OPERATION
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL (See Figs. 12 and 13)
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine.For type and grade of oil to use, see “ENGINE” in the Maintenance section of this manual.
CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with oil, or it will smoke on startup.
1.Be sure lawnmower is level and area around oil fi ll is clean.
2.Remove oil dipstick from oil fi ll spout. Make sure that rim of spout is clean.
3.Engine holds 18.5 ounces of oil. For type and grade of oil to use, see “ENGINE” in the Maintenance section of this manual.
4.Insert and tighten dipstick. Wait one minute to allow oil to settle. Use gauge on oil fi ll cap/dipstick for checking level. Insert dipstick into the tube and rest the oil fi ll cap on the tube. DO NOT thread the cap into the tube when taking reading.
IMPORTANT:
•Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
•Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or each season. You may need to change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions. See “TO CHANGE EN- GINE OIL” in the Maintenance section of this manual.
ADD GASOLINE (See Fig. 13)
•Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank fi ller neck. Do not over- fi ll. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.
Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can at- tract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel sys- tem of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Empty 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.
OIL FILLER CAP/DIPSTICK
UPPER LIMIT
LOWER LIMIT
FIG. 12
GASOLINE |
FILLER CAP |
OIL |
FILLER |
CAP |
FIG. 13
TO STOP ENGINE
•To stop engine, release operator presence control bar. Wait until blade and all moving parts have stopped and turn fuel valve to OFF position if you do not intend to restart the engine soon.
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 14)
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the engine, a small amount of smoke may be present during the initial use of the product and should be considered normal.
1.Be sure fuel valve is in the ON position.
2.Move choke lever to ON ( 
) position.
3.Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and pull starter handle quickly.Do not allow starter rope to snap back.
NOTE: The choke lever automatically begins moving to the OFF position when operator presence control bar is held down to handle.
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