Craftsman 917.270711 Above, Mowing Tips, To Start Engine, Coldweather Starting 50F and below

_WARNING: ExPerience indicates that

alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or usi'ng-eth_molor 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 emp- tied 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 informa- tion. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or perma-

nct amage may occur.

AUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank filler nec_De not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

TO START ENGINE

When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the ta__nktothe engine.

•Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake.

•Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) posi- tion.

•Move attachment clutch to =DISEN-

GAGED" position.

•Move throttle control to choke position. NOTE: Before Starting, read the warm and cold starting procedures below.

•Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to "START" position and release key as soon as engine starts. Do not run starter continuously for more thaR fifteen seconds per minute. If the engine does not stad after several attempts, move throttle control to fast position, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does not start, move the throttle control back to the choke position and retry.

WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and

above)

•When engine starts, move the throttle control to the fast position.

•The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If the engine does not

--a_L_t tl'_load, restart the engine and _..._i!ow _to warm up for one minute using

the choke as described above.

COLDWEATHER STARTING ( 50°F AND BELOW)

•When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle control in the choke

position until the engine runs roughly, then move throttle control to fast posi- tion. This may require an engine warm- up period from several seconds to sev- eral minutes, depending on the temper- ature.

•The attachments can also be used dur-

ing the engine warm-up period.

NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32 F) the carburetor fuel mixture may need to be

adjusted for best engine performance. See "TO ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the

Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

MOWING TIPS

•Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing isattached to tractor.

•Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the

Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

° The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming.

•Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has been cut. Have

the cut area to the right of the machine.

This will result in a more even distribu- tion of clippings and more uniformcut- ting.

•When mowing large areas, start by tum- ing to the dght so that clippings will dis- charge away from shrubs, fences, drive- ways, etc. After one or two rounds, mow in the-oppositedirection making left hand tums untilfinished

°If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to reduce load and possi- ble fire hazard from dried clippings.

Make first cut relatively high; the second to the desired heighL

•Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet grass will plug mowerand leave unde- sirable clumps. Allowgrass to dry before mowing.

•Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing to assure better mowing performance and proper.discharge of material. Regulate ground speed by se-

lecting a low enough geaHegive the mower the best cutting performance as

16well as the quality of cut desired.