OPERATION

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, CLEAN, COVERED CONTAINERS. USE CLEAN FILL FUNNELS.

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 12)

•The engine in your unit has been shipped, from the fac- tory, already filled with SAE 30 summer weight oil.

•With engine level, clean area around oil filler plug and remove plug.

•Engine oil should be to point of overflowing when engine is level. For approximate capacity see “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” on page 3 of this manual. All oil must meet A.P.I. Service Classification SF-SJ.

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

•To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section in this manual.

OIL FILLER PLUG

OIL LEVEL

MAXIMUM UPPER LEVEL

MINIMUM UPPER LEVEL

Fig. 12

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 quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

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

IMPORTANT: WHENOPERATINGINTEMPERATURESBELOW 32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE GASOLINE TO HELP ENSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER STARTING.

CAUTION:Alcoholblendedfuels(calledgasohol 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 (See Fig. 13)

CAUTION: Keep tine control in “OFF” position when starting engine.

1.Move shift lever indicator to “N” (neutral) position.

2.Open the fuel valve.

3.Turn the ENGINE SWITCH to the position “ I ” (ON).

4.Set the speed control lever 1/3 of the way towards the high speed position.

5.Close the choke lever.

NOTE: If the engine is cold or the ambient temperature is low, close the choke lever fully.

NOTE: If the engine is warm or the ambient temperature is high, open the choke lever half-way, or keep it fully open.

6.Pull the starter handle slowly until resistance is felt. This is the “compression” point. Return the handle to its original position and pull swiftly. Do not pull out the rope all the way. After starting the engine, allow the starter handle to return to its original position while still holding the handle.

7.After starting the engine, gradually open choke by turning the choke lever and finally keep it fully opened. Do not fully open the choke lever immediately when the engine is cold or the ambient temperature is low, because the engine may stop.

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

ENGINE

SWITCH

SPARK

THROTTLE

CONTROL

PLUG

 

vapors have disappeared.

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

CHOKE CONTROL

RECOIL STARTER

open flame.

FUEL VALVE

Fig. 13

9