2
WARNING:
In order to prevent ac-
ci den tal starting when setting up, trans-
port ing, ad just ing or making repairs,
always dis con nect spark plug wire and
place wire where it can not come in contact
with spark plug.
WARNING:
Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle com po -
nents contain or emit chem i cals known to
the State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer and
birth defects or oth er re pro duc tive harm.
CAUTION:
Muffl er and
other engine parts become
extremely hot during oper-
ation and remain hot after
engine has stopped. To
avoid severe burns on contact,
stay away from these areas.
SAFETY RULES
Your safety and the safety of others is
important. We have provided important
safety information in this manual and on
the engine itself. A safety message alerts
you to potential hazards and risks which
could hurt you or others. Each message is
preceeded by a safety alert symbol
and
one of the three following words:
DANGER:
indicates a hazard which,
if not avoided,
will result in death or
serious injury,
could damage your engine
and/or void your warranty.
WARNING:
indicates a hazard which,
if not avoided,
could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION:
indicates a hazard which,
if not avoided,
could result in minor to
moderate injury.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all in struc -
tions on the engine and in this manual
before starting. Be thor ough ly familiar
with the controls and the proper use of
the machine before starting.
• Do not change the engine governor set-
ting or overspeed the engine.
• Do not run the engine at a low load at a
low speed for a long period of time.
• Use only specifi ed grades of gasoline
and oil.
• Keep area around fuel fi ller cap clean.
• Maintain the air fi lter and change the oil
as indicated in the Maintenance section
of this manual.
• Make repairs when needed. Do not
operate engine with anything damaged
or missing.
II. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
Use extreme care in handling gasoline.
Gasoline is extremely fl ammable and the
vapors are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes
and other sources of ignition.
• Use only an approved container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with
the engine running. Allow engine to cool
before refueling.
• Never refuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel contain-
er where there is an open fl ame, spark
or pilot light such as a water heater or on
other appliances.
• Never fi ll containers inside a vehicle, on
a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner.
Always place containers on the ground
away from your vehicle before fi lling.
• Remove gas-powered equipment from
the truck or trailer and refuel it on the
ground. If this is not possible, then
refuel such equipment with a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline
dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim
of the fuel tank or container opening at
all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change
clothing immediately.
• Never overfi ll fuel tank. Replace gas
cap and tighten securely.
III. GENERAL SERVICE
• Never run engine inside a closed area.
• Never make adjustments or repairs
with the engine running. Dis con nect the
spark plug wire and keep the wire away
from the spark plug to prevent ac ci den tal
starting.
• Periodically check nuts and bolts for
proper tightness.
• Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation reg u lar ly.
• Keep engine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruc-
tion labels, as necessary.
15
SERVICE NOTES
