Craftsman 247.8879 - Manual (Page 11)

11
OPERATION
Before Starting Engine
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all
instructions and warnings on the machine and in
this manual before operating.
Oil
The engine was shipped with oil in the engine. Check oil level before
each operation to ensure adequate oil in the engine. For further
instructions, refer to the steps on page 15.
1. Remove the dipstick from the oil fill.
2 Check and make sure that the level of oil is up to the FULL mark on
the dipstick.
3. If the oil level is not up to FULL, pour fresh motor oil (5W-30, with
a minimum classification of SL/SJ) slowly through the opening.
Replace oil fill dipstick and check oil level again.
Gasoline
WARNING: Use extreme care when handling
gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and
the vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine
indoors or while the engine is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
• 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.
NOTE: A plastic dust cap may be found inside the fuel fill opening.
Remove and discard, if present.
• Always fill the fuel tank outdoors and use a funnel or spout to
prevent spilling.
• Fill fuel tank with clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline.
• Never fill the fuel tank completely. Fill the tank to within 1/2” from
the top to provide space for expansion of fuel.
• Make sure to wipe off any spilled fuel before starting the engine.
Starting The Engine
1. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain the metal
loop on the end of the spark plug wire (inside the rubber boot) is
fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug.
2. Make certain both the auger control and drive control are in the
disengaged (released) position.
3. Move throttle control up to FAST position. Insert ignition key into
slot. Make sure it snaps into place. Do not attempt to turn the key.
NOTE: The engine cannot start without the key is fully inserted into the
ignition switch.
Electric Starter
1. Determine that your home’s wiring is a three-wire grounded system.
Ask a licensed electrician if you are not certain.
WARNING: The optional 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.
If your home’s wiring system 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,
do not use your snow thrower’s electric
starter.
Follow all instructions carefully prior to
operating the electric starter.
If you have a grounded three-prong receptacle, proceed as follows:
1. Plug the extension cord into the outlet located on the engine’s
surface. Plug the other end of extension cord into a three-prong
120-volt, grounded, AC outlet in a well-ventilated area.
2. Rotate choke control to FULL choke position (for a cold engine
start).
NOTE: If the engine is already warm, place choke control in the OFF
position instead of FULL.
3. Push the primer two or three times for cold engine start, making
sure to cover vent hole in the center of the primer when pushing.
NOTE: DO NOT use primer to restart a warm engine after a short
shutdown.
4. Push starter button to start engine.
5. Once the engine starts, release starter button.
6. As the engine warms, slowly rotate the choke control to the OFF
position. If the engine falters, quickly rotate the choke control back
to FULL and then slowly into the OFF position again.
7. When disconnecting the extension cord, always unplug the end at
the three-prong wall outlet before unplugging the opposite end from
the snow thrower.
Recoil Starter
1. Rotate choke control to FULL choke position (cold engine start).
NOTE: If the engine is already warm, place choke control in the OFF
position instead of FULL.