Craftsman 154.58973, Operator'S Manual, Page: 8 / 16

8
OIL AND FUEL
USING THE RIGHT OIL
Use a high-quality SAE 30 weight oil. DO NOT use dirty oil.
Failure to use clean oil of the correct type can cause premature
engine wear and failure.
ADDING OIL: INITIAL USE
WARNING:
OVERFILLING THE
CRANKCASE MAY CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL
INJURY. Check the oil level before each use. The
importance of maintaining the proper oil level cannot
be overemphasized. Change the oil according to the
Maintenance Schedule.
NOTE: This unit was shipped without oil in the crankcase. Oil
must be added before starting the unit.
NOTE:
This unit comes with a 2.03 fluid oz. (60 ml) container
of oil.
1. Set the unit on a flat, level surface.
2.
Unscrew the oil fill plug (Fig. 4).
3. Pour the entire container of oil into the oil fill hole (Fig. 4).
DO NOT
overfill. Refer to Checking the Oil Level .
NOTE: Never add oil to the fuel tank. This unit has a four-cycle
engine.
DO NOT
mix oil with gasoline.
4.
Wipe up any oil that may have spilled.
5. Reinstall the oil fill plug.
NOTE: Make sure the O-ring is in place on the oil fill plug
(Fig. 4).
O-Ring
Oil Fill Plug
Oil Fill Hole
Fig. 4
USING THE RIGHT FUEL
The use of old fuel is the most common cause of performance
problems. Use only fresh, clean unleaded gasoline.
NOTE: This unit has a four-cycle engine. DO NOT mix oil
with gasoline.
Definition of Blended Fuels
Today’s fuels are often a blend of gasoline and oxygenates such
as ethanol, methanol or MTBE (ether). Alcohol-blended fuel
absorbs water. As little as 1% water in the fuel can make fuel
and oil separate, forming acids when stored. ALWAYS use fresh
fuel (less than 30 days old).
NOTE: Dispose of old fuel according to federal, state and local
regulations.
Using Blended Fuels
If using a blended fuel:
• Always use fresh unleaded gasoline
• Use the fuel additive STA-BIL
®
or an equivalent
WARNING:
DO NOT USE E85 FUEL IN THIS UNIT.
It has been proven that fuel containing greater than
10% ethanol will likely damage this engine and void the
warranty.
Using Fuel Additives
Use a fuel additive, such as STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer or an
equivalent, to inhibit corrosion and minimize gum deposits. Add
0.8 oz. (23 ml) of fuel additive per gallon of fuel, according to the
instructions on the container. NEVER add fuel additives directly
to the unit’s fuel tank.
FUELING THE UNIT
WARNING:
Gasoline is extremely flammable. Ignited
vapors may explode. Always stop the engine and allow
it to cool before filling the fuel tank. Do not smoke while
filling the tank. Keep sparks and open flames at a
distance from the area.
WARNING:
Remove the fuel cap slowly to avoid
injury from fuel spray. Never operate the unit without
the fuel cap securely in place.
WARNING:
Add fuel in a clean, well ventilated
outdoor area. Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately.
Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do
not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
1. Position the unit with the fuel cap facing up.
2.
Slowly remove the fuel cap.
3.
Place the fuel container spout into the fuel tank fill hole and fill
the tank.
NOTE:
Do not overfill the tank.
4.
Wipe up any fuel that may have spilled.
5. Reinstall the fuel cap.
6.
Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fuel container
and the fueling site before starting the engine.