8
SECTION 4: OPERATING YOUR SNOW THROWER
Before Starting Engine
Engine Oil
The engine is shipped with oil in it. Check the oil level
before first use. For subsequent fill-ups, use the grade
of engine oil specified in engine manual.
1.
Remove the dipstick from the oil fill. Pour fresh oil
slowly through the plug. Replace dipstick.
2.
Check and make sure that the level of oil is up to
the FULL mark on the dipstick.
Gasoline
•
Never fill the fuel tank completely. Fill the tank to
within 1/4"-1/2" from the top to provide space for
expansion of fuel.
IMPORTANT:
Your snow thrower is equipped with a
plastic fuel plug for shipping purposes. Please discard it
before filling up gasoline for the first time.
•
Always use clean, fresh, unleaded grade
automotive gasoline. Fill the fuel tank outdoors and
use a funnel or spout to prevent spilling. Make sure
that the container from which you pour the gasoline
is clean and free from rust or other foreign particles.
Make sure to wipe off any spilled fuel before
starting the engine.
•
At the end of the job, empty the fuel tank if the snow
thrower is not going to be used for 30 days or
longer. Store gasoline in a clean container and
keep the cap in place on the container.
CAUTION: Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank.
To Start Engine
For location of all the engine controls referred to in this
section, see Figure 5.
Recoil Starter
•
Make sure that the auger control bail and the drive
control bail are released.
•
Move throttle control to FAST position.
•
Push key into the ignition slot so that it snaps into
place. Do not turn key. Remove plastic bag and
keep the second key in a safe place.
•
Rotate choke control to FULL choke position.
•
Push the primer button while covering the vent hole.
Remove your finger from the primer between primes.
Do not prime if temperature is above 50
o
F; prime
two times between 50
o
F and 15
o
F; and prime four
times below 15
o
F.
•
Pull the starter handle rapidly. Do not allow the
handle to snap back, but allow it to rewind slowly
while keeping a firm hold on the starter handle.
•
As the engine warms up and begins to operate
evenly, rotate the choke knob slowly to OFF
position. If the engine falters, return to FULL choke,
then slowly move to OFF choke position.
•
Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes
because the engine will not develop full power until
it reaches operating temperature.
•
Operate the engine at full throttle (FAST) when
throwing snow.
NOTE: If the starter motor runs but the engine does not
turn over, the starter gear may have frozen. Place the
snow thrower in a warmer part of the garage or storage
shade till the gear is free of the accumulated ice.
Warm Start:
•
If restarting an engine after a temporary shut-
down, rotate choke to OFF instead of FULL and do
not prime. Pull starter handle as instructed before.
Electric Starter
(if equipped)
Some models of the snow thrower may be equipped
with an optional 120 volt A.C. electric starter. This
electric starter, with a three-wire power cord and plug,
is designed to operate on 120 volt AC household current.
Follow the steps below to use the electric starter.
Cold Start:
•
Determine whether your house wiring is a three-
wire grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician if
you are not certain.
WARNING:
Gasoline is flammable and
caution must be used when handling or storing
it. Do not fill fuel tank while the snow thrower is
running, when it is hot or when it is in an
enclosed area.
WARNING:
Keep your snow thrower away
from any open flame or an electrical spark and
do not smoke while filling the fuel tank.
WARNING:
Be sure no one other than the
operator is standing near the snow thrower
while starting or operating. Do not operate this
snow thrower unless the discharge chute
assembly has been properly installed and is
secured.
WARNING:
The electric starter must be
properly grounded at all times to avoid the
possibility of electric shock to the operator. If
your house wiring system is not a three-wire
grounded system, do not use this electric starter
under any conditions.
