12
OPERATION
Gas anD Oil fill-Up
IMPORTANT
: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine.
Be certain to service engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in this
section before operating your machine.
Oil
(one 18 ounce bottle shipped with unit)
First Time Use
1. Remove oil fill dipstick (G). See Figure 13.
2. With the mower on level ground, empty entire contents of oil bottle
provided into the engine oil fill (H).
3. Replace oil fill dipstick and tighten.
Subsequent Uses
Use 4-stroke motor oil that meets or exceeds the requirements for
API service category SF, SG, SH, SJ or higher. Always check the API
service label on the oil container to be sure it includes the letters SF,
SG, SH, SJ or higher.
Outdoor temperatures determine the proper oil viscosity for the engine.
Use the chart to select the best viscosity for the outdoor temperature
range expected.
* Below 40ºF (4ºC) the use of SAE 30 will result in hard starting.
** Above 80ºF (27ºC) the use of 10W-30 may cause increased oil
consumption. Check oil level more frequently.
1. Check the oil with the engine stopped and level.
2. Remove the oil fill dipstick and wipe it clean.
3. Insert and tighten the oil fill dipstick. Remove it to check the oil
level. See Figure 13.
4. If the oil level is near or below the lower limit mark on the dipstick,
remove the oil fill dipstick, and fill with the recommended oil to the
upper limit mark (J). Do not overfill.
5. Reinstall the oil fill dipstick.
Gasoline
Fuel must meet these requirements:
•
Clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline.
•
A minimum of 87 octane/87 AKI (91 RON).
•
Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) or up to 15% MTBE
(methyl tertiary butyl ether) is acceptable.
Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. If the engine
has been running, allow it to cool first. Never refuel the engine inside a
building where gasoline fumes may reach flames or sparks.
If your equipment will be used on an infrequent or intermittent basis,
please refer to the Off Season Storage section for additional informa-
tion regarding fuel deterioration.
NOTE:
Fuel can damage paint and some types of plastic. Be careful
not to spill fuel when filling your fuel tank.
Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture.
Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.
1. Remove the fuel tank cap.
2. Fill the fuel tank with fuel. To allow for expansion of the fuel, do
not fill above the bottom of the fuel tank neck. Do not overfill.
3. If fuel spills, wait wuntil it evaporates before starting engine.
4. Replace fuel cap.
5. Move lawn mower at least 10 feet away from the fuel container/
source and site before starting the engine.
G
J
H
Figure 13
CaUtiOn
Do not use unapproved gasolines, such as E85. Do not mix oil in
gasoline or modify engine to run on alternate fuels. This will damage
the engine components and
void the engine warranty.
WarninG
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive, and you can be
burned or seriously injured when refueling. Stop engine and keep
heat, sparks, and flame away. Refuel only outdoors. Wipe up spills
immediately.
WarninG
Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn
mower while starting engine or operating mower. Never run engine
indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands,
feet, hair and loose clothing away from any moving parts on engine
and lawn mower.
