OPERATION
AROUND TOWN
•Disconnect spark plug wire.
•Drain fuel tank.
•Transport in upright position to prevent oil leakage.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
IMPORTANT: BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO ALLOW DIRT TO ENTER THE ENGINE WHEN CHECKING OR ADDING OIL OR FUEL. USE CLEAN OIL AND FUEL AND STORE IN AP- PROVED, CLEAN, COVERED CONTAINERS. USE CLEAN FILL FUNNELS.
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 6)
1The engine in your unit has been shipped, from the fac- tory, already filled with SAE 30 summer weight oil.
2With engine level, clean area around oil filler plug and remove plug.
3Engine oil should be to point of overflowing when engine is level. For approximate capacity see “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” on page 4 of this manual. All oil must meet A.P.I. Service Classification
4.Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then
5.With engine level, refill to point of overflowing if nec- essary. Replace oil filler plug.
•For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting (See “OIL VISCOSITY CHART” in the Maintenance section of this manual).
•To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section of this manual.
Oil Level | Oil Filler |
Plug |
| 4 |
_ | |
art |
|
_ |
|
ngine |
|
e |
|
Max Upper Level
Min Lower Level 
Fig. 6
ADD GASOLINE
•Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure
fuel freshness.
CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch of top of fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow for fuel expansion. If gasoline is accidentally spilled, move machine away from area of spill. Avoid creating any source of ignition until gasoline vapors have disappeared.
Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER STARTING.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract mois- ture 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.
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 7)
CAUTION: KEEP TINE CONTROL IN “OFF”
POSITION WHEN STARTING ENGINE.
When starting engine for the first time or if engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra pulls of the recoil starter to move fuel from the tank to the engine.
1.Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected.
2.Place the fuel valve to the "ON" position.
3.To start a cold engine, move the choke lever to the "ON" position.
4.Move the throttle lever away from the "SLOW" position, about 1/3 of the way toward the "FAST" position.
5.Turn the engine switch to the "ON" position. Pull rope out slowly until engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this point).
6.Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter handle snap back against starter. Repeat if neces- sary.
NOTE: IF ENGINE FIRES BUT DOES NOT START, MOVE CHOKE CONTROL TO HALF CHOKE POSITION. PULL RECOIL STARTER HANDLE UNTIL ENGINE STARTS.
7.If the choke lever has been moved to the "ON" position to start the engine, gradually move it to the opposite position as the engine warms up.
NOTE: A WARM ENGINE REQUIRES LESS CHOKING TO START.
8.Move throttle control to desired running position.
9.Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before engaging tines.
NOTE:IFENGINEDOESNOTSTART,SEETROUBLESHOOTING POINTS.
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