Poulan 961980019 Before Starting the Engine, Scraper BAR, Check Engine OIL Level See Fig

OPERATION

•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 nut, 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

SKID PLATE HEX NUT

LOW POSITION (HIGH GROUND CLEARANCE)

FIG. 15

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

SCRAPER BAR

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.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

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 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. 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.

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

TO START ENGINE FIG. 22

Your snow thrower engine is equipped with both a 120 Volt A.C. electric starter and a recoil starter. The electric starter is equipped with a three-wire power cord and plug and is designed to operate on 120 Volt A.C. household current.

•Be sure your house is a 120 Volt A.C. three-wire grounded system. If you are uncertain, consult a licensed electrician.

WARNING: Do not use the electric starter if your house is not a 120 Volt A.C. three-wire grounded system. Se- rious personal injury or damage to your snow thrower could result.

COLD START - ELECTRIC STARTER

1.Insert safety ignition key (packed separately in parts bag) into ignition slot until it clicks. DO NOT turn the key. Keep the extra safety ignition key in a safe place.

2.Place ON / OFF switch in “ON” position.

3.Rotate choke control to “FULL” position.

4.Connect the power cord to the engine.

5.Plug the other end of the power cord into a three-hole

grounded 120 Volt A.C. receptacle.

NOTE: Do not use primer when starting engine with the electric starter.

6. Push starter button until engine starts.

IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine more than five con- tinuous seconds between each time you try to start. Wait 5 to 10 seconds between each attempt.

7.When the engine starts, release the starter button and slowly move the choke control to the “OFF” position.

8.Disconnect the power cord from the receptacle first, then from the engine.

Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes. Engine will not develop full power until it has reached normal operat-

11 ing temperature.