Craftsman 247.88855 owner manual Engine Maintenance

Engine Maintenance

Engine Oil

Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF, SG or SH. Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade according to the expected operating temperature.

colder 32o warmer

5W30 SAE30

Viscosity Chart

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multi- viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32oF. Check your snow thrower’s engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil.

Refer to the viscosity chart for proper selection of engine oil.

Checking Oil Level

IMPORTANT: Before operating the snow thrower, check the oil level.

•With engine on level ground, the oil must be to FULL mark on dipstick.

•Stop engine and wait several minutes before checking oil level. Remove oil fill cap and dipstick.

•Wipe dipstick clean, insert it into oil fill hole and tighten securely.

•Remove dipstick and check. If oil is not up to the FULL mark on dipstick, add 5W30 oil.

Changing Oil

Change engine oil after the first two hours of operation and every 25 hours thereafter.

In order to do that you will have to first drain the spent engine oil from the engine and then refill with fresh oil.

•Drain oil while engine is warm. Remove oil drain cap located at the bottom of the recoil starter of the engine. Catch oil in a suitable container.

•When engine is drained of all oil, replace drain plug securely.

•Remove the dipstick from the oil fill tube. For location of the oil fill tube, see Figure 17 inset. Pour fresh oil slowly through the tube. Replace dipstick.

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

WARNING: Temperature of muffler and nearby areas may exceed 150o F (65oC). Avoid these areas.

Spark Plug

•Clean area around the spark plug base.

•Remove and inspect the spark plug.

•Replace the spark plug if electrodes are pitted, burned, or the porcelain is cracked. See Figure 21.

•Clean the spark plug and reset the gap to 0.030" at least once a season or every 50 hours of operation. See Figure 21.

•Spark plug replacement is recommended at the start of each season. Refer to engine parts list for correct spark plug type.

NOTE: Do not sandblast spark plug. Spark plug should be cleaned by scraping or wire brushing and washing with a commercial solvent.

Electrodes

.030”	Porcelain
Gap

Figure 21

19