Craftsman 247.29931 - Manual (Page 20)

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Check Engine Oil
1. Check oil before each use. Stop engine and wait several minutes
before checking oil level. With the tiller on level ground, the oil
must be to FULL mark on dipstick.
2. Remove oil fill dipstick and wipe clean with cloth.
3. Replace dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do not screw it in.
Remove and check oil level. Level should be at FULL mark.
4. If needed, add oil slowly - recheck. Do not overfill.
5. Wipe dipstick clean, replace but do not tighten. Remove and
check oil level. Oil level should be at FULL line on dipstick.
6. Replace and tighten dipstick firmly before starting engine.
A CAUTION
DO NOT use non-detergent oil or 2-stroke engine oil. It could shorten
the engine’s service life.
Change Engine Oil
• SAE 30 is recommended for general, all temperature use. When
adding oil to the engine, refer to viscosity chart in the operation
section. Use a 4-stroke, or an equivalent high detergent, premium
quality motor oil certified to meet or exceed U.S. automobile
manufacturer’s requirements for service classification SF, SG, SH,
SJ or higher. Motor oils classified SF, SG, SH, SJ will show this
designation on the container.
• Change engine oil after the first five to eight hours of operation,
and every fifty hours or every season thereafter. Change oil every
twenty five hours when operating engine under heavy load or in
high temperatures.
AWARNING
Before tipping engine or equipment to drain oil, drain fuel from tank by
running engine until fuel tank is empty.
AWARNING
Used motor oil may cause skin cancer it repeatedly left in contact with
the skin for prolonged periods. Although this is unlikely unless you
handle used oil on a daily basis, it is still advisable to thoroughly wash
your hands with soap and water as soon as possible after handling
used oil.
Oil
Drain
Figure 20
4. Replace and tighten the oil drain end cap.
5. When engine is drained of all oil, place engine level. Refill with
approximately 20 oz. of fresh oil. Fill to FULL line on dipstick.
Do not overfill. Refer to Check Engine Oil in this SERVICE &
MAINTENANCE section.
6. Replace spark plug wire before starting.
To Drain Oil
1. Drain the fuel from the tank by running the engine until the fuel tank is
empty. Be sure fuel fill cap is secure.
2. With engine OFF but still warm, disconnect spark plug wire and
keep it away from spark plug.
3. Remove oil drain end cap located at the base of the engine, and
drain oil into an appropriate receptacle. See Figure 20.
AWARNING
Used oil is a hazardous waste product. Dispose of used oil properly
Do not discard with household waste. Check with your local authori­
ties or Sears Service Center for safe disposal/recycling facilities.
20