Craftsman 987.889000 - Manual (Page 17)

OPERATION
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
Add Motor Oil
• Only use high quality detergent
oil rated with API service classifica­
tion SR SG or SH. Select the oil's
SAE viscosity grade according to
your expected operating tempera­
ture. Above 320R use SAE 30;
below 320R use 5W30.
NOTE; Although multi-viscosity oils
(5W30, .10W30 etc.) improve start­
ing in cold weather, these oils will
result in increased oil consumption
when used above 320R Check
engine oil more frequently to avoid
possible engine damage from run­
ning low on oil.
• Be sure that engine is level. Re­
move dipstick (A, Figure 3-10).
• Fill with recommended oil to be­
tween “Full” and “Add” marks on
dipstick (approximately 32 oz.).
Pour slowly and do not overfill.
While pouring, stop frequently, re­
insert dipstick until it is seated
completely, remove and check oil
level. (Wipe dipstick each time be­
fore re-inserting.) Replace dipstick
securely.
• Check oil before each use. Add if
needed.
• Change oil after the first 2 operat­
ing hours and every 25 operating
hours thereafter (more often in ex­
tremely dusty or dirty conditions).
Fill Fuel Tank
• stop engine and allow it to cool
for three minutes before removing
fuel fill cap (B, Figure 3-10). Do
not check fuel level or add fuel
while indoors.
• Clean area around fuel fill cap
and remove fill cap. Fill gas tank
with clean, fresh unleaded gaso­
line. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
• Using a funnel or spout, fill tank
to 1/2 inches below bottom of fuel
tank filler neck to prevent spills and
to allow for fuel expansion.
• Install fill cap securely and wipe
up any spilled gasoline.
WARNING: Experience indicates
that alcohol blended fuels (gasohol
or using ethanol or methanol) can
attract m'oisture which leads to
separation and formation of acids
during storage. Acidic gas can
damage the fuel system of an en­
gine while in storage. To avoid
problems, the fuel system should
be emptied before storage for 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 ad­
ditional information. Never use en­
gine or carburetor cleaner products
in the fuel tank or permanent dam­
age may occur.
Figure 3-10
DANGER
Gasoline is highly flammable and its vapors are explosive. Read and fol­
low these precautions to help avoid severe personal injury or property
damage.
• Do not remove gas cap or add gasoline if engfne is running or still hot
from operation. Allow engine to cool at least three minutes before
refueling.
• Keep open flame, matches, sparks, or smoking materials away from fuel
tank and fuel container.
• Do not fill fuel tank indoors. After filling, wipe up any spills and move
machine away from gasoline fumes before starting engine. Securely re­
place the caps on the fuel tank and fuel container.
• Do not fill fuel tank completely. Fill tank to 1/2” below bottom of filler
neck to provide space for fuel expansion.
• Store gasoline in an approved fuel container and in a well-ventilated area.
Store it safely out of the reach of children.
• Do not store gasoline where vapors may reach an open spark or flame, or
where ignition sources (such as hot water heaters, space heaters, furnaces,
clothes dryers, stoves, electric motors, etc.) are present.
17