Tecumseh OH195, Operator'S Manual

181-1032-14

Page 1

I. General Safety Precautions

!

WARNING

A. Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

All engine exhaust contains 
carbon monoxide, a deadly 
gas. Breathing carbon 
monoxide can cause 
headaches, dizziness, 
drowsiness, nausea, confusion 
and eventually death.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas 
which may be present even if you DO NOT see or smell 
any engine exhaust. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can 
collect rapidly and you can quickly be overcome and 
unable to save yourself. Also, deadly levels of carbon 
monoxide can linger for hours or days in enclosed or 
poorly-ventilated areas. If you experience any symptoms of 
carbon monoxide poisoning, leave the area immediately, 
get fresh air, and SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT.

To prevent serious injury or death from carbon monoxide:

• NEVER run engine indoors. Even if you try to 

ventilate engine exhaust with fans or open windows 
and doors, carbon monoxide can rapidly reach 
dangerous levels.

• NEVER run engine in poorly-ventilated or partially 

enclosed areas such as barns, garages, 
basements, carports, under dwellings, or in pits.

• NEVER run engine outdoors where engine exhaust 

can be drawn into a building through openings such 
as windows and doors.

B. Avoid Gasoline Fires

Gasoline (fuel) vapors are highly flammable 
and can explode. Fuel vapors can spread 
and be ignited by a spark or flame many feet 
away from engine. To prevent injury or death 
from fuel fires, follow these instructions:

• NEVER store engine with fuel in fuel 

tank inside a building with potential 
sources of ignition such as hot water and space 
heaters, clothes dryers, electric motors, etc.

• NEVER remove fuel fill cap or add fuel when engine 

is running.

• NEVER start or operate the engine with the fuel fill 

cap removed.

• Allow engine to cool before refueling.

• NEVER fill fuel tank indoors. Fill fuel tank outdoors 

in a well-ventilated area.

• DO NOT smoke while refueling tank.

• Use only an approved red GASOLINE container 

to store and dispense fuel. TecumsehPower 
Company recommends purchasing gasoline in 
containers with a capacity of 2.5 gallons or less. 
Small containers are easier to handle and help 
eliminate spillage during refueling.

• DO NOT pour fuel from engine or siphon fuel by 

mouth. To empty the fuel tank, see "I. Draining Fuel" 
instructions on page 14.

C. Adult Supervision of Operation, Refueling 

and Maintenance

The manufacturer of the equipment may provide 
information about who is allowed to use this engine (see 
equipment manufacturer’s manual). NOT everyone who is 
allowed to use this engine is capable of safely and 
responsibly operating, maintaining and/or fueling it. 
TecumsehPower Company recommends the following:

• An adult should fuel this engine. NEVER allow 

children to refuel this engine. See "C. Filling Fuel 
Tank" instructions on page 5.

• An adult should perform maintenance on this 

engine. See "VII. Maintenance" instructions on 
page 10. Only allow children to perform mainte-
nance if an adult has determined they are 
experienced and capable of such operation.

• An adult should start the engine. See "G. Avoid 

Accidental Starts" instructions on page 2. Only 
allow children to start the engine if an adult has 
determined they are experienced and capable of 
such operation.

• To avoid unsupervised operation of the engine, 

especially by children, NEVER leave it unattended 
when it is running. Remove ignition key, if equipped.

D. Stay Away from Rotating Parts

NEVER operate the engine with an unguarded engine shaft 
or flywheel. See Figures 1 and 2 on page 2.

The equipment manufacturer may 
attach a sprocket and chain or pulley 
and belt to the engine shaft. If these 
parts are NOT properly guarded, or if 
you are NOT sure whether they are 
properly guarded, DO NOT use your 
engine; contact the equipment 
manufacturer. Hands, feet, hair, 
jewelry, clothing, etc.,can become 
entangled in rotating parts, leading to 
serious injury or death. To avoid 
serious injury or death, be sure the 
flywheel guard is in place. See Figures 
1 and 2 on page 2.

Read equipment manufacturer’s manual and this
material thoroughly before using this engine. Failure to
do so can result in serious injury or death. Consult

your

local Authorized TecumsehPower Servicing Dealer, call
1-800-558-5402, or go to www.TecumsehPower.com for
additional information.