Craftsman 917.377425 Mowing Tips, To Start Engine, Before Starting Engine OIL, ADD Gasoline

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the engine.

•Be sure mower is level and area around oil fill is clean.

•Remove engine oil cap and fill to the

full line on the dipstick.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine for accurate dipstick reading.

•Engine holds 20 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of oil to use, see =ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this manual.

•Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.

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

•To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap each time.

•Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

•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.

ADD GASOLINE

•Fill fuel tank. 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.

_cWhARNING; Experience indicates that ol blenood fueJs _calleo gasonol 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.

f._,.,CAUTION: Fill to bosom of gas.tank iHer neck. Do not ovenill. Wipe on any

spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

TO START ENGINE

•To start a cold engine, push primer three (3) times before trying to start. Use a firm push. This step is not

usually necessary when starting an

engine which has already run for a few minutes.

•Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back.

•To stop engine, release operator presence control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather over priming may cause flooding and engine will not start. If you do flood engine, wait a few minutes before attempting to start and do not repeat priming steps.

MOWING TIPS

•Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of grass clippings. It may also be necessary to reduce ground speed and/or run the lawn mower over the area a second time.

•For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

•For better grass bagging and most cutting conditions, the engine speed should be set in the fast position.

•For side discharge lawn mowers, cutting in a counter-clockwise direction, starting at the outside of the area to be cut, spreads grass clippings more evenly and puts less load on the engine. To keep clippings off of walkways, flower beds, etc., make the first cuts in a clockwise direction.

•Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled with dirt and dust with

use and catchers will collect less grass.

To prevent this, regularly hose catcher off with water and let dry before using.

•Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of grass clippings and chaff.

This will help engine air flow and

7extend engine life.