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18 sectiOn 9 — engine OperatiOn
Check Fuel Level
Clean around fuel fill before removing cap to fuel.
Fill tank to approximately 1-inch below lowest portion of
neck to allow for fuel expansion. Be careful not to overfill.
NOTE: Before refueling, allow engine to cool 2 minutes.
Starting The Engine
WARNING: Always keep hands and feet clear of
equipment moving parts. Do not use a pressurized
starting fluid. Vapors are flammable.
Pull out the choke knob located on the left side of the
upper handle. See Fig. 10-3.
NOTE: Use of the choke may not be necessary if the engine
is warm or the air temperature is high.
2. Standing behind the mower, depress the blade control
handle and hold it against the upper handle.
3. Pull the starter grip lightly until resistance is felt, then pull
rapidly to overcome compression, prevent kickback, and
start engine. Repeat if necessary. See Fig. 10-3.
NOTE: Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against
the rope guide. Return it gently to prevent damage to the
starter.
4. When engine warms up, push in the choke knob. See Fig.
10-3.
Stopping The Engine
Release the blade control.
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4
Check Oil Level
NOTE: Be sure to check the engine on a level surface with the
engine stopped.
Remove the oil filler cap and wipe the dipstick clean. See
Fig. 10-2.
Insert the dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do not screw
it in.
If the level is low, slowly add oil to the upper limit on the
dipstick. See Fig. 10-2 inset.
Tighten dipstick firmly before starting engine.
NOTE: Do not overfill. Overfilling with oil may cause
smoking, hard starting, spark plug fouling, or oil saturation
of air cleaner.
Fuel Recommendations
Use automotive gasoline (unleaded or low leaded to minimize
combustion 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, dirty
gasoline, or gasoline over 30 days old. Avoid getting dirt, dust, or
water in the fuel tank. DO NOT USE E85 GASOLINE.
WARNING: Gasoline is extremely flammable and is
explosive under certain conditions. 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.
Avoid repeated or prolonged contact with skin or
breathing of vapor.
WARNING: Do not overfill the fuel tank (there
should be no fuel in the filler neck). 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.
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Oil Fill Cap/
Dipstick
Upper Level
Figure 10-2
Figure 10-3