McCulloch 96083000300, MC550 Before Starting Engine, ADD Gasoline, Check Engine OIL Level See Fig

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.

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 8)

1.Remove hangtag from engine.

2.The engine in your unit has been shipped, from the fac- tory, already filled with SAE 30 summer weight oil.

3.With engine level, remove engine oil filler plug.

4.Engine oil should be at "FULL" line on dipstick. If low, fill to "FULL" line. For approximate capacity, see "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual.

5.Reinstall engine oil filler plug.

6.Check oil before each use. Add oil if needed.

CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with oil, or it will smoke heavily from the muffler on startup.

•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 FILLER CAP

MAXIMUM UPPER LEVEL

MINIMUM UPPER LEVEL

Fig. 8

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: Do not fill above 1/2 inch of top of fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow for fuel expansion. If gasoline is

accidentally 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 BELOW 32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE GASOLINE TO HELP ENSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER STARTING.

CAUTION: 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 sys- tem 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. 9)

CAUTION: KEEP TINE CONTROL IN “OFF”

POSITION WHEN STARTING ENGINE.

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

1. Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected.

3.Place throttle control in “FAST” position.

4.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.

5.Grasp recoil starter handle with one hand and grasp tiller handle with other hand. Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter rope snap back.

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.

RECOIL

STARTER

HANDLE

THROTTLE

CONTROL

PRIMER

SPARK

PLUG

Fig. 9

8