3 seconds contact your
Service Center.
When removing the cutting blade for sharpening
or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of
heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade.
Annually check the mower blade mounting bolt torque:
Min. 37.5 ft-lbs (50.8 N-m), Max. 50.0 ft-lbs (67.8 N-m).
Periodically inspect the blade and blade adapter for
bends or cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object or
experience excessive vibration. Replace when necessary.
Follow the steps below for blade service:
1. Allow the engine to run until it is out of fuel. Do not
attempt to pour fuel from the engine.
2. Disconnect spark plug wire. Refer to Engine Operator's
Manual.
3. Turn mower on its side keeping the muffler side down
and making sure that the air filter and the carburetor
are facing up.
4. Remove bolt (a) and blade bell support (b) which
hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine
crankshaft
(Figure 36).
5. Remove blade (c) and blade adapter (d) from the
crankshaft
(Figure 36).
6. Remove blade from the blade adapter for testing
balance.
a. Balance the blade on a round shaft screwdriver to
check.
b. Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances
evenly.
NOTE: When sharpening the blade, follow the original
angle of grind. Grind each cutting edge equally to keep
the blade balanced.
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WARNING
WARNING