Craftsman 917.376540 manual Before Starting Engine

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1.Lift up on grass catcher using the frame handle.

2.Remove grass catcher with clippings from under lawn mower handle.

3.Empty clippings from bag using both frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when empty- ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Grass catcher frame

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL

Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine. For type and grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance section of this manual.

_i, CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with oil, or it will smoke on startup.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level.

2.Remove oil fill cap/dipstick from oil fill spout.

3.You recieve a container of oil with the unit. Slowly pour the entire container down the oil fill spout into the engine.

4.Insert and tighten oil fill cap/dipstick.

IMPORTANT:

•Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

•Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or each season. You may need to change the oil more often

under dusty, dirty conditions. See "TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL" in the Mainte- nance section of this manual.

Oil fill cap /	Gasoline
di	filler cap

ADD GASOLINE

•Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of

87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel fresh- ness.

•i, CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline

near an open flame.

,A CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or metha- nol) 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. Empty 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.

TO STOP ENGINE

•To stop engine, release operator pres- ence control bar. Wait until blade and

all moving parts have stopped and turn fuel valve to OFF position if you do not intend to restart the engine soon.

TO START ENGINE

NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the engine, a small amount of smoke may be

present during the initial use of the product and should be considered normal.

1.Be sure fuel valve is in the ON po- sition.

2.Move choke lever to ON (1',,I)position.

3.Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and pull starter

handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back.

NOTE: The choke lever automatically begins moving to the OFF position when

operator presence control bar is held down to handle.

Upper	Lowe	10
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