Craftsman 917.77342 Before Starting Engine ADD OIL, ADD Gasoline, To Start Engine, To Stop Engine

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL

Your trimmer 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 trimmer is level and area around oil fill is clean.

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

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

,A CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any

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

Gasoline cap

Engine oil cap

TO START ENGINE

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 already run for a few minutes.

2.Move throttle control lever to fast position.

3.Hold upper handle firmly and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope

to snap back.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, move throttle control lever to stop position.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather overpriming 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.	_______--_
Throttle	/_i_
control _/\_.	_.i_
Starter	[_,,
handle	fz L
TRIMMING TIPS

•Set the throttle control in the fast

position, tf the weeds or grass, are tall and thick, operate the trimmer at a slower walking speed.

•Frequently clean the underside of the trimmer to remove any grass build up. Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine air flow and extend

engine life. See TO REMOVE ENGINE COVER in the Maintenance section of

this manual.

•For best results and longer lasting line, use the ends of the line to do the cutting. This is easily done by moving slowly through very thick and heavy weeds.

•Use the left side of trimmer when trimming along fences, walls, flowerbeds and other such objects.

•If trimmer lines become too short, it will

take longer to complete the job. If trimmer lines are worn to less than half

their original length, they should be

replaced. See TO REPLACE TRIMMER LINE in the Maintenance section of this

manual.

•Trimmer head contact with concrete, asphalt or other hard surfaces may

cause premature wear of the ball on

8bottom of trimmer head.