Craftsman 917.37841 Drive Control, Before Starting Engine ADD OIL, ADD Gasoline, To Start Engine

DRIVE CONTROL

•Self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator presence control bar down to the handle and pushing the drive control lever forward until it clicks; then

releasing the lever.

•Forward motion will stop when the operator presence control bar is released. To stop forward motion without stopping engine, release the operator presence control bar slightly until the ddve control disengages. Hold operator presence control bar down against handle to continue mowing without self-propelling.

•To keep drive control engaged when turning comers, push down on handle and lift front wheels off ground while

turning lawn mower.

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BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL

Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil.

For type and grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this manual.

1.Be sure lawnmower is level and area around oil fill is clean.

2.Remove engine oil cap and fillto the full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine for accurate reading. To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap, then remove it to read the dipstick.

3.Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• 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.

ADD GASOLINE

•Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gaso* line. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

AWARNING: Experience indicates that 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.

_, CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank filler neck. Do not oven311.Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

Engine oil cap Gasoline filler cap

TO START ENGINE

NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the engine, a small amount of smoke may be present dunng the initial use of the product and should be considered normal.

1.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 alraady run for a few minutes.

2.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

•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.