Craftsman 917.289281 manual To Start Engine, Check Engine OIL Level, ADD Gasoline

TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH- MENTS

Tow only the attachments that are recom- mended by and comply with specifications

of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous.

Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.

SERVICE REMINDER/HOUR METER

Service reminder shows the total number

of hours the engine has run and flashes to indicate that the engine or mower needs servicing. When service is required, the service reminder will flash for two hours. To service engine and mower, see the

Maintenance section of this manual. NOTE: Service reminder runs when the ignition key is in any position but "STOP". For accurate reading, be sure key remains in the "STOP" position when engine is not running.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil.

1.Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.

2.Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the dipstick and screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds, re- move and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until "FULl" mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.

•For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting (See the oil viscosity chart in the Maintenance section of this manual).

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

ADD GASOLINE

•Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of

87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil

with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quanti- ties that can be used within 30 days to assure fue! freshness.

&CAUTION:	Wipe	off any spilled	oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open	flame.
IMPORTANT:	When	operating in temper-
atures below32°F(0°C),		use fresh,	clean

winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting.

CAUTION: 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 fuel 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 Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

TO START ENGINE

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

1.Be sure freewheel control is in the

transmission engaged position.

2.Sit on seat in operating position,

depress brake pedal and set parking brake.

3.Move attachment clutch to disengaged position.

4.Move throttle control to choke position. NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting procedures below.

5.Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to start position and release key as soon as engine starts. Do not

run starter continuously for more than fifteen seconds per minute. If the engine does not start after several attempts, move throttle control to fast position, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does not start, move the throttle control back to the choke position and retry.

WARM WEATHER STARTING (50°F/10 ° C and above)

6.When engine starts, move the throttle control to the fast position.

•The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke as described above.

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