14
OPERATION
Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. Do not •
smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area where the engine is
refueled or where gasoline is stored.
Do not overfill the fuel tank. After refueling, make sure the tank •
cap is closed properly and securely.
Be careful not to spill fuel when refueling. Spilled fuel or fuel vapor •
may ignite. If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is dry before
starting the engine.
Avoid repeated or prolonged contact with skin or breathing of •
vapor.
Clean around fuel fill before removing cap to fuel.1.
A fuel level indicator is located in the fuel tank. Fill tank until fuel 2.
reaches the fuel level indictor. Be careful not to overfill.
STARTING THE ENGINE
NOTE: Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes after starting.
The engine will not develop full power until it reaches operating
temperatures.
Make certain both the auger control and drive control are in the 1.
disengaged (released) position.
Insert ignition key into slot. Make sure it snaps into place. Do not 2.
attempt to turn the key.
NOTE: The engine cannot start without the key is fully inserted into the
ignition switch.
Electric Starter
Determine that your home’s wiring is a three-wire grounded system.
Ask a licensed electrician if you are not certain.
If you have a grounded three-prong receptacle, proceed as follows.
If you do not have the proper house wiring, DO NOT use the electric
starter under any conditions.
Plug the extension cord into the outlet located on the engine’s 1.
surface. Plug the other end of extension cord into a three-prong
120-volt, grounded, AC outlet in a well-ventilated area.
CLEAN-OUT TOOL
The chute clean-out tool is conveniently fastened to the rear of the
auger housing with a mounting clip. Should snow and ice become
lodged in the chute assembly during operation, proceed as follows to
safely clean the chute assembly and chute opening:
Release both the Auger Control and the Drive Control.1.
Stop the engine by removing the ignition key. 2.
Remove the clean-out tool from the clip which secures it to the 3.
rear of the auger housing.
Use the shovel-shaped end of the clean-out tool to dislodge and 4.
scoop any snow and ice which has formed in and near the chute
assembly.
Refasten the clean-out tool to the mounting clip on the rear of 5.
the auger housing, reinsert the ignition key and start the snow
thrower’s engine.
While standing in the operator’s position (behind the snow 6.
thrower), engage the auger control for a few seconds to clear any
remaining snow and ice from the chute assembly.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
Oil
The unit was shipped with oil in the engine. Check oil level before each
operation to ensure adequate oil in the engine. For further instructions,
refer to the steps on page 16.
NOTE: Be sure to check the engine on a level surface with the engine
stopped.
Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and wipe the dipstick clean.1.
Insert the cap/dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do 2. not screw it in.
Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick. If the level is low, slowly add 3.
oil (5W-30, with a minimum classification of SF/SG) until oil level
registers between high (H) and low (L).
NOTE: Do not overfill. Overfilling with oil may result in engine smoking,
hard starting or spark plug fouling.
Replace and tighten cap/dipstick firmly before starting engine.4.
Gasoline
Use automotive gasoline (unleaded or low leaded to minimize combus-
tion chamber deposits) with a minimum of 87 octane. Gasoline with
up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) can be
used. Never use an oil/gasoline mixture or dirty gasoline. Avoid getting
dirt, dust, or water in the fuel tank. DO NOT use E85 gasoline.
WARNING
Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine
indoors or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.
WARNING
The optional electric starter is equipped with a grounded three-wire
power cord and plug, and is designed to operate on 120 volt AC
household current. It must be used with a properly grounded three-
prong receptacle at all times to avoid the possibility of electric shock.
Follow all instructions carefully prior to operating the electric starter.
DO NOT use electric starter in the rain.
WARNING
Read, understand, and follow all instructions and warnings on the
machine and in this manual before operating.
WARNING
Always keep hands and feet clear of moving parts. Do not use a
pressurized starting fluid. Vapors are flammable.
WARNING
Never use your hands to clear a clogged chute assembly. Shut
off engine and remain behind handles until all moving parts have
stopped before using the clean-out tool to clear the chute assembly.