Craftsman 316.7948, Operator'S Manual

Page: 8 / 36

8
OIL AND FUEL INFORMATION
RECOMMENDED OIL TYPE
Using the proper type and weight of oil in the crankcase is extremely
important. Check oil before each use while the engine is cold and
change the oil every 25 hours of operation. Failure to use the correct
oil, or using dirty oil, can cause premature engine wear and failure.
Use a high-quality SAE 30 weight oil of API (American Petroleum
Institute) service class SF, SG, SH.
ADDING OIL TO CRANKCASE: INITIAL USE
NOTE:
This unit is shipped without
oil. In order to avoid damage
to the unit, put oil in the
crankcase before you
attempt to start the unit.
Your unit is supplied with one 3.04
fluid oz. (90 ml.) bottle of SAE 30 SF,
SG, SH oil (Fig. 10).
NOTE: Save the bottle of oil. It can
be used to measure the
correct amount during
future oil changes (Fig.
10). See
Changing the Oil .
1. Unscrew the top of the bottle of
oil and remove the paper seal
covering the opening. Replace
the top. Next, cut the tip off the
funnel spout (Fig. 10).
2. Remove the oil fill plug from
the crankcase (Fig. 11).
3. Tilt the unit 30° to the side
(Fig. 12).
4. Pour the entire bottle of oil
into the oil fill hole (Fig. 12).
NOTE: Never add oil to the fuel or
fuel tank.
5. Wipe up any oil that may have
spilled and reinstall the oil fill
plug.
Check oil before each use while the
engine is cold and change the oil
every 25 hours of operation. Refer to
Checking the Oil Level .
CHECKING THE OIL LEVEL
Check the oil only when the engine is
off and cool.
1.
Place the unit on its stand on a level surface.
2. Remove the oil fill plug from the crankcase (Fig. 11).
3. Look into the oil fill hole (Fig. 11). If the oil level comes up to
the first thread, then the oil is full (Fig. 13). If it does not, fill
with oil until it does.
Fig. 10
Funnel
Spout
RECOMMENDED FUEL TYPE
Old fuel is the primary reason for improper unit performance. Be
sure to use fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline.
NOTE: This is a four-cycle engine. In order to avoid damage to the
unit, 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 or form acids when stored. Use fresh fuel (less than 60
days old), when using alcohol-blended fuel.
Using Blended Fuels
If you choose to use a blended fuel, or its use is unavoidable,
follow recommended precautions:
• Always use fresh unleaded gasoline
• Use the fuel additive STA-BIL® or an equivalent
• Drain tank and run the engine dry before storing unit
Using Fuel Additives
The use of fuel additives, such as STA-BIL® Gas Stabilizer or an
equivalent, will inhibit corrosion and minimize the formation of gum
deposits. Using a fuel additive can keep fuel from forming harmful
deposits in the carburetor for up to six (6) months. 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 gas tank.
FUELING THE UNIT
1. Remove the fuel cap.
2. Place the gas container’s spout into the fill hole on the fuel
tank (Fig. 14) and fill the tank.
NOTE: Do not overfill the tank.
3. Wipe up any gasoline that may have spilled.
4. Reinstall the fuel cap.
5. Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fueling source and
site before starting the engine.
NOTE: Dispose of the old gasoline in accordance to Federal, State
and Local regulations.
WARNING:
Add fuel in a clean, well ventilated
outdoor area. Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately.
Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilt fuel. Do not
start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
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 fuel cap slowly to avoid injury
from fuel spray. Never operate the unit without the fuel
cap securely in place.
WARNING:
OVERFILLING OIL CRANKCASE MAY
CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY. Check and
maintain the proper oil level in the crank case; it is
important and cannot be overemphasized. Check the
oil before each use while the engine is cold and change
it as needed. See
Changing the Oil .
Fig. 14
Fuel Tank
Gas Can
Spout
Fig. 13
Oil Full Line
Fill Level
Oil Fill Plug
Oil Fill Hole
O-Ring
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
30°