Poulan 961980020 Operation, Before Starting The Engine, TO ADJUST SKID PLATES See Fig, wn by

OPERATION

TO ADJUST SKID PLATES (See Fig. 17)

NOTE: The wrench provided in your parts bag may be used to adjust the skid plates.

Skid plates are located on each side of the auger housing
and adjust the clearance between the scraper bar and the
ground surface. Adjust skid plates evenly to properr heightt
for current surface conditions. For removall of snow in
normal conditions, such as a paved driveway or sidewalk,
place skid plates in the highest	position (lowestt scraperr
i
clearance) to give a 1/8" clearance between the scraperr
bar and the ground. Use a middl
i	le position if the surface
to be cleared is uneven.
NOTE: It is not recommended to operate the snowthrowerr						r
over gravelorrockysurfaces.Objectssuchas			gravel,rocks
j
or other debris, can easily be picked up and		thror			wn by	the
i
impeller, which can cause serious personal injury,j				r ,propertyrty
damage or damage to the snow thrower.

•If snow thrower must be operated over gravell surface,, use extra caution and be sure skid platest are adjustedt to lowest (highest scraper clearance) position.

1.Shut off engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

2.Adjust skid platesbybyloooseningthetherearhex1/2"nuts,hexthennut movingonly, thenskidmovingplateskidto platedesiredto desiredpositionposition. Be sure. Bebothsure platesboth plartesadjustedare adjustedevenlyevenly. Tighten. Tightensecurelysecurely. .

HIGH POSITION
(LOW GROUND
CLEARANCE)
		AUGER
		HOUSING
		SCRAPER BAR
	HEX	SKID PLATE
	NUTS
LOW POSITION (HIGH GROUND CLEARANCE)
SCRAPER BAR	FIG. 17

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 19)

The engine on your snow thrower has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with oil.

1.Check engine oil with snow thrower on level ground.

2.Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the dipstick and screw tight, wait for a few seconds, remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until “FULL” mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.

•To change engine oil, see “TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL” in the Maintenance section of this manual.

ADD GASOLINE (See Fig. 18)

•Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck. Do not over- fill. 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.

WARNING: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can at- tract 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. 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.

The scraper bar is not adjustable, but is reversible. After considerable use it may become worn. When it has worn almost to the edge of the housing, it can be reversed, providing additional service before requiring replacement. Replace a damaged or worn scraper bar.

TO USE DRIFT CUTTERS (See Fig. 18)

Use the drift cutters to cut through deep snowdrifts that are higher than the front of the snow thrower.

•Loosen upper adjustment nut enough to allow drift cutter to be raised to highest position and tighten nut securely. Repeat for opposite side of snow thrower.

•When not using drift cutters, loosen adjustment nut, lower to storage position and tighten nut securely.

AUGER

HOUSING

STORAGE	DRIFT
POSITION	CUTTER

ADJUST-

CHOKE CONTROL

SAFETY

IGNITION

KEY

RECOIL

STARTER

HANDLE

THROTTLE PRIMER ENGINE OIL FILL CAP / DIPSTICK

GASOLINE

FILLER CAP

FUEL SHUT-

OFF VALVE

STARTER BUTTON

POWER CORD PLUG

MENT NUT

FIG. 18

11

NOTE: ALL ITEMS ARE SHOWN IN THEIR TYPICAL LOCATION. ACTUAL LOCATION MAY VARY WITH ENGINE ON YOUR UNIT.

FIG. 19