Before Starting the Engine

OPERATION

TO ADJUST SKID PLATES (See Fig. 16)

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 proper height for current surface conditions. For removal of snow in normal conditions, such as a paved driveway or sidewalk, place skid plates in the highest position (lowest scraper clearance) to give a 1/8" clearance between the scraper bar and the ground. Use a middle position if the surface to be cleared is uneven.

NOTE: It is not recommended to operate the snow thrower over gravel or rocky surfaces. Objects such as gravel, rocks or other debris, can easily be picked up and thrown by the impeller, which can cause serious personal injury, property damage or damage to the snow thrower.

•If snow thrower must be operated over gravel surface, use extra caution and be sure skid plates are adjusted 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- ing skid plate to desired position. Be sure both plates are adjusted evenly. Tighten securely.

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

FIG. 16

SCRAPER BAR (See Fig. 16)

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.

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 17)

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. 17)

•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 gaso- hol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and forma- tion 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. Empty 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.