Craftsman 917.28955 owner manual To Start Engine, ADD Gasoline, Reserve Fuel Valve Operation

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.

,Ii:_CAUTION: Wipe offany spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

IMPORTANT: When operating in tempera-

tures below32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help ensure good cold weather starting.

CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol 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.

RESERVE FUEL VALVE OPERATION

1.Raise seat to access reserve fuel valve.

2.In normal operation, valve should be set to primary (as shown in view)

3.If tractor runs out of fuel, rotate valve handle to reserve.

4.Drive tractor to be refueled.

5.After refueling, return valve to primary position.

Reserve

Fuel Valve

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 tank to the engine.

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

2.Place gear shift lever in neutral position.

3.Move attachment clutch to disengaged position.

4.Move throttle control to fast position

5.Pull choke control outfor a cold engine start

attempt. For a warm engine start attempt the choke control may not be needed.

NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting procedures below.

6.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 than fifteen seconds per minute. If the engine does not start after several attempts, push choke control in, wait a few minutes and

try again. If engine still does not start, pull the choke control out and retry.

WARM WEATHER STARTING (50°F/10°0 and above)

7.When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until the engine begins to run

smoothly. If the engine starts to run

roughly, pull the choke control out slightly for a few seconds and then continue to push the control in slowly.

•The attachments and ground drive can now be used. Ifthe engine does not accept the load, restart the engine and allow it to

warm up for one minute using the choke as described above.

COLD WEATHER STARTING (50°F/10°C and below)

7.When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until the engine begins to run smoothly. Continue to push the choke control in small steps allowing the engine to accept small changes in speed and load, until the choke control is fully in. If the engine starts to run roughly, pull the choke control out slightly for a few seconds and then continue to push the control in slowly. This may require an

engine warm-up period from several seconds to several minutes, depending on the temperature.

•The attachments can be used during the engine warm-up period and may require

the choke control be pulled out slightly.

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.

17