14
OPERATION
Gasoline
Fuel Requirements
CAUTION
Operating the engine with E15 or E85 fuel, an oil/gasoline mixture, dirty
gasoline, or
gasoline over 30 days old
without fuel stabilizing additive
may result in damage to your engine’s carburetor. Subsequent damage
would
not
be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
Use automotive gasoline (unleaded or low leaded to minimize combustion chamber
deposits) with a minimum of 87 octane. Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (E10)
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 E15 or 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.
•
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.
Adding Fuel
WARNING
An adult should fuel this engine. NEVER allow children to refuel the engine.
Gasoline (fuel) vapors are highly flammable and can explode. Fuel vapors
can spread and be ignited by a spark or flame many feet away from engine.
To prevent injury or death from fuel fires, follow these instructions:
•
DO NOT use leaded fuel.
•
Fuel must be fresh and clean. NEVER use fuel left over from last season or
stored for long periods.
•
NEVER mix oil with fuel.
•
DO NOT use fuel containing Methanol (Wood Alcohol)
NOTE:
Before refueling, allow engine to cool two minutes.
1.
Clean around fuel fill before removing cap to fuel.
2.
Fill tank until fuel reaches 1⁄2 inch below the bottom of the filler neck to
allow space for fuel expansion. Be careful not to overfill.
3.
Replace the gasoline cap and tighten securely. Wipe up spilled fuel before
starting engine. If fuel is spilled DO NOT start engine. Move machine away
from area of spillage. Avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors
are g
o
ne.
1
2
Figure 14
WARNING
Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower
while starting engine or operating mower. Never run engine indoors or
in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose
clothing away from any moving parts on engine and lawn mower.
TO START ENGINE
1.
Standing behind the mower, pull the blade control handle back against the
drive control.
2.
While holding the blade and drive controls together firmly, grasp the recoil
starter handle and pull rope out with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke.
See Figure 14. Keeping a firm grip on the starter handle, let the rope rewind
slowly. Repeat until engine cranks. Let the rope rewind each time slowly.
WARNING
Keep a firm grip on the starter cord handle to prevent rapid retraction of
starter cord (kickback). Rapid retraction can pull hand and arm toward
engine faster than you can let go, and result in broken bones, fractures,
bruises or sprains.
TO STOP ENGINE
1.
Release blade control to stop the engine and blade.
WARNING
Wait for the blade to stop completely before performing any work on the
mower or to remove the grass catcher.
