9
engin
e_a
rt_7
1
Oil Level
Oil Filler
Plug
Choke
Con trol
Spark Plug
Recoil Starter
Throttle
Control
4. Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then
re-level.
5. With engine level, refi ll to point of over-
fl ow
ing if nec es sary. Re place oil fi ller
plug.
• For cold weather operation you should
change oil for easier starting (See “OIL
VISCOSITY CHART” in the Main te -
nance section of this man u al).
• To change engine oil, see the Main te -
nance section of this manual.
TO START ENGINE
CAUTION:
Keep tine control in “OFF”
po si tion when starting engine.
When starting engine for the fi rst time or
if engine has run out of fuel, it will take
ex tra pulls of the recoil starter to move fuel
from the tank to the engine.
1. Make sure spark plug wire is prop er ly
connected.
2. Place throttle control in “FAST” posi-
tion.
3. Move choke control to full “CHOKE”
po si tion. Grasp recoil starter handle
with one hand and grasp tiller handle
with other hand. Pull rope out slowly
until engine reaches start of com pres-
sion cy cle (rope will pull slightly harder
at this point).
4. Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do
not let starter handle snap back
against starter. Repeat if necessary.
NOTE:
If engine fi res but does not start,
move choke control to half choke posi-
tion. Pull recoil starter handle until engine
starts.
5. When engine starts, slowly move
choke control to “RUN” position as
engine warms up.
NOTE:
A warm engine requires less
chok ing to start.
6. Move throttle control to desired running
position.
7. Allow engine to warm up for a few
min utes before engaging tines.
NOTE:
If at a high altitude (3000 feet) or
in cold tem per a tures (below 32°F), the
car bu re tor fuel mix ture may need to be
ad just ed for best engine per for mance.
See “TO AD JUST CARBURETOR” in the
Service and Ad just ments section of this
manual.
NOTE:
If engine does not start, see trou-
ble shoot ing points.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of fi ller neck. Do
not overfi ll. Use fresh, clean, regular
un lead ed gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will
increase carbon and lead oxide depos-
its and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil
with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quan-
ti ties that can be used within 30 days to
assure fuel freshness.
CAUTION:
Fill to within 1/2 inch of top
of fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow
for fuel expansion. If gasoline is ac ci -
den tal ly spilled, move machine away from
area of spill. Avoid creating any source of
ignition until gasoline vapors have disap-
peared.
Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not
store, spill or use gaso line near an open
fl ame.
IMPORTANT:
When operating in temper-
atures below32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean
winter grade gas o line to help insure good
cold weather start ing.
CAUTION
: Alcohol blended fuels (called
gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can
attract moisture which leads to separa-
tion and for ma tion 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 In struc tions for
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
Summary of Contents for Craftsman 917.29149
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