Operator's Manual
Viper® 340cc 4-Cycle Engine
4
Check for parts online at
www.ardisam.com
or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5
ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
•
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
•
Never try to ventilate engine exhaust indoors. Carbon
monoxide can reach dangerous levels very quickly.
•
Never run engine outdoors where exhaust fumes may
be pulled into a building.
•
Never run engine outdoors in a poorly ventilated area
where the exhaust fumes may be trapped and not
easily taken away. (Examples include: in a large hole
or areas where hills surround your working area.)
•
Never run engine in an enclosed or partially enclosed
area. (Examples include: buildings that are enclosed
on one or more sides, under tents, car ports or
basements.)
•
Always run the engine with the exhaust and muffler
pointed in the direction away from the operator.
•
Never point the exhaust muffler towards anyone.
People should always be many feet away from the
operation of the engine and its attachments.
•
Do not change the engine governor settings or over-
speed the engine.
•
Stay away from rotating parts. Place protective covers
over rotating parts.
WARNING
ENGINES GIVE OFF CARBON MONOXIDE, AN
ODORLESS, COLORLESS, POISONOUS GAS.
CARBON MONOXIDE MAY BE PRESENT EVEN IF
YOU DO NOT SMELL OR SEE ANY ENGINE EXHAUST.
BREATHING CARBON MONOXIDE CAN CAUSE
NAUSEA, FAINTING OR DEATH, IN ADDITION TO
DROWSINESS, DIZZINESS AND CONFUSION.
IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS,
SEEK FRESH AIR AND MEDICAL ATTENTION
IMMEDIATELY.
START AND RUN ENGINE OUTDOORS. DO NOT
START OR RUN ENGINE IN ENCLOSED AREA, EVEN
IF DOORS OR WINDOWS ARE OPEN.
HOT GASES ARE A NORMAL BY-PRODUCT OF A
FUNCTIONING MUFFLER. FOLLOW ALL SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS TO PREVENT BURNS AND FIRES.
DO NOT ALTER/MODIFY ENGINE:
NEVER ALTER OR MODIFY THE ENGINE FROM
THE FACTORY. SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH MAY
OCCUR IF ENGINE IS MODIFIED OR ALTERED.
WHEN WORKING ON OR REPLACING PARTS FOR
THE ENGINE OR PRODUCT, YOU MUST ALWAYS
DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE FROM THE SPARK
PLUG AND KEEP IT AWAY FROM THE SPARK PLUG.
•
Do not use engine around dry brush, cloth rags, or
other flammable materials.
•
Always keep materials and debris clear of muffler
guard and other hot engine parts.
•
Never operate the engine without the muffler guard
in place.
•
Always make sure exhaust pipe is free of foreign
objects.
•
The engine exhaust becomes very hot during
operation. Keep engine at least three feet away from
buildings and other equipment during operation.
•
Wear appropriate clothing such as a long-sleeved
shirt or jacket. Also wear long trousers or slacks. Do
not wear shorts. Never wear sandals, sneakers, or
open shoes, and never operate the machine with bare
feet.
•
Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can get
caught in moving parts. Always keep hands, feet, hair
and loose clothing away from any moving parts on
engine and machine.
Gasoline Fires and Handling Fuel Safely
Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are
flammable and vapors are explosive.
•
When storing extra fuel be sure that it is in an
appropriate container and away from any fire hazards.
•
Prevent fire and explosion caused by static electric
discharge. Use only nonmetal, portable fuel
containers approved by the Underwriter’s Laboratory
(U.L.) or the American Society for Testing & Materials
(ASTM).
•
Always fill fuel tank outside in a well ventilated area.
Never fill your fuel tank with fuel indoors. (Examples
include: basement, garage, barn, shed, house, porch,
etc.) Never fill tank near appliances with pilot lights,
heaters, or other ignition sources. If the fuel has to be
drained, this should be done outdoors. The drained
fuel should be stored in a container specifically
designed for fuel storage or it should be disposed of
carefully.
•
Never remove the fuel cap or add fuel with the
engine running. Stop engine and allow to cool before
removing the fuel cap/and or refilling the engine.
•
Never drain fuel from engine in an enclosed area.
•
Always wipe up excess (spilled) fuel from engine
before starting. Clean up spilled fuel immediately.
If fuel is spilled, do not start the engine but move
product and fuel container from area. Clean up spilled
fuel and allow to evaporate and dry after wiping and
before starting.
