Weed Eater 96024000100 - Manual (Page 14)

14
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do
not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded 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 quantities that
can be used within 30 days to assure fuel
freshness.
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near
an open flame.
CAUTION: 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 Instructions
for additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank
or permanent damage may occur.
TO START ENGINE
When starting the engine for the first time
or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will
take extra cranking time to move fuel from
the tank to the engine.
1. Be sure freewheel control is in the
transmission engaged position.
2. Sit on seat in operating position,
depress clutch/brake pedal and set
parking brake.
3. Place motion control lever in neutral
(N) position.
4. Move deck clutch to disengaged posi-
tion.
5. Insert key into ignition and turn key
clockwise to start position and release
key as soon as engine starts. Do not
run starter continuously for more than
fifteen seconds per minute.
NOTE: If at high altitude (above 3000
feet) or in cold temperature (below 32°F)
the fuel mixture may need to be adjusted
for best performance.
TO TRANSPORT
When pushing or towing your riding mower,
be sure to disengage transmission by placing
freewheel control in freewheel position.
Freewheel control is located at the rear
drawbar of the riding mower.
• Raise mower height adjustment to its
highest position with mower height
adjustment lever.
• Push freewheel control down and over
with foot.
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
WARNING: Do not drive up or down
hills with slopes greater than 15° and do not
drive across any slope. Use the slope guide
at the back of this manual.
• Choose the slowest speed before starting
up or down hills.
• Avoid stopping or changing speed on
hills.
• If stopping is absolutely necessary, push
clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake position
and engage parking brake.
• Move motion control lever to neutral (N)
position.
• To restart movement, slowly release park-
ing brake and clutch/brake pedal.
• Make all turns slowly.
• To reengage transmission, reverse above
procedure, or press brake lever all the way
down.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
The engine in your riding mower has been
shipped, from the factory, already filled with
summer weight oil.
1. Check engine oil with riding mower on
level ground.
2. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe
clean, reinsert the dipstick and screw cap
tight, wait for a few seconds, remove and
read oil level. If necessary, add oil until
“FULL” mark on dipstick is reached. Do
not overfill.
Freewheel
Control
Disengaged
Freewheel
Control
Engaged
• For cold weather operation you should
change oil for easier starting (See the oil
viscosity chart in the Maintenance section
of this manual).
• To change engine oil, see the Mainte-
nance section in this manual.