8
3. Push the plug all the way in until the spring clip on the
bottom of the plug clicks into place, locking the plug
securely into the discharge tunnel (Fig. 5).
m–275
1
Figure 5
1.
Spring clip
4. Release the discharge door handle to lock the top of
the plug.
Before Starting
Filling the Crankcase with Oil
The engine crankcase can hold 22 ounces (0.65 liters) of
oil. Use only high-quality SAE 10W–30 weight detergent
oil that has the American Petroleum Institute (API)
service classification SH, SJ, or equivalent.
Before each use, ensure that the oil level is between the
lower limit and upper limit marks on the dipstick (Fig. 6).
1
2
3
Figure 6
1.
Dipstick
2.
Upper limit mark
3.
Lower limit mark
Note: When the crankcase is empty, pour about
three-fourths of the crankcase capacity of oil in the
crankcase, then follow the procedure in this section.
To add oil:
1. Move the lawn mower to a level surface.
2. Clean around the dipstick (Fig. 6).
3. Remove the dipstick by rotating the cap
counterclockwise and pulling it out.
4. Wipe the dipstick clean with a clean cloth.
5. Insert the dipstick into the filler neck (but do not
rotate the cap clockwise to secure it), then remove it.
6. Read the oil level on the dipstick (Fig. 6).
7. If the oil level reading is below the lower limit mark
on the dipstick, remove the dipstick and slowly pour
only enough oil into the filler hole to raise the oil level
to the upper limit mark on the dipstick (Fig. 6).
Important
Do not overfill the crankcase with oil and
run the engine; engine damage will result. Drain the
excess oil until the oil level reaches the upper limit mark
on the dipstick.
8. Insert the dipstick into the filler neck and rotate the
cap clockwise until it is tight.
Filling the Fuel Tank with
Gasoline
For best results, use clean, fresh, lead-free gasoline with
an octane rating of 87 or higher. To ensure freshness,
purchase only the quantity of gasoline that you expect to
use in 30 days. Using unleaded gasoline results in fewer
combustion deposits and longer engine life. You may use
leaded gasoline if unleaded gasoline is not available.
Important
Do not add oil to the gasoline.
Important
Do not use methanol, gasoline containing
methanol, gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol,
premium gasoline, or white gas. Using these fuels can
damage the engine’s fuel system.
Important
Do not use gasoline that is more than 30
days old.