MTD 208cc manual Pre-OperationCheck, Oil Recommendations, Checking Oil Level, Fuel Recommendations

2

Operating

the

Engine

Pre-Operation Check

IMPORTANT: This engine is shipped without gaso- line or oil in the engine. Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious engine damage and void the engine warranty.

Oil Recommendations

Before starting engine, fill with oil, refer to viscosity chart in Figure 2-2. Engine oil capacity is 600 ml. Do not over-fill. Use a 4-stroke, or an equivalent high detergent, premium quality motor oil certified to meet or exceed U.S. automobile manufacturer’s requirements for service classification SG, SF. Motor oils classified SG, SF will show this designation on the container.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT use nondetergent oil or

2-stroke engine oil. It could shorten the engine’s service life.

Synthetic

0W-30

5W-30

-40º -20º 0º 20º 40º -30º -20º -10º 0º

Figure 2-2: Oil Viscosity Chart

WARNING

WARNING: Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain conditions.

WARNING: Always keep hands and feet clear of equipment moving parts. Do not use a pressurized starting fluid. Vapors are flammable.

Checking Oil Level

IMPORTANT: Be sure to check the engine on a level surface with the engine stopped.

1.Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and wipe the dipstick clean, Figure 2-3.

2.Insert the cap/dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do not screw it in.

3.Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick. If the level is low, slowly add oil until oil level registers between high

(H) and low (L), Figure 2-3.

4.Replace and tighten cap/dipstick firmly before starting engine.

IMPORTANT: Do not overfill. Overfilling with oil may cause smoking, hard starting, or spark plug fouling.

Fill between high and low marks

Figure 2-3: Checking the oil level.

Fuel Recommendations

Use automotive gasoline (unleaded or low leaded to minimize combustion chamber deposits) with a minimum of 87 octane. Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) can be used. Never use an oil/gasoline mixture or dirty gasoline. Avoid getting dirt, dust, or water in the fuel tank. DO NOT use E85 gasoline.

WARNING: Gasoline is extremely flam- mable and is explosive under certain conditions.

•Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area where the engine is refueled or where gasoline is stored.

•Do not overfill the fuel tank. After refueling, make sure the tank cap is closed properly and securely.

•Be careful not to spill fuel when refueling. Spilled fuel or fuel vapor may ignite. If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is dry before starting the engine.

•Avoid repeated or prolonged contact with skin or breathing of vapor.

Fuel Level Indicator

Top View

Figure 2-4: The fuel level indicator

Checking the Fuel Level

IMPORTANT: Before refueling, allow engine to cool two minutes.

1.Clean around fuel fill before removing cap to fuel.

2.A fuel level indicator is located in the fuel tank. Fill tank until fuel reaches the fuel level indictor, Figure 2-4. Be careful not to overfill.