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For technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.
280cc Engine
SAFETY
Op
ERA
TION
M
AINTENANCE
SETU
p
Maintenance procedures
Many maintenance procedures, including
any not detailed in this manual, will need
to be performed by a qualified technician
for safety. If you have any doubts
about your ability to safely service the
equipment or engine, have a qualified
technician service the equipment instead.
Checking and Filling Fuel
Checking and Filling Fuel
WARNING!
TO pREVENT SERIOUS
INJURY FROM FIRE:
Fill the fuel tank in a well-ventilated area
away from ignition sources. If the engine is
hot from use, shut the engine off and wait
for it to cool before adding fuel.
Do not smoke.
1. Clean the Fuel Cap and the area around it.
2. Unscrew and remove the Fuel Cap.
3. If needed, fill the Fuel Tank to about
1 inch under the fill neck of the Fuel Tank
with 87+ octane unleaded gasoline.
Note:
Do not use gasoline containing more than
10% ethanol (E10). Do not use E85 ethanol.
Note: Do not use gasoline that has been
stored in a metal fuel container or a dirty
fuel container. It can cause particles to
enter the carburetor, effecting engine
performance and/or causing damage.
4. Then replace the Fuel Cap.
5. Wipe up any spilled fuel and allow excess
to evaporate before starting engine. To
prevent FIRE, do not start the engine while
the smell of fuel hangs in the air.
Engine Oil Change
Engine Oil Change
CAUTION!
Oil is very hot during operation and can
Oil is very hot during operation and can
cause burns. Wait for engine to cool before changing oil.
1. Make sure the engine is stopped and is level.
2. Close the Fuel Valve.
3. Place a drain pan (not included) underneath
the crankcase’s drain plug.
4. Remove the drain plug and, if possible,
tilt the crankcase slightly to help drain
the oil out. Recycle used oil.
5. Replace the drain plug and tighten it.
6. Clean the top of the Dipstick and the
area around it. Remove the Dipstick
by threading it counterclockwise, and
wipe it off with a clean lint free rag.
7.
Full level
Full level
Add the appropriate type of oil until the oil level is at
the full level. SAE 10W-30 oil is recommended for
general use.
The SAE Viscosity Grade chart shows other
viscosities to use in different average temperatures.
10W-30
30
5W-30
-20
0
20
40
60
80
100°F
SAE Viscosity Grades
Average outdoor temperature
8. Thread the dipstick back in clockwise.
CAUTION!
Do not run the engine with too little
Do not run the engine with too little oil.
The engine will be permanently damaged.
Air Filter Element Maintenance
1. Remove the air filter cover and the air
filter elements and check for dirt. Clean
or replace as described below.
2.
Cleaning:
• For “paper” filter elements:
To prevent injury from dust and debris, wear
ANSI-approved safety goggles, NIOSH-
approved dust mask/respirator, and heavy-
duty work gloves. In a well-ventilated area
away from bystanders, use pressurized
air to blow dust out of the air filter. If this
does not get the filter clean, replace it.
• For foam filter elements:
Wash the element in warm water and
mild detergent several times. Rinse.
Squeeze out excess water and allow it to dry
completely. Soak the filter in lightweight oil
briefly, then squeeze out the excess oil.
3. Install the new filter or the cleaned filter.
Secure the Air Cleaner Cover before use.