D. filling fuel tank, Stop engine and allow it to cool before refueling, V. starting your engine – Tecumseh H30-40 User Manual
Page 8: Figure 9. oil fill plug locations, Figure 10. fuel cap insert symbol, Figure 11. possible anti-splash fuel fill cap(s), Figure 12. fuel valve positions

Page 6
Four-Cycle Engine • Horizontal Crankshaft • Air-Cooled
181-789-14
D. Filling Fuel Tank
An adult should fuel this engine. 
NEVER allow children to refuel this 
engine. 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:
1. Stop engine and allow it to cool before refueling.
2. Be sure engine is outdoors and in a well-ventilated 
area.
3. Clean area around fuel fill cap and remove fuel fill cap.
4. Using an approved red GASOLINE container, add fuel
slowly, being careful to avoid spilling. DO NOT overfill 
fuel tank. Leave space in the tank to allow fuel to 
expand without overflowing.
5. Replace anti-splash fuel fill cap securely and wipe up
spilled fuel before starting engine. If fuel is spilled DO 
NOT start engine. Move machine away from area of 
spillage. Avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel 
vapors are gone.
NOTES
Remove and discard white plastic fuel tank insert, if 
provided. See Figure 10. 
Replace a damaged or missing gas cap only with a genuine 
Tecumseh replacement anti-splash fuel fill cap. Failure to do 
so may VOID YOUR WARRANTY. See Figure 11.
6. Be sure fuel valve (optional) is open. See Figure 12.
V. Starting Your Engine
An adult should start the engine. 
Only allow children to start engine if 
an adult has determined they are experienced and capable 
of such operation.
If you are unable to start this engine 
after following instructions in this 
manual, contact your Authorized Tecumseh Servicing 
Dealer. To avoid serious burn injuries or damage to your 
engine, DO NOT attempt to start or troubleshoot this 
engine in any other way. For example:
• DO NOT use starting fluid.
• DO NOT spray flammable vapors into carburetor or
onto air cleaner.
• DO NOT put flammable liquids into carburetor or
onto air cleaner.
• DO NOT operate engine or pull on starter rope with
spark plug removed. Fuel can spray from spark plug 
hole and ignite. 
This section contains starting instructions for several 
different types of engines. In order to locate the instructions 
that apply to your engine, first determine what type of 
starter you have. If you have an electric starter See "A. 
Engines with Electric Starters" instructions on next page. If 
you have a manual recoil starter see "B. Engines with 
Recoil Starters" instructions on page 9.
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WARNING
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WARNING
!
WARNING
Figure 9. Oil Fill Plug Locations
Figure 10. Fuel Cap Insert Symbol
Figure 11. Possible Anti-Splash Fuel Fill Cap(s)
Figure 12. Fuel Valve Positions
All Models
Front View
Bottom View
Fuel Tank
Fuel Valve “Open” Position Shown
Turn Valve Clockwise
To “Off” Position
