OPERATION
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
IMPORTANT: BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO ALLOW DIRT TO ENTER THE ENGINE WHEN CHECKING OR ADDING OIL OR FUEL. USE CLEAN OIL AND FUEL AND STORE IN APPROVED, CLEAN, COVERED CONTAINERS. USE CLEAN FILL FUNNELS.
FILL ENGINE WITH OIL (See Fig. 7)
•With engine level, remove engine oil filler plug.
•Fill engine with oil to point of overflowing. For approx- imate capacity see “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” on page 3 of this manual.
•Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then
•With engine level, refill to point of overflowing if nec- essary. Replace oil filler plug.
•For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting (See “OIL VISCOSITY CHART” in the Maintenance section of this manual).
•To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section of this manual.
OIL
LEVEL
OIL
FILLER
PLUG
FIG. 7
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.
CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch of top of fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow for fuel expansion. If gasoline is ac- cidentally spilled, move machine away from area of spill. Avoid creating any source of ignition until gasoline vapors have disappeared.
Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER STARTING.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can at- tract 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.
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 8)
CAUTION: Keep drive control bar in “DISENGAGED” position when start- ing engine.
When starting engine for the first time or if engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra pulls of the recoil starter to move fuel from the tank to the engine.
•Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected.
•Move shift lever indicator to “N” (neutral) position.
•Place throttle control in “FAST” position.
•Move choke control to full “CHOKE” position. Grasp recoil starter handle with one hand and grasp tiller handle with other hand. Pull rope out slowly until en- gine reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this point).
•Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter handle snap back against starter. Repeat if neces- sary.
•If engine fires but does not start, move choke control to half choke position. Pull recoil starter handle until engine starts.
•When engine starts, slowly move choke control to “RUN” position as engine warms up.
NOTE: A warm engine requires less choking to start.
•Move throttle control to desired running position.
•Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before engaging tines.
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.
NOTE: If engine does not start, see troubleshooting points.
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