Craftsman 917.29249 Before Starting Engine, Fill Engine with OIL, ADD Gasoline, Damage may occur

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

IMPORTANT: Be very careful not to allow dirt to enter the engine when checking or adding oil or fuel, Use clean oil and fuel and store in approved, dean, covered containers, use clean fill funnels.

FILL ENGINE WITH OIL

1.Remove hangtag from engine.

2.With engine level, remove engine oil filler plug.

3.Fill engine with oil to point of overflow-

ing. For approximate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on

page 4 of this manual A_Ioil must meet A.P.I. Service Classification SF- SJ.

4.Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then re-leve.

5.With engine level, refill to point of

overflowing if necessary. Replace oil filler plug.

•For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier staffing (See "OIL VISCOSITY CHART _ in the Mainte- nance section of this manual).

•To change engine oil, see the Mainte- nance section of this manual.

Oil L,

Plug

ADD GASOLINE

•Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline. (Use of leaded

gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life.)

IMPORTANT: When operating in tam- peraturos below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean, winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting. _I_WARNING: Expedence indicates that alcohol 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. To avoid engine problems, the tuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel

next season, See Storage section of this manual for additional information. Never

use engine or carburetor cleaner prod- ucts in the fuel tank or permanent

damage may occur.

A, CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch of top of fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow for fuel expansion. If gasoline is acciden- taLLyspi_ed, move machine away from area of spill. Avoid creating any source of ignition until gasoline vapors have disappeared.

Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

TO START ENGINE

4;I.CAUTION: Keep drive control bar in "DISENGAGED" position when staffing engine.

When starting engine for the first time or if engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra pulls of the recoil starter to move fuel from the tank to the engine.

1.Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected.

2.Place throttle control in "FAST" position.

3.Move choke contro_to choke position.

4.Grasp recoil starter handle with one hand and grasp tiller handle with other hand. Pull rope out slowly until engine reaches staff of compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this point).

5.Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let staffer handle snap back

against staffer.

NOTE: If engine fires but does not start, move choke control to half choke position. Pull recoil starter handle until engine starts.

6.When engine staffs, slowly move choke control to "RUN" position as

engine warms up.

NOTE: A warm engine requires less choking to staff.

7.Move throttle control to desired running position.

8.Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before engaging tines.

NOTE: If at a high altitude (3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32°F), the carburetor fuel mixture may need to be

adjusted for best engine performance. See "TO ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the

Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

NOTE: if engine does not start, see troubleshooting points.

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