CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gas- ohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and for- mation 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
•Be sure fuel shut-off valve is in the “OPEN” position.
Your snow thrower engine is equipped with both a 120 Volt A.C. electric starter and a recoil starter. The electric starter is equipped with a three-wire power cord and plug and is designed to operate on 120 Volt A.C. household current.
•Be sure your house is a 120 Volt A.C. three-wire grounded system. If you are uncertain, consult a licensed electrician.
WARNING: Do not use the electric starter if your house is not a 120 Volt A.C. three-wire grounded system. Seri- ous personal injury or damage to your snow thrower could result.
COLD START - ELECTRIC STARTER
1.Insert safety ignition key (packed separately in parts bag) into ignition slot until it clicks. DO NOT turn the key. Keep the extra safety ignition key in a safe place.
2.Place throttle control in “FAST” position.
3.Rotate choke control to “FULL” position.
4.Connect the power cord to the engine.
5.Plug the other end of the power cord into a three-hole grounded 120 Volt A.C. receptacle.
NOTE: Do not use primer when starting engine with the electric starter.
6. Push starter button until engine starts.
IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine more than five continu- ous seconds between each time you try to start. Wait 5 to 10 seconds between each attempt.
7.When the engine starts, release the starter button and slowly move the choke control to the “OFF” position.
8.Disconnect the power cord from the receptacle first, then from the engine.
Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes. Engine will not develop full power until it has reached normal operat- ing temperature.
WARM START - ELECTRIC STARTER
Follow the steps above, keeping the choke control in the “OFF” position.
COLD START - RECOIL STARTER
1.Insert safety ignition key (packed separately in parts bag) into ignition slot until it clicks. DO NOT turn the key. Keep the extra safety ignition key in a safe place.
2.Place throttle control in “FAST” position.
3.Rotate choke control to “FULL” position.
4.Push the primer four (4) times if the temperature is below 15°F, or two (2) times if temperature is between 15° and 50°F. If temperature is above 50°F, priming is not necessary.
NOTE: Over priming may cause flooding, preventing the engine from starting. If you do flood the engine, wait a few minutes before attempting to start and DO NOT push the primer.
5.Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back.
6.When the engine starts, release the recoil starter handle and slowly move the choke control to the “OFF” posi- tion.
Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes. Engine will not develop full power until it has reached normal operat- ing temperature.
WARM START - RECOIL STARTER
Follow the steps above, keeping the choke in the “OFF” position. DO NOT push the primer.
BEFORE STOPPING
Run the engine for a few minutes to help dry off any mois- ture on the engine.
IF RECOIL STARTER HAS FROZEN
If the recoil starter has frozen and will not turn the engine, proceed as follows:
1.Grasp the recoil starter handle and slowly pull as much rope out of the starter as possible.
2.Release the recoil starter handle and let it snap back against the starter.
If the engine still fails to start, repeat the above steps or use the electric starter.
SNOW THROWING TIPS
•Always operate the snow thrower with the engine at full throttle. Full throttle offers the best performance.
•Go slower in deep, freezing or heavy wet snow. Use the drive speed control, NOT the throttle, to adjust speed.
•It is easier and more efficient to remove snow imme- diately after it falls.
•The best time to remove snow is the early morning. At this time the snow is usually dry and has not been ex- posed to the direct sun and warming temperatures.
•Slightly overlap each successive path to ensure all snow will be removed.
•Throw snow downwind whenever possible.
•Adjust the skid plates to proper height for current snow conditions. See “TO ADJUST SKID PLATES” in this section of this manual.
•For extremely heavy snow, reduce the width of snow removal by overlapping previous path and moving slowly.
•Keep engine clean and clear of snow during use. This will help air flow and extend engine life.
•After snow-throwing is completed, allow engine to run for a few minutes to melt snow and ice off the engine.
13• Clean the entire snow thrower thoroughly after each use and wipe dry so it is ready for next use.
