Craftsman 917.299210 - Manual (Page 9)

AROUND TOWN
1. Disconnect spark plug wire.
2. Drain fuel tank.
3. Transport in upright position to prevent
oil leakage.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
IMPORTANT: Be very careful not to allow
dirt to enter the engine when checking or
adding oil or fuel. Use clean oil and fuel
and store in approved, clean, covered
containers, use clean fill funnels.
FILL ENGINE WITH OIL
1. Remove hangtag from engine.
2. With engine level, remove engine oil
filler plug.
3. Fill engine with oil to point of over­
flowing. For approximate capacity
see “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS”
on page 4 of this manual. All oil must
meet A.PI. Service Classification SC­
SI.
4. Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then
re-level.
5. With engine level, refill to point of over­
flowing if necessary. Replace oil filler
plug.
• For cold weather operation you should
change oil for easier starting (See “OIL
VISCOSITY CHART” in the Mainte­
nance section of this manual).
• To change engine oil, see the Mainte­
nance section of this manual.
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.
ACAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch of top
of fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow
for fuel expansion. If gasoline is acci­
dentally spilled, move machine away from
area of spill. Avoid creating any source of
ignition until gasoline vapors have disap­
peared.
Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not
store, spill or use gasoline near an open
flame.
IMPORTANT: When operating in temper­
atures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean
winter grade gasoline to help insure good
cold weather starting.
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
^CAUTION: Keep tine control in “OFF”
position when starting engine.
When starting engine for the first time or
if engine has run out of fuel, it will take
extra pulls of the recoil starter to move fuel
from the tank to the engine.
1. Make sure spark plug wire is properly
connected.
2. Place the fuel valve to the "ON" posi­
tion.
3. To start a cold engine, move the choke
lever to the "ON" position.
4. Move the throttle lever away from the
"SLOW" postiion, about 1/3 of the way
toward the "FAST" position.
5. Turn the engine switch to the "ON" po­
sition. Pull rope out slowly until engine
reaches start of compression cycle
(rope will pull slightly harder at this
point).
6. Pull recoil starter handle quickly.
Do not let starter handle snap back
against starter. Repeat if necessary.
NOTE: If engine fires but does not start,
move choke control to half choke posi­
tion. Pull recoil starter handle until engine
starts.