9
OPERATION
e
ng
i
n
e_a
rt_
4
OIL
LEVEL
OIL DRAIN
PLUG
OIL
FILLER
PLUG
Fig. 11
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
IMPORTANT
: BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO ALLOW DIRT TO
ENTER THE ENGINE WHEN CHECKING OR ADDING OIL OR
FUEL. USE CLEAN OIL AND FUEL AND STORE IN AP PROVED,
CLEAN, COVERED CONTAINERS. USE CLEAN FILL FUNNELS.
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig.11)
•
The engine in your unit has been shipped, from the fac-
tory, already filled with SAE 30 summer weight oil.
•
With engine level, clean area around oil filler plug and
remove plug.
•
Engine oil should be to point of overflowing when engine
is level. For ap proxi mate capacity see “PROD UCT
SPEC I FI CA TIONS” on page 3 of this manual. All oil
must meet A.P.I. Service Classification SG-SL.
• For cold weather operation you should change oil for
easier starting (See oil viscosity chart in the Mainte-
nance sec tion of this manual).
• To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section in
this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
•
Fill to within 1/2" of top of fuel tank to prevent spills and
to allow for fuel expansion. Do not overfill. Use fresh,
clean, regular un lead ed gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon
and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life). Do not
mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quan ti ties that
can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2" of top of
fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow
for fuel expansion. If gasoline is ac-
ci den tal ly spilled, move machine away
from area of spill. Avoid creating any
source of ignition until gasoline vapors
have disappeared.
Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not
store, spill or use gasoline near an
open flame.
IMPORTANT:
WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES
BELOW32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE
GAS O LINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
START ING.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gas o-
hol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to sep a ra tion and for ma-
tion of acids during storage. Acidic gas can
damage the fuel system of an engine while in
storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel
system should be emptied before stor age of
30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start
the engine and let it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next
sea son. See Storage In struc tions for additional
information. Never use engine or carburetor
cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
• Swing the handle in the opposite direction you wish
to turn, being careful to keep feet and legs away from
tines.
• When you have completed your turn-around, release
the tine control and lower handle. Place shift lever in
till position and move throttle control to de sired speed.
To begin tilling, hold tine control against the handle.
TO TRANSPORT
CAUTION: Before lifting or trans port-
ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to
cool. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain
gasoline from fuel tank.
AROUND THE YARD
• Release the depth stake pin. Move the depth stake
down to the top hole for transporting the tiller. Place
depth stake pin in hole of depth stake to lock in posi-
tion. This prevents tines from scuffing the ground.
• Place shift lever indicator in “F” (forward) position for
transporting.
• Hold the tine control against the handle to start tiller
movement. Tines will not turn.
• Move throttle control to desired speed.
AROUND TOWN
• Disconnect spark plug wire.
• Drain fuel tank.
• Transport in upright position to prevent oil leakage.
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 12)
CAUTION: Keep tine control in “DISEN-
GAGED” position when start ing en gine.
When starting engine for the first time or if engine has run
out of fuel, it will take extra pulls of the recoil starter to
move fuel from the tank to the engine.
• Make sure spark plug wire is prop er ly connected.
• Move shift lever indicator to “N” (neutral) position.
• Place throttle control in “FAST” position.
• Turn fuel shut-off valve 1/4 turn to open position.
• Move choke control to choke position.
• Grasp recoil starter handle with one hand and grasp
tiller handle with other hand. Pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches start of com pres sion cycle (rope will
pull slightly harder at this point).
• Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter
handle snap back against starter.
• If engine fires but does not start, move choke control
to half choke position. Pull recoil starter handle until
engine starts.
• When engine starts, slowly move choke control to
"RUN" position as engine warms up.
