Craftsman 944.369060, Owner'S Manual

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8
ENGINE OIL CAP
FIG. 5
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL (See Fig. 5)
Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the engine.
• Be sure mower is level and area around oil fill is clean.
• Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full line on the
dipstick.
NOTE: ALLOW OIL TO SETTLE DOWN INTO ENGINE FOR
ACCURATE READING.
• Engine holds 20 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of oil to
use, see “ENGINE” in Customer Responsibilities sec-
tion of this manual.
• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill
to full line on dipstick.
• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap each time.
• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
• Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or each
season. You may need to change the oil more often
under dusty, dirty conditions.
GASOLINE
FILLER
CAP
OPERATION
TO START ENGINE
• To start a cold engine, push primer five (5) times before
trying to start. Use a firm push. This step is not usually
necessary when starting an engine which has already
run for a few minutes.
• Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle
and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope
to snap back.
• To stop engine, release operator presence control bar.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat
priming steps. In warmer weather over priming may cause
flooding and engine will not start. If you do flood engine wait
a few minutes before attempting to start and do not repeat
priming steps.
ADD GASOLINE (See Fig. 5)
• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gaso-
line with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded
gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits
and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30
days to assure fuel freshness.
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 storage 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 Instructions 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.