OPERATION
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine. For type and grade of oil to use, see “ENGINE” in the Mainte- nance section of this manual.
CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with oil, or it will smoke heavily from the muffler on startup.
1.Be sure lawnmower is level.
2.Remove dipstick from oil fill spout (Figure 15).
3.You receive a container of oil with the unit. Slowly pour the entire container down the oil fill spout into the engine.
NOTE: Initial oil fill requires only 18 oz. due to residual oil in engine from the manufacturers 100% quality testing. When changing oil you may need 20 oz.
4. Insert and tighten dipstick.
IMPORTANT: Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
IMPORTANT: Change the oil after every 25 hours of op- eration or each season. You may need to change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions. See “TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL” in the Maintenance section of this manual.
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Figure 15
1.Engine oil cap/dipstick
2.Gasoline filler cap
ADD GASOLINE
IMPORTANT: Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck. Do not overfill. 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 (Figure 15).
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.
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. Empty 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 STOP ENGINE
1.To stop engine, release operator presence control bar (Figure 16).
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Figure 16
1. Operator presence control bar
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