8
FIG. 8
RECOIL STARTER
HANDLE
THROTTLE
CONTROL
CHOKE
CONTROL
SPARK PLUG
ADD GASOLINE
•
Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon
and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life.)
IMPORTANT:
WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES
BELOW 32°F (0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN, WINTER GRADE
GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING.
WARNING
: Experience indicates that 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.
To avoid engine problems, the
fuel system should be emptied before storage 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 season.
See Storage section of this manual for
additional information. Never use engine or carburetor
cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may
occur.
OIL
FILLER
PLUG
OIL
LEVEL
FIG. 7
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 8)
CAUTION: Keep tine control in “OFF”
position when starting engine.
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 properly connected.
•
Place throttle control in “FAST” position.
•
Move choke control to full “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 compression cycle (rope will pull slightly
harder at this point).
•
Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter
handle snap back against starter. Repeat if necessary.
•
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.
NOTE:
A warm engine requires less choking to start.
•
Move throttle control to desired running position.
•
Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before
engaging tines.
NOTE:
If at a high altitude (3000 feet) or in cold temperatures
(below 32°F), the carburetor fuel mixture may need to be
adjusted for best engine performance. See “TO ADJUST
CARBURETOR” in the Service and Adjustments section of
this manual.
NOTE:
If engine does not start, see troubleshooting points.
CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch of top
of fuel tank to prevent spills and to
allow for fuel expansion. If gasoline is
accidentally spilled, move machine
away from area of spill. Avoid creating
any source of ignition until gasoline
vapors have disappeared.
Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil
or fuel. Do not store, spill or use
gasoline near an open flame.
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 APPROVED, CLEAN, COVERED CONTAINERS. USE
CLEAN FILL FUNNELS.
FILL ENGINE WITH OIL (See Fig. 7)
•
Remove hangtag from engine.
•
With engine level, remove engine oil filler plug.
•
Fill engine with oil to point of overflowing. For approxi-
mate capacity see “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” on
page 3 of this manual.
•
Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then re-level.
•
With engine level, refill to point of overflowing if neces-
sary. Replace oil filler plug.
•
For cold weather operation you should change oil for
easier starting (See “OIL VISCOSITY CHART” in the
Customer Responsibilities section of this manual).
•
To change engine oil, see the Customer Responsibilities
section of this manual.
OPERATION
