Craftsman 247.88845 Before Starting Engine, Starting The Engine, Oil, Gasoline, Electric Starter

OPERATION

Clean-Out Tool

WARNING

Never use your hands to clear a clogged chute assembly. Shut off engine and remain behind handles until all moving parts have stopped before unclogging.

The chute clean-out tool is conveniently fastened to the rear of the auger housing with a mounting clip. Should snow and ice become lodged in the chute assembly during operation, proceed as follows to safely clean the chute assembly and chute opening:

1.Release both the Auger Control and the Wheel drive control.

2.Stop the engine by removing the ignition key.

3.Remove the clean-out tool from the clip which secures it to the rear of the auger housing.

4.Use the shovel-shaped end of the clean-out tool to dislodge and scoop any snow and ice which has formed in and near the chute assembly.

5.Refasten the clean-out tool to the mounting clip on the rear of the auger housing, reinsert the ignition key and start the snow thrower’s engine.

6.While standing in the operator’s position (behind the snow thrower), engage the auger control for a few seconds to clear any remaining snow and ice from the chute assembly.

Before Starting Engine

WARNING

Read, understand, and follow all instructions and warnings on the machine and in this manual before operating.

Oil

The unit was shipped with oil in the engine. Check oil level before each operation to ensure adequate oil in the engine. For further instructions, refer to the Service & Maintenance section of this manual.

1.Remove the dipstick from the oil fill.

2.Check and make sure that the level of oil is up to the FULL mark on the dipstick.

3.If the oil level is not up to FULL, pour fresh motor oil (5W-30, with a minimum classification of SF/SG/SH/SJ) slowly through the opening. Replace oil fill dipstick and check oil level again.

Gasoline

•Store gasoline in a clean, approved container and keep the cap in place on the container.

•Make sure that the container from which you pour the gasoline is clean and free from rust or other foreign particles.

WARNING

Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

NOTE: A plastic dust cap may be found inside the fuel fill opening. Remove and discard, if present.

•Always fill the fuel tank outdoors and use a funnel or spout to prevent spilling.

•Fill fuel tank with clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 85 octane. Fresh fuel prevents gum from forming in the fuel system or on essential carburetor parts. Purchase fuel in a quantity that can be used within 30 days.

•Never fill the fuel tank completely. Fill the tank to within 1-1/2” from the top to provide space for expansion of fuel.

•Make sure to wipe off any spilled fuel before starting the engine.

Starting The Engine

1.Make certain both the auger control and wheel drive control are in the disengaged (released) position.

2.Insert ignition key into slot. Make sure it snaps into place. Do not attempt to turn the key.

NOTE: The engine cannot start without the key is fully inserted into the ignition switch.

Electric Starter

Determine that your home’s wiring is a three-wire grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician if you are not certain.

WARNING

The optional electric starter is equipped with a grounded three-wire power cord and plug, and is designed to operate on 120 volt AC household current. It must be used with a properly grounded three- prong receptacle at all times to avoid the possibility of electric shock. Follow all instructions carefully prior to operating the electric starter.

If you have a grounded three-prong receptacle, proceed as follows:

1.Plug the extension cord into the outlet located on the engine’s surface. Plug the other end of extension cord into a three-prong 120-volt, grounded, AC outlet in a well-ventilated area.

2. Rotate choke control to FULL	choke position (for a cold
engine start).

NOTE: If the engine is already warm, place choke control in the OFF position instead of FULL .

3.Depress primer. If it is 15°F or higher push primer two times, if below 15°F, push primer four times.

4.Push rocker switch to ON position.

5.Push starter button to start engine.

CAUTION

To prolong starter life, use short starting cycles (5 seconds maximum, then wait one minute).

6.Once the engine starts, release starter button.

7.Allow the engine to warm up several minutes, adjusting choke toward RUN position. Wait until engine runs smoothly before each choke adjustment.

8.When disconnecting the extension cord, always unplug the end at the three-prong wall outlet before unplugging the opposite end from the snow thrower.

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