Check Oil Level, Starting The Engine, Stopping The Engine

Check Oil Level

IMPORTANT: Be sure to check the engine on a level surface with the engine stopped.

1.Remove the oil filler cap and wipe the dipstick clean. See Figure 9-2.

2.Insert the dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do not screw it in.

3.If the level is low, slowly add oil to the upper limit on the dipstick.

4.Tighten dipstick firmly before starting engine.

IMPORTANT: Do not overfill. Overfilling with oil may cause smoking, hard starting, spark plug fouling, or oil saturation of air cleaner.

Fuel Recommendations

Use automotive gasoline (Unleaded or lowleaded to minimize combustion chamber deposits). Never use an oil/gasoline mixture or dirty gasoline. Avoid getting dirt, dust, or water in the fuel tank.

WARNING: Gasoline is extremely flam- mable and is explosive under certain conditions.

Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area where the engine is refueled or where gasoline is stored.

Do not overfill the fuel tank (there should be no fuel in the filler neck). After refueling, make sure the tank cap is closed properly and securely.

Be careful not to spill fuel when refueling. Spilled fuel or fuel vapor may ignite. If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is dry before starting the engine.

Avoid repeated or prolonged contact with skin or breathing of vapor.

Check Fuel Level

1.Clean around fuel fill before removing cap to fuel.

2.Fill tank to approximately one inch below lowest portion of neck to allow for fuel expansion. Be careful not to overfill.

IMPORTANT: Before refueling, allow engine to cool two minutes.

Starting The Engine

WARNING: Always keep hands and feet clear of equipment moving parts. Do not use a pressurized starting fluid. Vapors are flammable.

1.Pull out the choke knob located on the left side of the upper handle. See Figure 9-3.

Oil Fill Cap/

Dipstick

Upper Level

Figure 9-2: Checking the oil level.

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Figure 9-3: Starting the mower. (Your mower may differ from that shown)

NOTE: Use of the choke may not be necessary if the engine is warm or the air temperature is high.

2.Standing behind the mower, depress the blade control and hold it against the upper handle.

3.Pull the starter grip lightly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly to overcome compression, prevent kickback and start engine. Repeat if necessary.

IMPORTANT: Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against the rope guide. Return it gently to prevent damage to the starter.

4. When engine warms up, push in the choke knob.

Stopping The Engine

1. Release the blade control.

Operating

Your

Engine

WARNING

Always keep hands and feet clear of equip- ment moving parts. Do not use a pressurized starting fluid. Vapors are flammable.

IMPORTANT: Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against the engine. Return it gently to prevent damage to the starter.