13
ENGINE
FUEL SYS TEM
IMPORTANT:
It is important to prevent
gum deposits from forming in essential fuel
system parts such as carburetor, fuel fi lter,
fuel hose or tank during storage. Alcohol
blended fuels (called gasohol or using
ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture
which leads to separation and formation
of acids during storage. Acidic gas can
damage the fuel system of an engine while
in storage.
• Empty the fuel tank by starting the en-
gine and letting it run until the fuel lines
and car bu re tor are empty.
• Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
prod ucts in the fuel tank or per ma nent
damage may occur.
• Use fresh fuel next season.
NOTE:
Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable
al ter na tive in minimizing the formation of
fuel gum deposits during stor age. Add
stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or stor-
age con tain er. Always follow the mix ratio
found on stabilizer container. Run engine
at least 10 min utes after adding stabilizer
to allow the stabilizer to reach the car bu -
re tor. Do not empty the gas tank and
carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
EN GINE OIL
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace
with clean engine oil. (See “ENGINE” in
the Maintenance section of this man ual).
CYLINDER
1. Remove spark plug.
2. Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through
spark plug hole into cylinder.
3. Pull starter handle slowly a few times to
dis trib ute oil.
4. Replace with new spark plug.
OTHER
• Do not store gasoline from one season
to another.
• Replace your gasoline can if your can
starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your
gasoline will cause problems.
• If possible, store your unit indoors and
cover it to protect it from dust and dirt.
• Cover your unit with a suitable pro tec tive
cover that does not retain mois ture. Do
not use plastic. Plastic cannot breathe,
which allows con den sa tion to form and
will cause your unit to rust.
IMPORTANT:
Never cover mower while
en gine and exhaust areas are still warm.
CAUTION:
Never store the lawn mower
with gaso line in the tank inside a build ing
where fumes may reach an open fl ame
or spark. Allow the engine to cool before
storing in any en clo sure.
Does not start
1. Dirty air fi lter. 1. Clean/replace air fi lter.
2. Out of fuel. 2. Fill fuel tank.
3. Stale fuel. 3. Empty fuel tank and refi ll tank
with fresh, clean gasoline.
4. Water in fuel. 4. Empty fuel tank and refi ll tank
with fresh, clean gasoline.
5. Spark plug wire is 5. Connect wire to plug.
disconnected.
6. Bad spark plug. 6. Replace spark plug.
7. Loose blade or broken 7. Tighten blade bolt or
blade adapter. replace blade adapter.
8. Control bar in released 8. Depress control bar to
position. handle.
9. Control bar defective. 9. Replace control bar.
10. Fuel valve lever (if so 10. Turn fuel valve lever
equipped) in OFF position. to the ON position.
11. Weak battery (if equipped). 11. Charge battery.
12. Disconnected battery 12. Connect battery to engine.
connector (if equipped).
PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION
TROUBLESHOOTING - See appropriate section in manual unless directed
to a Sears Parts & Repair Centre.
