Sears 917.251551 - Manual (Page 15)

OPERATION
ADD GASOLINE
» Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, dean, 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.
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES
BELOW 32°F(0“C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE
GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING.
WARNING: Experience indicates that 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 stor­
age 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 Instruc­
tions for additional information. Never use engine or
carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
A
CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or
use gasoline near an open flame.
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 6)
When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine
has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move
fuel from the tank to the engine.
» Depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake.
•
Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) position.
» Move attachment clutch to "DISENGAGED" position.
" Move throttle control to fast (*^) position
» Pull choke control out for a cold engine start attempt.
For a warm engine start attempt the choke control may
not be needed.
Note: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting
procedures below.
•
! nsert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to "START"
position and release key as soon as engine starts. Do
not run starter continuously for more than fifteen sec­
onds per minute. If the engine does not start after
several attempts, push choke control in, wait a few
minutes and try again. If engine still does not start, pull
the choke control out and retry.
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and above)
" When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until
the engine begins to run smoothly. If the engine starts
to run roughly, pull the choke control out slightly for a
few seconds and then continue to push the control in
slowly.
» The attachments and ground drive can now be used, If
the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine
and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke
as described above.
COLD WEATHER STARTING (50° F and below)
» When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until the e
controi in small steps allowing the engine to accept small ct
If the engine starts to run roughly, pull the choke control out sli
in slowly. This may require an engine warm-up period fro
temperature,
» The attachments can be used during the engine warm-up pe
NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold tempera
be adjusted for best engine performance. See "TO ADJUST CAI
manual,
MOWING TIPS
" Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing is
attached to tractor.
• Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing
performance. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in
the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
“ Use the runner on the right hand side of mower as a
guide. The blade cuts approximately an inch outside
the runner (See Fig. 8). : <
» The left hand side of mower should be used for trim­
ming.
» Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area
that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the
machine. This will result in a more even distribution of
clippings and more uniform cutting.
" When mowing large areas, start by turning to the right
so that clippings will discharge away from shrubs,
fences, driveways, etc. After one or two rounds, mow
in the opposite direction making left hand turns until
finished (See Fig, 10),
“ If grass is extremely tali, it should be mowed twice to
reduce toad and possible fire hazard from dried clip­
pings, Make first cut relatively high; the second to the
desired height.
■> Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet grass will plug
mower and leave undesirable clumps. Allow grass to
dry before mowing.
• Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing to
assure better mowing performance and proper dis- i
charge of material. Regulate ground s’peea by select­
ing a low enough gear to give the mower cutting
performance as well as the quality of cut desired.
■> When operating attachments, select a ground speed
that will suit the terrain and give best performance of
the attachment being used.
15