Poulan 96194000501 owner manual Before Starting the Engine

OPERATION

TRACTION DRIVE CONTROL LEVER

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 18)

The engine on your snow thrower has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with oil.

	1.	Check engine oil with snow thrower on level ground.
	2.	Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert
		the dipstick and screw tight, wait for a few seconds,
		remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until
		“FULL” mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.
	•	To change engine oil, see “TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL”
		in the Maintenance section of this manual.
	ADD GASOLINE (See Fig. 18)
DRIVE SPEED	•	Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck. Do not over-
CONTROL LEVER		fill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with
FIG. 16		a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
		Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30
TO ADJUST SKID PLATES (See Fig. 17)		days to assure fuel freshness.
NOTE: The wrench provided in your parts bag may be used
		WARNING: Wipe off any spilled oil or
to adjust the skid plates.
		fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
Skid plates are located on each side of the auger housing
		near an open flame.
and adjust the clearance between the scraper bar and the
ground surface. Adjust skid plates evenly to proper height
for current surface conditions. For removal of snow in		CAUTION:	Alcohol blended fuels	(called
normal conditions, such as a paved driveway or sidewalk,		gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can at-
place skid plates in the highest position (lowest scraper		tract moisture which leads to separation and
clearance) to give a 1/8" clearance between the scraper		formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas
bar and the ground. Use a middle position if the surface		can damage the fuel system of an engine while
to be cleared is uneven.		in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel
NOTE: It is not recommended to operate the snow thrower		system should be emptied before storage of
		30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start
over gravel or rocky surfaces. Objects such as gravel, rocks
		the engine and let it run until the fuel lines
or other debris, can easily be picked up and thrown by the
		and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next
impeller, which can cause serious personal injury, property		season. See Storage Instructions for additional
damage or damage to the snow thrower.		information. Never use engine or carburetor
• If snow thrower must be operated over gravel surface,		cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent
use extra caution and be sure skid plates are adjusted		damage may occur.
to lowest (highest scraper clearance) position.
1. Shut off engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
	CHOKE CONTROL		THROTTLE PRIMER	ENGINE OIL
2. Adjust skid plates by loosening the hex nuts, then mov-
				FILL CAP /
ing skid plate to desired position. Be sure both plates				DIPSTICK
are adjusted evenly. Tighten securely.

		SAFETY
HIGH POSITION		IGNITION
(LOW GROUND		KEY
CLEARANCE)
	AUGER
	HOUSING
	SCRAPER BAR
HEX	SKID PLATE
NUTS		GASOLINE
LOW POSITION (HIGH GROUND CLEARANCE)		FILLER CAP
FIG. 17		FUEL SHUT-
		OFF VALVE

SCRAPER BAR (See Fig. 17)	RECOIL	STARTER BUTTON
The scraper bar is not adjustable, but is reversible. After	STARTER
	HANDLE	POWER CORD PLUG
considerable use it may become worn. When it has worn
	NOTE: ALL ITEMS ARE SHOWN IN THEIR TYPICAL LOCATION.
almost to the edge of the housing, it can be reversed,
	ACTUAL LOCATION MAY VARY WITH ENGINE ON YOUR UNIT.
providing additional service before requiring replacement.
Replace a damaged or worn scraper bar.		FIG. 18

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