OPERATION
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BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK THE OIL
NOTE: The engine was shipped from the factory filled with oil.
Check the level of the oil. Add oil as needed. See the engine
manufacturer’s instructions for the type of gasoline and oil to
use.
1.
Make sure the unit is level.
NOTE: Do not check the level of the oil while the engine
runs.
2.
Check the oil. Follow the procedure in the engine manufactur-
er’s instructions.
3.
If necessary, add oil until the oil reaches the FULL mark on the
dipstick. The quantity of oil needed from ADD to FULL is shown
on the dipstick. Do not add too much oil.
ADD GASOLINE
WARNING: Always use a safety gasoline container.
Do not smoke when adding gasoline to the fuel tank.
Do not add gasoline when you are inside an enclo-
sure. Before you add gasoline, stop the engine and
let the engine cool for several minutes.
Fill the fuel tank with regular
unleaded gasoline. Do not use
premium unleaded gasoline.
Make sure the gasoline is fresh
and clean. Leaded gasoline will
increase deposits and shorten
the life of the valves.
CAUTION: A mixture of alcohol (ethanol or methanol) and
gasoline (called gasohol), will attract moisture and cause acid
deposits during storage. While the unit is in storage, the acids
in the fuel can damage the fuel system.
To prevent engine problems with the fuel system, empty the fuel
system before storage of 30 days or longer as follows.
1.
Drain the fuel tank.
2.
Start the engine. Let the engine run until the fuel lines and the
carburetor are empty.
3.
After storage, make sure you use fresh fuel. See the storage
instructions for additional information.
4.
Never use engine cleaner or carburetor cleaner in the fuel tank
or permanent damage can occur.
CARBURETOR
The factory settings for the carburetor are for most conditions. If the
engine is operated under the following conditions, you can adjust
the carburetor mixture. To adjust the carburetor, see the engine
manufacturer’s instructions.
1.
The engine has a loss of power or does not run smooth.
2.
A change from summer to winter operation.
3.
A 40 degree change in the operation temperature. The carbure-
tor was adjusted at 80 degrees at the factory.
4.
The engine is operated above 4,000 feet.
HOW TO START THE ENGINE
WARNING: The electrical system has two primary
components, an operator presence system and a Se-
lect Reverse
t
system. The operator presence sys-
tem determines if the operator is sitting on the seat.
This system will stop the engine when the operator
leaves the seat. The Select Reverse
t
system gives
the operator the ability to temporarily mow in reverse
if he decides such operation is absolutely necessary
and safe operating precautions are taken. For your
protection, always make sure these systems operate
correctly.
NOTE: The engine will not start unless you depress the
clutch/brake pedal or engage the parking brake and move the
blade rotation control to the DISENGAGE position.
1.
Make sure the spark plug wire is connected to the spark plug.
2.
Push the clutch/brake pedal completely forward. Keep your
foot on the pedal.
3.
Move the shift lever to the neutral (N) position.
4.
Make sure the blade rotation control is in the DISENGAGE
position. If the blade rotation control is not in the DISENGAGE
position, the engine will not start.
5.
Move the throttle control completely forward to the CHOKE
or FAST position. Some models have a separate choke knob.
Pull the choke knob to the full CHOKE position.
6.
Turn the ignition key to the START
position. Release the
key when the engine starts. The ignition key switch will auto-
matically default to the recommended RUN
−
MOW position for
normal mowing. See “How To Operate The Ignition Key Switch”
in the Operation Section.
NOTE: If the engine does not start after four or five tries,
see the TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART.
7.
Slowly move the throttle control to the SLOW position.
8.
Let a cold engine run for several minutes. Begin work when the
engine is warm. To start a hot engine, move the throttle control
to a position between FAST and SLOW.
Fuel Tank
Full
