Poulan 418984, 96194000602 owner manual Before Starting the Engine

	OPERATION
LH TURN	RH TURN	BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
		CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 20)
TRIGGER	TRIGGER
		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. 20)
		•	Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck. Do not over-
			fill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with
FIG. 18			a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
TO ADJUST SKID PLATES (See Fig. 19)			Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30
			days to assure fuel freshness.
NOTE: The wrench provided in your parts bag may be used
to adjust the skid plates.			WARNING: Wipe off any spilled oil or
Skid plates are located on each side of the auger housing			fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
			near an open flame.
and adjust the clearance between the scraper bar and the
ground surface. Adjust skid plates evenly to proper height
for current surface conditions. For removal of snow in			CAUTION:	Alcohol blended fuels (called
normal conditions, such as a paved driveway or sidewalk,
			gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can at-
place skid plates in the highest position (lowest scraper
			tract moisture which leads to separation and
clearance) to give a 1/8" clearance between the scraper
			formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas
bar and the ground. Use a middle position if the surface
			can damage the fuel system of an engine while
to be cleared is uneven.
			in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel
NOTE: It is not recommended to operate the snow thrower			system should be emptied before storage of
over gravel or rocky surfaces. Objects such as gravel, rocks			30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start
or other debris, can easily be picked up and thrown by the			the engine and let it run until the fuel lines
impeller, which can cause serious personal injury, property			and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next
damage or damage to the snow thrower.			season. See Storage Instructions for additional
			information. Never use engine or carburetor
• If snow thrower must be operated over gravel surface,
			cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent
use extra caution and be sure skid plates are adjusted			damage may occur.
to lowest (highest scraper clearance) position.

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

2.	Adjust skid plates by loosening the hex nuts, then mov-		CHOKE CONTROL	THROTTLE	PRIMER	ENGINE OIL
						FILL CAP /
	ing skid plate to desired position. Be sure both plates
						DIPSTICK
	are adjusted evenly. Tighten securely.
HIGH POSITION			SAFETY
			IGNITION
(LOW GROUND
			KEY
CLEARANCE)
		AUGER
		HOUSING
	SCRAPER BAR
	HEX	SKID PLATE
	NUTS					GASOLINE
LOW POSITION (HIGH GROUND CLEARANCE)						FILLER CAP
	FIG. 19					FUEL SHUT-
						OFF VALVE

SCRAPER BAR (See Fig. 19)	RECOIL	STARTER BUTTON
The scraper bar is not adjustable, but is reversible. After	STARTER
	HANDLE	POWER CORD PLUG
considerable use it may become worn. When it has worn
	NOTE: ALL ITEMS ARE SHOWN IN THEIR TYPICAL LOCATION.
almost to the edge of the housing, it can be reversed,
	ACTUAL LOCATION MAY VARY WITH ENGINE ON YOUR UNIT.
providing additional service before requiring replacement.
Replace a damaged or worn scraper bar.		FIG. 20

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