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8
OPERATION
FIG. 7
OIL
FILLER
PLUG
OIL
LEVEL
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 8)
CAUTION: Keep drive control bar in
“DISENGAGED” position when start-
ing en gine.
When starting engine for the fi rst 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.
• Make sure spark plug wire is prop er ly connected.
• Move shift lever indicator to “N” (neutral) position.
• Place throttle control in “FAST” position.
• Move choke control to full “CHOKE” position. Grasp
recoil starter handle with one hand and grasp tiller
handle with other hand. Pull rope out slowly until en-
gine reaches start of com pres sion cycle (rope will pull
slightly harder at this point).
• Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter
handle snap back against starter. Repeat if neces-
sary.
• If engine fi res but does not start, move choke control
to half choke position. Pull recoil starter handle until
engine starts.
• When engine starts, slowly move choke control to
“RUN” position as engine warms up.
NOTE: A warm engine requires less choking to start.
• Move throttle control to desired running position.
• Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before
engaging tines.
NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold
temperatures (below 32°F), the carburetor fuel mix ture may
need to be adjusted for best engine per for mance. See “TO
ADJUST CARBURETOR” in the Service and Ad just ments
section of this manual.
NOTE: If en gine does not start, see trou ble shoot ing
points.
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.
FILL ENGINE WITH OIL (See Fig. 7)
• With engine level, remove engine oil fi ller plug.
• Fill engine with oil to point of overfl owing. For ap prox-
i mate ca pac i ty see “PRODUCT SPEC I FI CA TIONS” on
page 3 of this manual.
• Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then re-level.
• With engine level, refi ll to point of overfl owing if nec-
es sary. Re place oil fi ller 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.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of fi ller neck. Do not overfi ll.
Use fresh, clean, regular un lead ed 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 quan ti ties 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 ac-
ci den tal ly 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 fl ame.
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES
BELOW32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE
GAS O LINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
START ING.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called
gas o hol or using ethanol or methanol) can at-
tract moisture which leads to sep a ra tion and
for ma 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 stor age 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
sea son. See Storage In struc tions for additional
information. Never use engine or carburetor
cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.