Operation
14

STARTING THE ENGINE

WARNING
Rapid retraction of starter cord (kickback) will pull
hand and arm toward engine faster than you can
let go. Broken bones, fractures, bruises or
sprains could result. When starting engine, pull
the starter cord slowly until resistance is felt and
then pull rapidly to avoid kickback.
1. Check the oil level. See “How To Check/Add Oil”
section in Engine Owner’s Manual.
2. Make sure equipment drive controls, if equipped, are
disengaged. See the equipment manual for location
and operation of these controls.
3. Push the stop switch (A, Figure 2), if equipped, to
the ON position.
Or move the throttle control lever (A, Figure 3), if
equipped, to the FAST position. Operate the engine
with the throttle control lever in the FAST position.
WARNING
Unintentional sparking can result in fire or elec-
tric shock.
Unintentional start-up can result in entanglement,
traumatic amputation, or laceration.
• Use a 3-wire extension cord.
• First attach extension cord to electric starter
connector and then into a wall receptacle. If
additional extension cord is required, use a 3-
wire.
• If the supply cord is damaged, it must be
replaced by the manufacturer or its service
agent or a similarly qualified person in order to
avoid a hazard.
Figure 2. Engine Start/Stop
A. Stop Switch
A
4. Turn the fuel shut-off valve (B, Figure 3), if equipped,
to the ON position.
5. Push in the safety key (C).
6. Turn the choke control knob (D) to the choke posi-
tion.

NOTE: Do not use the choke to start a warm engine.

7. Push the primer button (E) two times.

NOTE: Do not use the primer to start a warm engine.

8. Rewind Start: Firmly hold the starter cord handle
(F). Pull the starter cord slowly until resistance is felt,
then pull rapidly.

NOTE: If the engine does not start after three

attempts, see the “Troubleshooting” section in the

Engine Owner’s Manual.

CAUTION
This engine was shipped from Briggs & Stratton
without oil. Before you start the engine, make
sure you add oil according to the instructions in
the Engine Owner’s Manual. If you start the
engine without oil, it will be damaged beyond
repair and will not be covered under warranty.
WARNING
Engines give off carbon monoxide, an odorless,
colorless, poison gas. Breathing carbon monox-
ide can cause nausea, fainting or death. When
starting the engine, start and run engine out-
doors. Do not start or run engine in enclosed
area, even if doors or windows are open.
WARNING
Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable
and explosive. Fire or explosion can cause severe
burns or death. When starting the engine, ensure
that spark plug, muffler, fuel cap and air cleaner
are in place and secured. Do not crank engine
with spark plug removed. If engine floods, set
choke (if equipped) to open/run position.