Craftsman 250, 270, 247 Before Starting, Starting the Engine, Filling Up Oil, Type of Oil

Brake Switch: This switch is located under the brake pedal assembly. The engine will not start without first depressing the brake pedal. This switch will also shut off the engine if the operator attempts to get off the unit without setting the parking brake,

Blade Control Switch: This switch is located in the steering column. If the operator attempts to start the engine, get off the seat or remove grass bag with the blade control lever stillengaged, it will shut engine off.

Grass Bag Switch: This switch is located in the bulkhead behind the engine. If the operator attempts to cut grass when the grass catcher is not properly attached to the vehicle, itwill shut engine off.

Before Starting

Filling Up Oil

Check oil level in the engine oilsump before starting the engine. (Oil sump capacity: 22 ozJ0.65 liter)

1.Place the vehicle on level ground and flip the seat up to access the engine.

2.With a dry rag, clean the area around the oil fill on the engine.

3.Remove dipstick and wipe it clean with cloth.

4.Replace and tighten the dipstick. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level mark on it. The oil level should be at FULL line on the dipstick. If the level is short of that, add oil to the oil fill slowly.

Recheck the oil level on the dipstick. If needed, add more oil. Do not overfill.

NOTE: The lawn utility vehicle is shipped with oil in the engine crankcase.

5.Place the dipstick in position and tighten to secure.

Type of Oil

SAE Viscosity Grades

lIll

_mi[llvdE_

1.Refer to the chart above for proper grade of oil.

2.Use a high quality detergent oil classified =For service SF, SG,SH, SJ" or higher.

3.Do not use special additives.

NOTE: Synthetic oil meeting ILSAC GF-2, API certification and API service symbol with "SJ/CF

Energy Conserving" or higher is an acceptable oil at all temperatures. Use of synthetic off does not alter required oil change intervals.

Filling Up Gasoline

WARNING: Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well- ventilated area, away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights, heat and other ignition sources.

NOTE: On a vehicle which has already been started and/or operated once immediately prior to this gasoline fill-up, turn engine off and let cool at least two minutes before removing gas cap.

1.Remove gas tank cap and fill tank to approximately

1.5inches below top of neck to allow for fuel expansion. Be careful not to overfill.

2.Replace cap on the gas tank and tighten to secure. If fuel spills on part of engine or vehicle, wait until it evaporates before starting engine.

Type of Gasoline

•Use clean, fresh, regular unleaded gasoline with minimum 85 octane rating.

•Do not use gasoline mixed with methanol, or gasoline which has been stored for more than 30 days. Always purchase fuel in quantity that can be used up within 30 days. Fresh fuel prevents gum from forming in the fuel system or on carburetor.

•Do not mix gasoline with engine oil.

NOTE: Some fuels, called oxygenated or reformulated gasoline, are blended with alcohols or ethers. Using these blends frequently can damage the fuel system or affect performance. If engine performance is affected, use gasoline with lower percentage of alcohol or ether.

°F -20° O° 20 ° 3240 ° 60 _ 80 ° 100 °

3tading temperature range anticipated before next oil change

*CAUTION: Air cooledenginesrunhotterthanautomotive _=nginesThe. useof non-syntheticmulti-viscosityoils(5W- 30, 10W-30 etc.) in temperaturesabove 40°F willresultin nigherthannormaloilconsumptionWhen. usinga multi- /iscosltyoil, checkoil levelmore frequently.

'*CAUTION: SAE 30 oil, if usedbelow40°F, will resultin lard startingand poesibleengineboredamagedue to nadequatelubrication.

Starting the Engine

1.Looking under the seat and towards the front of the engine, check that spark plug wire is connected.

2.Occupy the seat and insert key into ignition switch.

3.Place blade control lever in OFF position. (Refer to Figure 7 for location of controls mentioned here.)

4.Engage parking brake.

5.Pull choke control outward into the Choke position.

6.Tum ignition key clockwise to START position. After the engine starts, release the key. It will retum to RUN position automatically.

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