Craftsman 247.886640 - Manual (Page 11)

Before Starting
A
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.
• The engine was shipped with oil. Check the oil level
before operating. After the initial use, you will have
to fill up as necessary. Be careful not to overfill.
• Before filling up gas in the engine for the first time,
open the gas tank cap, and locate a white plastic
cap underneath. Remove this cap and discard it.
• The spark plug wire was disconnected for safety.
Attach spark plug wire to spark plug before starting.
Before Starting Engine
Fill Gas
A
WARNING: Gasoline is flammable and cau­
tion must be used when handling or storing it.
Do not fill fuel tank while the snow thrower is
running, when it is hot or when it is in an
enclosed area.
Keep your snow thrower away from any open
flame or an electrical spark and do not smoke
while filling the fuel tank.
Never fill the fuel tank completely. Fill the tank
to within 1/4"-1/2" from the top to provide
space for expansion of fuel.
Always fill the fuel tank outdoors and use a
funnel or spout to prevent spilling.
Make sure to wipe off any spilled fuel before
starting the engine.
• Store gasoline in a clean, approved container and
keep the cap in place on the container.
• Make sure that the container from which you pour
the gasoline Is clean and free from rust or other
foreign particles.
• Fill fuel tank with clean, fresh, unleaded grade
automotive gasoline.
• At the end of the job, empty the fuel tank if the
snow thrower is not going to be used for 30 days
or longer. See storage instructions on page 19 of
this manual.
CAUTION; Experience Indicates that alcohol blended
fuels (called gasohol) or those using ethanol or metha­
nol 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 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 additional information.
Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the
fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
To Start Engine
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain
the metal loop on the end of the spark plug wire
(inside the boot) is fastened securely overthe metal
tip on the spark plug. See Figure 14.
Metal Loop
on Spark
Plug Wire
Rubber Boot
Figure 14
* Make certain the auger and drive clutch levers are
in the disengaged (released) position.
• Move throttle control up to FAST position. Insert
ignition key into slot. Make sure it snaps into place.
Do not turn key.
NOTE: Engine will not start unless ignition key is
inserted into ignition slot in carburetor cover.
Electric Starter
A WARNING; The electric starter is equipped
with a grounded three-wire power cord and
plug, and is designed to operate on 120 volt
AC household current. It must be used with a
properly grounded three-prong receptacle at
all times to avoid the possibility of electric
shock. Follow all instructions carefully prior to
operating the electric starter.
Determine that your house wiring is a three-wire
grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician if you
are not certain.
If your house wiring systenn is not a three-wire
grounded system, do not use this electric starter
under any conditions.
If your home electrical system is grounded, but
a three-hole receptacle Is not available, one should
be Installed by a licensed electrician before using
the electric starter.
If you have a grounded three-prong receptacle,
proceed as follows.
Rotate choke knob to OFF position.
Connect power cord to switch box on engine. Plug
the other end of power cord into a three-prong 120-
volt, grounded, AC receptacle.
Push starter button to crank engine. As you crank
the engine, move choke knob to FULL choke
position.
11