Sears 917.257462 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
OPERATION
ADD GASOLINE
Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon
and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life).
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES
BELOW 32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE
GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING.
WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended
fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can
attract moisture 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 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 season. See Storage Instruc-
tions for additional information. Never use engine or
carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or
use gasoline near an open flame.
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 7)
When starting engine for the first time or if engine has
run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move
fuel from the tank to the engine.
Depress the clutch/brake pedal and set the parking
brake.
Place gearshift lever in "NEUTRAL" position.
Move mower clutch to "DISENGAGED" position.
Move throttle control lever to "CHOKE" position for
cold engine start. For warm engine start, move
throttle control to "FAST" position.
° Turn ignition key clockwise to "START" position and
release key as soon as engine starts. Do not run
starter continuously for more than fifteen seconds
per minute. If engine does not start after several
attempts, move throttle control to "FAST" position,
wait a few minutes and try again.
When engine starts, move throttle control to desired
position.
Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before
engaging drive or attachment clutch.
NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold
temperatures (below 32° F), the carburetor fuel mixture
may need to be adjusted for best engine performance.
See "TO ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.
MOWING TIPS
Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing
performance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING"
in the Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.
The left hand side of mower should be used for trim-
ming.
Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area
that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of
the machine. This will result in a more even distri-
bution of clippings and more uniform cutting.
When mowing large areas, start by turning to the
right so that clippings will discharge away from
shrubs, fences, driveways, etc. After one or two
rounds, mow in the opposite direction making left
hand turns until finished (See Fig. 12).
If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice
to reduce load and possible fire hazard from dried
clippings. Make first cut relatively high; the second
to the desired height.
Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet grass will
plug mower and leave undesirable clumps. Allow
grass to dry before mowing.
Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing
to assure better mowing performance and proper
discharge of material. Regulate ground speed by
selecting a low enough gear to give the mower cut-
ting performance as well as the quality of cut de-
sired.
When operating attachments, select a ground speed
that will suit the terrain and give best performance of
the attachment being used.
FIG. 12