MTD Series 54M warranty Operating Your Engine,    , Fuel Recommendations, Check Fuel Level

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

3.If the level is low, slowly add oil to the upper limit on the dipstick. See Figure 9-3 inset.

4.Tighten dipstick firmly before starting engine.

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

Fuel Recommendations

Use automotive gasoline (Unleaded or lowleaded to minimize combustion chamber deposits).

Never use an oil/gasoline mixture or dirty gasoline. Avoid getting dirt, dust, or water in the fuel tank.

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 (there should be no fuel in the filler neck). 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.

Check Fuel Level

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

2.Fill tank to approximately 2 cm below lowest portion of neck to allow for fuel expansion. Be careful not to overfill.

IMPORTANT: Before refueling, allow engine to cool 2 minutes.

Starting The Engine

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

1.Move the choke lever on the right side of the upper handle to START position. See Figure 9-4.

NOTE: Use of the choke is not necessary if the engine is warm or the air temperature is high.

2.Standing behind the mower, depress the blade control handle and hold it against the upper handle.

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5PPERP,EVEL

Figure 9-3









Figure 9-4

3.Pull the starter grip lightly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly to overcome compression, prevent kickback and start engine. Repeat if necessary. See Figure 9-4 .

IMPORTANT: Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against the engine. Return it gently to prevent damage to the starter.

4.When engine warms up, move the choke lever to RUN. See Figure 9-4 .

Stopping The Engine

1. Release the blade control handle. See Figure 9-4.

9

Operating

Your

Engine

WARNING

Always keep hands and feet clear of equip- ment moving parts. Do not use a pressurized starting fluid. Vapors are flammable.

IMPORTANT

Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against the engine. Return it gently to prevent damage to the starter.

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