Check The Oil (Before Starting Engine); Fuel Recommendations; Adding Fuel; When Adding Fuel - Craftsman C950-52124-0 Owner's Manual

OPERATION

CHECK THE OIL (BEFORE STARTING ENGINE)

NOTE: The engine was shipped from the factory filled with oil.
Check the level of the oil. Add oil as needed.
1. Make sure the unit is level. Use a high quality detergent oil
classified "For Service SF, SH, SJ, SL, or higher".
2. Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick (A, Figure 6) and wipe with a clean
cloth.
3. Insert the oil fill cap/dipstick and turn clockwise to tighten.
4. Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick and check the oil.
NOTE: Do not check the level of the oil while the engine runs.
5. If necessary, add oil until the oil reaches the FULL mark on
the oil fill cap/dipstick. Do not add too much oil.
6. Tighten the oil fill cap/dipstick securely each time you check
the oil level.
NOTE: For extreme cold operating conditions of 0°F (-18°C) and
below, use a synthetic 5W30 motor oil for easier starting.
NOTE: S.A.E. 5W30 motor oil may be used to make starting
easier in areas where the temperature is 20°F (-7°C) to 0°F
(-18°C). Synthetic 5W30 is acceptable for all temperatures.
DO NOT mix oil with gasoline. See Chart for oil recommenda-
tions.

FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS

Fuel must meet these requirements:
• Clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline.
• A minimum of 87 octane/87 AKI (91 RON). High altitude use,
see below.
• Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) or up to
15% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) is acceptable.
CAUTION: Do not use unapproved gasolines, such as
E85. Do not mix oil in gasoline or modify the engine to
run on alternate fuels. This will damage the engine com
ponents and void the engine warranty.
To protect the fuel system from gum formation, mix a fuel stabilizer
into the fuel. All fuel is not the same. If starting or performance
problems occur, change fuel providers or change brands. This en-
gine is certified to operate on gasoline. The emissions control sys-
tem for this engine is EM (Engine Modifications).
* Below 40°F (4°C) the use of SAE 30 will result in hard starting.
** Above 80°F (27°C) the use of 10W-30 may cause increased oil consumption. Check
oil level more frequently.
A

ADDING FUEL

WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable
and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or
death.

When Adding Fuel

• Turn engine off and let engine cool at least 2 minutes
before removing the fuel cap.
• Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well-ventilated area.
• Do not overfill fuel tank. To allow for expansion of the fuel,
do not fill above the bottom of the fuel tank neck.
• Keep fuel away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights,
heat, and other ignition sources.
• Check fuel lines, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for
cracks or leaks. Replace if necessary.
• If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before starting engine.
14
FULL
Figure 6